The following minor contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1, now streaming on Netflix.
The first part of Netflix's Stranger Things Season 4 grabbed the pop culture lexicon by the horns and has not let go. Whether it be theories surrounding Vecna and Peter Ballard or who Nancy will end up with, everyone has something to say about the series' latest release. But nothing has grabbed fans' attention like the show's use of Kate Bush's 1985 hit "Running Up That Hill." And while it's certainly a catchy song, Stranger Things features another needle drop that deserves a little more spotlight than it's getting.
That song is "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth. Where "Running Up That Hill" is used to enhance the drama, "Pass the Dutchie" is used purely for laughs and confirms a detail about Argyle every fan already knew. But this isn't the first time that the classic reggae hit was used to clue viewers in about a character's preferred vice. If fans cast their minds back 20 years, they'll remember the song was also used in 2002's live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo.
Fans might not realize, but "Pass the Dutchie" was actually used twice in Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1, in Episodes 4 and 6. The first time comes when Argyle, Jonathan Byer's new stoner best friend, unknowingly comes to the rescue in his decked-out pizza delivery van. The second time it's used also features Argyle when he and his new romantic interest, Eden, are caught sharing a spliff in the back of his haze-filled van. Needless to say, Argyle is a big fan of reggae.
And if there's one thing that Argyle's music taste proves, it's that he, Scoob and Shaggy would be the best of friends. After Mystery Inc's split at the start of Scooby-Doo (2002), the movie flashes forward two years and clues the audience into how Shaggy and Scooby have spent their spare time. "Pass the Dutchie" plays over an establishing shot of the Mystery Machine sitting beachside while smoke pours out from the skylight. Before the camera moves inside the van, Shaggy says, "This stuff is Primo," setting up the ultimate bait and switch when it is revealed they are cooking breakfast inside.
"Pass the Dutchie" is probably the most recognizable song in Musical Youth's discography. The use of the single released by the British-Jamaican reggae band couldn't have come at a better time as the iconic stoner-anthem is celebrating its 40th anniversary. And while it hasn't taken on the same memorable status or received as many covers as Bush's "Running Up That Hill," there's no reason that can't change.
But until that time comes, fans will have to go ahead and add it to their favorite chill vibes playlist. That and put it in their headcanon that Shaggy and Argyle are really good friends who saw every Harold and Kumar movie together.
Season 4, Vol. 1 of Stranger Things is streaming now on Netflix. Vol. 2 will release on July 1.