The Story Of

Episode 2

The End of the World - Jason Windsor

On this episode of The Story Of, VICE meets up with Jason to hear what went into creating “The End of the World”, one of the first ever viral videos, and to talk about his newly released sequel: “End of Ze World… Probably for Real this Time.”

Episode 3

Kernkraft 400 - Zombie Nation & Florian Senfter

Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400” is one of the biggest dance music songs of all time, popular in clubs and stadiums worldwide. But the hit version wasn’t even made by the DJ who wrote it. Through a series of mishaps and remixes, the original morphed into something DJ/producer Florian Senfter couldn’t stand. But the bastardization made him famous, sent him on world tours and gave his song an audience of millions. VICE met up with Senfter to hear the story of how a fluke remix to his song wound up reaching the top of the charts—whether he liked it or not.

Episode 4

Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Eiffel 65

When Eiffel 65 released 'Blue (Da Ba Dee),' it was a flop. They sold around 200 records, shrugged it off as a loss, and forgot about it. But in a wild turn of events, the track got picked up by a small local station before getting airplay on one of the biggest radio stations in Italy—and within days, it was steamrolling its way to becoming one of the biggest hits of the late 1990s, taking the electronic music group touring around the world as their song shot up the charts. We met up with the members of Eiffel 65—Jeffrey Jey, Maurizio “Maury” Lobina, and Gabry Ponte—to find out the origin story behind "Blue," and hear what it was like to become international superstars in the blink of an eye.

Episode 5

It Wasn't Me - Shaggy

When Shaggy recorded his Hot Shot album, containing It Wasn't Me and Angel, the label dismissed it as a throwaway album with "no hits". It Wasn't Me wasn't even released as a single. But a series of happy accidents, some illegal downloading, and sheer determination propelled It Wasn't Me to become one of the first viral crossover hits. Vice met up with Shaggy on the 20th anniversary of Hot Shot, which coincides with the release of his Hot Shot 2020 album.

Episode 6

Last Resort - Papa Roach

"Last Resort" by Papa Roach was a surprise hit given the song's raw and vivid portrayal of mental health and suicide. And although lead singer Jacoby Shaddix wrote “Last Resort” about his friends struggle, the song took on new personal relevance for Jacoby years later when he was battling his own demons. VICE learns the full, little known, story behind "Last Resort" and its journey from darkness into light.

Episode 7

Thong Song – Sisqó

'Thong Song' was never meant for Sisqo, but once he heard the track he couldn’t let it go. Originally meant for Michael Jackson, , producers Tim & Bob were won over by Sisqo's enthusiasm and fresh ideas. This is the true story behind the song that turned into a cultural phenomenon and it includes Star Wars, Ricky Martin, and a whole lot of drama. VICE met the creators of Thong Song to hear how G-strings and violin strings united to create this iconic song that brought thongs to the masses.

Episode 8

A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton wrote “A Thousand Miles” in her childhood home as a teenager. Little did she know the song would become an international smash hit, a film-soundtrack favorite, and would be repurposed by new artists and the internet for the next 20 years. Vanessa Carlton shares the creative journey behind the iconic hit, from drafting early demos to filming the memorable music video. Key collaborators discuss the artistic vision and the unexpected cultural impact of the song.

Episode 9

Who Let The Dogs Out - The Baha Men

“Who Let The Dogs Out” was ubiquitous in the early aughts - emanating from sports stadiums, parties, and radio speakers alike. But few people know the story behind the song or about the group who performed the smash hit, the Baha Men. The song’s unconventional journey spans from crowded baseball stadiums in Seattle to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean. VICE meets the key players involved in the incredible success of the song that left everyone asking, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

Episode 10

Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus

For many, “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus captures the quintessential American high school experience. But for the song’s writer Brendan Brown, “Teenage Dirtbag” represents a fantasy adolesence that he was robbed of after a gruesome murder happened in his home town. And while “Teenage Dirtbag” was overlooked by American audiences at its time of release -- overseas it received a much more unexpected reception.