7 Shocking Ways The 'Hey, What's Going On' Song Just Became A Billion-Stream Viral Sensation

The iconic, soaring anthem that everyone knows as "Hey, what's going on?" is experiencing an unprecedented global resurgence in late 2025 and 2026, over three decades after its original release. The song, officially titled "What's Up?" by the San Francisco alt-rock band 4 Non Blondes, has not only dominated social media but has also achieved a major streaming milestone that few songs from the 90s ever reach. This sudden, massive wave of popularity has done more than just create a new earworm for Gen Z; it has directly led to the band's first new music and reunion in over 30 years, proving that a truly powerful song can transcend generations and media platforms.

This article dives deep into the incredible, fresh, and unique story behind the 4 Non Blondes track, detailing the specific viral trend that launched it back into the global consciousness, the staggering streaming records it has broken, and the exciting future plans for the band, led by the legendary songwriter and vocalist, Linda Perry. Prepare to learn why this 1993 classic is more relevant today than ever before, and what exactly has been going on with the band.

The Song That Everyone Gets Wrong: "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes

The biggest piece of trivia surrounding the song is the title itself. Most people know the track by its most famous and repeated lyric, "And I said hey, a-what's going on?". This common mistake often leads to confusion with the classic 1971 Motown song, "What's Going On," by Marvin Gaye.

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The true title is simply "What's Up?".

The song was written by lead vocalist and primary songwriter Linda Perry, and it was released in 1993 as the second single from the band's only studio album, *Bigger, Better, Faster, More!*.

4 Non Blondes: A Quick Biography and Profile

The band was formed in 1989 in San Francisco, California, and was a prominent part of the early 90s alternative rock scene.

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• Origin: San Francisco, California, U.S.
• Active Years: 1989–1994 (Original run); Reunited (2014, 2023–Present)
• Genre: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Grunge
• Album: *Bigger, Better, Faster, More!* (1992)
• Key Members:
• Linda Perry: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Songwriter (The driving creative force, later became a highly successful songwriter/producer for artists like Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Gwen Stefani).
• Christa Hillhouse: Bass
• Roger Rocha: Guitar (Joined after the recording of the album)
• Dawn Richardson: Drums
• Breakup: The band dissolved in 1994 shortly after Linda Perry left to pursue a solo career and eventually a career as a powerhouse music producer.

The Modern Resurgence: TikTok, Spotify, and 1 Billion Streams

For a song from the alternative rock era of the early 1990s, its recent success in the digital age is nothing short of phenomenal. The resurgence was fueled by two major, interconnected digital phenomena.

1. Joining the Spotify Billions Club

In a major milestone for the band, "What's Up?" officially eclipsed 1 billion streams on Spotify, earning it a spot in the exclusive "Billions Club". This achievement is particularly significant because it happened decades after the song’s initial peak popularity, cementing its status as a timeless global hit. This massive streaming volume was directly influenced by its viral success on short-form video platforms.

2. The Viral 'Beez in the Trap' Mashup Trend

The primary catalyst for the song's explosive return to the charts was a bizarre yet catchy mashup that took over TikTok. The trend features the a cappella vocal line of Linda Perry singing "And I said hey, a-what's going on?" laid over the instantly recognizable beat of Nicki Minaj's 2012 hip-hop track, "Beez in the Trap".

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This unusual combination created a compelling, humorous, and highly shareable audio track. Millions of users participated, lip-syncing or creating sketch videos, which introduced the song to an entirely new generation of listeners who had never heard the original 4 Non Blondes version. The trend propelled the song back onto Spotify’s global chart, 32 years after its initial release.

3. The Enduring Message of Frustration and Hope

Beyond the catchy mashup, the song's lyrics continue to resonate with modern audiences. Written as an anthem of frustration and a plea for self-reflection, the song speaks to feelings of being overwhelmed, trying to navigate a confusing world, and questioning one's purpose.

The lines "Twenty-five years and my life is still / Trying to get up that great big hill of hope / For a destination" are often cited as a powerful expression of existential angst, which connects deeply with the struggles of young people today, making the track a perfect, emotionally resonant soundtrack for viral content.

What's Next: The 30-Year Reunion and New Album

Perhaps the most exciting and fresh news to emerge from the song's viral success is the official reunion of 4 Non Blondes and the announcement of a new studio album—their first in over three decades.

4. A New Record Deal with Kill Rock Stars

The band has officially signed a deal with the legendary independent label Kill Rock Stars, in partnership with Linda Perry's new imprint, 670 Records. This partnership signifies a serious commitment to new material, moving beyond just a nostalgic reunion tour.

5. The New Album is Coming in 2026

Linda Perry confirmed in recent interviews that the band is actively working on their second studio album. This highly anticipated follow-up to *Bigger, Better, Faster, More!* is currently scheduled for release in 2026. The new material is expected to feature a mix of entirely new tracks and possibly re-recorded versions of some older, unreleased songs.

6. Linda Perry's Vision for the Return

Linda Perry, who has spent the last few decades as a highly sought-after producer and songwriter, has been very open about the reunion. She has stated that the timing felt right, inspired by the song's renewed relevance and the desire to create new art. Her involvement ensures that the new album will have the same level of creative integrity and powerful songwriting that made "What's Up?" a classic.

7. Live Performances and Touring

To celebrate the reunion and the new music, 4 Non Blondes have begun planning live appearances. They have already announced reunion shows, such as a performance at The Roxy in Los Angeles, signaling that a wider tour may be on the horizon. This will give a new generation of fans, who discovered the song through TikTok and streaming, a chance to experience the raw, powerful energy of the band live for the first time.

The story of "What's Up?" is a perfect modern music narrative: a forgotten gem from the 90s, mistakenly titled by millions, is resurrected by a bizarre social media mashup, achieves a billion streams, and ultimately reunites the band to make new music. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a simple, heartfelt question: "Hey, what's going on?"