Qué Calor
"Qué Calor" is a song by the American electronic dance music group Major Lazer, featuring Colombian singer J Balvin and Dominican rapper El Alfa. Released on September 11, 2019, by Mad Decent, it serves as the second single from the group's fourth studio album, Music Is the Weapon, which came out the following year on October 23, 2020.[1][2] The title, translating to "What Heat" or "So Hot" in English, evokes the intense energy of a crowded nightclub, with lyrics that mix party anthems and Latin slang to celebrate dancing and sensuality.[3] The track was produced by Diplo, Tropkillaz, and DeeMad, blending their signature electronic beats with dembow rhythms and reggaeton influences, creating a high-energy fusion tailored for global dance floors.[4][5] J Balvin contributes melodic vocals, while El Alfa delivers rapid-fire rapping in Dominican dembow style, highlighting the song's cross-cultural appeal between electronic music and Latin urban genres.[6] An official music video, directed by Colin Tilley, premiered alongside the single, depicting the artists in a surreal jungle cave party setting, emphasizing themes of wild, uninhibited celebration.[7][8] A follow-up dance video was released in October 2019, showcasing choreography inspired by the track's infectious rhythm.[9] Commercially, "Qué Calor" achieved significant success, debuting at number 13 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and reaching number one on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart, marking the first such top spot for both Major Lazer and El Alfa.[10] It also peaked at number 6 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and entered the top 20 in several international markets, including France where it hit number 13.[11][12] The song has amassed over 517 million streams on Spotify as of 2025, underscoring its enduring popularity as a late-summer anthem.[13] Critically, it was praised for its vibrant production and collaborative synergy, with outlets like Forbes calling it a "club-ready" track that "cranks up the summer heat."[4]Background and development
Concept and writing
The concept for "Qué Calor" emerged from Major Lazer's longstanding fascination with Latin music genres, particularly dembow and reggaeton, which they have explored through numerous collaborations and dedicated mixes. In August 2019, the group released a Dembow Mix on SoundCloud, featuring tracks by artists like El Alfa and Bad Bunny, underscoring their deep engagement with Dominican rhythms and broader Latin urban sounds prior to the song's creation.[14] This interest built on earlier works, such as their 2017 reggaeton-infused track "La Ocasión" with J Balvin and others, blending electronic production with Latin elements to create global dance anthems.[15] The song's writing process took place in 2019 as part of preparations for Major Lazer's fourth studio album, Music Is the Weapon, which was ultimately released in October 2020.[16] Key contributions came from J Balvin and El Alfa, who provided input on the Spanish lyrics and incorporated authentic Dominican dembow rhythms, drawing from their respective cultural backgrounds in Colombia and the Dominican Republic.[17] According to songwriting credits, both artists co-wrote the track alongside Major Lazer's Diplo and others, including producers Sky Rompiendo and André Silva, ensuring a fusion of cumbia samples with modern dembow beats.[18] One week before its September 11, 2019, release, Major Lazer announced "Qué Calor" through social media posts, sharing snippets of the track to build anticipation.[1] This teaser aligned with the group's strategy of teasing singles from the upcoming album, highlighting the collaborative energy with J Balvin and El Alfa to capture the summer's end with a high-energy Latin dance track.[19]Recording and production
The vocals for "Qué Calor" were recorded in summer 2019, reflecting the track's development phase. Thomas Wesley Pentz, known professionally as Diplo, led the production as the primary force behind Major Lazer, integrating electronic dance elements with Latin rhythms to craft the song's high-energy vibe.[20][21] The production team, including collaborators Tropkillaz (André Laudz and Zé Gonzales), built the instrumental around a prominent flute sample drawn from Totó La Momposina's 1993 Colombian cumbia track "Curura," which provided the song's distinctive intro and ethnic flair.[20] Mixing and mastering were managed by the Major Lazer collective, with final adjustments emphasizing a polished, club-oriented sound suitable for global dancefloors.[1]Music and lyrics
Composition
"Qué Calor" is classified as a dancehall-reggaeton hybrid that incorporates dembow rhythms characteristic of Dominican urban music, blended with electronic production elements including drops for a high-energy club sound.[22][23][24] The track prominently samples the pan flute from "Curura" by Colombian cumbia artist Totó La Momposina.[25] The track follows a standard verse-chorus structure, lasting 2:49, and opens with a distinctive distorted pan flute melody that transitions into verses and a repetitive, chant-like chorus emphasizing the song's titular heat motif, before building to bass-heavy drops.[26][27] Key instrumentation features a prominent pan flute lead, layered synthesizers, percussion including clapping dembow beats and conga-like rhythms, and electronic bass elements that drive the track's dance-oriented energy.[27][28] It is composed in the key of A♭ major at a tempo of 126 BPM, optimizing its rhythmic pulse for dancefloor settings.[29][30]Lyrics and themes
"Qué Calor" features lyrics primarily in Spanish, delivered by J Balvin and El Alfa over Major Lazer's production, with the recurring chorus emphasizing the titular phrase to evoke the sweltering intensity of a nightclub atmosphere. The chorus states: "Qué calor (Qué ca), qué ca (Qué ca) / En la discoteca qué calor (Qué ca) / Yesca (Qué ca), para la' muñeca', por favor," which translates to "It's so hot (What's up), what's up (What's up) / In the disco it's so hot (What's up) / Weed (What's up), for the dolls, please."[31][32] This repetition underscores the song's core motif of overwhelming heat as a metaphor for euphoric, sweat-drenched partying and physical attraction on the dance floor. In J Balvin's verses, the lyrics highlight transcending language barriers in a global party setting, as in: "Esa rubia no me entiende si yo le hablo en español (What?) / Pero se aprendió la canción a la perfección," translating to "That blonde doesn't understand me if I speak to her in Spanish (What?) / But she learned the song to perfection."[31][33] El Alfa's rapid dembow-style flows add sensuality, with lines like "Cada ve' que veo ese booty yo me quedo loco / Tú le da' hasta abajo, mami, con mucho saoco," rendered in English as "Every time I see that booty I get crazy / You get it down low, mommy, with lots of energy."[31][32] J Balvin's melodic delivery contrasts El Alfa's energetic rap, while Major Lazer's ad-libs enhance the chaotic, festive vibe. Thematically, the song celebrates Latin nightlife through imagery of sweating in bikinis on the beach and obligatory dancing, as seen in "Báilalo por obligación" ("Dance it as an obligation"), promoting uninhibited movement amid rising temperatures.[31][33] It fuses cultures by rejecting divisions, with J Balvin proclaiming "Por mi patria, por mi nación, ninguna discriminación / Aquí no hay raza ni religión" ("For my country, for my nation, no discrimination / Here there's no race or religion"), reflecting Colombian pride (via the outro's "It's Colombia, not Columbia") and Dominican influences from El Alfa.[31][32] A bridge referencing "Calentamiento global" ("Global warming") ties personal heat to broader environmental and viral party energy, emphasizing unity in a borderless celebration.[31]Release and promotion
Single release
"Qué Calor" was released as a digital single on September 11, 2019, through Mad Decent, marking it as the second single from Major Lazer's fourth studio album, Music Is the Weapon.[34][35] The track was distributed in digital download and streaming formats via platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, with a promotional CD single also issued in select markets like Sweden.[36][37] Shortly after its launch, a series of official remixes, including versions by Saweetie, Good Times Ahead, and Michael Bibi, were announced and released on December 13, 2019, to extend its club and radio play.[38] Initial promotion featured teasers on social media, including an early audio preview streamed on SoundCloud on September 4, 2019, building anticipation ahead of the full release.[39] The single's inclusion in the FIFA 20 soundtrack further amplified its global reach, serving as the lead track for the game's Volta Football mode and exposing it to millions of players worldwide.[40] Mad Decent oversaw the international rollout, leveraging the label's established network for digital and promotional distribution.[37]Music video
The official music video for "Qué Calor", directed by Colin Tilley, premiered on September 11, 2019, via Major Lazer's YouTube channel.[22][6][41] It stars J Balvin and El Alfa in prominent roles, showcasing them amid vibrant club and jungle party environments filled with dynamic group performances.[6][41] The video's visual themes revolve around high-energy dancing and a colorful, sweat-drenched aesthetic that evokes intense "heat" and non-stop party vibes, blending elements of dancehall and dembow culture.[42][6][41] Diverse dancers appear throughout, highlighting themes of global unity and cultural fusion without discrimination, as crowds move in synchronized, celebratory sequences.[41] An official dance performance video followed on October 3, 2019, also uploaded to Major Lazer's YouTube channel and directed by Calvit Hodge, who also handled choreography; it features a group of performers executing precise, energetic routines to the track.[9][43] In November 2019, J Balvin released a fan-submitted edition through his YouTube channel, compiling dance clips from fans worldwide to create a collaborative visual extension of the song.[44]Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release in September 2019, "Qué Calor" by Major Lazer featuring J Balvin and El Alfa garnered positive reviews from music critics, who highlighted its high-energy fusion of electronic dance music with Latin genres.[42][45][17] Billboard praised the track as a "steamy banger for peak club hours," emphasizing its "body-banging beat" that samples the classic cumbia rhythm from Totó La Momposina's "Curura," creating an infectious blend of traditional Latin sounds with modern EDM.[42][46] SPIN echoed this enthusiasm, describing it as "another banger" driven by a "lively flute-centric hook" and bolstered by "solid guest verses" from J Balvin and El Alfa.[45] Critics frequently noted the flute introduction's nostalgic, oriental-sounding melody, which Stereogum called an "infectious central hook" layered over a speedy cumbia-dembow fusion, evoking a vibrant party atmosphere reminiscent of global dance anthems.[17] Rolling Stone commended the song's "irresistible rhythm" and "seamless fusion" of reggaeton, moombahton, and dembow, with the "playful flute" adding to its dance-floor-ready vibe.[6] In a retrospective album review, Loud and Quiet identified "Qué Calor" as one of the standout tracks on Major Lazer's Music Is the Weapon, calling it a "slightly dumb dembow banger" that revels in its energetic simplicity.[47] Overall, the song's reception underscored Major Lazer's continued success in blending Latin influences, drawing comparisons to their earlier collaborations like "La Modelo" with J Balvin and Bad Bunny for its cross-cultural appeal.[17]Accolades and legacy
"Qué Calor" did not receive major award nominations, such as at the Latin Grammy Awards, but it was nominated for Best Collaboration at the 2020 Heat Latin Music Awards.[48] Its cultural significance lies in its role as a bridge between Latin urban music and global electronic dance genres. The track was featured on the soundtrack for FIFA 20 in 2019, appearing in the Volta Football mode, which helped introduce it to a worldwide gaming audience. It was later included in the FIFA 23 World Cup soundtrack in 2022, further amplifying its global reach through association with major international sports events. Remixes released in 2019 extended the song's appeal to diverse markets; the Saweetie remix incorporated hip-hop elements, attracting urban music listeners, while the Badshah remix infused Bollywood influences, resonating in the Indian subcontinent. In terms of lasting impact, "Qué Calor" has influenced Latin-electronic crossovers in the 2020s by exemplifying the fusion of dembow rhythms with EDM production, paving the way for subsequent collaborations in the genre.[49] By 2025, the original track had amassed over 517 million streams on Spotify alone, underscoring its enduring popularity and commercial longevity.[50]Commercial performance
Charts
"Qué Calor" performed strongly on various Billboard charts in the United States, reflecting its appeal across Latin and electronic genres. The track debuted and peaked at No. 1 on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart, achieving this position with 4,000 downloads in its first full tracking week following its September 11, 2019 release. It also reached No. 13 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, where it spent 12 weeks, and No. 6 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.[10][51] Internationally, "Qué Calor" topped the airplay chart in Nicaragua during late 2019 and entered charts in multiple other territories, including top 20 placements in Spain (peak 18) and several Latin American countries. The song's global reach extended to over 20 territories overall. For year-end rankings, it placed at No. 87 on Billboard's 2019 Hot Latin Songs chart.[52]| Country/Chart | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales | 1 | Billboard |
| US Billboard Hot Latin Songs | 13 | Billboard |
| US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs | 6 | Wikipedia: Qué Calor |
| Nicaragua Top 100 Airplay | 1 | Charts Around the World |
Certifications and sales
"Qué Calor" achieved notable commercial success, earning multiple certifications across various countries based on sales and streaming equivalents. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single Gold on September 22, 2021, denoting 500,000 units sold or streamed in the Latin market. Internationally, the track received Diamond certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in France on August 5, 2021, for exceeding 333,333 units. In Spain, Productores de Música de España (PROMUSICAE) awarded it 3× Platinum status as of 2024, equivalent to 180,000 units. Various Gold and Platinum certifications were also granted in other markets, including Italy (Platinum, 70,000 units, October 10, 2021) and Brazil (Platinum, 40,000 units, July 8, 2024).[53]| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Certified | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Latin) | RIAA | Gold | 500,000 | September 22, 2021 |
| France | SNEP | Diamond | 333,333 | August 5, 2021 |
| Spain | PROMUSICAE | 3× Platinum | 180,000 | 2024 |
| Italy | FIMI | Platinum | 70,000 | October 10, 2021 |
| Brazil | Pro-Música Brasil | Platinum | 40,000 | July 8, 2024 |
Track listing and credits
Track listing
The single "Qué Calor" by Major Lazer featuring J Balvin and El Alfa was initially released as a digital download on September 11, 2019, with a standard runtime of 2:49 for the original mix.[55] A remixes EP, titled Qué Calor (with J Balvin & El Alfa) [Remixes], followed on December 13, 2019, compiling the original alongside nine remixes, available exclusively through digital platforms such as streaming services and download stores.[56] Digital single variants included standalone releases of select remixes for promotional purposes, such as the Saweetie and Badshah versions in November 2019.[57] The original version later appeared as the eighth track on Major Lazer's album Music Is the Weapon, released October 23, 2020.| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Qué Calor" (original mix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 2:49 |
| 2 | "Qué Calor" (Saweetie Remix) | J Balvin & Saweetie | 2:32 |
| 3 | "Qué Calor" (Badshah Remix) | J Balvin & Badshah | 2:41 |
| 4 | "Qué Calor" (Good Times Ahead Remix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 3:26 |
| 5 | "Qué Calor" (La Fuente Remix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 4:05 |
| 6 | "Qué Calor" (Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano Remix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 2:59 |
| 7 | "Qué Calor" (Michael Bibi's 6AM Dub) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 6:13 |
| 8 | "Qué Calor" (Moksi Remix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 2:35 |
| 9 | "Qué Calor" (R3hab Remix) | J Balvin & El Alfa | 2:30 |
| 10 | "Qué Calor" (Shaggy's Reggaeton Remix) | J Balvin, El Alfa & Shaggy | 3:11 |