Chicken Noodle Soup
by J-Hope (featuring Becky G)

Album: single release only (2019)
Charted: 81
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Chicken Noodle Soup" is a trilingual celebration of global diversity and culture. The song is performed by BTS member J-Hope with Latin pop singer Becky G; it is centered around American DJ Webstar, and Young B's 2006 dance song of the same title.
  • J-Hope raps his verse in Korean, during which he incorporates some of the original lyrics of "Chicken Noodle Soup" into a declaration of his hard work and dreams. He references "Geum-nam Chung-jang Street," a section of his hometown of Gwangju he calls his "Harlem." As DJ Websstar is from Harlem, this serves as shout-out to the American DJ.
  • Becky G performs her verses in both English and Spanish. The Californian singer has Mexican ancestry; she talks about her love for her Latin American heritage and declares her self-worth. She also incorporates some of the original "Chicken Noodle Soup" lyrics into her rhymes.
  • The anthemic, groovy song's intro, outro, chorus and bridge all interpolate the lyrics and melody from Webstar's "Chicken Noodle Soup." There is no particular meaning to the hook; it's just intended to be a sonically pleasing encouragement to get on the dance floor.
  • Both artists have cited the 2006 hip-hop track as a favorite childhood song. J. Hope said that it was learning the dance to the original "Chicken Noodle Soup" track that made him realize he had a passion for dancing.
  • J. Hope and Becky G are credited as composers on the track along with songwriter Adora, who works regularly with BTS and Brasa. The track was produced by the South Koreans Jinbo, Pdogg and Supreme Boi.
  • The song's music video features J-Hope and Becky G alongside a crew of around 50 dancers from across the globe. They all incorporate the original's iconic dance moves into their choreography.
  • When this song debuted at #81 on the Hot 100 dated October 12, 2019, J. Hope became the first member of BTS to land a solo Hot 100 hit away from the group.
  • This trilingual bop sparked a viral dance craze where participants swing their arms in time to the song's lyrics.
  • When J-Hope served as the first South Korean headliner in Lollapalooza history on July 31, 2022, he brought Becky G out to perform "Chicken Noodle Soup" live for the first time.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A Timeline

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A TimelineSong Writing

Untangling the events that led to the "Stairway To Heaven" lawsuit.

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Christopher Cross

Christopher CrossSongwriter Interviews

The man who created Yacht Rock with "Sailing" wrote one of his biggest hits while on acid.