Maluma & The Weeknd, Hawái (Remix) | Track Review 🎵

Latin pop standout Maluma enlists Grammy-winning R&B artist The Weeknd for a lit remix of his hit single from Papi Juancho, “Hawái.”

When you think about the state of Hawaii, one of the first words that comes to mind is paradise.  Latin pop standout 🎙 Maluma has experienced success singing about the state, or at least referencing it on his hit single, 🎵 “Hawái” from his 2020 studio album, 💿 Papi Juancho.  While Papi Juancho didn’t exactly ignite the Billboard 200, “Hawái” has been successful for a Latin single on The Billboard Hot 100.  The popularity should only increase with 🎵 “Hawái (Remix)” featuring 🎙 The Weekend.

From the start, “Hawái (Remix)” contrasts “Hawái.”  How so? Well, The Weeknd draws first blood, dropping an intro and following up with the pre-chorus and chorus.  Both the intro and pre-chorus are performed in English and play to the strengths of the artist.  He keeps it clean, which is a contrast in itself for Abel Tesfaye who trends more explicit than not.  On the chorus, however, the Spanish returns, and Maluma (baby!) joins in on the second half of the chorus.  The chorus, of course, finds the artists referencing their respective former flames supposed faux happiness via a vacation in Hawaii, intact with cute IG pics, haha.

From there, the sole verse arrives, courtesy of Maluma, reprised from the original.  As to be expected, he discusses his ex-lover and these things she’s doing post-relationship, again, particularly via IG.  Those social networks are nothing short of trouble, sigh.  That said, he can see through the façade, asserting (translated), “People will believe you, you play the role well (yeah) / Baby, but you’re not happy with him.” Ah snap!  After one final coro with The Weekend, we get an outro highlighting some key lines, emotions, and referencing the remix, Papi Juancho, and of course, my favorite – MALUMA, BABY!

Final Thoughts 💭

Remixes don’t tend to eclipse the original. “Hawái” was sweet in its original form, period.  That said, this remix is strong – incredibly enjoyable.  The Weeknd brings the heat, complementing Maluma (baby!) quite well. I’m totally onboard!

🎙 Maluma & 🎙 The Weeknd • 🎵 “Hawái (Remix)” • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 11.5.20

[📷: Sony]