Ain't Your Mama
{{distinguish|I Ain't Your Mama}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Ain't Your Mama
| cover = Ain't Your Mama.png
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Jennifer Lopez
| album =
| released = {{Start date|2016|04|07}}
| recorded =
| studio = *Los Angeles (Eightysevenfourteen Studios, The Vault)
- Virginia Beach (MixStar Studios)
- New York City (Sterling Sound)
| genre = Pop
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=38}}
| label = Epic
| writer = *Theron Thomas
- Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald
- Gamal "Lunchmoney" Lewis
- Henry "Cirkut" Walter
- Meghan Trainor
- Jacob Kasher Hindlin
| producer = *Cirkut
- Dr. Luke
| prev_title = Try Me
| prev_year = 2015
| next_title = Love Make the World Go Round
| next_year = 2016
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Pgmx7z49OEk|"Ain't Your Mama"}} }}
}}
"Ain't Your Mama" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez. It was written by Meghan Trainor, Theron Thomas, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Gamal "Lunchmoney" Lewis, Henry "Cirkut" Walter and Dr. Luke, while production was handled by the latter two. A pop song with influences of reggae, dancehall and Latin music, the song has percussion, drums, minimal synths and a Latin beat in its main instrumentation. Lyrically, "Ain't Your Mama" deals with themes of female empowerment, where the singer will not accept a partner who needs to be taken care of.
The song was released on April 7, 2016, by Epic Records. "Ain't Your Mama" became Lopez's first chart appearance in some European territories in over four years. Though it peaked within the top ten of record charts in a variety of countries, and received Diamond certifications in France and Poland, it stalled at 76 in the United States. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Cameron Duddy and released on May 6, 2016. It has Lopez playing women throughout the decades to show the second wave feminism movement.
Background
In March 2016, six years following her departure from the label, it was announced that Lopez had returned to Epic Records and Sony Music Entertainment, signing a multi-album deal with the label. Lopez had released two albums under the Universal Music Group, Love? (2011) via Island Records and A.K.A. (2014) via Capitol Records.{{cite news|author1=Billboard Staff |title=Jennifer Lopez Signs New Deal With Epic Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6897352/jennifer-lopez-signs-new-deal-with-epic-records |access-date=March 2, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |agency=Prometheus Global Media |date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094959/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6897352/jennifer-lopez-signs-new-deal-with-epic-records |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |location=United States |url-status=live |df=mdy }} Lopez, who had been working on music in the midst of her Las Vegas residency, confirmed that she would be releasing new material: "I've been working on music for the past couple of months, and we should be putting something out very soon."{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Jennifer Lopez Names Las Vegas Residency 'All I Have,' Previews New Single "Breaking Me Down"|url=http://www.idolator.com/7608716/jennifer-lopez-all-i-have-las-vegas-residency-new-single-breaking-me-down|website=Idolator|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=September 22, 2015|date=September 21, 2015|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004808/https://www.idolator.com/7608716/jennifer-lopez-all-i-have-las-vegas-residency-new-single-breaking-me-down|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Christina|title=New Music From Jennifer Lopez Is Coming 'Very Soon'|url=http://www.idolator.com/7625603/jennifer-lopez-new-music-2016-album-coming-soon|website=Idolator|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=March 5, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004811/https://www.idolator.com/7625603/jennifer-lopez-new-music-2016-album-coming-soon|url-status=live}} "Ain't Your Mama" is the first single Lopez released since resigning with Epic, and was originally expected to precede her ninth studio album.{{cite magazine|last1=Rosen|first1=Christopher|title=Jennifer Lopez teases new single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/04/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 4, 2016|archive-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406104347/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/04/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama|url-status=live}} Co-writer Meghan Trainor who texted Lopez the song said, "I sent it to her and said, 'Do you like the song?' and she said, 'I love the song, my kid loves the song — he's made me play it five times already so I know it's a hit. When can I cut it?', so I said immediately, 'Whenever you want!'"{{cite web|last1=Geffen|first1=Sasha|title=Meghan Trainor Wants You To Stop Blaming J.Lo For Working With Dr. Luke|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2866655/meghan-trainor-defends-jennifer-lopez-dr-luke/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2016|date=April 12, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416161109/http://www.mtv.com/news/2866655/meghan-trainor-defends-jennifer-lopez-dr-luke/|url-status=dead}} Lopez described the concept behind "Ain't Your Mama" as "very empowering", and explained: "Guys have this tendency, once they love you in the beginning and you're the hottest woman on Earth, and then all of a sudden, it's like, 'Okay... where's my food?' It's like, 'What!? Are you kidding me? Take me out! What are you doing right now?'"{{cite web|last1=Seemayer|first1=Zach|title=Jennifer Lopez Stuns in Sheer Gown at 'American Idol' Finale, Talks Final Two: 'They Have So Much Talent'|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/186223_jennifer_lopez_stuns_sheer_gown_at_american_idol_finale_talks_final_two_they_have_so_much_talent/|website=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407195936/http://www.etonline.com/news/186223_jennifer_lopez_stuns_sheer_gown_at_american_idol_finale_talks_final_two_they_have_so_much_talent/|url-status=live}}
Composition
File:Meghan Trainor 2014.jpg (pictured).]]
"Ain't Your Mama" is a pop song.{{cite web|last=Rhiannon|first=Alexis|title=Is Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't Your Mama" Feminist? The Lyrics & The Video Make A Statement|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/159299-is-jennifer-lopezs-aint-your-mama-feminist-the-lyrics-the-video-make-a-statement|work=Bustle|date=May 6, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016|archive-date=May 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520174509/http://www.bustle.com/articles/159299-is-jennifer-lopezs-aint-your-mama-feminist-the-lyrics-the-video-make-a-statement|url-status=live}} It was written by Meghan Trainor, Theron Thomas, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Gamal "Lunchmoney" Lewis, Henry Walter and Lukasz Gottwald.{{Failed verification|date=July 2018}} It was produced by Cirkut and Dr. Luke, with Trainor also providing background vocals.{{cite web|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|title=Jennifer Lopez releases hip-shaking new single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a789775/jennifer-lopez-releases-hip-shaking-new-single-aint-your-mama/|website=Digital Spy|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410133149/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a789775/jennifer-lopez-releases-hip-shaking-new-single-aint-your-mama/|url-status=live}} The song's production features percussion,{{cite web|title=Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Outlines Exactly What She Won't Do For You|url=http://popcrush.com/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-listen/|publisher=PopCrush|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409002708/http://popcrush.com/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-listen/|url-status=live}} drums,{{cite web|last1=Carley|first1=Brennan|title=Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Is Light Summer Fun... Produced By Dr. Luke|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-jlo-aint-your-mama-new-single-dr-luke/|website=Spin|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411001636/http://www.spin.com/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-jlo-aint-your-mama-new-single-dr-luke/|url-status=live}} minimal synths and a "head-bobbing, hip-swaying" Latin beat, with a reggae groove.{{cite news|last1=Camp|first1=Alexa|title=Jennifer Lopez Enlists Meghan Trainor & Dr. Luke for Controversial New Single "Ain't Your Mama"|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/jennifer-lopez-enlists-meghan-trainor-dr-luke-for-controversial-new-single-aint-your-mama|access-date=April 15, 2016|work=Slant Magazine|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411140205/http://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/jennifer-lopez-enlists-meghan-trainor-dr-luke-for-controversial-new-single-aint-your-mama|url-status=live}} According to Forbes' Hugh McIntyre, "the track has a hint of Latin flare, which nobody does better, though it doesn't focus too much on any one sound, instead leaning much more towards typical top 40 fare."{{cite news|last1=McIntyre|first1=Hugh|title=Jennifer Lopez Returns To Music With New Single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/04/08/jennifer-lopez-returns-to-music-with-new-single-aint-your-mama/|access-date=April 15, 2016|work=Forbes|date=April 8, 2016|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020161720/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/04/08/jennifer-lopez-returns-to-music-with-new-single-aint-your-mama/|url-status=live}} Sara Geffen of MTV News described it as "minimal but upbeat", stating that Lopez's voice takes "center stage".{{cite web|last1=Geffen|first1=Sasha|title=Jennifer Lopez Is So Done With Manchildren on 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2863318/jennifer-lopez-releases-aint-yo-mama/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128212955/http://www.mtv.com/news/2863318/jennifer-lopez-releases-aint-yo-mama/|url-status=dead}} Lyrically, the song "celebrates a woman who is independent and won't accept a partner who needs to be taken care of",{{cite news|author1=Griselda Flores|title=Hear Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Single, Written By Meghan Trainor|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7326254/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-meghan-trainor|access-date=April 8, 2016|magazine=Billboard|agency=Prometheus Global Media|date=April 7, 2016|location=United States|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205233325/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7326254/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-meghan-trainor|url-status=live}} with Lopez "putting her man in his place for not pulling weight in their relationship". Rap-Up characterized the single as "sassy".{{cite web|title=New Music: Jennifer Lopez – 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/04/07/new-music-jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama/|website=Rap-Up|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410034301/http://www.rap-up.com/2016/04/07/new-music-jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama/|url-status=live}} It includes lyrics such as "I ain't gonna be cooking all day, I ain't your mama" and "I ain't gonna do your laundry, I ain't your mama... When did you get too comfortable, 'cause I'm too good for that". Entertainment Weekly called it an "anthem celebrating her independence and distaste in overly dependent partners".{{cite magazine|last1=Li|first1=Shirley|title=Jennifer Lopez won't baby you in new single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/07/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-single|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410151825/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/07/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-single|url-status=live}}
Release
Lopez announced "Ain't Your Mama" during a live video chat on Facebook while promoting the series finale of American Idol, where she played a short preview of the song. The video had already approximately 429,000 views online within the first 2 hours of release. She confirmed that it would be released digitally via iTunes on April 7, 2016.{{cite web|last1=Polanco|first1=Luis|title=Jennifer Lopez Previews Latest Single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-new-single-aint-your-mama-teaser|website=Fuse|publisher=Fuse Networks|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 5, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410132334/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-new-single-aint-your-mama-teaser|url-status=live}} Lopez later posted the video on her Instagram account.{{cite web|last1=Geffen|first1=Sasha|title=Jennifer Lopez Is About To Flip Off The Patriarchy With Her New Single|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2861869/j-lo-aint-your-mama/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 5, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129133326/http://www.mtv.com/news/2861869/j-lo-aint-your-mama/|url-status=dead}} Discussing the preview, Mike Wass of the website Idolator called the song a "sultry banger" and said: "There's definitely a Latin flavor, but this sounds like a return to urban J.Lo of This Is Me... Then and Rebirth".{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Jennifer Lopez Announces New Single "Ain't Your Mama" On Facebook Live|url=http://www.idolator.com/7628995/jennifer-lopez-new-single-aint-your-mama-facebook-live|website=Idolator|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 4, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004736/https://www.idolator.com/7628995/jennifer-lopez-new-single-aint-your-mama-facebook-live|url-status=live}} Sasha Geffen from MTV News remarked, "Don't expect her to get domestic" and noted that "In what we're able to hear of the track so far, J.Lo totally rejects patriarchal gender roles". Writing for USA Today, Jaleesa M. Jones called the song "the perfect track for exasperated partners everywhere".{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Jaleesa M.|title=Jennifer Lopez teases new song, 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/05/jennifer-lopez-teases-new-song-aint-your-mama/82648652/|website=USA Today|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 5, 2016|archive-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406175004/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/05/jennifer-lopez-teases-new-song-aint-your-mama/82648652/|url-status=live}} The cover artwork for the single was unveiled on April 6. It features Lopez as a pin-up girl, dressed in "short shorts, stilettos and a white, fitted blouse".{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Jennifer Lopez Is A Spicy Pin-Up On The Cover Of 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.idolator.com/7629210/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-cover|website=Idolator|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=April 7, 2016|date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004809/https://www.idolator.com/7629210/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-cover|url-status=live}} According to an Australian news site, the photo from the single's cover art was actually taken back in 2003, for an issue of Esquire.{{cite news|last1=Bond|first1=Nick|title=Something's up with J Lo's new single cover|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/somethings-up-with-j-los-new-single-cover/news-story/97ed4b9eb26dec8c1e148324a5b3e20f|access-date=April 15, 2016|work=News.com.au|date=April 8, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416154720/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/somethings-up-with-j-los-new-single-cover/news-story/97ed4b9eb26dec8c1e148324a5b3e20f|url-status=live}}
=Controversy=
Within hours of the song's release, news outlets noted the fact that one of the song's producers was Dr. Luke. Many fans were outraged by the news as the song had been released less than a few hours after it was announced that singer Kesha's lawsuit against Luke had been thrown out by the judge presiding over the case. Within hours, many Kesha supporters took to social media urging music buyers to boycott the song.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Jennifer Lopez slammed for releasing Dr. Luke produced single 'I Ain't Your Mama'|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jennifer-lopez-slammed-for-releasing-dr-luke-produced-single-i-aint-your-mama/|publisher=Fox News Channel|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408181552/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/04/08/jennifer-lopez-slammed-for-releasing-dr-luke-produced-single-aint-your-mama/|archive-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The following day, E! News reported that the song itself was co-written by Dr. Luke and Meghan Trainor in 2014 prior to Kesha filing her lawsuit against Dr. Luke and was originally intended for Trainor's debut album Title, however Trainor ultimately decided not to use the song. Two years later after it was announced that Lopez had returned to Epic Records, the label that Trainor is also signed to, she recorded her own version of the song with Trainor providing background vocals after Trainor offered her the song. As Dr. Luke had already produced the song two years prior to Lopez recording her version, the two had no interaction during Lopez's recording of the song.{{cite web|last1=Finn|first1=Natalie|title=Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't Your Mama" Was Co-Produced by Dr. Luke—but Here's What That Really Means|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/755277/jennifer-lopez-s-ain-t-your-mama-was-co-produced-by-dr-luke-but-here-s-what-that-really-means|publisher=E!|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 8, 2016|archive-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411014252/http://www.eonline.com/news/755277/jennifer-lopez-s-ain-t-your-mama-was-co-produced-by-dr-luke-but-here-s-what-that-really-means|url-status=live}}
Critical reception
Robbie Daw of Idolator called it "an instantly-catchy track" and an "independent-women anthem".{{cite news|last1=Daw|first1=Robbie|title=Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't Your Mama": Listen To Her New, Dr. Luke-Produced Anthem|url=http://www.idolator.com/7629258/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-dr-luke-listen-new-single|access-date=April 14, 2016|publisher=Idolator|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004721/https://www.idolator.com/7629258/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-dr-luke-listen-new-single|url-status=live}} Jessie Morris of Complex labelled it "an infectious anti-housewife anthem", observing that "the track's hot beat mixed with that searing hook makes 'Ain't Your Mama' a radio-ready hit."{{cite news|last1=Morris|first1=Jessie|title=Listen to Jennifer Lopez's Anti-Housewife Track "Ain't Your Mama"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-new-song-aint-your-mama|access-date=April 15, 2016|work=Complex|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410120430/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/04/jennifer-lopez-new-song-aint-your-mama|url-status=live}} Brennan Carley of Spin named it "a light, tropical bit of froth with some impassioned lyrics and a killer drum bit," while Lewis Corner of Digital Spy referred to the song as a "hip-shaking anthem".{{cite news|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|title=Jennifer Lopez releases hip-shaking new single 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a789775/jennifer-lopez-releases-hip-shaking-new-single-aint-your-mama/|access-date=April 15, 2016|work=Digital Spy|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415120130/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a789775/jennifer-lopez-releases-hip-shaking-new-single-aint-your-mama/|url-status=live}} Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine noted that "the song's subtle reggae groove recalls that of Lopez's slept-on 2011 single 'I'm Into You'," highlighting "its instantly memorable hook" and that it "finds the former Fly Girl flipping gender roles on their head, something she also did with the music video for 2014’s 'I Luh Ya Papi'."
Chart performance
After a full tracking week, the song debuted at number 92 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, registering 1.8 million streams in the US.{{cite magazine|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Meghan Trainor's a Triple Threat & Rihanna Roars Into the Top 40|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7341500/hot-100-chart-moves-meghan-trainor-rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423013354/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7341500/hot-100-chart-moves-meghan-trainor-rihanna|url-status=live}} By June 16, 2016, "Ain't Your Mama" had sold 102,412 digital downloads in the US.{{cite web|title=Nielsen SoundScan charts – Digital Songs – Week Ending: 06/16/2016|url=http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-6-16-16.pdf|publisher=Nielsen SoundScan|access-date=October 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927203018/http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-6-16-16.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2017}}
"Ain't Your Mama" reached number 5 in Germany, becoming one of the highest-peaking singles of Lopez's career and her first top ten hit since "On the Floor" (2011).{{Cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-1539163|title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts - Offizielle Deutsche Charts|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120022626/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-1539163|url-status=live}} The single has since been certified platinum by the Bundesverband Musikindustrie for exceeding 400,000 units. In Spain, the song debuted at number 51 for the week ending April 17, 2016. It peaked at number 5 nine weeks later, becoming her eleventh top ten hit as a lead artist (fourteenth overall), and spent a total of 15 weeks charting inside the top ten.{{cite web|url=http://www.elportaldemusica.es/canciones.php |title=Top Singles (Current week) - Elportaldemusica.es: New Releases and Official Music Sales Charts in Spain |access-date=2016-09-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830123002/http://www.elportaldemusica.es/canciones.php |archive-date=August 30, 2015 }} "Ain't Your Mama" was later certified double platinum by Productores de Música de España. In France, the song debuted at number 108 and peaked at number 11 nineteen weeks later, making it her highest-peaking single in that country as a lead artist since "On the Floor".{{cite web|title=Discographie Jennifer Lopez |url=http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Jennifer+Lopez |website=lescharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165807/http://www.lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Jennifer%2BLopez |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |df=mdy }}{{cite web|url=http://www.snepmusique.com/tops-semaine/top-singles-telecharges/?ye=2016&we=34|title=Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles Téléchargés - SNEP (Week 34, 2016)|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|language=fr|access-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161029133132/http://www.snepmusique.com/tops-semaine/top-singles-telecharges/?ye=2016&we=43|archive-date=October 29, 2016|url-status=dead}} The song was later certified platinum by Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. In Austria, the song also peaked at number 11, becoming her highest-peaking single as a lead artist since "Dance Again" (2012). It was later certified gold by IFPI Austria. In Switzerland, the song debuted at number 61 and peaked at number 16 fifteen weeks later, also becoming her highest-peaking single as a lead artist since "Dance Again".{{Cite web|url=http://www.hitparade.ch/song/Jennifer-Lopez/Ain't-Your-Mama-1539163|title=Jennifer Lopez - Ain't Your Mama - hitparade.ch|access-date=June 26, 2022|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020204426/https://hitparade.ch/song/Jennifer-Lopez/Ain%27t-Your-Mama-1539163|url-status=live}}
Music video
=Production=
The music video for "Ain't Your Mama" was directed by Cameron Duddy.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Lopez previewed the music video on May 6, 2016, posting a "vintage-looking, sepia-toned" behind the scenes clip which features Lopez dressed as a 1950s housewife, sporting a "voluminous" Stepford Wives-esque hairstyle.{{cite web|last1=Seemayer|first1=Zach|title=Jennifer Lopez Flaunts Bikini Bod, Teases 'Ain't Your Mama' Music Video|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/188216_jennifer_lopez_flaunts_bikini_bod_teases_ain_t_your_mama_music_video/|website=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=May 5, 2016|date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509004756/http://www.etonline.com/news/188216_jennifer_lopez_flaunts_bikini_bod_teases_ain_t_your_mama_music_video/|url-status=live}} It was released on May 6.
Various styles from different periods (ranging from the 1950s to present) appear in the video. Fashion houses such as Thierry Mugler were among the creators behind Lopez's wardrobe. The 1950s housewife character had a "classic" look, while also taking inspiration from pin-up models.{{cite web|title=Jennifer Lopez's Stylist Shares All the Details on the Hottest Looks from 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://stylenews.people.com/style/2016/05/07/jennifer-lopezs-stylist-aint-your-mama-styles/|website=People|access-date=May 11, 2016|date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=May 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511105138/http://stylenews.people.com/style/2016/05/07/jennifer-lopezs-stylist-aint-your-mama-styles/|url-status=live}} The 1960s secretary look was inspired by the period drama series Mad Men. The 1970s factory worker had a "Norma Rae type feeling". The 1980s businesswoman took inspiration from the film Working Girl, a look which Lopez personally connected to, given she was a young girl during this decade. The last look was described by stylist Haenn as "just a modern day J. Lo". In this final dance sequence, Lopez can be seen wearing denim stiletto thigh-high boots designed by Barbadian singer Rihanna with Manolo Blahnik, which had been gifted to Lopez by Rihanna.{{cite web|last1=Romeyn|first1=Katheryn|title=Jennifer Lopez Wears Rihanna's Manolos in "Ain't Your Mama" Music Video|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jennifer-lopez-wears-rihannas-manolos-891381|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129200629/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jennifer-lopez-wears-rihannas-manolos-891381|url-status=live}} It was reported that the music video's production was almost halted due to low funds, which resulted in a product placement specialist being hired two days before the shoot.{{cite web|title=Jennifer Lopez nearly couldn't make 'Ain't Your Mama' video because of funding|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2016/05/09/jennifer-lopez-nearly-couldnt-make-aint-your-mama-video-because-funding/|website=Fox News Latino|access-date=May 11, 2016|date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=May 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512125758/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2016/05/09/jennifer-lopez-nearly-couldnt-make-aint-your-mama-video-because-funding/|url-status=live}} Product placements in the video include Vogue magazine, Beluga vodka, and Lavazza coffee.{{cite web|last1=Gacca|first1=Anna|title=A Complete List of Product Placements in Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Video|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-product-placement-video-watch/|website=Spin|access-date=May 6, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507123408/http://www.spin.com/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-product-placement-video-watch/|url-status=live}} The mobile social network application "Friendable" is also featured.{{cite news|title=Friendable Featured in New Jennifer Lopez Music Video "Ain't Your Mama"|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/friendable-featured-jennifer-lopez-music-130000754.html|work=Yahoo! Finance|access-date=May 11, 2016|date=May 11, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513022344/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/friendable-featured-jennifer-lopez-music-130000754.html|url-status=live}}
=Synopsis=
File:Jennifer Lopez - Ain't Your Mama (video).png
In the clip, Lopez plays a number of archetypal characters, including: a news anchor who urges women to "rise up against their male oppressors", a 1950s housewife, a 1960s secretary, an underpaid factory worker in the 1970s (her hotheaded boss played by actor Eric Womack), and a 1980s businesswoman.{{cite web|last1=Busis|first1=Hillary|title=Jennifer Lopez has a feminist awakening in 'Ain't Your Mama' video|url=http://mashable.com/2016/05/06/jennifer-lopez-aint-mama-video/|publisher=Mashable|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508143728/http://mashable.com/2016/05/06/jennifer-lopez-aint-mama-video/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Geffen|first1=Sasha|title=Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Calls For Women To Rise Up|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2877926/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-video/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129204741/http://www.mtv.com/news/2877926/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-video/|url-status=dead}} It opens with the news anchor Lopez having a heated conversation in a phone booth, stating: "I'm tired, I've been working all day! No, I can't...you should [do it]". She then appears in a television news studio, where part of Hillary Clinton's famous 1995 "Women's Rights Are Human Rights" speech, followed by part of Patricia Arquette's Academy Award speech (specifically Arquette saying, "It's our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America"), followed by part of Gloria Steinem's famous 1971 "Address to the Women of America" speech, can be heard in the background.{{cite web|title=Recording of an excerpt of the Address to the Women of America at MSN Encarta |url=http://encarta.msn.com/media_461531272_761574034_-1_1/gloria_steinem.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030063437/http://encarta.msn.com/media_461531272_761574034_-1_1/Gloria_Steinem.html |archive-date=October 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}{{OR|date=March 2025}} Lopez disregards the script and begins speaking: "Look, I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. Taken for granted, ignored, overlooked, under-appreciated."{{cite web|last1=Real|first1=Evan|title=Jennifer Lopez Stands Up for Women in New 'Ain't Your Mama' Music Video: Watch|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/jennifer-lopez-releases-sexy-new-video-for-aint-your-mama-w205487|website=Us Weekly|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507191616/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/jennifer-lopez-releases-sexy-new-video-for-aint-your-mama-w205487|url-status=live}}
The other characters watch news anchor Lopez through the television as she states, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!", which is a reference to a line spoken by character Howard Beale from the satirical film Network (1976).{{cite magazine|last1=Cobo|first1=Leila|title=Jennifer Lopez Unleashes Women's Revolution in Hillary-Quoting 'Ain't Your Mama' Video: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7357905/jennifer-lopez-i-aint-your-mama-video|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131042031/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7357905/jennifer-lopez-i-aint-your-mama-video|url-status=live}} As a result of the news anchor's speech, all of the women begin rebelling against the males who have been exploiting them. The blonde 1950s housewife stops tending to her husband, sings "I ain't gon' be cookin' all day. I ain't your mama", then dumps food over his head. The redheaded 1960s secretary throws vodka back in her boss's face. It ends with an all-women march in Brooklyn, New York. Lopez wears a white jumpsuit for a final dance scene.
=Reception=
File:Hillary Clinton by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg, whose speech is among those sampled in it.{{cite web|last1=Jensen|first1=Erin|title=Hillary Clinton tweets praise for JLo's 'Ain't Your Mama' video|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/05/09/hillary-clinton-tweets-praise-jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-video/84133256/|website=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|access-date=July 25, 2016|date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801135358/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/05/09/hillary-clinton-tweets-praise-jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-video/84133256/|url-status=live}}]]
After its first three days, the music video had garnered over 11 million views. Sasha Geffen of MTV News called the visual "politically charged". Leila Cobo of Billboard praised the video as "vastly entertaining", observing that it depicts the "history of women's fight for independence", with various pop culture and social references. Complex magazine writer Suzannah Weiss commended its "powerful plot line", noting: "It's an anthem for women dealing with man-children everywhere, and the music video ties it into larger issues of sexism contributing to these relationships."{{cite web|last1=Weiss|first1=Suzannah|title=Jennifer Lopez's 'Ain't Your Mama' Video Calls on Women to Start a Rebellion|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-new-video-aint-your-mama|website=Complex|publisher=Complex Media, Inc.|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507125850/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-new-video-aint-your-mama|url-status=live}} Of the video, Dave Quinn of People said, "she's not mincing words when it comes to the song's feminist message",{{cite web|last1=Quinn|first1=Dave|title=Jennifer Lopez Takes a Feminist Stand in Empowering New Video for 'Ain't Your Mama'|url=http://www.people.com/article/jennfer-lopez-aint-your-mama-video|website=People|access-date=May 7, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506221633/http://www.people.com/article/jennfer-lopez-aint-Your-Mama-Video|url-status=live}} while Richy Rosario of Vibe wrote: "Like many other women who have showcased their plight in gender inequality through art, Ms. Lopez is definitely making a statement."{{cite web|last1=Rosario|first1=Richy|title=Watch Jennifer Lopez Fight For Female Equality In "Ain't Your Mama" Video|url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-2/|website=Vibe|publisher=SpinMedia|access-date=May 9, 2016|date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142147/http://www.vibe.com/2016/05/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-2/|url-status=live}}
Sabienna Bowman of Bustle magazine commended the music video, "Each frame in the video is loaded with historical imagery that takes you from the beginning of the second wave feminism movement straight through to today." Further underlining its context, Bowman noted that "The historical context behind the video is beautifully rendered and full of pop culture nods to famous films, as well as the very real history of the women whose lives were changed by the impact of second wave feminism."{{cite web|last1=Bowman|first1=Sabienna|title=The Feminist Context Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't Your Mama" Video Left Out|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/159273-the-feminist-context-jennifer-lopezs-aint-your-mama-video-left-out|website=Bustle|access-date=May 9, 2016|date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509133828/http://www.bustle.com/articles/159273-the-feminist-context-jennifer-lopezs-aint-your-mama-video-left-out|url-status=live}} Conversely, Christina Cauterucci for Slate magazine reacted negatively, labeling the video a "sad premonition of the future of feminism" and saying that it serves as "a helpful illustration of an ascendant brand of feminism that boasts more marketable style than political substance".{{cite web|last1=Cauterucci|first1=Christina|title=Jennifer Lopez's New Video Is a Sad Premonition of the Future of Feminism|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2016/05/06/jennifer_lopez_s_new_ain_t_your_mama_video_is_a_sad_premonition_of_the_future.html|website=Slate|publisher=The Slate Group|access-date=May 9, 2016|date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509130656/http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2016/05/06/jennifer_lopez_s_new_ain_t_your_mama_video_is_a_sad_premonition_of_the_future.html|url-status=live}} 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, whose speech was sampled in the opening sequence, thanked Lopez for the music video, responding: "Women are so much more than the roles they've been assigned."
It is Lopez's second most-watched music video, with more than 900 million views on YouTube as of August 2024.
Live performances
Lopez premiered "Ain't Your Mama" on the series finale of American Idol on April 7, 2016. Speaking of the performance beforehand, she stated: "It's going to be very high energy". Lopez wore a "sparkly" French maid costume while singing "Ain't Your Mama", surrounded by several backup dancers. She followed it with a performance of her hit "Let's Get Loud", undergoing a quick costume change.{{cite magazine|title=Watch Jennifer Lopez Perform 'Ain't Your Mama' on 'American Idol' Finale|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7326328/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-american-idol-finale-lets-get-loud-video|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131201916/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/7326328/jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama-american-idol-finale-lets-get-loud-video|url-status=live}} The following month, she performed the song during a private concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom which was hosted by Telemundo.{{cite web|last1=Wagmeister|first1=Elizabeth|title=Jennifer Lopez Woos Upfronts With Private Telemundo Concert|url=https://variety.com/2016/scene/vpage/jennifer-lopez-concert-upfronts-2016-telemundo-1201776741/|website=Variety|publisher=Penske Business Media|access-date=May 20, 2016|date=May 17, 2016|archive-date=October 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011022301/http://variety.com/2016/scene/vpage/jennifer-lopez-concert-upfronts-2016-telemundo-1201776741/|url-status=live}} Lopez also added the song to the setlist of her Las Vegas Residency, All I Have. She later performed the song as part of her medley during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards on August 20, 2018, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.{{Citation|last=MTV|title=Jennifer Lopez Performs 'Get On The Floor', 'Love Don't Cost A Thing' & More {{!}} 2018 MTV VMAs|date=2018-08-20|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPIq1SB4Dk|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20180821140923/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D_tPIq1SB4Dk|url-status=live}} On May 2, 2021, Lopez headlined Global Citizen's VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, a campaign aimed at promoting the COVID-19 vaccine, where she closed the show with "Ain't Your Mama". The performance featured 52 dancers and included an interpolation of Saweetie's "Pretty Bitch Freestyle".{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |title=Behind 'Vax Live': How Jennifer Lopez, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Selena Gomez and Others United to Rock and Repel COVID |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/vax-live-global-citizen-jennifer-lopez-foo-fighters-1234968462/ |website=Variety |access-date=May 9, 2021 |date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509110509/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/vax-live-global-citizen-jennifer-lopez-foo-fighters-1234968462/ |url-status=live }}
Track listing
Digital download/streaming
- "Ain't Your Mama" – 3:38
CD single
- "Ain't Your Mama" – 3:38
- "Ain't Your Mama" (instrumental) – 3:32
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.{{cite web|url=http://listen.tidal.com/album/59108930|title=Ain't Your Mama / Jennifer Lopez TIDAL|date=April 7, 2016 |publisher=Tidal|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214510/https://listen.tidal.com/album/59108930|url-status=live}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- Chris Gehringer - mastering engineer
- Serban Ghenea – mixing engineer
- Clint Gibbs - engineer
- Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald – songwriter, producer, background vocals, programming
- John Hanes – mixing engineer
- Jacob Kasher Hindlin – songwriter
- Gamal "Lunchmoney" Lewis – songwriter, background vocals
{{col-2}}
- Jennifer Lopez – lead vocals
- Trevor Muzzy - engineer
- Tyler Sheppard - assistant Engineer
- Meghan Trainor – songwriter, background vocals
- Theron Thomas – songwriter
- Kalani Thompson - assistant engineer
- Henry "Cirkut" Walter – songwriter, producer, background vocals, programming
{{col-end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|relyear=2016|certyear=2022|type=single|access-date=February 7, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|date=November 23, 2016|refname="Austria Certification"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Platinum|id=8170|type=single|relyear=2016|relmonth=09|access-date=November 19, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Diamond|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|date=19 August 2016|access-date=15 September 2016|refname="France Certification"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain´t Your Mama|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|date=June 15, 2016|refname="Germany Certification"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2019|access-date=October 21, 2019|refname="Italy Certification"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|type=single|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Platinum|relyear=2016|certyear=2019|certref={{cite web |title=Jennifer Lopez / Ain't Your Mama / Single Track |url=https://www.facebook.com/CertificacionesAmprofon/photos/a.1346155028842438/1346186042172670/?type=3&theater |publisher=AMPROFON |access-date=28 July 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626004807/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCertificacionesAmprofon%2Fphotos%2Fa.1346155028842438%2F1346186042172670%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater |url-status=live }}}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Ain't Your Mama|artist=Jennifer Lopez|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2016|certyear=2022|source=radioscope|access-date=January 20, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|type=single|award=Diamond|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|relyear=2016|certyear=2016|access-date=November 30, 2016|refname="Poland Certification"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Jennifer Lopez|title=Ain't Your Mama|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2016|certyear=2019|id=file_2020-03-31-16-40-51.pdf|access-date=October 3, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|title=Ain't Your Mama|artist=Jennifer Lopez|relyear=2015|certyear=2016|region=Spain|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=December 21, 2016|refname="Spain Certification"|id=jennifer-lopez-aint-your-mama}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|title=Ain't Your Mama|artist=Jennifer Lopez|relyear=2015|certyear=2016|region=United Kingdom|award=Silver|id=16868-1293-1}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|title=Ain't Your Mama|artist=Jennifer Lopez|relyear=2015|certyear=2016|region=United States|award=Gold}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true}}
Release history
References
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Jennifer Lopez songs}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Cultural depictions of Hillary Clinton
Category:Obscenity controversies in music
Category:Songs containing the I–V-vi-IV progression
Category:Songs written by Cirkut
Category:Songs written by Dr. Luke
Category:Songs written by Jacob Kasher
Category:Songs written by LunchMoney Lewis
Category:Songs written by Meghan Trainor
Category:Songs written by Theron Thomas
Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut
Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Luke