About the Song
"Hey Ya!" is a song by American hip hop duo Outkast, performed by its member André 3000, who wrote and produced the song. Along with "The Way You Move", which was recorded by Outkast's other member Big Boi and featured Sleepy Brown, "Hey Ya!" was released by Arista Records as the second single from the duo's fifth album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, on August 25, 2003. The track became a commercial success, reaching number one in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Norway, and Sweden. "Hey Ya!" received critical acclaim upon release, and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest songs of the 2000s. The song was ranked number 10 in Rolling Stone's 2021 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The energetic vibe of "Hey Ya!" can be seen as a celebration of love and relationships, contrasting with underlying themes of uncertainty and emotional complexity. Many listeners might interpret the song as highlighting the disparities between outward appearances and internal struggles in romantic partnerships. The infectious beat and catchy chorus invite a carefree attitude, while the lyrics suggest a deeper introspection about commitment and authenticity. This duality resonates with audiences, making it a memorable anthem that encourages reflection on the nature of love, often leaving listeners both uplifted and contemplative.
Did You Know?
- Outkast was an American hip-hop duo formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992, consisting of Big Boi and André 3000.
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop acts of all time, the duo achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, helping to popularize Southern hip-hop with their intricate lyricism, memorable melodies, and positive themes, while experimenting with a diverse range of genres such as funk, psychedelia, jazz, and techno.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: 00s Party Mixtape
- Genre: Pop
- iTunes release date: September 23, 2003
- Track runtime: 3:56
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Outkast – Hey Ya! (Official HD Video)
- YouTube channel: OutkastVEVO
- Video published: October 25, 2009
- Video runtime: 5 minutes, 4 seconds
- YouTube views when drafted: 790,436,091
- YouTube likes when drafted: 5,769,105
- YouTube comments when drafted: 179,648
Quick Facts
- Artist: OUTKAST
- Song: HEY YA!
- Album/collection: 00s Party Mixtape
- Genre: Pop
- Reference page: Hey Ya!
