The Viral Resurgence Of "Yes I Do The Cooking, Yes I Do The Cleaning": 5 Shocking Facts About The Controversial Lyric

The iconic phrase "Yes I do the cooking, Yes I do the cleaning" is more than just a catchy soundbite; it is a cultural lightning rod, a testament to the power of a single, controversial lyric. As of December 18, 2025, this line continues its viral life on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where it serves as a meme-worthy plot twist for videos discussing modern relationships and domestic expectations. The line's origin, however, is rooted in one of the biggest EDM-pop crossover hits of the mid-2010s, a song that generated massive commercial success while simultaneously drawing intense criticism for its seemingly regressive message on gender roles. This deep dive uncovers the true story behind the phrase, tracing its journey from a chart-topping David Guetta banger to a modern-day viral sensation, highlighting the surprising controversy and the superstar rapper who delivered the now-infamous lines. Understanding the context of this lyric—its success, its criticism, and its ultimate digital rebirth—is key to grasping its lasting impact on pop culture and the ongoing conversation about domesticity.

The Definitive Biography of the Song and Its Star-Studded Cast

The lyric "Yes I do the cooking, Yes I do the cleaning" is the centerpiece of the second verse in the song "Hey Mama," a 2014 single by French DJ and record producer David Guetta. The track is a powerhouse collaboration that brought together some of the biggest names in music and production.

• Song Title: Hey Mama
• Primary Artist: David Guetta
• Featured Artists: Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack
• Album: Listen (2014)
• Release Date: December 19, 2014 (as a single)
• Writers: David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, Ester Dean, Sean Douglas, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Afrojack (Nick van de Wall)
• Genre: EDM, Electronic Dance-Pop, Electro House
• Chart Performance: Reached No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
• Commercial Success: The song has accumulated billions of streams across major platforms, cementing its status as a global EDM anthem.

The song was a massive commercial success, blending Guetta's signature electronic production with a catchy, anthemic chorus sung by Bebe Rexha, who co-wrote the track. The defining element, and the source of all the controversy, was the rap verse delivered by hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj.

The Controversial Verse: Deconstructing Nicki Minaj's Infamous Lines

The reason a simple line about domestic chores became a subject of intense debate lies in the full context of Nicki Minaj's verse. The lyrics, which were seen by many as a shocking departure from Minaj's typically empowering and feminist themes, read:

"Yes I do the cooking, yes I do the cleaning / Plus I keep the na-na real sweet for your eating / Yes you be the boss and yes I be respecting / Whatever that you tell me 'cause I'm a ride or die chick"

The Backlash and Feminist Critique

The critical reaction was swift and harsh. Many critics and fans were bewildered that a prominent female artist, known for her strong, independent persona and songs like "Anaconda" and "Starships," would deliver lyrics that seemed to glorify subservience and traditional, restrictive gender roles.

• The Gender Roles Debate: Critics argued that the verse reduced the woman's value in a relationship to domestic service and sexual availability, reinforcing outdated patriarchal norms.
• Contradiction of Persona: The lyrics were widely considered to be inconsistent with Nicki Minaj's established image as a feminist and a powerful, self-made woman in a male-dominated industry. This perceived contradiction fueled the intensity of the backlash.
• Critical Low Point: The song’s lyrics were so poorly received by some that it was included on lists like "Top 10 Worst Singles of 2015" by student news sites, specifically citing the problematic nature of Minaj's verse.

Despite the commercial success of the track, the line remains one of the most heavily scrutinized and debated rap verses of the last decade, often brought up in discussions about the portrayal of women in pop and EDM music.

From Pop Charts to Viral Trends: The Phrase's TikTok Resurgence

In a fascinating twist of modern digital culture, the controversial lyric has found a new life on social media, particularly on TikTok. The phrase "Yes I do the cooking, Yes I do the cleaning" has become a popular sound and meme template, often used in a way that completely recontextualizes its original meaning.

The "Plot Twist" Meme

The most common use of the sound is in a "plot twist" format, where the user initially appears to be doing something independent or defiant, only to reveal a subservient or ironic action set to the lyric.

The trend often plays on the juxtaposition of the line with modern relationship dynamics. For example, a video might start with a person asserting their independence ("I Don't Cook I Don't Clean...") only for the sound to drop in as a punchline, showing them begrudgingly performing a domestic task for a loved one. This ironic usage subverts the original lyric's seriousness, turning a critique of gender roles into a humorous, self-deprecating comment on the realities of cohabitation.

Topical Authority and Related Entities

The phrase is now deeply embedded in the digital lexicon, connecting several key entities:

• David Guetta: His album Listen and his broader discography of EDM hits, including "Titanium" and "Without You."
• Nicki Minaj: Her influence as a female rapper, the critical reception of her album The Pinkprint (which was released shortly before the single), and the ongoing debate over her feminist credentials.
• Bebe Rexha: The singer-songwriter who provided the main vocals and co-wrote the track, whose own career exploded shortly after this collaboration.
• Afrojack: The Dutch DJ who co-produced the track, highlighting his role in shaping the EDM sound of the era.
• EDM-Pop Crossover: The song is a prime example of the early 2010s trend of electronic music dominating the pop charts.
• Digital Culture: The phrase is now an entity in the realm of internet memes, TikTok sounds, and viral challenges, proving that even a decade later, a catchy, controversial line can find new relevance.

The Lasting Legacy of a Cultural Shorthand

The enduring popularity of "Yes I do the cooking, Yes I do the cleaning" is a testament to the complex relationship between pop music, commercial success, and social commentary. Despite the critical uproar over its perceived anti-feminist message, the line is undeniably catchy and memorable. Its journey—from a controversial verse on a multi-platinum record to a ubiquitous sound on social media—demonstrates how digital platforms can strip a lyric of its original context and give it a new, often ironic, meaning. Today, the phrase functions as a cultural shorthand: a quick, recognizable sound that instantly evokes the topic of domestic labor, relationship expectations, and the subtle, sometimes conflicting, messages embedded in mainstream pop culture. The line's longevity ensures that David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, and the entire "Hey Mama" collaboration will continue to be discussed, analyzed, and memed for years to come.