Shakira’s Timeless Hit: “Hips Don’t Lie”
Two decades after the release of her iconic track “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira continues to enthrall audiences with this beloved song, which remains a staple in her concert repertoire. With its irresistible beat and catchy lyrics, fans still sing along passionately, celebrating the enduring appeal of this hit.
The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
On Tuesday night, Shakira is set to kick off the U.S. leg of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour in Charlotte, North Carolina. Eager fans are excited to hear “Hips Don’t Lie,” a Grammy-nominated track that has resonated with audiences since its inception. Many in the crowd are expected to know the lyrics by heart, ready to join Shakira in a powerful sing-along.
Shakira’s Reflections on the Song
Shakira recently shared her thoughts on “Hips Don’t Lie” with USA Today, describing it as a timeless piece that she performs at every tour stop. She noted, “It was one of the first songs that had a reggaeton sound back when it was just starting to gain recognition. Discovering that groove from Puerto Rico and building a track around it was an unforgettable experience.” She credited the song’s lasting impact to its innovative fusion of musical styles.
The Birth of a Hit
Released in February 2006, “Hips Don’t Lie” features Haitian artist Wyclef Jean. Interestingly, the track was not intended for her 2006 album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2. Shakira recounted during an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon that the song emerged after the album was distributed. “Working with Wyclef made me realize I had a hit on my hands,” she explained, recalling her efforts to persuade Sony Music’s then-president Donnie Ienner to retract the album and include the song instead.
Breaking Records
The impact of “Hips Don’t Lie” was staggering. It broke records by being played 9,637 times within a single week, making Shakira the first artist in history to reach No. 1 on both the Top 40 Mainstream and Latin Charts. This track remains her only No. 1 hit in the United States and is celebrated for becoming the fastest-selling digitally downloaded song at the time. Additionally, NPR named it one of the greatest songs by female artists of the 21st century.
A Catalyst for Change
In an interview, the 48-year-old singer expressed how “Hips Don’t Lie” transformed her career. “It changed my story,” she stated, highlighting its significance in her journey as an artist. The song skillfully merged reggaeton beats, Latin rhythms, and elements of pop and hip-hop, resulting in a track that became infectious and universally appealing.
The Evolution of the Song
Originally titled “Lips Don’t Lie,” the track was written by Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras during a Fugees reunion. However, the song remained incomplete due to Hill’s disinterest. Jean’s collaboration with Shakira, who contributed as a co-writer and co-producer, ultimately shaped the song into a cultural phenomenon. Her influence infused it with a distinct reggaeton beat and the now-iconic salsa trumpet sampled from Jerry Rivera’s 1992 song “Amores Como el Nuestro.”
20th Anniversary Celebration
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira and Wyclef Jean performed the song together on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on May 6. Fans eagerly anticipate their live reunion in Charlotte, where they will once again share the stage for an unforgettable performance of this nostalgic hit.
A Unique Stage Moment
Shakira expressed her excitement about performing with Jean again, stating, “It will be a one-of-a-kind moment to share the stage with him after so many years.” Their collaboration is a testament to the song’s legacy, reigniting fond memories for both artists and audiences alike.
The Rhythm of Her Hips
In a 2005 conversation with Ellen DeGeneres, Shakira discussed how she relies on her hips to gauge whether a song inspires movement. “My hips don’t lie,” she explained, humorously illustrating how she uses her body’s rhythm as a guide during discussions about the feel and groove of her music. This personal connection to her artistry exemplifies how deeply integrated culture and emotion are in her creative process.
Impact and Legacy
As Shakira prepares to relive the magic of “Hips Don’t Lie” with her fans, it’s clear that the song has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Its innovative sound and infectious rhythm have paved the way for a new generation of artists, exemplifying the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people across diverse cultures.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/article/shakira-reflects-on-the-timelessness-of-her-smash-hit-hips-dont-lie-20-years-later-the-song-is-a-must-play-on-every-single-tour-201256870.html
