Musically, "The Roof Is On Fire" is a prime example of the old-school hip-hop of the 1980s, characterized by a minimalist electro beat and a striking chorus: “The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire / We don't need no water, let the motherfucker burn / Burn, motherfucker, burn”, which became a cult song despite its explicit language. The song was later sampled many times, for example by The Chemical Brothers in "Hey Boy Hey Girl" or Bloodhound Gang in "Fire Water Burn". Its influence on the hip-hop and dance music scene can still be felt today.