“Same Song” by Digital Underground

According to the story behind this “Same Song”, its creation was actually encouraged by none other than Dan Aykroyd himself, who enlisted Digital Underground to create a song for a movie he starred in named Nothing But Trouble (1991). 

And his specific request was that he wanted something similar to, indeed the “same song” as the group’s signature hit, “The Humpty Dance” (1990). So that is where the title and aspiration behind this track came from.

And to some degree, “Same Song” can be said to be similar to “The Humpty Dance”. But most fans of Digital Underground would perhaps agree that they’re more different than alike. For instance, Humpty is a lot more comical in its approach. Also it only features one rapper, that being Shock G taking on the role of Humpty Hump. 

Tupac Shakur

But in Same Song we have Shock G and Humpty, as well Digital Underground bandmate Money B and up-and-comer Tupac Shakur. And it’s really that latter addition that makes the biggest difference, as this song actually features one of Tupac’s most memorable, even introductory verse.

Similarity to “Humpty Dance”

But it is similar to Humpty Dance in that the primary purpose of “Same Song” is obviously to serve as a party/dance track. So the task at hand, from Digital Underground’s perspective, isn’t necessarily to stick to one topic. In fact Humpty Hump refers to the matter at hand as “just a freestyle”. 

So instead it is just to keep the party flowing, so to speak. So we have Humpty presenting himself as sort of a womanizer, but Pac rather harping on how ‘people have changed’ now that he’s blowing up. Then as far as Shock G and Money B’s verses go, they’re more along lines of general raps.

All in all

So at the end of the day, although not being all-around outstanding, this is one of the more-memorable tracks in Digital Underground’s catalog. Indeed their moment in the spotlight was short-lived, as they really only had two other hits aside from this one. But one thing the group can always boast of is having formally introduced Tupac to the world of entertainment. 

In fact it was his participation on “Same Song” which ultimately got him signed to Interscope Records, under which all of his studio albums have come out since. So as long as the name of Tupac lives on, Digital Underground will also have its place in rap music history, most specifically as a result of “Same Song”.

Music Video

The music video to Same Song features cameos from Dr. Dre and the late Eazy-E (1964-1995), both of whom at that time were still members of another California-based rap crew, NWA.

Hollywood comedian Dan Aykroyd also makes an appearance on the clip. That’s because this song served as part of the soundtrack of one of the lesser-known movies he starred in, 1991’s Nothing But Trouble.

Digital Underground

As far as Digital Underground’s other two hits as mentioned, the first of course would be “The Humpty Dance”, their signature tune, which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. And in 1991 they came out with a track called “Kiss You Back” which despite not faring as impressively stateside did manage to also chart in Australia and New Zealand.

More Facts about “Same Song”

“Same Song” officially came out on the date of 15 June 1990. And it managed to peak at number 15 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs, in addition to making an appearance on the UK Singles Chart.

“Same Song” also made it onto one of the Digital Underground’s EPs entitled “This Is an EP Release” (1991). That project was put forth by Tommy Boy Records and Warner Records, which are also the labels behind the track. And to note, that project went on to be certified gold by the RIAA.

This track holds a more special place in rap/hip-hop history, as it has the distinction of being Tupac’s first ever single. That is to say that this is the earliest song in his discography. In some cases, he may not officially be listed as a feature on “Same Song”. And that is likely because when the track was released he was more or less a member of the Digital Underground, serving the regular roles of a dancer, hype man and roadie for the crew.

Digital Underground are also featured in Nothing But Trouble itself. And as such that marks the first time that Tupac, who went on to become a movie star also, actually appeared in film.

Tupac is also given songwriting credit, as are the other two featured rappers, the Digital Underground’s Money B and Shock G (aka Humpty Hump, 1963-2021).

This classic was produced by Digital Underground.

“Same Song” also made the playlist of the soundtrack to Tupac: Resurrection, i.e. the posthumous 2003 documentary that came out about the titular rapper’s life.