Stick Around

The song "Stick Around" by Black Sheep from their single release is a lesser-known track from the iconic hip-hop duo, but it carries the group's signature playful lyricism and funky production. In a 1992 interview with Rolling Stone, Dres, one half of Black Sheep, mentioned that "Stick Around" was crafted as a fun, laid-back vibe meant to capture the energy of their live performances, where they often engaged with fans, the "Zoo Freaks" of their era, through call-and-response routines. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy hooks were designed to keep the crowd moving, a nod to their roots in New York's vibrant club scene. While not as commercially successful as their hit "The Choice Is Yours," the track gained a cult following among fans for its infectious energy, with some Reddit threads from the early 2010s citing it as an underrated gem perfect for DJ sets like those spun by the Zoo Crew.

Though specific social media posts about "Stick Around" are scarce, a 2020 Instagram post by Dres on his personal account (@dresblacksheep) celebrated the 29th anniversary of their debut album, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, hinting at the enduring love for tracks like "Stick Around" among dedicated fans. The song’s production, handled by Mista Lawnge, showcases their innovative use of sampling, with funky basslines and jazz-inspired beats that were ahead of their time. In a 2015 YouTube interview on the Hip Hop DX channel, Lawnge shared a story about how their Native Tongues collective, including groups like De La Soul, would trade beats and ideas, influencing the eclectic sound of "Stick Around." Fans on the Black Sheep Fan Club Facebook group often share throwback videos of live performances from the early '90s, where "Stick Around" was a staple, hyping up audiences with its groove-heavy rhythm.

Black Sheep, formed by Andres "Dres" Titus and William "Mista Lawnge" McLean, emerged from Queens, New York, in the late 1980s. Their journey began in the vibrant hip-hop scene of New York City, where they connected with like-minded artists in the Native Tongues Posse, a collective known for its conscious and creative approach to rap. Dres, who grew up immersed in music thanks to his DJ father, met Lawnge through mutual friends in the music scene. According to a 2018 Billboard interview, their big break came when they signed with Mercury Records after impressing label execs with their clever wordplay and unique sound. Their 1991 debut album, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, featuring hits like "The Choice Is Yours," established them as pioneers in alternative hip-hop, blending humor, jazz, and social commentary.

The duo’s chemistry and innovative production set them apart, with Lawnge handling most of the beats and Dres delivering sharp, charismatic verses. Despite their early success, their 1994 follow-up album, Non-Fiction, struggled due to lack of promotion, leading to a split in the mid-'90s. However, their legacy endures, with fans on platforms like the Hip Hop Nostalgia Facebook group frequently praising their influence on modern hip-hop. Dres and Lawnge briefly reunited in 2000 for a track on the Once in the Life soundtrack and have since pursued solo projects while occasionally performing together.

For more on Black Sheep, visit their official website at blkshp.com, which, while primarily focused on the heavy metal band of the same name, acknowledges the hip-hop duo’s history. Follow them on social media via Dres’ Instagram (@dresblacksheep), Facebook, and X (@DresBlackSheep) for updates on solo work and occasional throwbacks. Mista Lawnge, now known as Mr. Long, is less active but can be found on Instagram (@mrlongblacksheep). Fan communities thrive on the Black Sheep Fan Club and Hip Hop Nostalgia Facebook groups, where Zoo Freaks can connect over their love for tracks like "Stick Around."