Bangarang – Skrillex feat. Sirah

Released in 2011, “Bangarang” by Skrillex, featuring rapper Sirah, became a defining track of the emerging dubstep movement. The song, from the Bangarang EP, represents a high point in Skrillex’s career and highlights his signature aggressive, bass-heavy sound. “Bangarang” is a chaotic, high-energy track that combines elements of electronic dance music (EDM), dubstep, and hip-hop, creating a sonic experience that resonated with both electronic music aficionados and mainstream listeners. Its release was met with both critical and commercial success, helping solidify Skrillex’s position as a major force in the electronic music scene.

Skrillex’s Impact on Electronic Music
Before diving into the specifics of “Bangarang,” it’s important to understand the significance of Skrillex, born Sonny John Moore, and his role in shaping modern electronic music. Initially gaining recognition as the lead vocalist for the post-hardcore band From First to Last, Skrillex transitioned to electronic music production around 2008. His groundbreaking style of dubstep, which he often infused with heavy metal influences, quickly attracted attention.

By the time “Bangarang” was released, Skrillex had already made a name for himself with tracks like “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “First of the Year (Equinox).” His distinct sound—characterized by growling basslines, distorted synths, and frenetic, unpredictable drops—brought dubstep to the forefront of mainstream music. He was largely responsible for popularizing the “brostep” subgenre, a more aggressive and high-energy version of traditional dubstep.

Musical Composition and Structure
“Bangarang” opens with a stuttering electronic melody that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come—an intense, adrenaline-pumping ride through dubstep’s hard-hitting sounds. As the track builds, Skrillex layers distorted synths, erratic sound effects, and heavy percussion, creating a chaotic yet controlled sonic landscape. The song’s title is a reference to the battle cry used by the Lost Boys in Hook, Steven Spielberg’s 1991 movie adaptation of Peter Pan, and this sense of youthful rebellion and anarchy permeates the entire track.

What makes “Bangarang” stand out is its unpredictability. The song refuses to follow conventional verse-chorus structures, instead relying on sudden tempo shifts, glitchy sound effects, and multiple breakdowns. This unpredictability mirrors Skrillex’s larger style, where each track feels like an auditory adventure—full of twists, turns, and surprises.

The track features guest vocals from Sirah, a Los Angeles-based rapper who had previously collaborated with Skrillex on several songs. Sirah’s contribution adds a hip-hop element to the song, particularly with her energetic delivery and defiant lyrics. She provides the track with an extra layer of attitude, chanting lyrics like “Shout to all my lost boys” and emphasizing the rebellious spirit that’s at the heart of “Bangarang.”

The breakdowns, or “drops,” are arguably the most memorable part of “Bangarang.” Dubstep is known for its build-ups that culminate in a bass-heavy explosion, and “Bangarang” delivers multiple such moments. These drops are what made the song a staple in clubs and music festivals, where audiences would wait for the pulsating basslines to hit before erupting into dance.

The Official Music Video: A Visual Representation of Chaos
The official music video for “Bangarang,” directed by Tony T. Datis, is a visually stunning piece of work that complements the song’s anarchic energy. The video is loosely inspired by the theme of rebellious youth and theft, telling the story of a group of mischievous kids who orchestrate a high-stakes heist involving a food truck.

The video opens with three kids in masks who manage to steal ice cream from a vendor by using a catapult-like device. Fast forward years later, the children, now adults, are involved in larger-scale criminal operations. The video features fast-paced action sequences, explosions, and chaotic energy, mirroring the high intensity of the song itself.

One of the notable aspects of the video is how it blends childhood innocence with a darker, more violent undercurrent. The transition from innocent pranks to serious crimes is symbolic of the song’s underlying message—chaos can evolve and grow, becoming something more impactful as time goes on. The video’s ending, which sees the protagonists escape from law enforcement with smiles on their faces, reinforces the rebellious and anarchic themes of both the video and the song.

Commercial Success and Cultural Impact
“Bangarang” was a massive commercial success, peaking at number 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became a global anthem in the electronic music scene and received significant radio airplay in both mainstream and underground circles.

The track earned Skrillex a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2013, further cementing his influence on the electronic music world. Additionally, the Bangarang EP won the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronica Album. These accolades were significant not just for Skrillex, but for the entire genre of dubstep, which until that point had struggled to gain recognition from more traditional music institutions.

“Bangarang” also had a significant cultural impact beyond the world of music. The song was frequently featured in video games, commercials, and sporting events, becoming synonymous with high-energy, adrenaline-pumping moments. Its iconic drops made it a go-to track for DJs at festivals and clubs, ensuring its place in the pantheon of great electronic dance music anthems.

Legacy and Influence
“Bangarang” remains one of Skrillex’s most iconic tracks and is often credited with helping bring dubstep into the mainstream. It helped redefine what electronic music could sound like, influencing countless producers and DJs in the years following its release.

The song’s chaotic energy and genre-blurring style have had a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. Producers today continue to draw inspiration from Skrillex’s approach to sound design, particularly his use of distortion and his ability to create unpredictable, high-energy tracks.

In many ways, “Bangarang” epitomizes Skrillex’s larger influence on modern music. It’s a song that refuses to adhere to conventional structures, embracing chaos and rebellion while still maintaining a sense of fun and excitement. It’s no wonder that even a decade after its release, “Bangarang” continues to be a beloved anthem for fans of electronic music and beyond.

In conclusion, Skrillex’s “Bangarang” is a quintessential track of the dubstep era, showcasing his unique sound and genre-defying approach to electronic music. With its infectious energy, unpredictable composition, and rebellious spirit, the song has become a lasting symbol of electronic music’s global influence and continues to be celebrated as one of Skrillex’s greatest achievements.

Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
Bangarang (bass)
Bangarang
You feel the
Bangarang
You feel the (bass)
Bangarang
You feel the
Bangarang
You feel the (bass)
Lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
Bangarang
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shout
Bangarang (bass)
You feel the
You feel the
You feel the
Bangarang (bass)
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
Bangarang
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
We rowdy
Shouts to all my lost boys
Shout-shout-shout-shout-shout-shouts to all my lost boys
Bangarang (bass)
You feel the
You feel the
Bangarang
You feel the
Bangarang
You feel the (bass)
Hey, still ain’t got my marbles
But I got these beats banging out the back of my toy car
Ayo, I’m eating Fun Dip right now, not giving a fuck, mwah