More than any other generation, Gen X was raised by television. Their surrogate families were the Cleavers, The Cunninghams, and the Keatons. They were the first latch-key kids, arriving home from school to an empty house since both parents were likely out working.

But the kids weren’t entirely alone. They had TV. Sitcoms, cartoons, movies, miniseries, commercials — the kids sat too close to the soft glow and soaked up all of it. They absorbed what they heard and incorporated it into their own language, a referential patois of catchphrases and quotes shared with their friends.

Naturally, this ended up making its way into the music, too.

Das EFX formed in 1988 when rappers Dray and Skoob (originally from New Jersey and New York respectively) met a few states away at Virginia State University. The pair worked on material for a couple of years and in 1991 entered a local talent contest sponsored by hitmaking rap duo EPMD. Despite having the highest score, Das EFX was not declared the winner and the 2nd place finishers were given the $100 prize. EPMD took a disappointed and bewildered Dray and Skoob out in back of the club and asked, “Would you rather have $100 or a recording contract?”

It seemed like a good trade off.

For their first single, “They Want EFX,” Dray and Skoob concocted a cartoonish cornucopia of television (and marijuana) references, including nods to Mary Poppins, The Flintstones, Sesame Street, McGruff the Crime Dog, Connect Four, Parks Sausages, The Dukes of Hazzard, Thomas’ English Muffins, and many, many more. It’s like a couple of 8-year olds writing about their Saturday morning TV lineup. Or a couple of stoners doing the same.

Released in January of 1992, “They Want EFX” topped the rap chart and hit a respectable #25 on the Hot 100. And though Das EFX continued to have success on the rap chart, “They Want EFX” would be their only appearance in the mainstream Top 40.