Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa Unleash “Sweetest Pie”: A Deep Dive into Their Epic Collaboration and Behind-the-Scenes Battles
The music world erupted with excitement when two of its most prominent stars, Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa, joined forces for a track that immediately became one of the year’s most talked-about releases. Their collaboration, “Sweetest Pie,” dropped on Friday, March 11th, 2022, accompanied by a visually stunning and undeniably sexy music video that set new standards for artistic synergy and provocative storytelling. This powerhouse pairing delivered what many critics and fans alike hailed as the first major banger of 2022, offering a taste so sweet it left an indelible mark on the pop and hip-hop landscape.
The Sizzling Collaboration: “Sweetest Pie” Takes the World by Storm
“Sweetest Pie” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. The track showcases the unique strengths of both artists: Megan Thee Stallion’s signature “Hot Girl” swagger and sharp lyrical delivery, seamlessly blended with Dua Lipa’s alluring pop vocals and infectious melodies. The synergy between the two artists is palpable, creating a sound that is both fresh and instantly addictive. Lyrically, the song is a confident anthem of female empowerment and unapologetic self-expression, inviting listeners into a world of sensual delight and unbridled pleasure.
The music video for “Sweetest Pie” is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece, elevating the song’s themes with breathtaking visuals. Directed by Dave Meyers, the video transports viewers into an enchanted, mystical forest, imbued with an otherworldly, almost biblical aura. Within this fantastical realm, Megan and Dua embody powerful, seductive figures who lure unsuspecting men into their domain. Their playful yet confident taunt, “You’ve never been to heaven, have you?” sets the tone for an exhilarating journey, promising a “ride of your life” that expertly blends fantasy, danger, and undeniable sensuality. The video opens with the two goddesses appearing together, with Megan exuding fierce elegance in a plunging black leather gown, while Dua stuns in a gold-embroidered black ensemble complemented by a striking red lip, immediately establishing their commanding presence.
Dua Lipa sets the seductive mood early on, crooning, “Ooh baby, we can go fast — I’ll drive and you just lay back. I’ve got the flavor to last,” as the camera pans to a group of men making their way toward the bewitching duo. Megan Thee Stallion, ever true to her brand, follows up with the bold declaration that “hot girl s**t” remains “cold every season,” affirming her commitment to maintaining her iconic persona regardless of the circumstances. The visual storytelling perfectly complements the lyrical content, creating a narrative where the artists are in control, celebrating their power and allure.
Throughout the video, the Houston native delivers a masterclass in performance, showcasing her dynamic presence and captivating dance moves. She looks incredible dancing in a strapless gold bejeweled bodysuit with a daring thong cut, confidently asserting, “Booty like a pillow, he can use it while he’s sleeping,” in her verse. This scene transitions into her iconic twerking, topless, adorned only in a flowing green silk skirt, further cementing her status as a cultural icon. The narrative takes a dramatic turn as a group of seemingly angry men are shown in the forest, and the two ladies are depicted tied up and engulfed in flames. However, the queens remain unfazed, emerging intact and utterly fabulous amidst the ruins, continuing to captivate in their sexy ensembles, symbolizing their resilience and ultimate triumph over adversity. This visual allegory speaks volumes about breaking free from conventional expectations and embracing one’s own power, a recurring theme in both artists’ work.
From Social Media Buzz to Tour Stages: The Making of the “Sweetest Pie” Collaboration
The collaboration between Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa was not a sudden revelation but rather a meticulously crafted rollout that began generating buzz well before the song’s release. The initial tease came on March 6th, when both artists took to social media, sharing intriguing posts featuring their faces superimposed onto elaborate cakes. This dessert motif created a delicious anticipation among fans, hinting at a sweet treat to come. Shortly after, the official title, “Sweetest Pie,” was unveiled, perfectly fitting the delectable theme and further fueling excitement.
The idea of a collaboration had been brewing for some time, with fans and artists themselves expressing mutual admiration. As far back as June 2021, Megan Thee Stallion was asked about a mashup of Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” and Cardi B’s “WAP” (which featured Ms. Stallion). Megan responded enthusiastically, stating, “I love Dua Lipa, she’s so fire. I really do want to do a song with Dua Lipa. I saw this like, mashup on Twitter and it was fire.” Her comments, reported by Uproxx, quickly caught Dua Lipa’s attention. Dua reciprocated the sentiment on her Instagram Story, writing, “I love you, [Megan.] Let’s Get It!!!!” This online exchange ignited hope among fans, signaling that a joint project was not just a pipe dream but a genuine possibility. The release of “Sweetest Pie” solidified this dream, culminating in a collaboration that transcended expectations and delivered a global hit. Furthermore, this creative partnership extended beyond the studio, with Megan joining Dua as the opener for the latter half of Lipa’s highly anticipated North American tour, offering fans the ultimate live experience of their combined star power.
Beyond the Music: Megan Thee Stallion’s Battle with 1501 Certified Entertainment
While “Sweetest Pie” marks a new high in Megan Thee Stallion’s illustrious career, it also arrives amidst ongoing legal complexities with her record label, 1501 Certified Entertainment. The single’s release may signal the beginning of an album rollout, which, under the current circumstances, would represent a significant turning point in her contractual obligations. In February, Megan once again initiated a lawsuit against her label, disputing their claim that her 2021 album, Something For Thee Hotties, did not meet the legal definition of an “album” as stipulated in her recording agreement. This dispute is crucial because Megan is contractually obligated to release a specific number of albums for the label, and the classification of Something For Thee Hotties directly impacts her timeline and financial independence.
Megan’s lawsuit contends that 1501 informed her that Something For Thee Hotties, a collection predominantly composed of free-floating singles and B-sides, would not count toward her album total. According to Billboard, if Something For Thee Hotties were to be recognized as an album under her contract, Megan would only have one more album remaining on her deal with 1501. This distinction is vital for artists seeking to control their creative output and career trajectory. The disagreement highlights a common tension between artists and labels regarding contractual interpretations and the definition of a “completed work.”
Conversely, 1501’s lawyer, Steven M. Zager of King & Spalding LLP, presented the label’s perspective to Billboard. He asserted that Megan’s contract explicitly granted the label the authority to determine what qualifies toward the album count. Zager claimed Megan was informed from the outset that Something For Thee Hotties would not fulfill her album requirements. He stated, “She can’t just deliver us an album that we did not approve and then claim it satisfies her recording contract.” He further commented that the album contained a substantial amount of previously released material, a point that sparked debate given the existence of “Greatest Hits” or “Rarities” collections that often feature pre-released tracks. This legal battle underscores the often-contentious nature of artist-label relationships, particularly when definitions and contractual loopholes become central to a career’s progression.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)
Megan’s legal team reportedly stated in the lawsuit: “The intended result of its actions is clear: 1501 wants to tie [Megan] down to release more albums under the contract to the financial benefit of 1501. This is inconsistent with the contract terms, which are clear and unambiguous.” This sentiment underscores the core of the dispute: the control over an artist’s creative future and the financial stakes involved for both parties. Megan famously first sued 1501 in March 2020, alleging that the label was preventing her from releasing her EP, Suga, after she sought to renegotiate her contract. During that time, she accused 1501 of taking a substantial 60% of her recording revenue, along with 30% of her tour and merchandise earnings. She was granted a temporary restraining order, which enabled her to release the music. According to Billboard, a new deal to amend her contract was reached in March 2021, but the current dispute suggests that not all issues were definitively resolved.
In November 2020, Megan released her critically acclaimed debut studio album, Good News. If Something For Thee Hotties ultimately counts as her second “album” under the contract, then a potential third album – for which “Sweetest Pie” could serve as the lead single – would mark the highly anticipated conclusion of Megan’s contractual era with 1501 Certified Entertainment. This final album would be more than just a musical release; it would symbolize her hard-won artistic freedom and the ability to dictate her own terms in the fiercely competitive music industry.
Legal Headwinds: Dua Lipa Faces Copyright Challenges for “Levitating”
Not to be outdone in the realm of legal battles, Dua Lipa is also navigating her own set of challenges. Her immensely popular and globally recognized hit, “Levitating,” has been targeted by no less than two separate copyright infringement lawsuits. The first suit was filed by the Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System, which alleges that Dua’s track substantially copied elements from their 2017 song, “Live Your Life.” This type of claim often focuses on melodic similarities, rhythmic patterns, or harmonic progressions that are deemed too close for coincidence.
A second, equally significant lawsuit emerged from songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer, who claim that “Levitating” infringes upon their 1979 disco track, “Wiggle and Giggle All Night.” As Rolling Stone reported, these lawsuits are becoming increasingly common in the music industry, with hit songs frequently facing scrutiny for potential unauthorized similarities to existing works. Such cases can be complex, often involving musicologists and expert witnesses to analyze and compare musical compositions. The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for Dua Lipa and the broader music industry, setting precedents for how artistic inspiration is distinguished from copyright infringement. Despite these legal distractions, Dua Lipa continues to command global attention, demonstrating her resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft.
The Future is Bright: Navigating Stardom Amidst Legal Complexities
The collaboration on “Sweetest Pie” is a testament to the undeniable talent and star power of both Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa. Despite the formidable legal challenges each artist faces with their respective labels and copyright claims, their ability to create compelling music and captivating visuals remains undiminished. “Sweetest Pie” stands as a vibrant beacon of their artistic prowess, a powerful reminder that even amidst contractual disputes and accusations, their creative spirits continue to soar. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate what comes next for these trailblazing women, both in their musical journeys and their pursuit of artistic autonomy and justice within the industry. The future for Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa remains bright, as they continue to redefine pop and hip-hop, inspire millions, and steadfastly navigate the complex landscape of modern stardom.