Will David Guetta’s “Hey Mama” Be 2015′s Song Of The Summer?

Bianca Gracie | June 15, 2015 7:00 am
David Guetta Interview
We talked to David Guetta about his new LP 'Listen' and hit single "Hey Mama." Read more.

Slip on your shades, grab a glass of lemonade and check back each weekday over the next week as we present you each Song Of The Summer contender.

It’s that time of year again, kids — where we sift through the bevy of pop singles released over the past few months to see what is most fitting for Song Of The Summer. But for 2015, there are honestly not many exciting options to choose from. Fortunately, though, we have tried-and-true artists like David Guetta to provide us with the musical energy that we need for the upcoming sunny season!

The French DJ/producer is no stranger to having hit singles dominate the charts and radio worldwide — thanks to songs like 2010’s “Memories” with Kid Cudi, the Sia-assisted “Titanium” and 2014’s “Dangerous” featuring Sam Martin. Now, Guetta plans to rule the summer once again with his latest tune — “Hey Mama,” the fourth single off the artist’s Listen album (released in November 2014).

This club-ready banger guest stars frequent collaborator, Nicki Minaj. The rapper has previously worked with Guetta on “Where Them Girls At” and “Turn Me On,” so including her on the song was a natural fit. “Hey Mama” is a refreshing departure from the OTT, ear-pounding bass drops that we’re used to hearing from the producer. Minaj rides the wild production with easw, as she transforms her rap flow into a island-tinged romp with naughty lyrics (“Yes I do the cooking, yes I do the cleaning/Yes I keep the nana real sweet for your eating”).

What makes “Hey Mama” a solid contender for Song Of The Summer is the interesting mashup of various sounds. The combination of Minaj’s dancehall-inspired inflections, the folkish call-and-response Alan Lomax sample of “Rosie,” the stings of trap-like synths and the choir-esque handclaps all manage to work together effortlessly. But let’s not overlook one of the best parts of the song — Bebe Rexha’s stunning vocals on the hook!

The rising singer/songwriter knows a thing or two about a summer smash — she did co-write the chart-topping “Monster” hit for Eminem and Rihanna as well as lent her vocals on 2013’s “Take Me Home” by Cash Cash, after all! Rexha was the perfect choice for Guetta’s “Hey Mama,” as she commands your attention with her powerful tone.

Ever since its official release back in March, “Hey Mama” has spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently sitting pretty at #8, which goes to show that its mainstream appeal is ever-growing. The potential smash is also hanging out just outside the Top 10 on the iTunes download chart at the #11 position. “Hey Mama” has become Guetta’s sixth Top Ten single and Minaj’s twelfth. The Mad Max-inspired music video, which mirrors its wild sound, has been viewed nearly 60 million times on Youtube since its May 19 release. Also, a recent (and impromptu) Coachella performance didn’t hurt!

So, will you be calling for your mama this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

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