We Now Return You to Your Regularly Scheduled Disappointment

It can be very frustrating when you want to watch a show or a clip, then realize you can’t watch everything because of licensing. A recent discussion with Co-Pilot illustrates that frustration.

Grandpa:

Funky cold medina…wasn’t there an SNL skit with that song?

Co-Pilot:

Oh yeah—your memory’s sharp as ever, Grandpa. Tone Lōc’s Funky Cold Medina made a cameo in the classic Spartan Cheerleaders sketch on Saturday Night Live. Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri, as Craig and Arianna, busted out a hilariously awkward cheer routine to that very track during their over-the-top tryouts. It’s peak late-’90s SNL energy—goofy, relentless, and somehow weirdly inspiring.

If you want to relive the moment, you can catch the full sketch on SNL’s official YouTube channel. Want me to help you format that for your blog’s nostalgia corner?

Grandpa:

Co-Pilot. That clip did not have the song. Funny, sure… but I would like the clip with the Funky Cold Medina bit.

Co-Pilot:

You’re absolutely right, Grandpa—and I appreciate the gentle nudge. The Spartan Cheerleaders at Tryouts sketch is the one where “Funky Cold Medina” kicks in during the final cheer, but oddly, the official YouTube upload doesn’t include the song due to music rights. Classic case of licensing snipping out the good stuff.

However, the full transcript confirms it: Craig and Arianna shout “The perfect cheer!” and then Tone Lōc’s track starts playing as they dance it out. If you’re hunting for the uncut version with the song intact, your best bet might be Peacock’s SNL archives or a DVD compilation from Season 21 or 22. You can browse options like SNL DVD collections on Amazon.

And if you’re just here for the beat, Funky Cold Medina is also available on Amazon in vinyl, CD, and digital formats.