"Bichota" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G. It was written by Karol G, Lenny Tavárez, J Quiles, Cristián Salazar and Ovy on the Drums, and produced by the latter.[1] The song was released on October 23, 2020, through Universal Music Latino, as the third single from her third studio album KG0516.[2]
Background
In mid-October 2020, "Bichota" was first teased several days prior to its release through Karol G's social media accounts, with a post captioning the letter "B" and an emoji of "coming soon". A subsequent letter was released each day until the word "bichota" was spelled-out. The song was officially announced on October 19, 2020,.[3] The single's cover artwork, shot by photographer Alfredo Flores, was revealed the following day. The song was released on October 23, 2020.
Composition
The word "bichota" is a play-on-words, a feminine form of the Puerto Rican term "bichote". Pronounced with a slight Spanish accent;[4] specifically in the context of Puerto Rican underground culture, a "bichote" is a big-shot, a top-ranking member of a gang, a mobster, or "capo" ("boss" in Spanish). The bichote is considered highly regarded, very important and influential, a reputation he has typically earned through repeated success on the black market, namely in the moving of large amounts of illegal drugs, jewelry or firearms, among other activities.
Despite its initial meaning, Karol G decided to make it her own, giving the word a slightly new meaning. However, rather than the context of illicit activities, Karol G described it as empowering, stating:[5]
[Its] a moment of feeling sexy, flirtatious, daring, strong, empowered, and to a certain extent, translates into personal motivation and self-confidence. We are all super Bichotas inside. It’s about believing and working so that the rest of the world can see it too.
Critical reception
Billboard stated how the song set the tone for the album, saying: "She came headstrong on the Billboard Hot 100-charting banger with a fierce attitude, fierce beats, and fierce lyrics."[6]
Commercial performance
"Bichota" debuted at #97, on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated for December 5, 2020. The song reached its peak in its 10th week at #72, for the chart dated February 13, 2021. At the time, the song was the highest-charting Spanish-language song by a female soloist on the Billboard Hot 100, until the release of "Telepatía" (2021) by Kali Uchis.
However, on the US BillboardHot Latin Songs chart dated for November 7, 2020 the song debuted at #7, and reached its peak at #3 on the chart dated for December 5, 2020. On the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart, the song reached #1.
The music video for "Bichota" was directed by Colin Tilley and was released on Karol G's YouTube channel on October 23, 2020.[7]
A second music video was released exclusively on her Facebook page on November 12, 2020. As of January 2023, it has over 337 million views.[8]
Live performances
"Bichota" was performed for the first time on November 8, 2020, at the 27th Annual MTV Europe Music Awards. The song was performed once again at the 28th Annual Billboard Music Awards on May 23, 2021.[9] In collaboration with Billboard and energy drink Rockstar, Karol G performed "Bichota" for the Summer Spotlight concert series on September 15, 2021.[10] On February 19, 2023, Karol G was the headlining act for Viña Del Mar International Song Festival, where the song was performed. "Bichota" has been present on the set list of all of Karol G's solo headlining tours, including the Bichota Tour, Strip Love Tour and the Mañana Será Bonito Tour.
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. † Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.
