I'm the Man (EP)

I'm the Man is the second EP by American metal band Anthrax, released in 1987 by Megaforce Worldwide/Island Records (although the song was supposedly written three years before). The band, along with Eddie Kramer and Paul Hammingson, produced the EP, which includes the single "I'm the Man". The single is considered among the first rap metal songs.

The title track is a comedy/novelty song that parodies the style of the Beastie Boys, and its main guitar riff is based on the melody of the Jewish folk song "Hava Nagila" (guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, as well as all the members of the Beastie Boys, are Jewish); according to Charlie Benante, the song was meant to have the Beastie Boys as the MCs on the song, but scheduling conflicts prevented it, so the band performed the vocals themselves.

For live performances, Joey Belladonna and Benante would switch places, Benante performing some of the raps and Belladonna drumming. A 7" single was also released, containing only the second and fifth tracks.

A new version titled "I'm the Man '91" would appear on the 1991 b-sides collection Attack of the Killer B's