The 5 Shocking Reasons Why "And I Said Hey What's Going On Song" Is Viral Again In 2024
The lyric "And I said hey, what's going on" is one of the most instantly recognizable, passionate vocal moments in 90s alternative rock, but its true title is often mistaken. The song, officially titled "What's Up?" by the American rock band 4 Non Blondes, is currently experiencing a massive, unexpected resurgence in popularity as of December 2025, over three decades after its original release. This iconic anthem of frustration and self-discovery is proving its timeless relevance by dominating social media platforms, driven by a bizarre but catchy viral trend. The fresh wave of interest has even brought news of a potential band reunion and new music.
Originally released in March 1993, "What's Up?" was the breakout hit from 4 Non Blondes’ only album, *Bigger, Better, Faster, More!*. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its raw, emotional power and the powerhouse vocals of lead singer and songwriter, Linda Perry. Today, the track is not only a nostalgic favorite but a genuine chart-topper on viral lists, cementing its place as an inter-generational cultural phenomenon, even as its powerful message of existential angst resonates with a new audience.
The Essential Biography of 4 Non Blondes and Linda Perry
4 Non Blondes was a short-lived but highly influential American rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1989. The band’s formation was deeply rooted in the vibrant, angst-ridden San Francisco music scene of the late 80s and early 90s, set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic and burgeoning gay activism. While the group disbanded in 1994, their single "What's Up?" secured their legacy in music history.
4 Non Blondes Key Members & Profile:
- Linda Perry (Lead Singer, Songwriter):
- Born: April 15, 1965, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Role: Wrote the song "What's Up?" and is known for her distinctive, powerful vocal style.
- Post-Band Career: Became one of the most successful songwriters and producers in the industry, penning hits for artists like Pink ("Get the Party Started"), Christina Aguilera ("Beautiful"), and Gwen Stefani.
- Christa Hillhouse (Bassist):
- Role: Co-founder of the band with Shaunna Hall.
- Influence: Her work was crucial to the band's alternative rock sound.
- Shaunna Hall (Guitarist):
- Role: Co-founder and lead guitarist, known for her unique guitar riffs.
- Wanda Day (Drummer):
- Role: Original drummer for the band.
- Roger Rocha (Guitarist):
- Role: Replaced Shaunna Hall before the band's breakup.
The band’s career was brief but impactful, releasing only one studio album before internal tensions, particularly between Perry and producer David Tickle, led to their split. Perry has since claimed that despite Tickle being the credited producer, only her original version of "What's Up?" was actually released.
The TikTok Trend That Made "What's Up?" Viral Again
In a surprising twist of 21st-century music culture, the 1993 hit "What's Up?" has achieved a new milestone by becoming a viral sensation on TikTok and other short-form video platforms. The trend, which peaked in late 2024 and continues into 2025, is a perfect example of how classic music can be rediscovered through digital mashups.
1. The "Beez in the Trap" Mashup Phenomenon
The core of the viral trend is a mashup—or a "remix"—that combines the emotional, raw vocal climax of "What's Up?" with the beat and lyrics of a completely different song: Nicki Minaj's 2012 track, "Beez in the Trap." The combination is jarringly effective.
The viral audio typically starts with the build-up to Linda Perry’s iconic, drawn-out cry, "And I say hey-ey-ey-ey-ey / I said 'Hey, what's going on?'" This moment of emotional release then abruptly cuts to the heavy, pulsing beat of the Nicki Minaj song. The contrast between the 90s grunge-rock angst and the modern hip-hop sound is what makes the trend so popular and meme-worthy.
2. The Enduring Power of Misidentification
The song's popularity is ironically linked to its common misidentification. Many people, even long-time listeners, mistakenly believe the song is titled "What's Going On?" because of the repeated lyric in the chorus. The actual title is "What's Up?" The lyric "What's Going On" is a direct reference to the 1971 Marvin Gaye classic, a subtle nod to the song's themes of social and personal confusion. This confusion drives search traffic and curiosity, as people search for the exact phrase "and i said hey what's going on song" to find the track.
The Profound Meaning Behind the Universal Anthem
Beyond the viral trends and misremembered lyrics, the song's sustained relevance lies in its core message. "What's Up?" is not a simple rock track; it is an anthem of personal frustration, existential questioning, and the search for meaning in a bewildering world.
3. A Cry for Change and Understanding
Linda Perry wrote the song as an expression of her own feelings of helplessness and the desire for change. The lyrics paint a picture of waking up every morning, facing the same challenges, and feeling like a voice in the wilderness. The chorus—"And I said hey, what's going on?"—is a universal cry to the world, to God, or to anyone who will listen, asking for clarity and a break from the monotony and pain of life.
The line "Twenty-five years and my life is still / Trying to get up that great big hill of hope / For a destination" perfectly captures the feeling of being stuck in a rut, a sentiment that remains profoundly relatable to listeners across generations, from the original 90s audience to the Gen Z users on TikTok today.
4. The 2025 Reunion Buzz and New Music
Perhaps the most current and exciting development is the talk of a 4 Non Blondes reunion. Linda Perry has been actively discussing a potential reunion album and new music from the band, with 2025 being mentioned as the right time for the group to get back together. This news is a direct result of the renewed interest and the song's massive viral success, proving that the band's legacy is far from over. Perry has noted that the themes that inspired "What's Up?" originally feel just as relevant today, saying, "Here we are again. And it's like, really? Really?"
5. Contemporary Pop Culture Placements
The song's cultural impact in 2024 and 2025 extends beyond social media. It continues to be featured in high-profile television and film, exposing it to millions of new viewers. For instance, the song was notably used in a 2024 episode of the popular sitcom *Ghosts* ("The Work Retreat"), further cementing its place in the modern pop culture landscape. These placements, combined with the TikTok trend, ensure that the passionate cry of "I said hey, what's going on?" will continue to echo across various media platforms for years to come.
The story of "What's Up?" is a fascinating case study in music longevity. It transitioned from a 90s alternative rock hit to a karaoke classic, and now, to a viral internet phenomenon. The powerful, raw emotion Linda Perry poured into the song is what ultimately transcends the decades, the genre mashups, and the mistaken titles, proving that a genuine cry for understanding is truly timeless. The song remains a powerful symbol of frustration, hope, and the universal quest to make sense of the world.
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