"I Wish" is a song written and performed by American rapper Skee-Lo. It was released on April 10, 1995, via Scotti Brothers Records as the lead single from the rapper's debut studio album of the same name (1995). Recording sessions took place at Sunshine Studios in Hollywood, California. Production was handled by Walter "Kandor" Kahn and Skee-Lo himself.
"I Wish" peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling 600,000 copies domestically.[1] Outside of the United States, "I Wish" peaked within the top ten of the charts in Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, the top 20 of the charts in Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the top 30 of the charts in Belgium and France. Its accompanying music video was directed by Marty Thomas.
Most of the song's instruments are sampled from "Spinnin'" by Bernard Wright,[2] and the song features a vocal sample of people shouting from the track "Buffalo Gals" by Malcolm McLaren.
The song's lyrics are self-deprecating, with Skee-Lo lamenting a variety of personal shortcomings that he says are to blame for his unsuccessful love life. He wishes he were of taller stature ("like 6'9") and a basketball player ("a baller"). He wishes for a better car, specifically a '64 Impala, instead of his 1974 Ford Pinto with "an 8-Track and a spare tire in the backseat, but that's flat!"
The lyrics also mention the Los Angeles neighborhood of Crenshaw, and a signpost featuring the street name appears in the background of the music video. Additionally, the song references Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" in the lyrics "Hey, you, what's that sound? / Everybody look what's going down".
Critical reception
Gil Robertson IV from Cash Box stated that Scotti Brothers has got a huge hit on its hands with this "good-natured, whimsical track" from the Southern California rapper. He added, "This track moves throughout with an intoxicating bass beat and smooth driving California flavor adds to its mix. Having already received a ton of urban radio adds and with a video that's just been added to the rotation on MTV, this single shows strong potential to succeed on the R&B and pop charts as well."[4]James Masterton for Dotmusic said, "Even at Christmas dance and rap hits can still have an impact. The brilliant pop hip-hop of Skee-Lo comes via persistent plugging from Radio One and a certain degreee[sic] of dancefloor popularity."[5] Ross Jones from The Guardian wrote, "Over a snake-hipped R&B groove, the boy's light-hearted delivery and humble subject matter invite favourable comparisons with both The Pharcyde and Souls Of Mischief."[6] Philippine newspaper Manila Standard named it "a true rarity — a rap song that dares to express vulnerable sentiments while retaining a funky edge".[7]
A reviewer from Music Week gave it four out of five, noting, "A low-down, funky, rolling vibe from the LA-based rapper. Old-school funk fused with jazzy tinges do justice to a tune which deserves to cause waves, and not just in the hip hop fraternity."[8]Will Ashon from Muzik described it as "a ludicrous, dayglo, superfly wish-list from the self-deprecating and immediately likeable Skee-Lo".[9] Andrew Diprose from Smash Hits gave the song a top score of five out of five, writing, "You like hip hop? You loved Coolio's 'Gangsta's Paradise'? Check out new fella on the block Skee-Lo! With a funky, jazzy, old skool sound and amusing lyrics, this choon feels laid back. Skee-Lo has broken the aggressive gangsta rap mould and looks like he has a big 'ol hit on his hands! Tip top hip hop!"[10] James Hunter from Vibe commented, "Dreaming of girls, cars, and height, his 'I Wish' is a most excellent pop-rap hit. Prom-night celebrity, that's his aspiration, and nobody's articulated it better in years. Skee-Lo wins because he doesn't try to sound like anything he's not".[11]
Music video
A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Marty Thomas. The music video was released for the week ending on May 14, 1995. It was nominated for three Billboard Music Video Awards: "Best Rap Clip", "Best Rap New Artist Music Video" and "Maximum Vision Clip of the Year".[12]
The video begins with Skee-Lo sitting on a bench like Forrest Gump. It includes scenes reenacting the story of the lyrics, such as driving around in his beat-up old car, and being picked on during a game of basketball.[13]
The song is referenced in Family Guy in the season 18 episode "Connie's Cecila", during which Skee-Lo recites some of his wishes from the song to a genie, who promptly grants them.
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