John Larkin, aka Scatman John, had an international mega-hit in 1994 with “Scatman – ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop”. Lou Bega thrilled the entire world in 1999 with his “Mambo No. 5”, and this year he celebrates his 20-year stage anniversary. 1999 was sadly also the year when John Larkin died.

Lou had his heart set on recording a duet with Scatman John, something that unfortunately was no longer possible in-person. So Lou worked with the Hamburg-based producer Roland Spremberg on a new version of Scatman John’s huge hit. Lou Bega knew the personal story of John Larkin and the resistance John had to tackle as a stutterer, and this fun song is as much a celebration of the rich legacy of Scatman John as it is a reminder that Lou Bega still knows how to lay down a sticky groove.

Scatman & Hatman is the welcome revisitation with a dance-club sound from the 1990’s, married here with Bega’s signature modern-mambo. The result is a bouncy and colorful dose of nostalgia that arrives just in time for summer.

Scatman & Hatman contains the infectious worldwide-known hook “ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop” in addition to a new melody and lyrics from Lou Bega's characteristic swingbeat style. This song is featured on our Groovy Summer playlist.