The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast: Incredibad Part 2

Release Date: February 10, 2025

In the second installment of the "Incredibad" series, host Seth Meyers engages in an in-depth conversation with The Lonely Island’s Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone. This episode delves deeper into their iconic SNL Digital Shorts, the creative processes behind their groundbreaking album "incredibad," and the lasting impact of their work on comedy and music.

1. Revisiting "Santana dvx" and Its Cultural Impact

The episode opens with a nostalgic discussion about "Santana dvx," a fictional sparkling wine endorsed by Carlos Santana. The hosts reflect on its uniqueness during a time when celebrity-endorsed alcohol brands were rare.

Jorma Taccone ([00:30]):
"It was always a limited amount of it. It wasn't like it was something people knew."

Andy Samberg ([01:26]):
"Do you think that E40 doing that song with us influenced his decision to go into his own spirits?"

They highlight how this endorsement was a novel concept then, contrasting it with the current trend of artists launching their own brands, exemplified by E40's extensive wine line.

2. Musical Influences and the Creation of "Punch You in the Jeans"

The conversation shifts to the musical inspirations behind their work, particularly the influence of The Coup's album "Genocide and Juice." The group discusses the satirical nature of the song "Pimps," which mocks affluent individuals adopting rap personas.

Akiva Schaffer ([02:05]):
"The song is called Pimps and it's really like almost like a twofold song because it's Fat Cats. Bigger Fish is the lead in which you need to listen to to really get the vibe."

This foundation led to the creation of "Punch You in the Jeans," where they blend humor with sharp commentary on hip-hop culture and celebrity endorsements.

Seth Meyers ([06:55]):
"Fuck, yeah. That's a case where, like, they literally rhyme champ with champ."

The group's ability to craft catchy yet meaningful lyrics is showcased, demonstrating their unique place in the comedy-music landscape.

3. Collaboration with Jack Black and Lenny Pickett

A notable highlight is their collaboration with Jack Black on the track "Saxman." They discuss how Jack Black's enthusiastic performance added a distinctive flair to the song, despite opting for intentionally subpar saxophone sounds over professional playback by Lenny Pickett.

Jorma Taccone ([12:01]):
"When it come to Niggets, Jack would come on as Carlos Santana and he kills it."

Andy Samberg ([13:05]):
"Cause Jay Zone made that beat and he also is an amazing producer."

This collaboration underscores The Lonely Island's knack for blending high-profile talents with their comedic vision.

4. The Untold Story of the "Normal Guy" Doritos Commercial

The hosts reveal their attempt to create a Super Bowl commercial for Doritos titled "Normal Guy." Despite their comedic efforts, the ad failed testing and was never aired. However, this setback resulted in a $250,000 donation to their chosen charity, the Berkeley Unified School District.

Jorma Taccone ([16:35]):
"Because they thought we were gonna be really upset that they weren't airing it."

Andy Samberg ([17:38]):
"Yes. Because they thought we were gonna be really upset that they weren't airing it."

They share humorous anecdotes about the creation process and the ultimate positive outcome, emphasizing their commitment to charity over commercial success.

5. A Special Message from Director Edgar Wright

A heartfelt moment occurs when director Edgar Wright sends a voice note praising "Punch You in the Jeans." Wright recounts how the song became a staple during his daily commute and expresses his admiration for The Lonely Island's work.

Edgar Wright ([42:45]):
"I've listened to Punch You in the Jeans 42 times. It is incredibly silly and it's got a nice groove to it."

The hosts express their gratitude and discuss how Wright's support has been a significant influence on their creative journey.

6. Exploring Other Tracks on "incredibad"

The discussion broadens to other songs from the "incredibad" album, including "Shrooms," "We Like Sports," and "Ross, Trent, Dick and a Bunch of Others." They delve into the inspiration, recording challenges, and humorous elements that make each track unique.

Andy Samberg ([23:19]):
"My favorite line is, I'm team captain and I choose you. And then Keev goes, I'm the other team captain and I choose you too."

Jorma Taccone ([27:04]):
"Throw me the baseball Now."

These insights reveal the meticulous yet playful approach The Lonely Island takes in crafting their music.

7. The Naming Battle: "The Lonely Island" vs. "incredibad"

A pivotal part of the conversation centers on how the group settled on the name "The Lonely Island" over "incredibad." Andy Samberg shares the voting dynamics and eventual consensus that led to their widely recognized name.

Andy Samberg ([50:10]):
"Yes, because there was a period of time [...] when we were debating what to call our group itself."

Seth Meyers ([50:22]):
"I think, Andy, you had that as a title for our potential group for a while."

They reflect on the importance of group harmony and collective decision-making in establishing their identity.

8. The "incredibad" Title Track and Its Origin Story

The finale of the episode focuses on the album's title track, "incredibad," which serves as an origin story for the group framed within a superhero narrative. They discuss the creative process, lyrical depth, and the humorous twist of an alien needing their help to save his planet.

Jorma Taccone ([56:35]):
"He needs our seed."

Seth Meyers ([56:36]):
"Repopulate."

This track encapsulates their ability to blend storytelling with comedy, further cementing their legacy in comedic music.

9. Closing Reflections and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Seth Meyers previews the next episode featuring Michael Phelps and a new song from "incredibad" titled "Space Olympics." The hosts express their enthusiasm for continuing their deep dive into their creative works and collaborations.

Seth Meyers ([58:23]):
"Next episode. It's a season premiere. It's Michael Phelps and it is a song from incredibad. Space Olympics."

They conclude with warm sentiments, reinforcing the strong bond among the hosts and their dedication to entertaining their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Jorma Taccone ([00:30]):
  "It was always a limited amount of it. It wasn't like it was something people knew."

• Andy Samberg ([01:26]):
  "Do you think that E40 doing that song with us influenced his decision to go into his own spirits?"

• Seth Meyers ([06:55]):
  "Fuck, yeah. That's a case where, like, they literally rhyme champ with champ."

• Edgar Wright ([42:45]):
  "I've listened to Punch You in the Jeans 42 times. It is incredibly silly and it's got a nice groove to it."

• Andy Samberg ([23:19]):
  "My favorite line is, I'm team captain and I choose you. And then Keev goes, I'm the other team captain and I choose you too."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into The Lonely Island's creative triumphs and challenges, providing fans and newcomers alike with an engaging exploration of their influential work on "Saturday Night Live" and beyond.