On This Day August 14 1987 – Crushin by The Fat Boys Released in the United States

On this day August 14 1987, Crushin by The Fat Boys was released in the United States. As their fourth studio album, Crushin marked the group’s biggest commercial success and helped bring hip hop even further into the mainstream with a blend of fun, humor, and radio ready appeal.

The album featured the hit single Wipeout, a playful collaboration with surf rock legends The Beach Boys. The song became a summer anthem and was one of the earliest cross genre rap singles to climb the pop charts, helping the album reach platinum status. Crushin continued The Fat Boys’ trademark mix of beatboxing, comedic storytelling, and party friendly production. Tracks like Falling in Love, Protect Yourself My Darling, and Rock Ruling gave fans more of the group’s energetic delivery and upbeat personality.

The Fat Boys were known for blending entertainment with talent, and Crushin showed they could evolve without losing their charm. While some critics questioned the novelty approach, the group’s influence on hip hop’s crossover appeal was undeniable.

80s insight: Crushin proved that hip hop could be fun, accessible, and chart topping without sacrificing its cultural roots.