I Said Hey Hey What's Going On: 7 Surprising Reasons 4 Non Blondes' Hit Is Bigger Than Ever In 2025
The iconic, soaring chorus of "I said hey hey what's going on" is not just a relic of '90s rock; it's a phrase experiencing an explosive resurgence that has made it more relevant today, in late 2025, than it has been in decades. The song, officially titled "What's Up?" by the American rock band 4 Non Blondes, is celebrating its 30th-plus anniversary by dominating new media, inspiring massive celebrity covers, and, most surprisingly, fueling a long-awaited band reunion.
The track, which was the second single from their only studio album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, originally dropped in 1993 and became a global smash. Today, the enduring power of Linda Perry’s raw, emotional vocal delivery and the song's universal themes of frustration and self-discovery have cemented its place in pop culture, proving that a true anthem never fades—it just waits for the next generation to ask, "What's going on?"
The 4 Non Blondes: Complete Band Member Biography and Current Status
The band 4 Non Blondes was formed in San Francisco in 1989. While their original lineup shifted, the core group responsible for their global hit "What's Up?" and their recent resurgence is well-documented.
- Linda Perry (Vocalist)
- Role: Lead vocalist and primary songwriter.
- Post-Band Career: Became one of the music industry's most successful and respected songwriters and producers, penning hits for artists like Christina Aguilera ("Beautiful"), Pink ("Get the Party Started"), and Gwen Stefani.
- Current Status: Highly active. She is central to the 4 Non Blondes reunion, has been featured in a new documentary, and recently collaborated with Dolly Parton.
- Christa Hillhouse (Bassist)
- Role: Bassist and a founding member; she was the only member to remain with the band throughout its initial run.
- Current Status: Reunited with the band and is involved in recording the new 4 Non Blondes album.
- Roger Rocha (Guitarist)
- Role: Guitarist, replacing Shaunna Hall.
- Current Status: Reunited with the band for the new album and upcoming projects.
- Dawn Richardson (Drummer)
- Role: Drummer, replacing original drummer Wanda Day in 1991.
- Current Status: Reunited with the band. She is also active in other musical projects, including the instrumental duo Mental 99 with Joe Gore.
- Wanda Day (Original Drummer)
- Role: Original drummer.
- Status: Passed away in 1997.
The 30th Anniversary Effect: Why "What's Up?" Is Trending Now
The phrase "I said hey hey what's going on" is synonymous with the raw, emotional energy of the 1990s, but its current popularity is driven by several major, recent events that have introduced the song to a new global audience.
1. The Unexpected TikTok Viral Phenomenon
In a surprising twist of modern musical fate, "What's Up?" became a massive, chart-topping hit on TikTok, three decades after its release. This resurgence was sparked by a mashup that perfectly blended the song's chorus with a track from a completely different genre: Nicki Minaj's "Beez in the Trap."
The "What's Up?" TikTok trend captivated millions, turning the 1993 rock anthem into a contemporary meme and a sound for a new generation of content creators.
2. The Dolly Parton Remake with Linda Perry
In a powerful cross-generational collaboration, country music legend Dolly Parton enlisted Linda Perry to record a new version of "What's Up?" This high-profile remake, released around the song's 30th anniversary, brought the track back into mainstream news and showed its versatility across genres.
The collaboration not only honored the original but also highlighted Linda Perry's continued relevance as a songwriter and performer.
The Shocking 4 Non Blondes Reunion and New Music
Perhaps the most significant and freshest news surrounding the band is the official confirmation of a reunion. After decades of focusing on her career as a producer, Linda Perry has reconnected with the core members of 4 Non Blondes.
3. A New Album After 30+ Years
The band, featuring Linda Perry, Christa Hillhouse, Roger Rocha, and Dawn Richardson, has returned to the studio to work on their first new album in over 30 years. This project, announced in late 2024 and continuing into 2025, is a monumental event for fans who believed the band's catalog would forever be limited to one studio album.
The new music is highly anticipated, as it will showcase the band's evolution while retaining the raw, alternative rock energy that made them famous.
4. The New Documentary: "Let It Die Here"
Adding to the renewed interest, a new documentary focusing on Linda Perry's life and career, titled "Let It Die Here," has been in the works. The documentary is expected to give fans an intimate look at the creation of "What's Up?" and the band's tumultuous history, further cementing their legacy and drawing attention to their current projects.
Addressing the Confusion: "What's Up?" vs. "What's Goin On"
The phrase "What's going on" has recently caused a minor stir in the music world, creating a topical confusion that savvy listeners should be aware of. This is a perfect example of how an iconic phrase can be reinterpreted in a new era.
5. The Cardi B and Lizzo Track
Very recently, the phrase "What's Goin On" has been used as the title of a new song by Cardi B featuring Lizzo. This track, which is entirely separate from the 4 Non Blondes classic, has naturally led to search confusion, with many people searching for "i said hey hey what's going on" and finding the modern hip-hop collaboration instead.
The existence of two major, recent songs sharing a similar title and central phrase underscores the enduring power of the question itself, but it is important to note that the 4 Non Blondes song is the one that contains the famous "I said hey hey" lyric.
6. The Song's Enduring Message of Social Justice
Beyond the music and the memes, the song's lyrics resonate deeply with current social and political climates. The track is not just about personal frustration; it’s a powerful anthem about the struggle for social justice, change, and figuring out one's place in a chaotic world.
Linda Perry's lyrics about "25 years and my life is still trying to get up that great big hill of hope" feel more poignant than ever, reflecting global anxieties and the continuous fight for progress.
7. Linda Perry’s Legacy as a Powerhouse Songwriter
Finally, the song remains a foundational piece of Linda Perry's career, which has only grown in stature since the band's split. Her work with mega-stars like Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Adele has elevated her to the status of a music industry icon.
Every time "What's Up?" is streamed, remixed, or covered, it reminds the world of the raw, undeniable talent that launched her career, ensuring that the phrase "I said hey hey what's going on" will continue to be relevant for decades to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Mohamed Rippin MD
- Username : sofia45
- Email : elliot85@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1994-03-07
- Address : 4976 Myles Ports South Lethaton, VT 58181
- Phone : 334-336-2501
- Company : Fadel Inc
- Job : Director Of Marketing
- Bio : Suscipit rem minus labore. Sunt quaerat harum incidunt eos sunt rem aut perspiciatis. Repellendus eveniet inventore officiis.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/rosaleesporer
- username : rosaleesporer
- bio : Et qui eius ut ab aut est velit.
- followers : 3501
- following : 1160
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rosalee.sporer
- username : rosalee.sporer
- bio : Quis voluptatem est sit ea qui quo expedita.
- followers : 6375
- following : 2842
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/sporerr
- username : sporerr
- bio : Dolore natus voluptatem laudantium. Corporis sequi corrupti totam quibusdam.
- followers : 4655
- following : 2935
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/rsporer
- username : rsporer
- bio : Et voluptas quisquam sint et. Non porro ut sed rerum et. Aut unde ullam aut ea.
- followers : 1608
- following : 1861
