New York City in the mid-90s was a strange, beautiful mess. Before the glass towers and the sanitized street corners took over, the Lower East Side was a gritty melting pot of jazz clubs, hip-hop block parties, and dive bars that smelled like stale beer and cigarettes. Out of this chaotic soup stepped three guys who somehow managed to bottle that entire vibe. They weren’t a rock band. They weren’t a rap group. Honestly, nobody really knew what to call Fun Lovin' Criminals when they first showed up.
They were just cool.
They wore suits like they were heading to a high-stakes poker game or a funeral for a mob boss. But then they’d start playing these soulful, cinematic grooves that sounded like a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack coming to life. While the rest of the world was obsessed with the gloomy, rain-soaked sounds of Seattle grunge, Huey Morgan, Brian "Fast" Leiser, and Steve Borovini were making music for people who wanted to stay up until 4:00 AM drinking martinis in a basement.
The Scooby Snacks Phenomenon and Why It Worked
If you mention Fun Lovin' Criminals to anyone who owned a radio in 1996, the first thing they’ll do is quote the "Scooby Snacks" sample. “Runnin' 'round town out-of-court settlin', sugar-coated remixes...” It’s a weird song. It’s got samples from Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, a lazy, infectious beat, and a chorus that’s basically an ode to recreational drug use disguised as a cartoon reference. It was a massive hit. But here’s the thing: it wasn't a fluke. It worked because it was authentic to who they were. They weren't suburban kids pretending to be tough; they were guys who actually lived that New York hustle.
Huey Morgan, the frontman, had a voice that sounded like it had been cured in nicotine and expensive bourbon. He had this effortless charisma that made you feel like he was letting you in on a secret. When they released their debut album, Come Find Yourself, it stayed on the UK charts for an incredible 100 weeks. Think about that for a second. Two years. People couldn't get enough of that sound.
Beyond the One-Hit Wonder Label
It’s easy for critics to dismiss them as a novelty because of the movie samples. That’s a mistake. If you actually sit down and listen to Come Find Yourself or its follow-up, Loco, you’ll find some of the most sophisticated genre-blending of that era.
Take a track like "The Grave and the Constant." It’s moody. It’s dark. It feels like a late-night walk through a neighborhood you probably shouldn't be in. Or "King of New York," which is basically a love letter to the city’s underworld and the legendary John Gotti. They were doing something that few other bands dared to do: mixing the storytelling of hip-hop with the instrumentation of blues and lounge music.
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- Fast Leiser was a multi-instrumentalist wizard, jumping from bass to keyboards to trumpet.
- Huey provided the grit and the guitar licks.
- The drums were always locked in a tight, jazzy pocket.
It was sophisticated music for people who didn't want to take themselves too seriously. You could play it at a party, or you could listen to it alone while staring out a window. It had range.
The British Love Affair
One of the most fascinating things about the Fun Lovin' Criminals story is how much more the UK loved them compared to their home country. While they did okay in the States, they became absolute legends in Britain. They were mainstays at Glastonbury. They were all over the BBC. Huey eventually even moved to the UK and became a beloved radio host on BBC 6 Music.
Why did the Brits "get" them so much better?
Maybe it was the escapism. To someone living in London or Manchester, the hyper-stylized, cinematic version of New York that the band projected was intoxicating. It was the New York of Scorsese and Woody Allen, but with a better beat. The UK has always had a soft spot for American soul and R&B, and the "Criminals" delivered that with a wink and a smile.
They became the ultimate festival band. If you saw them live during their peak, you knew you were in for a good time. There was no angst. There was no whining. It was just three guys in sharp clothes playing great music and making sure everyone had a drink in their hand.
The Inevitable Friction and the 2021 Split
Nothing stays the same forever. For nearly three decades, the core lineup of Huey and Fast seemed untouchable. But behind the scenes, things weren't always as smooth as their music.
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In 2021, the news broke that Huey Morgan had left the band. It wasn't exactly a "conscious uncoupling." There were legal disputes, some pointed comments in the press, and a fair amount of fan heartbreak. Fast Leiser and Frank Benbini (who had been the drummer since 2003) decided to keep the name going, with Fast taking over lead vocals.
- Some fans felt the band couldn't exist without Huey's iconic voice.
- Others were just happy the music was still being played live.
- The new era has seen them leaning even harder into their multi-instrumental roots.
It’s a classic rock and roll story, really. Creative differences, the grind of touring, and the simple reality that people grow apart after 25 years. Whether you prefer the original lineup or the new iteration, the legacy of those early records remains untouched.
Why You Should Care in 2026
We live in an era where music is often over-produced and algorithm-friendly. Everything feels like it was designed to fit into a 15-second TikTok clip. Fun Lovin' Criminals represent the opposite of that. Their music breathes. It’s got space. It’s got "vibe" before that word became a hollow marketing term.
If you’re a producer, listen to the way they layered their samples. It’s a masterclass in texture. If you’re a songwriter, look at how they tell stories without being overly literal. They paint pictures.
There’s also the fashion. The 90s are back in a big way, but everyone is focusing on the baggy jeans and the neon. The "Criminals" look—the sharp suits, the sunglasses, the "wiseguy" aesthetic—is timeless. They proved that you could be a rock star without looking like a slob.
Actionable Ways to Experience the FLC Legacy
If you're new to the band or a long-time fan looking to dive back in, don't just hit "shuffle" on a streaming service. Do it right.
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Start with the Vinyl of Come Find Yourself
This album was meant to be heard as a cohesive piece. The warmth of the vinyl suits their analog-heavy sound. Listen for the subtle scratches and the way the bass fills the room. It’s a different experience than a compressed MP3.
Watch the 1999 Glastonbury Performance
Search for their live sets from the late 90s. You’ll see a band at the absolute height of their powers, commanding a massive crowd with nothing but cool confidence and a few brass instruments. It’s a reminder of what a "live" band actually looks like.
Explore Huey Morgan’s Radio Archives
To understand the DNA of the band, listen to what Huey listens to. His radio shows are a deep dive into soul, funk, and rock history. You’ll hear the influences that shaped the Fun Lovin' Criminals sound—from Barry White to The Clash.
Check out Fast and Frank's New Material
Don't dismiss the current lineup. They’ve been releasing new music and touring heavily. It’s a different energy, sure, but the DNA of that New York groove is still there. It’s worth seeing how the sound has evolved in the post-Huey era.
The world is a noisy place. Sometimes, you just need to put on some aviators, pour a drink, and let the "Criminals" remind you that being cool doesn't have to be hard work. It’s all in the timing. It's all in the groove. It's New York City, baby.