Bonkers (song)

Updated on Jan 23, 2024

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B-side "Butterfly" Recorded 2009 Length 2:59		Released 17 May 2009 Genre Hip house fidget house
Format 12" CD digital download

"Bonkers" is a song by British rapper Dizzee Rascal and American producer Armand Van Helden. It is the first single released from Rascal's fourth studio album, Tongue n' Cheek. Rascal released the track under his own record label, Dirtee Stank Recordings on 17 May 2009 in the United Kingdom, entering at the top of the UK Singles Chart, marking Dizzee's second number one single, third top ten single and eleventh top forty hit on the chart. This was also Van Helden's third number one single after a decade, since "U Don't Know Me". In October 2011, NME placed it at number 59 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".

Background

The record was selected as Jo Whiley's Pet Sound and Sara Cox's 'Weekend Anthem'. Mr Rascal said in an interview with The Sun newspaper that he is unashamed of the song's pop hooks, and despite initially having a strong dislike for house music he has enjoyed making the song. On 5 May 2009 The King Blues, chose Bonkers as their cover when they were in the Live Lounge with Jo Whiley.

Rascal performed the song live during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics as part of a montage of British pop music.

Usage in media

The song appeared on the Nintendo DS and Wii video game Need for Speed: Nitro, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Cairo, Madrid, Singapore, and Dubai for the Wii version, as well as in Need For Speed: Most Wanted. The song appeared in the film Kingsman: The Secret Service.