You Be Illin'


"You Be Illin' " is the third single released by Run–D.M.C. from their third album, Raising Hell. It was released in 1986 through Profile Records as the follow-up to the rap rock crossover hit, "Walk This Way", and was produced by Run-D.M.C.

Background

The slang term illing means to "be uncool and unrelaxed", "be acting crazy", "be 'tripping' or 'bugging' ", or "be acting 'wack' ". The song describes some examples of "illing" and chides a fictitious individual for his "illing" behavior. Such examples include a man ordering a Big Mac and french fries at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, calling out "Touchdown!" at a basketball game, repelling a woman at a party with drunken behavior and bad breath, and being oblivious to the fact he is eating dog food for dinner.

Reception

Cash Box called it "a humorous poke at social faux pas and has the earmarks of becoming a huge novelty hit."

Track listing

A-side

  1. "You Be Illin' " – 3:26

B-side

  1. "Hit It Run" – 3:10

Charts

The song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 12 on the Hot Black Singles chart.
Chart Peak
position
Netherlands 13
US Billboard Hot 10029
US Hot Black Singles 12
US Hot Dance Club Play 44

Cover versions