In honor of “South Park’s” quarter centennial, South Park Studios has released an orchestral performance of the song “Chocolate Salty Balls,” first sung by Chef (the late Isaac Hayes) in a Season 2 episode by the same name. That episode featured Chef venturing into business as a confectionery baker, and the balls in question are indeed cacao-based delights with a dash of sea salt, despite whatever alternative interpretation the lyrics may invite.
With a swinging trumpet line and a full string section, the new rendition of “Chocolate Salty Balls” features Jeff Kready on the lead vocals, backed by a sublime chorus as he implores listeners to “suck, suck, suck on my balls.” It’s truly a delightful performance, made all the more uproarious by the juxtaposition of musical talent on display with the suggestive subject matter, and almost nobody in the orchestra seems able to keep a straight face for the entire time.
Of course, musical numbers have been a big part of “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s legacies. They went on to write and direct “South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut,” as well as the political satire “Team America: World Police,” both of which were musicals, and even created the Tony award-sweeping Broadway show “The Book of Mormon.” Despite their success, they’ve stayed at the “South Park” helm for its entirety, and Season 25 of the show will premiere on March 2 on Comedy Central.