“Ring Ring Ring” was the lead single of De La Soul’s sophomore album De La Soul Is Dead. It was an international smash hit in the spring of 1991. In the US, it did not appear on the Pop Chart but did peak at #3 on the Rap Chart.

The main groove here is based around a killer combo of The Whatnauts' butter-smooth “Help Is On The Way,” with some Honeydrippers' “Impeach The President” drums and a bass grab via Lou Reed. Its chorus borrows lyrics from “Name And Number” by Curiosity Killed The Cat.

Don’t be mislead by its catchy vibe. Just like OutKast’s “Hey Ya”, it appears like an innocent radio jam, but the lyrics are about not wanting to listen to rappers who want their demo tapes listened to.