"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 "You Be Illin' " – 3:26
B-side "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 (1986–1987)PeakpositionNetherlands (Mega Single Tip)Single Tip (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved April 20, 2014.13US Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 – Chart Listing For The Week Of Dec 20 1986 – You Be Illin, Billboard.com29 US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Chart Listing For The Week Of Dec 06 1986 – You Be Illin, Billboard.com12 US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard)Hot Dance Club Play – Chart Listing For The Week Of Dec 27 1986 – You Be Illin, Billboard.com44
Cover versions In 2012, The Carolina Chocolate Drops covered "You Be Illin' " on a bonus track of their album, Leaving Eden.
References