song is used in the Target Back to School 2026 commercial

If you've been watching television or scrolling through social media lately, you've likely encountered Target's vibrant Back to School 2026 campaign. The commercials are everywhere—and so is their music. With upbeat rhythms and feel-good vibes, these ads have viewers tapping their feet and searching Shazam in equal measure.

The song featured in Target's Back to School 2026 commercials is "Me Myself and I" by the legendary hip-hop group De La Soul. This classic track from 1989 has been given new life as the soundtrack for families preparing for the new school year.

🎵 The Song: "Me Myself and I" by De La Soul

"Me Myself and I" is one of the most recognizable songs in hip-hop history. Released in 1989 as part of De La Soul's groundbreaking debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, the track was a massive hit, reaching number one on the US Rap charts and number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song's lyrics celebrate individuality and authenticity—themes that resonate perfectly with Target's Back to School message. When De La Soul raps about being true to yourself, it speaks directly to students preparing to express their unique identities through their school supplies, clothes, and style.

Why This Song Works for Target

Target has a long history of pairing its commercials with cleverly chosen music. "Me Myself and I" is a brilliant choice for several reasons:

Nostalgia for Parents: Parents who grew up in the late '80s and '90s remember this song fondly. Hearing it in a Target commercial triggers warm memories while they shop with their own children.

Timeless Message: The theme of individuality never goes out of style. For kids heading back to school, expressing who they are is exactly what the season is about.

Upbeat Energy: The track's infectious groove perfectly matches the fast-paced, colorful editing of Target's commercials. It makes shopping for school supplies feel exciting rather than stressful.

🎬 The Commercials: Back-to-School Shopping with the Fam

The main Back to School 2026 commercial, titled "Back-to-school Shopping with the Fam," showcases the full family experience of preparing for the new academic year.

Watch the main commercial here:

Watch YouTube video

In this spot, we see parents and children navigating the aisles of Target, filling carts with backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and all the essentials. De La Soul's "Me Myself and I" provides the perfect backdrop, its playful rhythm underscoring the chaos and joy of family shopping.

The commercial captures specific moments every parent recognizes:

Kids excitedly choosing their favorite characters on backpacks
Teens carefully selecting clothes that express their personal style
Parents juggling lists and carts while keeping everyone organized
The satisfying moment when everything comes together

The music ties these moments together, creating a sense of shared experience that resonates across generations.

🥪 The "Snack Haul" Commercial

A second commercial in the campaign focuses specifically on the food and snacks that fuel the school day. This "Snack Haul" ad spotlights Lunchables, snacks, and all the lunchbox essentials families need.

Watch the "Snack Haul" commercial here:

Watch YouTube video

This version continues with the same De La Soul track, using its upbeat energy to make snack shopping feel fun and important. After all, what you pack for lunch is just as crucial as what you carry in your backpack.

The "Snack Haul" spot has gained particular attention for its mouthwatering food photography. Close-ups of Lunchables being opened, fruit snacks being poured, and juice boxes being packed create almost ASMR-like satisfaction—all set to that irresistible beat.

The Return of De La Soul

The use of De La Soul in Target's campaign is especially timely. For years, the group's music was unavailable on streaming services due to complex sampling clearance issues. But in 2023, their entire catalog finally arrived on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, introducing their music to a whole new generation.

Target's commercials have played a role in this resurgence. Younger viewers hearing "Me Myself and I" for the first time are discovering a foundational hip-hop group, while older viewers are enjoying a nostalgic trip back to their youth.

Why Target's Music Choices Matter

Target has built a reputation for exceptional music supervision in its advertising. The brand understands that the right song can transform a commercial from something viewers tolerate into something they actively enjoy.

Previous Target campaigns have featured artists like:

Lizzo
Harry Styles
SZA
And now, De La Soul

Each choice reflects Target's understanding of its diverse customer base. By selecting music with broad appeal but genuine artistic credibility, Target positions itself as a brand that gets it—whether "it" is pop culture, family life, or personal expression.

The Psychology of Music in Advertising

Why does music matter so much in commercials like these? Research shows that familiar, well-loved songs trigger emotional responses that transfer to the brand. When you hear "Me Myself and I" and feel happy, some of that happiness attaches to Target.

Additionally, upbeat music makes activities seem more enjoyable. Shopping for school supplies can feel like a chore, but set it to a De La Soul track and suddenly it feels like an adventure. The music doesn't just accompany the visuals—it transforms how we perceive them.

How to Find the Song

If you've seen the Target commercial and need to hear the full track, here's how:

Streaming Services: "Me Myself and I" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms as part of De La Soul's album 3 Feet High and Rising.

YouTube: The official music video for "Me Myself and I" is available on YouTube, featuring the group's iconic, colorful style that actually influenced the look of Target's commercials.

Purchase: The song can be purchased digitally through services like Amazon Music and iTunes.

The links provided in this article will take you directly to the Target commercials, where you can hear the song in context.

De La Soul's Legacy

For those newly discovering De La Soul through these commercials, there's a rich catalog to explore. 3 Feet High and Rising is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, known for its inventive sampling, positive messages, and playful energy.

Other essential De La Soul tracks include:

"Eye Know"
"The Magic Number"
"Stakes Is High"
"Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)"

The group's influence extends across decades and genres, making their music a perfect fit for a brand like Target that bridges generations.

What This Means for Back to School 2026

The choice of De La Soul signals that Target's 2026 Back to School campaign is about more than just selling supplies—it's about celebrating the individuality and energy of students heading back to class.

The message is clear: whether you're expressing yourself through your backpack choice, your lunch selections, or your personal style, Target has what you need to be authentically you. And you can enjoy some great music while you shop.

Final Thoughts

The song in Target's Back to School 2026 commercial is "Me Myself and I" by De La Soul. This classic hip-hop track brings energy, nostalgia, and a timeless message of individuality to the campaign, perfectly complementing the visuals of families preparing for the new school year.

Whether you're watching the main "Back-to-school Shopping with the Fam" spot or the "Snack Haul" version focused on lunch supplies, the music makes the experience feel fresh and fun. So next time you're in Target, listen closely—you might just catch yourself humming along.