“Gatúbela” is Karol G’s third single this year, following the global hits “MAMIII” with Becky G and “Provenza.” She co-wrote the track with Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez, DJ Maff, and Maldy, who features on it. While everyone is collaborating with ex-Plan B member Chencho Corleone, Karol G is bringing his bandmate Maldy back into the fold.
Now that Shakira is known globally as a “She Wolf” from her hit of the same name, it seems like Karol G wants to become the Catwoman she sings about in “Gatúbela.” The song blends classic perreo beats with alluring synths that keep it fresh. Karol G is on the hunt for a good time, and with her new persona, she will conquer whoever comes along. “I was crazy to taste you / To give you kisses,” she purrs in Spanish. Maldy gives it that throwback touch with his guest verse. “Without Maldy, there’s no perreo,” he says. Karol G gives new meaning to “freak in the sheets” with this sultry reggaeton romp.
Pedro Artola directed the music video for “Gatúbela” in Barcelona, Spain. After changing her signature blue hair color earlier this month, Karol G debuts her new red locks here. She struts through a hothouse where everyone is sweating and feeling themselves. It’s no secret that Karol G is a Britney Spears fan, and she pays homage to the pop star. The hot-and-heavy scenes in “Gatúbela” are similar to those in Spears’ 2001 music video “I’m a Slave 4 U.” An eagle-eyed fan on Twitter compared the bloody scene at the end to Rihanna in her “B*tch Better Have My Money” video. Karol G’s references are fierce.
Last week, Karol G received a whopping 15 nominations for this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards. Her $trip Love Tour kicks off in the U.S. on Sept. 6.
Watch Karol G’s “Gatúbela” music video below.