HP – Maluma

Maluma’s 2019 hit “HP,” from his fourth studio album 11:11, is an infectious reggaeton anthem that celebrates independence, self-empowerment, and the joys of living life on one’s own terms. With its upbeat rhythm, catchy lyrics, and vibrant visuals, the song quickly became a fan favorite and solidified Maluma’s status as one of the leading figures in the Latin music scene. The song’s official video, directed by Nuno Gomes, perfectly complements the themes of the song, presenting a colorful, carefree world where empowerment and liberation take center stage.

The Meaning Behind “HP”
“HP” stands for “Hijo de P***,” a colloquial term that can be translated into English as a derogatory phrase, but in the context of the song, it’s used to represent someone who mistreated or undervalued the protagonist’s love interest. However, rather than dwelling on negativity or heartbreak, the song shifts focus to celebrating freedom, personal growth, and living life to the fullest after leaving a toxic relationship.

The narrative centers around a woman who has just ended a relationship with a man who did not treat her well. Instead of wallowing in sadness, she reclaims her independence, hits the clubs, and enjoys life with her friends. Maluma, through his lyrics, applauds this self-liberation and supports the idea of enjoying oneself without being tied down by past relationships or toxic partners. The overarching message is one of empowerment and embracing one’s own happiness.

Lyrics and Themes
From the very first line, Maluma establishes the tone of the song:

“Ella no está buscando novio / Quiere salir a joder”

This translates to “She’s not looking for a boyfriend, she just wants to go out and have fun.” It’s a clear declaration that the protagonist has moved on from the idea of finding a new relationship and is instead focused on her own happiness. The lyrics emphasize the freedom that comes with being single and the importance of enjoying life without the burden of emotional baggage.

Throughout the song, Maluma encourages this behavior, supporting the idea that the best revenge against someone who has mistreated you is to live your life fully and happily. Rather than focusing on getting back at the ex, the song highlights personal growth and the joy of independence.

The chorus of the song reinforces this sentiment, as Maluma sings about how the woman no longer cares about what her ex thinks, and instead, she’s focused on partying, dancing, and having fun with her friends:

“Se cansó de los embustes / Y ahora ella quiere beber / Y que se la vacilen”

This translates to “She’s tired of the lies, and now she wants to drink and have fun.” It’s an anthem of liberation, urging anyone who has been mistreated to move on and embrace the good things life has to offer.

Maluma’s Vocal Performance
Maluma’s smooth vocals are a key element in the success of “HP.” He delivers the lyrics with a confident yet playful tone, embodying both a supportive friend and a party instigator. His performance strikes a balance between empathy and celebration, as he encourages the woman to let go of her past and enjoy the present. Maluma’s ability to seamlessly switch between heartfelt emotions and carefree vibes has always been one of his strengths as an artist, and “HP” is a perfect example of how he uses this talent to connect with his audience.

His voice, combined with the infectious rhythm of reggaeton, creates an irresistible sound that makes “HP” a song that’s not only empowering but also perfect for dancing and partying. The song’s rhythm and melody are designed to get people on their feet, and Maluma’s performance drives that energy throughout.

The Music Video: A Visual Feast of Freedom
The official music video for “HP,” directed by Nuno Gomes, further enhances the song’s themes with vibrant visuals and dynamic storytelling. Set in a sun-soaked beach town, the video follows a carefree woman as she dances, parties, and enjoys life with her friends, fully embracing her newfound freedom.

The video starts with the protagonist throwing her phone away—symbolizing the act of cutting ties with her toxic ex-boyfriend—and then heads out with her friends to live her best life. The scenes alternate between fun-filled moments at the beach, driving around in vintage cars, and dancing at night parties, all of which are infused with bright, neon colors that reflect the exuberant energy of the song.

Maluma himself appears throughout the video, both as a singer narrating the story and as a part of the party scenes, fully supporting the protagonist’s journey of self-empowerment. The visuals of the video, combined with the upbeat reggaeton rhythm, create a feel-good atmosphere that perfectly complements the message of the song.

The carefree aesthetic of the video is crucial in underscoring the theme of liberation. Every frame is designed to exude positivity and independence, with the protagonist never looking back at her past, instead focusing entirely on her new life and happiness. The music video paints a vivid picture of how life can be after shedding the weight of a bad relationship—full of fun, freedom, and endless possibilities.

Commercial Success and Reception
“HP” was a major commercial success upon its release, charting in multiple countries and receiving significant radio play across Latin America and beyond. The song’s infectious beat, empowering message, and Maluma’s star power made it an instant hit. The music video, with its colorful visuals and joyful energy, quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube, further solidifying the song’s popularity.

Critics and fans alike praised Maluma for delivering a song that combines reggaeton’s irresistible beats with a positive, empowering message. The song’s themes of freedom and self-empowerment resonated with listeners, particularly those who had experienced toxic relationships and were looking for a song that celebrated moving on and enjoying life.

Legacy
“HP” remains one of Maluma’s standout tracks and continues to be a fan favorite, especially for those looking for an anthem of empowerment and celebration. The song’s message of letting go of the past and embracing the present resonates with a wide audience, and its infectious beat makes it a staple at parties and clubs.

With “HP,” Maluma not only delivered a hit song but also a powerful message: sometimes, the best way to move on from a toxic relationship is to live your life fully, enjoy your freedom, and never look back. The combination of heartfelt lyrics, an upbeat rhythm, and a visually stunning music video ensures that “HP” will continue to be a go-to track for anyone looking to celebrate their independence.

Lyrics:

Ella no esta buscando novio
Quiere salir a joder
Quiere olvidarse de ese bobo
Porque el cabrón le fue infiel

Le rompieron el corazón
Y no busca a nadie que se lo reponga
Solo quiere alguien que se lo ponga
Ella quiere un man que no la llame y que no joda
Pa’ remplazar al perro que no la valora

Quiere aprovechar que esta mas buena y mas de moda
Empezó a meterle a gym desde que quedo sola
Las envidiosas dicen que eso se lo hizo el cirujano
Pero es ella misma queriendo salir del daño

Quiere salir, fumar, beber
Subir un video pa’ que lo vea el
Pa’ que se de cuenta de lo que perdió
Pa’ que el hijo de puta se sienta peor

Ella no esta buscando novio
Quiere salir a joder
Quiere olvidarse de ese bobo
Porque el cabrón le fue infiel

Y cuando se suelta
No existe una amiguita que la pare
No quiere un novio pa’ rendirle cuentas
No necesita ningún HP en el party
Que la pare

Quiere salir, fumar, beber
Subir un video pa’ que lo vea el
Pa’ que se de cuenta de lo que perdió
Pa’ que el hijo de puta se sienta peor

Ella no esta buscando novio
Quiere salir a joder
Quiere olvidarse de ese bobo
Porque el cabrón le fue infiel

Ella no esta buscando novio
Quiere salir a joder
Para olvidarte de ese bobo
Cuenta conmigo mujer

Maluma