10 Shocking Facts About 'Hips Don't Lie': The Shakira Hit That Almost Didn't Exist

Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" remains one of the most recognizable and successful songs in global pop history, but as of late 2024, its legacy is undergoing a massive—and unexpected—resurgence. The track, which first took the world by storm in 2006, is currently being revisited, re-released, and celebrated in a major way that ties directly into the Colombian superstar's latest career milestones, including her 2024 album *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran* and the upcoming 20th anniversary of her English-language breakthrough. This deep dive reveals the incredible behind-the-scenes drama, the cultural phenomenon it created, and the fresh, new versions of the song that are still making headlines today, proving that the iconic track is anything but a relic of the past. The song's continued relevance is cemented by a recent reunion performance and a new collaborative 'Anniversary Version' that keeps the global conversation about Shakira's hip-shaking power completely current.

Shakira: The Global Pop Icon's Complete Profile

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known simply as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer whose career has spanned four decades, making her one of the most successful Latin artists of all time. Her unique blend of rock, Latin, and Middle Eastern influences, combined with her signature belly dancing style, has cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon.

• Full Name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1977
• Birthplace: Barranquilla, Colombia
• Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
• Career Start: She made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at the age of 13.
• Major Breakthrough: *Pies Descalzos* (1995) and the English-language crossover album *Laundry Service* (2001).
• Signature Style: Known for her mastery of belly dancing, which she incorporated into her performances and music videos, especially for "Hips Don't Lie" and "Whenever, Wherever."
• Major Awards: Over 3 Grammy Awards, 15 Latin Grammy Awards, and numerous World Music Awards and American Music Awards.
• Latest Album: *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran* (2024)

The Shocking Story of How 'Hips Don't Lie' Almost Failed to Exist

One of the most surprising facts about the song that became a global cultural touchstone is that it was nearly left off the album entirely. This behind-the-scenes drama highlights Shakira’s conviction and fight for what she knew would be a massive hit.

The original album, *Oral Fixation, Vol. 2*, had already been pressed and distributed to record stores in late 2005. The album was essentially finished, but Shakira felt it was missing a crucial element: a massive, undeniable, crossover single.

The song that would become "Hips Don't Lie" was actually a reworked version of Wyclef Jean’s "Dance Like This," which itself was based on a sample of Jerry Rivera's "Amores Como El Nuestro." Shakira collaborated with Wyclef Jean to completely transform the track, adding her distinct Latin pop flavor, her powerful vocals, and the iconic, memorable title phrase.

Shakira had to fight tooth and nail with her record label, Epic Records, to convince them to pull back the already-released copies of *Oral Fixation, Vol. 2* and re-release it with "Hips Don't Lie" included. The label was hesitant, but Shakira’s intuition proved correct. The re-release, led by the new single, turned a successful album into a multi-platinum global phenomenon, with the song reaching number one in over 55 countries and becoming the best-selling single of 2006.

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The title itself, "Hips Don't Lie," became a popular cultural idiom. Shakira explained that the phrase refers to the physical, instinctual reaction of her body to music, suggesting that when her body moves, it exposes her genuine emotions and truth, bypassing the intellectual mind.

The 'Hips Don't Lie' Legacy: 2024 Anniversaries and New Collaborations

Instead of fading into nostalgia, "Hips Don't Lie" is being actively celebrated in the current music landscape, driven by several key 2024 milestones and new releases.

The 20th Anniversary Revisit and 2024 Reunion

Although the song was released in 2006, 2024 is the year of major celebrations for Shakira’s career-defining work. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the *Oral Fixation* era, and Shakira is honoring it with new content.

• The Jimmy Fallon Reunion: In May 2024, Shakira reunited with Wyclef Jean to perform "Hips Don't Lie" on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, bringing the legendary collaboration back to a massive audience.
• LMYNL World Tour Version: The song is a centerpiece of her current LMYNL World Tour, and a new "LMYNL World Tour - Studio Version" featuring Wyclef Jean was released, showcasing its enduring power in a modern context.

New A-List Collaborations: Ed Sheeran and Beéle

To further cement the song's topical authority and update its sound for a new generation of listeners, Shakira has revisited the track with two major contemporary artists, Ed Sheeran and Beéle, for a special "Anniversary Version."

This move is part of a larger project to celebrate the anniversaries of her seminal albums, *Pies Descalzos* and *Oral Fixation*. The inclusion of Ed Sheeran, a global pop powerhouse, and Beéle, a rising Colombian star, demonstrates how "Hips Don't Lie" is being used as a bridge between Latin pop history and its future.

Cultural Impact: How Shakira Changed Pop Music

"Hips Don't Lie" did more than just top the charts; it fundamentally shifted the landscape of Western pop music by bringing Latin and global music elements to the forefront.

The song became the first track to ever top both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the US Hot Latin Songs chart simultaneously, a testament to its seamless crossover appeal.

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Crucially, the song popularized exotic dance fusions in Western pop culture. Shakira’s incorporation and masterful execution of belly dancing in the music video and her live performances inspired countless artists and solidified the dance form as a recognizable part of mainstream pop choreography.

The track's infectious rhythm, driven by the Latin-infused trumpet lines and the distinctive reggaeton-lite beat, made it a staple at parties, sporting events, and cultural gatherings worldwide, forever linking Shakira's name with the power of movement and honest self-expression.