With emergency band funds unavailable, Jemaine takes desperate measures in hopes of supplementing their income.

"The New Cup" received largely positive reviews from critics, with many noting that both the episode's plot and songs were particularly strong.

Two songs from the episode, "Sugalumps" and "You Don't Have to be a Prostitute", received positive critical acclaim and were later included on the band's second album I Told You I Was Freaky.

The phone company charges them a $30 overdraft fee, causing the cheque for their gas bill to bounce, and both services are scheduled to be cut off.

Nigel promised Murray his money back with "a thousand percent interest" and "a share of his family fortunes".

Both Bret and Jemaine awkwardly try to give her a minimal contact massage while her husband, Doug, is nearby watching.

Jemaine, meanwhile, calls up an old girlfriend and leaves a message on her answering machine asking her if she wants to pay him for the sex they previously had during their relationship.

He later ends up meeting his landlord, Eugene, who found his posting for a male prostitute service on the apartment's bulletin board.

"The New Cup" was written by writer Duncan Sarkies, his second writing credit for the series after season one's "New Fans."

Jemaine names off The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Boyz II Men, Bobby McFerrin and Luciano Pavarotti before Murray tells them that "there are none.

Near the end of the episode, Murray tells Bret and Jemain about a Nigerian man who is seeking money via email.

[3] This song is a stylistic parody of The Black Eyed Peas' hit "My Humps" which The Yale Herald wrote was based around the premise that "balls are significantly more hilarious than boobs".

"[3][8][5] Dave sings his portion of the rap in a style very similar to the opening theme of the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

"[4] Noted television critic Alan Sepinwall wrote, "Taken on its own, though, this [episode] was perfection, as both comedy and as musical.

Huffington Post reviewer Mike Moody noted that both the dry humor in the episode and its songs were humorous, writing, "I usually find myself heading to the kitchen when the songs come on -- but I usually glance back at the TV to see if Jemaine is making a funny face – and I rush back to the couch once the last note drops.