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Mamushi (song)

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"Mamushi"
Megan Thee Stallion partially submerged in white water
Promotional picture
Single by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Yuki Chiba
from the album Megan
Language
  • English
  • Japanese
ReleasedJuly 30, 2024
GenreHip hop
Length2:36
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Koshy
Megan Thee Stallion singles chronology
"Boa"
(2024) 		"Mamushi"
(2024) 		"Neva Play"
(2024)
Yuki Chiba singles chronology
"Team Tomodachi"
(2024) 		"Mamushi"
(2024)
Music video
"Mamushi" on YouTube

"Mamushi" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion featuring Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba from the former's third studio album Megan (2024). After going viral on the video-sharing platform TikTok, the song was released to urban radio by Hot Girl Productions and Warner Music Group as the album's fourth single on July 30, 2024. Produced by Koshy, the bilingual track sees Megan and Chiba rapping in English and Japanese. A remix featuring South Korean girl group Twice was released as a part of Megan: Act II (2024), the deluxe reissue of Megan.

Background and release

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"Mamushi" was initially released as an album track on Megan Thee Stallion's third studio album, Megan, which was released on June 28, 2024. The song gained fame due to a viral TikTok dance trend created by user @mona712_official, with 157,000 videos made with the song by July 9, 2024.[1][2] In response, Megan posted several TikToks of herself following the dance trend, including one of her cosplaying as the anime series Sailor Moon's lead character Usagi Tsukino.[3][4] On July 30, the song was released as a single to urban radio, becoming the number-one most added song on the format.[5] On October 25, a remix of "Mamushi" featuring South Korean girl group Twice instead of Chiba was released on Megan: Act II, the deluxe reissue of Megan.[6]

Composition

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Produced by Koshy and written by Megan, Chiba, and Koshiro Ota, "Mamushi" sees both Megan and Chiba rapping in English and Japanese.[7] Its title refers to a mamushi, a type of snake mainly found in Japan, which continues the snake-related imagery and metaphors in Megan's previous singles "Cobra", "Hiss", and "Boa". Lyrically, "Mamushi" has been interpreted as depicting Megan "regaining her past and letting go of it in order to represent the fame and prosperity she’s now achieving." The first half of the chorus is spoken by Chiba in Japanese, who raps "Okane kasegu, orera wa sutā" (お金稼ぐ 俺らはスター), which is translated as "We make money, we are stars." Chiba uses the word "ore", an informal way of referring to oneself in Japanese used by younger males. Megan then raps the phrase "Watashi wa sutā" (私はスター) in the second half of the chorus, which translates to "I'm a star." She uses the word "watashi", the slightly formal, or a feminine way to refer to oneself in Japanese.[8]

Music video

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The scene shown here, with the gangsters now revived as a blue-faced group of men standing around Megan is a nod to the 1990 film, Dreams by Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.

The music video for "Mamushi", directed by Kevin "Onda" Leyva premiered on August 9, 2024, and was filmed in part at both Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya and Engaku-ji Temple. The video takes place at a bathhouse where Megan lures male gangsters into her den before transforming into a gigantic mamushi snake and killing them. Yuki Chiba who is seen working at the bathhouse then cleans up and paints her victims blue, before they are then revived into an army of the dead that follow Megan's every word. The scene with the blue-faced group of men standing around Megan is a nod to the 1990 film, Dreams by Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Multiple scenes from the music video also take inspiration from other films such as the 2001 film Rush Hour 2,[9] as well as feature multiple Japanese actors, most notably Shô Kasamatsu who is the first of the men to be killed by Megan.[10][11]

Critical reception

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The song received generally positive reviews. Music critics have compared the song to "Otaku Hot Girl", another track from Megan. Karen Gwee of NME wrote "Though not as effortless, 'Mamushi' is a change of pace for Megan, who over an icy, skeletal beat follows the swaggering lead of Yuki Chiba".[12] Mankaprr Conteh of Rolling Stone commented "Though 'Mamushi,' with its simple beat, repetitive hook, and choppy cadence, isn't as exciting as its counterpart, it may be an important signal to her international fans and sign of her passions (plus, it has a pretty cute TikTok dance routine taking off)." She additionally stated "it's easy to imagine the album as stronger" without the "elementary palate of 'Mamushi.'"[13] Aron A. of HotNewHipHop commented the artists "share fantastic chemistry" on the song.[7] Some critics had a more favorable view of "Mamushi" than "Otaku Hot Girl"; Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork wrote "The better song that leans into her fondness for Japanese culture is the multilingual 'Mamushi,' which pulls off the theme without flattening her personality."[14] Lucas Martins of BPM stated "The mid-tempo 'Mamushi' executes the idea much better, as the off-kilter approach to the hook and her interplay with guest rapper Yuki Chiba allow her to make what would otherwise be a rather stiff song really come alive."[15]

Commercial performance

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"Mamushi" debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with 7.3 million streams and 1,000 downloads sold in its opening week, later peaking at number 36. It also debuted at number 18 on Hot Rap Songs and number 21 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The song marked Chiba's first-ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100.[16] The following week, it also became both Megan and Chiba's first-ever number 1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.[17]

Awards and nominations

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Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2024 BET Hip Hop Awards Song of the Year Nominated [18]
Best Collaboration Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards Best Trending Video Won [19]

Track listing

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  • Streaming/digital download
  1. "Mamushi" (sped up) – 2:09
  2. "Mamushi" (chopped & screwed) – 3:15
  3. "Mamushi" (instrumental) – 2:36

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications for "Mamushi"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[43] Gold 35,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[44] Gold 40,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[45] Gold 25,000‡
United States (RIAA)[46] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Release dates and formats for "Mamushi"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
United States July 30, 2024 Urban radio Original Hot Girl Productions [5]
Various August 2, 2024
  • Sped up
  • chopped & screwed
  • instrumental
 [47]

References

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  1. ^ Fabris, Andres (July 9, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chiba's 'Mamushi' Goes Viral On The Charts". Music Daily. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  2. ^ Kassahun, Tomas. "How Megan Thee Stallion's 'Mamushi' Is Going Viral On TikTok - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Ford, Lucy (July 10, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion Out-Cosplayed Herself With New Sailor Moon Look". Teen Vogue. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  4. ^ Corrine, Amber (July 10, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion Cosplays As Sailor Moon While Hitting Viral Moves To Her Song "Mamushi"". Vibe. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Megan Thee Stallion & Yuki Chiba's 'Mamushi' Becomes the #1 Most Added Song on Urban Radio". TheGrapeJuice. July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  6. ^ Saponara, Michael (October 23, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion Reveals 'Megan: Act II' Track List Featuring Twice, Flo Milli & RM of BTS". Billboard. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  7. ^ a b A., Aron (July 2, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion "Megan" Review". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  8. ^ Robinson, Siobhan (July 10, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion & Yuki Chiba's "Mamushi" Lyrics Are All Over TikTok, but What Do They Mean?". Her Campus. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  9. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Heads to Japan for 'Rush Hour 2'-Inspired 'Mamushi' Video Featuring Yuki Chiba". Billboard. August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Carter, Ashleigh (August 10, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallon Pays Homage to Japanese Films in 'Mamushi' Video". Teen Vogue. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Garcia, Thania (August 9, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion Pays Homage to Japanese Cinema in Action-Packed Video for 'Mamushi'". Variety. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  12. ^ Gwee, Karen (July 1, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion – 'Megan' review: the rapper shines in all her multifaceted glory". NME. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (July 1, 2024). "'Megan' Blissfully Soundtracks the Summer Thee Stallion Deserves". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (July 2, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion: MEGAN". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  15. ^ Martins, Lucas (July 8, 2024). "Album Review: Megan Thee Stallion – Megan". BPM. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  16. ^ Zellner, Xander (July 9, 2024). "Hot 100 First-Timers: Yuki Chiba, Loco & BabyTron All Score First Entries Thanks to Collaborations". Billboard.
  17. ^ "World Digital Song Sales (July 20, 2024)". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  18. ^ Grein, Paul (September 18, 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion Leads 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  19. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (September 12, 2024). "Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and Megan Thee Stallion Win Big at MTV Video Music Awards, Plus Full List of Winners". Variety. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  20. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 19 August 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1798. Australian Recording Industry Association. August 19, 2024. p. 4.
  21. ^ "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  22. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  23. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  24. ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) (Week: 31/2024)". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  25. ^ "IMI International Top 20 Singles for week ending 22nd July 2024 | Week 29 of 52". IMIcharts. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024.
  26. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of August 21, 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  27. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Malaysia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  28. ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 33 (09/08/2024-15/08/2024)". RIM. August 24, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024 – via Facebook.
  29. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  30. ^ "TurnTable Nigeria Top 100: August 9th, 2024 – August 15th, 2024". TurnTable. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  31. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Philippines Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  32. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 33 (9 - 15 Aug 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  33. ^ "Top 40 – 3 oktober tot 10 oktober 2024" [Top 40 – October 3 to October 10, 2024]. Nationale Top 40 Suriname. October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  34. ^ @RadiomonitorTR (September 27, 2024). "Radiomonitor Türkiye Uluslararası Listesi 39. Hafta Top10" [Radiomonitor Turkey International Chart Week 39 Top10] (Tweet). Retrieved October 2, 2024 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  36. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  37. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  38. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  39. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  40. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Chart History: World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  41. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  42. ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  43. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  44. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Megan Thee Stallion – Mamushi". Music Canada. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  45. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 4, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Mamushi in the search box.
  46. ^ "American single certifications – Megan Thee Stallion – Mamushi". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  47. ^ "Mamushi (feat. Yuki Chiba) - Single". Spotify. August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
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