Move over, traditional birthday song; there’s a fresh, not-so-new anthem taking the world by storm, and it’s going viral faster than you can blow out your candles.
The additional birthday song is a universal tune, it’s sang countless times by millions across the world. Whether you’re belting out the classic rendition or a version infused with cultural flair, there’s a new birthday anthem on the block — and the culture has declared it the ultimate birthday jam.
Home Grown Radio talked exclusively with LA native Eric “Slim” Lloyd to talk about the inspiration and journey behind his unique reinterpretation of the classic birthday song.
The world of music is filled with tunes that have become staples in our lives, and the birthday song is undoubtedly one of them. Yet, every once in a while, someone comes along with the vision to take something familiar and give it an innovative twist. Eric’s venture into reimagining this age-old anthem was not just about creating a new tune, but about infusing it with personal memories and modern style.
Eric created the song back in 2008 when his friend Kaila Perry asked him to write a birthday song for her to sing to her at her party so he created the hook and verse. Little did they know, this creative spark would be the beginning of a new era of the traditional birthday song.
It’s often said that the best creations come from spontaneous moments, and in this case, it couldn’t be truer. Eric detailed the fascinating origin story of the song that has now taken the digital world by storm, sharing an unexpected twist.
“So the arrangement of the song was I would snap 4 times, then bring in the beat along with the hook, verse, then back to the hook and hit them with a nice run at the end of the song. That’s how the song came about!!!! Here’s the crazy part. I NEVER ENDED UP SINGING THE SONG AT KAILA’S BIRTHDAYPARTY!!!! Crazy right???? I end up singing it for her later down the line eventually lol. “
Eric’s journey with the song started long before it reached the digital realm. He reminisces about the early days, sharing how the infectious tune became an anthem in various circles, from dinner parties at The Cheesecake Factory to numerous LA crews he was part of. Eric recalls, “I was a host at The Cheesecake Factory along with my brother Mychael Breedlove. I taught him the song as well, and we would sing the song for peoples dinner parties (especially the girls lol) and everybody would loveeee ittttt. So throughout the years I would sing it all over from singing it with LA crews called The B.L.O.C.K.S.T.A.R.S. (Black Leaders Overcoming Criticism With The Knowledge To Succeed Through All Restrictions) which was organized by my brother Dwayne “Status” Cotton, another crew called TB’z Thirsty Boyz) and another crew called CC’z City Celebz. Between the three of them I would sing it at all the functions, Birthday parties and the list goes on.”
Before its viral fame, the song had deeply personal roots that intertwined with Eric’s connections in the entertainment world. A pivotal moment came when Eric collaborated with TuffCrowd, an entertainment group he had become a part of. Recounting a memorable incident from 2015, Eric says:
“April 25th 2015, Halla, the CEO of TuffCrowd wanted to do something special for The Mother of his childs Birthday. “We were in her room and I told Halla that I had this Birthday song that I made up. I let him hear it and he loved it. He said he would write a special rap for her and I said okay fasho. So we bring 2 members of TuffCrowd at the time in the room( Asia and Terrell) so i can teach them The Birthday Song and how it goes….. We did the song for her and she lovedddd it along with everyone else that was there. After that moment we start doing it for everybody Birthday”.
Following that moment, the song became not just a personal favorite, but a celebratory anthem for many, marking the start of its journey from intimate gatherings to something that resonated with wider audiences.
As the song’s popularity within TuffCrowd grew, R&B singer Isiah Jay whose worked with Kanye West and Lil’Nas X became a key contributor to its evolution. He shares, “When I came to Tuffcrowd , the birthday song was already created and in full effect being sung to everybody who birthday it was . It was always at least 25+ people in the group so it was always a birthday and it was an anthem . It would be sung anywhere : parks , restaurants , churches , baby showers , everywhere . I actually joined the group after they came to my birthday concert , and sang it to me . I never felt so much love and just joy coming from a group of people . I joined immediately after , and at first I was just background , someone else was doing the ad libs , and then I started doing the ad libs . Over time, I added my own “Isaiah Jaay flavor” to it and those are the ad libs that you hear in the viral video .”
After being shared on Facebook by the birthday girl featured in it, the video racked up over 4.9 million views on TikTok. Its catchy sound resonated with users across various social platforms, prompting widespread sharing and eliciting thousands of enthusiastic comments.
As the digital realm continues to shape the way we consume music and celebrate life’s milestones, this birthday song phenomenon is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and community. From a personal request made in 2008 to a viral sensation years later, the journey of this tune underscores the unpredictable ways in which art can touch hearts and find its spotlight. With millions now humming along, it’s evident that TuffCrowd and Eric’s musical magic has indeed given the world a new anthem to celebrate another trip around the sun.
Numerous fans have taken to social media, offering their own renditions, sharing heartfelt celebrations, and giving creative spins on the song. These widespread reactions underscore the universal appeal of the tune and the various ways people have chosen to make it their own.
For fans ready to incorporate this into their festivities, the moment has arrived. The official track, featuring Eric’s original hook and verse, Isaiah’s viral ad-libs, and Halla’s rap—produced by THX and co-produce by Eric himself—is now available on all platforms, poised to elevate birthday celebrations worldwide.
Head over to Twitter and tell us, if this is your new go-to birthday anthem?
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