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Sir Mix-a-Lot
SirMixaLotDec06.jpg
Sir Mix-a-Lot in 2006
Background information
Birth name Anthony L. Ray
Also known as Bumpasaurus
Prime Minista
Born (1963-08-12) August 12, 1963 (age 61)
Auburn, Washington, U.S.
Origin Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active 1981–present
Labels
  • Nastymix
  • Ichiban
  • American
  • Artist Direct
  • BMG
Associated acts Rick Rubin

Anthony L. Ray (born August 12, 1963), known as Sir Mix-a-Lot, is an American rapper. He is famous for his 1992 song "Baby Got Back". This song reached number one on the Billboard music chart.

Early Life and Music Start

Anthony Ray was born in Auburn, Washington, on August 12, 1963. He grew up in Seattle's Central District. His mother worked as a nurse. Anthony loved hip hop music and began rapping in the early 1980s.

He went to Roosevelt High School in Seattle. At that time, schools were trying to mix students from different neighborhoods. Anthony was bused from his area to a school across the city. He felt this was a good chance for him. A music teacher also helped him see a future in music.

From a young age, Anthony was interested in electronics. He worked at a pinball arcade, fixing machines. This helped him learn to fix musical equipment too. He still enjoys working with electronics as a hobby.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out in the 1980s

After high school, Sir Mix-a-Lot started DJing parties. By 1983, he was playing regularly at youth clubs in Seattle. He met 'Nasty' Nes Rodriguez, a local radio DJ.

Sir Mix-a-Lot, Nasty Nes, and Ed Locke started the Nastymix record label in 1983. Their first popular song was "Square Dance Rap" in 1986. Mix-a-Lot used a unique, high-pitched voice for the song. It became popular in clubs across the country.

His next hit was "Posse on Broadway" in 1987. This song mentioned many famous places in Seattle. It was popular locally.

Sir Mix-a-Lot's first album, Swass, came out in 1988. It included "Square-Dance Rap" and "Iron Man." "Iron Man" was a rap metal song that used parts of a Black Sabbath song. By 1990, Swass sold over a million copies, earning a platinum award.

His second album, Seminar, was released in 1989. It featured songs like "My Hooptie" and "Beepers."

Success in the 1990s

In 1991, Sir Mix-a-Lot joined the Def American record label. He released his third album, Mack Daddy, in 1992. The song "Baby Got Back" from this album was a huge hit. It reached number one and sold over two million copies. It also won a Grammy Award in 1993. The music video for "Baby Got Back" was shown on MTV only late at night due to its content.

In 1993, Sir Mix-a-Lot worked with the band Mudhoney on a song called "Freak Momma." This song was for the Judgment Night movie soundtrack.

His 1994 album, Chief Boot Knocka, did well on the music charts. It included the song "Put 'Em On The Glass." Another song, "Just Da ... in Me," was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Sir Mix-a-Lot left Def American after his 1996 album, Return of the Bumpasaurus, did not sell as well. From 1999 to 2000, he worked with the band The Presidents of the United States of America. They formed a group called "Subset" and mixed rock and rap music.

2000s and Beyond

In 2003, Sir Mix-a-Lot released the album Daddy's Home. The main song from this album was "Big ...". He also released a DVD to promote the album.

In 2010, he announced a new album called Dun 4got About Mix. The first song, "Carz," was released online. He also worked on a remix for the band Puscifer.

Winter Classic - Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken - January 1, 2024 - Sir Mix-a-Lot (53438513073)
Sir Mix-a-Lot performing at the 2024 Winter Classic in Seattle.

In 2013, Sir Mix-a-Lot produced an album for the band Ayron Jones and The Way. He also appeared in advertisements for the Washington State Lottery.

In 2014, he performed with the Seattle Symphony. They played a new piece of music inspired by Seattle's music scene. Also in 2014, rapper Nicki Minaj released her song "Anaconda." This song famously used parts of "Baby Got Back." Sir Mix-a-Lot praised her song.

From 2017 to 2019, Sir Mix-a-Lot hosted a morning radio show in Seattle. He still performs at festivals across the country.

Television Appearances

In 1995, Sir Mix-a-Lot hosted a TV show called The Watcher. Later, he said he wished he hadn't done the show.

He has appeared on several animated TV shows. In 2006, he was on Adult Swim's Tom Goes to the Mayor and The Simpsons. In 2008, he was on Robot Chicken, singing a song about King Arthur's Round Table. He also voiced characters like Hans Blix and Stevie Wonder. In 2017, he appeared on BoJack Horseman. In 2025, he was on Family Guy, singing a song called "Lady Kneecaps."

Sir Mix-a-Lot also provided narration for Wheedle's Groove. This 2009 documentary was about the funk and soul music scene in Seattle during the 1960s and 70s.

In June 2018, the DIY Network aired a special called Sir Mix-A-Lot's House Remix. In this show, Sir Mix-a-Lot bought and renovated a house in Seattle. In 2019, he became a spokesperson for Cards Against Humanity's "... Pack."

Music Albums

  • Swass (1988)
  • Seminar (1989)
  • Mack Daddy (1992)
  • Chief Boot Knocka (1994)
  • Return of the Bumpasaurus (1996)
  • Daddy's Home (2003)

TV Shows and Movies

Year Title Role Notes
1995 The Watcher Himself/Host Main role
2006 Tom Goes to the Mayor Himself (voice) Episode: "My Big Cups"
2006 The Simpsons Himself (voice) Episode: "Treehouse of Horror XVII"
2008 Robot Chicken Himself, Hans Blix, Stevie Wonder (voices) Episode: "Chirlaxx"
2017 BoJack Horseman Himself (voice) Episode: "The Judge"
2018 Sir Mix-a-Lot's House Remix Himself Television special
2025 Family Guy Himself (voice) Episode: "Lois C.K."

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
1993 "Baby Got Back" Best Rap Solo Performance Won
1994 "Just Da ... in Me" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated

MTV Video Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
1992 "Baby Got Back" Best Rap Video Nominated
1992 "Baby Got Back" Best Direction in a Video Nominated
1993 "Baby Got Back" Best Art Direction in a Video Nominated

American Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
1993 Sir Mix-a-Lot Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Won

Soul Train Music Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
1993 "Baby Got Back" Best R&B/Soul Single – Male Nominated

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sir Mix-a-Lot para niños

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