In early 2023, Shakira, the talented Colombian singer-songwriter, released a song called “Out of Your League,” which was part of the “BZRP Music Session Vol. 53.” This breakup song is both candid and cathartic, with a touch of dark humor. It has become an anthem for women and a warning to men about the consequences of cheating, exploiting, or disrespecting an international pop star- you may end up being the subject of a diss track.
After just one day since its release, the music video of her collaboration with rapper Bizarrap has been viewed a whopping 63 million times on YouTube. Despite facing several challenges in both her personal and professional life, she found solace and regained her confidence through public performances. Hailing from Barranquilla, Colombia and starting her music career at the young age of 13, she signed with Sony Music Colombia and went on to win three Grammys and an impressive 12 Latin Grammys, breaking the record.
Shakira began her relationship with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué in 2011, and they established their home in Barcelona. After 11 years together and raising two sons, they announced their split in 2022 amidst a storm of drama surrounding an ongoing tax fraud trial and allegations of infidelity. This turmoil provided ample fodder for a potential pop hit, with Shakira even singing about it in a song directed at Piqué and his 23-year-old girlfriend. Despite her immense success as a pop icon, which included earning a spot among the top five highest-earning women in music, touring across the globe, performing for Barack Obama, and collaborating with superstars like Beyonce, Wyclef Jean, and Usher, Shakira decided to put her career on hold when she became pregnant in 2012. She had planned to release an album and serve as a judge on The Voice, but ultimately opted to focus on motherhood instead. In sharing her new song “Session #53” on Instagram, Shakira expressed solidarity with the millions of women who struggle with feelings of insignificance.
She prioritized her family over her career as Piqué and their family grew. In the past, she had made sacrifices for Antonio de la Rua, her former long-term partner, who had attempted to sue her for $100 million in 2013 by exploiting his management of her commercial interests. Her song directed towards Piqué contains lyrics in which she sings about being left with her mother-in-law as a neighbor, press at her door, and a debt to the taxman. While women were supportive of her decision, some men in the music journalism industry used it as an opportunity to belittle one of Latin music’s greatest stars. NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich labeled it as “petty” in the weekly subscriber newsletter. Lana Del Rey also expressed her feelings towards an ex-partner by putting up a promotional billboard for her new album in Sean Larkin’s hometown of Tulsa, followed by commenting on her private @honeymoon Instagram account that it was “personal.”
It’s not surprising, but unfortunate, that some Instagram followers who lack evolution commented that Del Rey’s billboard was “petty” and that they loved it. This patriarchal mentality suggests that when a woman publicly says “f—k you” to a bad ex, it’s petty. However, when Justin Timberlake used a Britney Spears look-alike in the “Cry Me A River” video or when Big Sean dedicated “I Don’t F**k With You” to actress Naya Rivera, that must be considered songcraft, heartbreak, and catharsis. Shakira and Lana don’t need anyone to prop them up, and they’re not wasting any time crying over their critics. They deserve to take their place alongside other women in the music industry who are calling out their lousy exes.
Throughout history, women have used music to throw shade at their exes. Little Mix’s “Shout Out to my Ex” is a prime example, as its lyrics took aim at Zayn Malik after he ended his engagement with Perrie Edwards. Miley Cyrus also got in on the act with “Flowers,” a song that assured Liam Hemsworth that she was moving on and could love herself better than he ever could. Beyonce’s “Sorry” from her “Lemonade” album takes things even further by calling out Jay-Z’s infidelity and his “Becky with the good hair.” These songs show that women have always had a powerful voice when it comes to expressing their emotions through music.
Loretta Lynn’s “Happy Birthday” song is a bittersweet but clever way of saying goodbye to a cheating ex. Instead of sticking around to bake a cake for his birthday while he’s out fooling around, she wishes him well in advance. She hopes that the new woman in his life can bring him joy and cheers. The chorus goes, “Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Sheryl Crow’s “My Favorite Mistake” is often associated with Eric Clapton, but the singer clarified that it’s not about one specific unfaithful lover. It’s a combination of all her past relationships where she felt deceived. She sings about how her friends feel sorry for her since they see her lover pretending to adore her. However, she’s not blind to their game, and she knows she’s no fool. The song ends with her saying that when he leaves, it’s the perfect ending to a bad day. She admits that he’s her favorite mistake, implying that even though he hurt her, there was something special about him that she couldn’t resist.
Selena Gomez, in her song “Lose You To Love Me,” talks about a toxic and narcissistic ex-partner, possibly Justin Bieber. She expresses how she fell for his empty promises and prioritized him despite him setting fires to her forest and letting it burn. SZA’s “Smoking On My Ex Pack” takes a more humorous approach, as she tells her ex that she had to block his favorite rapper and athlete who were vying for her attention. Despite his attempts to win her back, she shows no interest. Girl in red sings “Forget Her” for her ex-girlfriend, describing how she stole her heart and ran away, leaving her with unspoken emotions. Pink’s “So What” is considered one of the greatest diss tracks to an ex-partner. Pink wrote the song following her split from Carey Hart two years into their marriage, expressing her frustration and independence with lyrics like “I’m gonna drink my money, I’m not gonna pay his rent.”
When it comes to feeling sad about a breakup, Pink doesn’t seem to be too bothered. Other artists like Shakira, Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, Loretta Lynn, and SZA can relate to Pink’s bold declaration in her song: “So what? I’m still a rock star with my own rhythm, and I don’t need you!”