10 Years Later: The Shocking Truth Behind David Guetta’s ‘Hey Mama’ with Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack

In the world of electronic dance music (EDM), few artists have had the lasting influence and mainstream appeal of David Guetta. His ability to blend club beats with pop hooks has made him one of the most successful DJs and producers of all time. Among his many chart-topping hits, one song stands out as an absolute game-changer—“Hey Mama.”

Released in 2014 as part of Guetta’s album Listen, “Hey Mama” became an instant global phenomenon, dominating radio stations, clubs, and streaming charts worldwide. Featuring Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack, the song was a perfect fusion of EDM, hip-hop, and pop, pushing boundaries and creating a sound that would influence the next generation of music.

But how did this song come to life? What were the hidden struggles, creative breakthroughs, and controversies that shaped it?

Let’s dive into the untold story behind David Guetta’s iconic anthem—a track that still reverberates through the dance music scene today.

The Birth of a Hit: How ‘Hey Mama’ Came to Life

David Guetta’s Vision: Pushing EDM-Pop to the Next Level

By 2014, David Guetta was already a dominant force in music, with massive hits like:

• “Titanium” ft. Sia (2011)
• “Without You” ft. Usher (2011)
• “Turn Me On” ft. Nicki Minaj (2012)

However, Guetta wanted to elevate his sound even further. He envisioned a song that combined tribal beats, powerful vocals, and anthemic energy—something that could ignite the dancefloor while also topping pop charts.

That’s when Afrojack, a longtime collaborator and fellow EDM powerhouse, joined the project. Together, they started crafting the instrumental foundation of what would become “Hey Mama.”

The Afrojack Influence: Crafting the Beat

Afrojack, known for his big-room house sound, played a crucial role in shaping the track’s hard-hitting drops and festival-ready energy.

• His signature synths and heavy basslines gave the track a high-energy pulse.
• He added trap-style percussion, making the song sound more aggressive and club-friendly.
• The combination of tribal drums and electronic elements created an irresistible, danceable rhythm.

Once the beat was locked in, Guetta knew he needed powerful vocals to complete the song—and that’s when Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha entered the picture.

The Power of Vocals: Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha’s Uncredited Role

Nicki Minaj: The Perfect Fit

Guetta had worked with Nicki Minaj before on “Turn Me On,” and he knew she was the ideal choice to bring fierce, high-energy rap verses to “Hey Mama.”

• Minaj’s Caribbean roots and dancehall influences blended seamlessly with the song’s vibe.
• Her aggressive flow gave the track a unique EDM-meets-rap appeal.
• Her charismatic delivery turned the lyrics into catchy, unforgettable hooks.

However, Minaj almost didn’t appear on the track. Initially, she was hesitant about the production, but Guetta convinced her by emphasizing how the song would be a crossover smash.

Bebe Rexha’s Uncredited Contribution

One of the most controversial aspects of “Hey Mama” was the lack of official credit for Bebe Rexha.

• Rexha actually wrote and recorded the song’s chorus, but her name was not listed in the song’s initial release.
• Many fans assumed the catchy hook was sung by Nicki Minaj—but it was actually Bebe’s voice.
• After fan outcry, Bebe later received proper recognition for her contribution.

The combination of Minaj’s fiery raps and Rexha’s soaring vocals made “Hey Mama” an unstoppable force on the charts.

Chart-Topping Success: Breaking Records Worldwide

Upon its release in November 2014, “Hey Mama” quickly climbed the charts, achieving:

• Top 10 placement in over 20 countries.
• Over 1 billion views on YouTube.
• Certified multi-platinum status in multiple regions.

Billboard Domination

• It reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Peaked at #1 on the US Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
• Spent over 20 weeks on the charts, proving its longevity.

This success further solidified David Guetta’s dominance in both the pop and dance music scenes.

The Impact on Dance Music and Pop Culture

Pioneering the EDM-Pop Crossover Sound

Before “Hey Mama,” the EDM and pop worlds were slowly merging, but Guetta’s track helped accelerate that evolution.

• It set the stage for later hits like The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” and Marshmello’s collaborations with pop stars.
• It proved that rap, dancehall, and EDM could coexist in one song.
• Other artists, including DJ Snake, Calvin Harris, and Kygo, began embracing similar genre-blending approaches.

A Club Anthem That Still Resonates

Even a decade later, “Hey Mama” remains:

• A festival favorite, still played by DJs around the world.
• A workout playlist is essential, thanks to its high energy.
• A nostalgic hit that continues to receive millions of streams every year.

Behind the Scenes Drama and Controversies

Bebe Rexha’s Fight for Credit

As mentioned earlier, Bebe Rexha’s uncredited vocals became a major talking point in the industry.

• She spoke publicly about her frustration with not being credited.
• Guetta and his team later acknowledged the mistake and ensured she was properly credited on streaming platforms.

This incident highlighted issues in the music industry, where songwriters and vocalists sometimes go unrecognized.

Nicki Minaj’s Lyrics: Feminist Debate

Some critics called out the lyrics, particularly the chorus, which includes the phrase:

“Yes, I’ll be your woman; yes, I’ll be your baby.”

• Some argued that the lyrics portrayed traditional gender roles in a way that clashed with Minaj’s usual strong, independent persona.
• However, Minaj defended the song, saying it was simply about having fun and embracing different musical styles.

Despite thesecontroversies, the song’s popularity remained unaffected.

Conclusion: A Decade of Dominance and a Lasting Legacy

“Hey Mama” wasn’t just another EDM hit—it was a game-changer.

• It broke boundaries, fusing EDM, hip-hop, and dancehall in a way that hadn’t been done before.
• It helped shape modern pop music, influencing future collaborations between DJs and rap/pop artists.
• It remains one of David Guetta’s most iconic songs, proving that his ability to craft timeless anthems is unmatched.

A decade later, “Hey Mama” continues to dominate playlists, festival sets, and radio stations. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the unstoppable force of dance music.