AJR Explain Why They Used a SpongeBob SquarePants Sample in ‘I’m Ready’

AJR has a hit single out that you've probably heard us play called "I'm Ready." The song showcases all three of the brothers and their talents, plus a familiar voice: SpongeBob SquarePants. Maybe you've heard of him? Yes, your favorite bottom feeder and his catchphrase is sprinkled all over the track.

The brothers revealed the motivation for including the sound clip in the song during their performance at our I'm Ready for a Crazy Stupid Killer Summer Kickoff Party in Shreveport.

During their intimate set for our listeners in the Red River District, the brothers paused before playing "I'm Ready" to describe their odd coupling with SpongeBob SquarePants. Here's what they had to say:

We were talking one day and joked that David Guetta or Skrillex would sample SpongeBob kinda in like, an ironic way, then Ryan said 'let's not give it away to them, why don't we do it!'

They also told me afterwards that getting the rights to use SpongeBob's voice and catchphrase wasn't as difficult as you might think.

"We're sure Nickelodeon didn't think much of it, and certainly didn't expect the song to be a hit," the brothers explained. "But we're not complaining!"

Here's AJR performing "I'm Reading" live in Shreveport for your listening pleasure.

And, because why not, here's a video of SpongeBob SquarePants singing the hit song!