Shakira Had to Convince Label to Release Biggest Hit

Shakira’s much-celebrated track “Hips Don’t Lie” is firmly entrenched in music history, often recognized as a defining song of the 2000s that elevated her status to that of a global superstar. However, the journey of this song from conception to release was fraught with challenges, as revealed by Shakira on various platforms about how she had to fight to get the song included on her album. Originally not planned as part of her 2005 album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, “Hips Don’t Lie” only made it to the album through Shakira’s steadfast belief in its potential and her insistence with the record label to halt the release of the album to include this track. Despite the album already being distributed to stores, Shakira went as far as convincing Donny Ienner, the then-head of Sony Music, to recall and repackage the albums — a move that was as audacious as it was costly.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the song’s release, Shakira noted that she had a surprising dream about collaborating with Wyclef Jean just before the idea actualized, a serendipitous twist that she couldn’t ignore. This meeting led to the collaborative effort on “Hips Don’t Lie,” which Shakira and Jean co-wrote, alongside contributions from other notable figures like Omar Alfanno. The collaboration worked from Wyclef Jean’s song “Dance Like This,” adding Shakira’s vibrant charisma and unique style that contributed immensely to its worldwide appeal.

When “Hips Don’t Lie” was finally released as part of the album’s reissue, it quickly shot to the top of the charts, becoming Shakira’s first number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. It achieved phenomenal success, topping charts in over 55 countries and even setting records for radio plays and digital downloads — the song was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, selling millions of copies and becoming a staple of dance floors globally.

The song’s success is often credited not just to its catchy tune and lyrics but also to Shakira’s unforgettable performance in the music video, which highlighted her famous hip movements. The musical success of “Hips Don’t Lie” turned the phrase into a cultural staple and further reinforced Shakira’s prowess as an artist capable of bridging cultural divides with her music.

Interestingly, this tremendous success came just months before Don Ienner’s departure from Sony Music, an industry change that underscores the high-stakes environment in which “Hips Don’t Lie” was launched. The release of this song marked a watershed moment in Shakira’s career, solidifying her intuition and decision-making in the music industry. Reflecting on the decision to push the song, Shakira on *The Tonight Show* shared that the strategic choice, although risky, was transformative and truly “changed her story.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “Hips Don’t Lie,” and Shakira celebrated this milestone with a performance alongside Wyclef Jean on The Tonight Show, reminiscing about the song’s transcendent journey and its lasting impact on her career. The song’s enduring appeal continues to resonate with audiences, reinforcing Shakira’s iconic status in the global music scene. As Shakira prepares to embark on the U.S. leg of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, the echoes of “Hips Don’t Lie” undeniably linger, reminding audiences of the compelling story behind one of the most memorable hits of the past two decades.