The dudes. Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer. You know Andy from Saturday Night Live. His two friends, Jorm and Kiv, are writers for the show. Together they are known as The Lonely Island.
They started as writers for the MTV Movie Awards. Fellow SNL cast member Jimmy Fallon discovered them when he hosted the MTV Movie Awards many years ago. The rest is history.
The Dudes are known for their genius work in the SNL Digital Shorts. It started with “Lettuce,” hit a strong stride with “Jizz in my Pants” and “I’m on a Boat” (feat. T-Pain), and has let to their latest creations, “Motherlover” and “Cool Guys Don’t Look at Explosions.” That lastest video was shown during the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, which Andy Samberg hosted.
Their debut comic album Incredibad is a must-buy. Songs include “Dick in a Box,” “Natalie’s Rap,” “Space Olympics,” and others you may not have heard before, including “Sax Man” (feat. Jack Black) and their retrospective piece, “Incredibad.” Not only is every song funny, but each has its own creative hip-hop beat that beautifully and hilariously mocks the hip-hop and rap genres. Utilizing auto-tune over their witty verses, the Dudes have created a unique work of art that stems from their personal lives and today’s society. Simply put, it is very funny, good music. Preview and purchase it on iTunes here.
Check after the break (click “more…”) for a large collection of some of my favorite songs and videos by The Lonely Island. Also, be sure to check out their YouTube page for all of their work. Some of their early videos (pre-SNL) are hilarious. Keep it coming, Dudes.
Early Work:
“Just 2 Guyz”
Jorma Taccone in “My Pants”
Andy Samberg in “The Backseatsman”
The Lonely Island Episode 1: “White Power!” (Check out Episode 2, “Regarding Ardy,” too!)
Jorma Dances to Arcade Fire. (Bill Hader’s reaction–priceless) (check out the other two Jorma Dances videos)
Modern Work:
Links to SNL Digital Shorts on Hulu:
“Dick in a Box” (with Justin Timberlake)
“People Getting Punched Right Before Eating”
“Iran So Far” (feat. Adam Levine)
“Hero Song” (it is slow in the beginning, but it’s worth watching for the end scene)
“The Japanese Office” (with Steve Carrell, and SNL members that look just like ‘The Office’ characters)
“Everyone’s a Critic” (with Paul Rudd)
“Doogie Howser Theme” (with Neil Patrick Harris)
“Property of the Queen” (with the Jonas Brothers)
“Motherlover” (with Justin Timberlake)