The Ultimate EDM Vocal Workout
Released in 2015 on David Guetta's album Listen, "Hey Mama" is a high-energy collaboration blending EDM with island pop and trap influences. The track features the distinct vocals of Bebe Rexha on the hook and Nicki Minaj delivering the verses.
To sing this well, you need versatility. You must switch between a clean, rhythmic rap flow and a powerful, metallic chest-mix belt for the chorus. It requires high stamina and excellent breath support. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
In Nicki's verses, the triplets are fast. Our analysis shows users often slur the words "cooking" and "cleaning." Focus on percussive consonant articulation to keep the rhythm tight.
Phase 1: The Chorus Hook (Bebe Rexha)
The song's hook, "Be my woman, girl, I'll be your man," is iconic. Bebe Rexha sings this with a "twangy" forward placement. The notes sit high in the chest register (D5 and E5), which can be fatiguing.
The Trap: Many singers push too much air when hitting the "Be my" phrase, leading to vocal breaks. Use a "cry" vocal quality to thin out the cords while maintaining the power of the chest voice. Do not yell; project.
Phase 2: The Rap Verses (Nicki Minaj)
Nicki's flow is characterized by attitude and rhythmic precision. The key is in the phrasing. The verse "Yes I do the cooking, yes I do the cleaning" follows a repetitive triplet feel.
- Breath Control: Plan your breaths. There are few gaps in the flow, so quick "sip" breaths are essential.
- Attitude: This isn't just about pitch; the AI Coach analyzes your dynamic changes to see if you are capturing the "sass" and energy of the original performance.
Phase 3: The Island Bridge
The bridge slows down slightly, offering a moment of relief before the final drop. The vocals here should be smoother and more melodic compared to the staccato nature of the verses.
Ensure you keep the resonance bright. The instrumental is heavy with synths, so a dark or swallowed tone will get lost in the mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is an E5. There are ad-libs that may go higher, but the core strength is required in the C5-E5 tessitura.
Bebe Rexha provides the vocals for the chorus. Interestingly, she was not originally credited as a lead artist on the track upon its initial release.
Practice the verses at 75% speed using the Singing Coach AI app. Mark exactly where you will take a breath, and memorize those spots so they become automatic at full speed.
