Why Three Loco's "We Are Farmers" is One of the Strangest Collaborations in Hip-Hop By: Parufka

Three Loco’s debut self-titled album was released in 2012 and brought one of the most interesting 

groups of entertainers into the rap scene. This self proclaimed “Holy Trinity of Hip Hop” consists of Andy Milonakis, Dirt Nasty, and RiFF RAFF aka JODY HiGHROLLER. They’ve all gotten flak from various critics on how their music is a joke and shouldn’t be taken seriously but their songs aren’t meant to have the deepest lyrics, but actually the opposite. Their charm comes from their simple humor and creativity in their bars.

We Are Farmers is debatably their best song, albeit there’s not much to choose from considering their discography is less than ten songs altogether. This song’s name and hook were later changed to We Are Llamas due to pressure of a lawsuit from Farmers Insurance Co. which unfortunately took away a lot of humor from the track. I’m not sure why they wanted Three Loco to change the song in the first place, considering it’s probably the best use out of any company’s shitty jingle.

The man behind the creation of the track, DJA is an EDM producer under the Mad Decent Record Label along with world renowned DJ, Diplo. These two come from a world of electric raves but decided to collaborate on a rap track by three MTV alumni. What’s even crazier is that Diplo didn’t even work on any of the production, but instead decided to feature himself on the track and spit some bars.

The Andy Milanokis Show was a classic from the early MTV days and seeing him transfer his comedy into rap is fun to see. Just looking at a picture of Andy and realizing that he is 41 years old will tell you enough on what to expect from his lyrics. While I can’t get behind sticking a dildo in a rich dude’s fish food, I respect him not only for growing marijuana but also having a plentiful supply of lemons, limes, and dirty bitches. Dirt Nasty, who looks least likely to have an STD out of the group, is more commonly known by his name Simon Rex as an entertainer in many fields but most notably for his acting in the Scary Movie series. I’ve never heard his solo music before but he definitely held his own in this group. Dirt is the type of dude you would want at your party, grabbing coasters for the degenerates that leave open sodas out on the table. RiFF RAFF’s persona has always been unique and iconic to me. His personality is one of the most interesting and ecstatic in the hip hop industry, and his various tattoos along with his aggressively angular facial hair make his appearance unmistakable.^[1]. I can see why many people don’t enjoy him or his music, and I don’t even enjoy a lot of his music myself but I do admire his care free and foolish attitude which makes him a perfect fit for Three Loco. Having a colorful vocabulary and an admiration of luxury brands isn’t uncommon to see in hip hop, but RiFF puts his own unique spin on it. If you’ve never listened to his music before, then him eating Versace lettuce and sleeping with Gucci eyelids should give you a good idea of what I mean. And despite never having rapped before and having a somewhat monotone delivery, Diplo dished out lyrically the best verse on this track that includes references to Scottie Pippin and Mademoiselle. Part of me thinks that he had a ghost writer for this but I can understand why he would. I don’t expect everyone to enjoy Three Loco’s music but if you’re interested on what this group has to offer, then check out their top three song: We Are Farmers, Bong Hits, and NEATO.

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[1] - I proved this at MSU’s campus when I dressed up as Mr. HiGHROLLER on Halloween and had people across the street yell out “RiFF!”.