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Crazy Town frontman and “Butterfly” singer Shifty Shellshock dies at 49

Crazy Town frontman and “Butterfly” singer Shifty Shellshock dies at 49

Shifty Shellshock, the lead singer of the millennium chart-topper Crazy Town, has died at the age of 49.

Shellshock, whose real name was Seth Binzer, died Monday at his home in Los Angeles, according to records on the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. According to records, an autopsy has been scheduled.

Binzer’s band was best known for the twangy rap-rock hit “Butterfly,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2001.

The track, which samples the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Pretty Little Ditty,” became a prime example of the taste for hybrid music genres in the early 2000s. Binzer leisurely raps the lyrics “Come my lady, come-come my lady, You’re my butterfly, sugar baby” over a melodic, high-pitched guitar riff.

Seth Binzer of Crazy Town performs at Ozzfest 2001 in Mountain View, California. He died Monday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 49.Seth Binzer of Crazy Town performs at Ozzfest 2001 in Mountain View, California. He died Monday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 49.

Seth Binzer of Crazy Town performs at Ozzfest 2001 in Mountain View, California. He died Monday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 49. Tim Mosenfelder via Getty Images

“Butterfly” cemented its place in pop culture and later appeared in films, including in the intro to Nancy Meyers’ 2003 film Something the Heart Desires and in a scene in the 2002 comedy Orange County, starring Colin Hanks.

“Butterfly” resurfaced years later as a punchline, appearing in a 2014 episode of the HBO series “Silicon Valley” and in the 2016 animated film “Sing.”

After Crazy Town split up in 2002, Binzer started a solo career and released the album “Happy Love Sick” in 2004.

In 2002, he also collaborated with English DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold on the song “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which reached number 6 in the UK music charts.

Crazy Town reunited in 2007 and released its third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015.

Binzer spoke openly about his battle with drug addiction and appeared in two seasons of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab,” followed by two seasons of its companion show “Sober House.”

He leaves behind his three children Halo, Gage and Phoenix.

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