David Guettaв Hey Mama Feat Nicki -

The song's core melody and intro are built around a sample of a 1948 recording of Black inmates at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman Farm).

For months after its release, many listeners believed the hook was sung by Nicki Minaj. In reality, the powerhouse chorus—featuring the iconic line "Beating the drum like dum di-di-day"—was performed by then-rising artist . David GuettaВ Hey Mama Feat Nicki

Despite the controversies, "Hey Mama" was a global phenomenon: A Pop Conundrum: David Guetta's Gross Misuse of Sampling The song's core melody and intro are built

: Following public outcry and the song's massive success, Rexha was officially added as a featured artist in June 2015. 3. The "Rosie" Sample and Ethical Debate Despite the controversies, "Hey Mama" was a global

"Hey Mama" was the fourth single from Guetta’s sixth studio album, Listen . It marked the third time Guetta and Minaj teamed up, following their 2011 hits "Where Them Girls At" and "Turn Me On".

: Captured by ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax , the original "Rosie" was a work song used by chain gangs to keep rhythm while laboring.