The Offspring have released “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy) (8onthebeat Mix),” a new version of their 1998 hit created with Mexican-American producer 8onthebeat, also known as OCHO. The single is available through Concord Records and arrives with an official video released by the band.
The new recording retains the vocals, central riff and chorus of the original song while replacing much of its punk foundation with electronic percussion and elements associated with contemporary Latin music. It connects two eras separated by nearly three decades: The Offspring’s international breakthrough during MTV’s commercial peak and the current rise of producers crossing electronic music, hip-hop and Mexican sounds.
“Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” was released on November 9, 1998, eight days before Americana. Written by Dexter Holland and produced by Dave Jerden, the song satirized a white teenager who adopts hip-hop poses, language and cultural codes to construct an identity he does not understand.
Its music video transformed that premise into a caricature played by Guy Cohen, who drives through a neighborhood while attempting to attract attention through exaggerated gestures, conspicuous clothing and confidence completely disconnected from the way everyone else sees him. Heavy MTV rotation helped turn the track into one of The Offspring’s biggest international hits.
The single reached number one in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sweden. In the United States, it peaked at number three on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and helped Americana expand substantially upon the audience The Offspring had reached with Smash.
Released in 1998, Americana sold more than 10 million copies and produced several other essential songs in the band’s catalog, including “Why Don’t You Get a Job?,” “The Kids Aren’t Alright” and “She’s Got Issues.” The album also featured “Pretty Fly (Reprise),” a short mariachi rendition hidden after “Pay the Man” on the original CD edition.
Born in California’s San Fernando Valley, 8onthebeat has built a sound that crosses EDM, hip-hop and Latin music. OCHO has worked with artists including Deorro and DannyLux and has performed within the Insomniac circuit, the company behind festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival. His Mexican-American identity also occupies a central place on pOCHO, his first full-length album.
