A Short History of "Baby Got Back" and Advertising

Last month, an investigation revealed that Washington Mutual employees performed a parody of "Baby Got Back" that expressed how much money they made during the housing bubble. "I Like Big Bucks," as it was called, was by no means the first parody (See the "In Living Color" parody) to the 1992 rap hit.

From its outset, the song was met with controversy. MTV banned it for being too racy, which only elevated its significance and popularity. The original song has become so iconic and so popular that companies have incorporated it into national advertising campaigns. Here, the best examples of the power of the "Baby Got Back" phenomenon:

"Nick--Baby Got Back (2003)

When Apple ran the ad, it was met with some resistance. "I don't think those lyrics are appropriate for kids or some parents would not appreciate it," said a commenter on the macrumors.com site.

"Baby Got Backpack" (2005)

The Target ad makes the song "much tamer," said Steve Hall in Adrants. "Either Target has just moved to the top of the hipness pile or they have crossed into dangerous territory."

"Burger King SpongeBob Commercial" (2009)

A parenting group disapproved of the ad, saying that "SpongeBob and sexualization don't mix," said the Bitten and Bound blog. Burger King defended it by saying that the commercial was "not meant for kids."

"I Like Big Butterfingers" (2010)

"At some point, parody becomes reality and I think Sir Mix-A-Lot just reached that moment," said The Pitch blog. "Eventually, we all live long enough to see the songs we love turned into commercials. I just never thought I'd see Sir Mix-A-Lot sell out."