The Magic Number

"The Magic Number"
Single by De La Soul
from the album 3 Feet High and Rising
Released	1990
Format	CD single 12" single
Recorded	1988
Genre	Alternative hip hop
Length	3:16
Label	Tommy Boy
Writer(s)	P. Huston, K. Mercer, D. Jolicoeur, V. Mason, B. Dorough
Producer(s)	Prince Paul, De La Soul, Chad Jackson (Remix)
De La Soul singles chronology
"Say No Go" (1989) "The Magic Number" (1990) "A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"" (1991)

"The Magic Number" is a 1990 single by De La Soul, originally recorded in 1988 and first released on their 1989 album, 3 Feet High and Rising, with the chorus based on a segment from the children's show Schoolhouse Rock!, written by Bob Dorough. In the song, the trio state that the number three is the magic number.

The song heavily samples songs and vocal samples originally sampled in "Lesson 3" by Double Dee and Steinski, as well as sampling "Lesson 3" itself. The song also features the Amen break.

Track listing

1. "The Magic Number" – 3:14
2. "Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Version – Edit)" – 5:15
   • Guest Appearances: Q-Tip, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Monie Love

Charts

Chart (1990)	Peak Position
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs	18
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	27
UK Singles Chart	7