Humpin' Around is a song by American singer Bobby Brown, released as the lead single from his second solo studio album, Bobby (1992). The track was produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, with additional production by Daryl Simmons, and incorporates an interpolation of “Dancing Days” by Led Zeppelin.
Composition and production
- Genre: New jack swing.
- Length: Album version 6:18; 7‑inch edit 4:20.
- Writers: Antonio Reid, Kenneth Edmonds (Babyface), Daryl Simmons, Bobby Brown, Thomas Keyes, Jan C. “Stylz” Styles.
- Producers: L.A. Reid, Babyface, Daryl Simmons.
Release and reception
- Released July 28 1992 by MCA Records.
- Peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart (two weeks).
- Reached #3 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100.
- Internationally, the single topped the charts in Australia and Canada, placed #2 in New Zealand, and entered the top 10 in at least nine other countries.
Remixes and later versions
In 1995, British electronic group K‑Klass remixed the track, leading to a renewed UK chart entry where it peaked at #8 on the UK Singles Chart. The remix was included on Brown’s 1995 remix album Two Can Play That Game.
Music videos
Two music videos accompany the song: the original video features Brown dancing outdoors with women in cages and intercut scenes of a woman attempting to locate his phone and belongings; a separate video was produced for the K‑Klass remix, incorporating additional footage and outtakes.
Chart performance (selected)
| Country | Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Billboard Hot 100) | — | 3 |
| United States (Hot R&B Singles) | — | 1 |
| Australia (ARIA) | — | 1 |
| Canada (RPM) | — | 1 |
| New Zealand (RIANZ) | — | 2 |
| United Kingdom (UK Singles) | — | 8 (K‑Klass remix) |
Personnel (original version)
- Bobby Brown – lead vocals, songwriter, rap
- Jan C. “Stylz” Styles – songwriter, rap
- Thomas Keyes – songwriter
- Babyface – songwriter, producer, arranger, keyboards, synthesized bass, drum programming, background vocals
- L.A. Reid – songwriter, producer, arranger, drum programming
- Daryl Simmons – songwriter, producer, arranger, background vocals
- Donald Parks – drum programming, MIDI and Synclavier programming
- Emanuel Officer – background vocals
Legacy
“Humpin' Around” is noted for its prominent place in early‑1990s new jack swing and for achieving substantial commercial success across multiple international markets. Its 1995 remix contributed to a resurgence of interest in the track within the UK dance music scene.
