Rocktrospectiva: Black Box's Dance Classic "Strike It Up" Turns 35

Released on 6 February 199a "Strike It Up" was a song by Italian music band Black Box featuring the rapper Linton Bennett aka Lee "Stepz" Bennett and Martha Wash on the vocals, it was the 5th., single taken from the band debut studio album "Dreamland". The single was a success on many charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it peaked at number eight. It also topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in June 1991 for one week. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. "Strike It Up" also was a top-10 hit in Denmark, Greece, Ireland, and the Netherlands. And on the Eurochart Hot 100, the track reached number 38. The accompanying music video was directed by Neil Thompson.

The song featured an uncredited Martha Wash on lead vocals. However, Wash was not featured in the music video or singles cover art as it was customary for Katrin Quinol, a French model, of Guadelope descent, to be used as the 'face' of the group, and it was her that was featured lipsynching the lyrics sung by Wash. In 1990, after suing over false advertising, Wash reached an out-of-court settlement with Black Box record label RCA, with financial compensation and a guarantee of proper credit in the future.

Critics were positive considered this alongside "Everybody Everybody" as the best track on their debut album, a dance anthem that still resonates today, a powerful tune with usual enrgetic vocal delivery from Martha Wash nicely counterpointed by Stepz's rap. Should strike deep into the Top 40." 

Strike It Up Track List: 

 

7" Single:

 

1. Strike It Up (DJ Lelewel Mix)

2. Strike It Up (Sensitive Mix)

 

12" Maxi

 

1. Strike It Up (Original Mix)

2. Strike It Up (DJ Lelewel Mix)

3. Strike It Up (Hardcore Remix)

 

CD Maxi  

 

1. Strike It Up (Radio Edit)

2. Strike It Up (Sensitive Mix)

3. Strike It Up (Original Mix)

4. Strike It Up (Hardcore Remix)