You’ve probably heard it. That infectious, bouncy hook where a female voice confidently declares, "Watashi wa star." It’s everywhere—TikTok, Instagram Reels, and likely stuck in your head on a loop. While many fans search for "Megan Thee Stallion Watashi," the track is actually titled "Mamushi," and it is arguably one of the most culturally significant moments in modern hip-hop.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
The song, featuring Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba, isn't just a catchy tune. It is a bridge between Houston’s dirty south rap and Tokyo’s underground hip-hop scene. Released on June 28, 2024, as the tenth track of her self-titled album MEGAN, it quickly became a global phenomenon. But what’s actually happening in the lyrics? Why is everyone obsessed with a song about a venomous snake?
The Meaning of "Mamushi" and That Iconic "Watashi" Hook
When Megan says "Watashi wa star," she isn't just playing with Google Translate.
She's making a statement.
The word Watashi (私) is the standard, often more formal or feminine way of saying "I" in Japanese. By pairing it with "wa star," she is simply saying, "I am a star." It's peak Megan: confident, direct, and unapologetic.
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Why the name Mamushi?
The title refers to the Gloydius blomhoffii, a venomous pit viper native to Japan. This fits perfectly into the "snake era" of the MEGAN album, following tracks like "Cobra" and "Hiss."
Megan has always used the snake as a metaphor for rebirth and shedding her skin. In "Mamushi," she isn't the victim of the snake; she is the snake.
Behind the Collab: Who is Yuki Chiba?
Megan didn't just pick a random feature. She teamed up with Yuki Chiba, formerly known as the legendary Japanese rapper KOHH.
Chiba is a massive deal in Japan. He’s known for his raw, gritty storytelling and his upbringing in Oji, Tokyo. Seeing these two together is a "real recognize real" moment. In the chorus, they play with gendered language in a way that’s actually pretty clever:
- Yuki Chiba raps: Okane kasegu, orera wa star. ("We make money, we are stars.") He uses orera, a masculine and informal way to say "we."
- Megan responds: Okane kasegu, watashi wa star. ("I make money, I am a star.") She swaps to the feminine watashi.
It’s a linguistic dance that most Western listeners might miss, but it shows the level of detail Megan put into her "Otaku" identity.
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More Than Just a "Weeb" Phase
Some critics have called Megan a "weeaboo"—a derogatory term for non-Japanese people obsessed with Japanese culture—but her fans know it goes deeper.
She’s a legitimate fan.
We are talking about a woman who dressed as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia for a Paper magazine cover. She’s been to Japan specifically for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. When you look at the "Mamushi" music video, the references are everywhere. There’s a direct nod to Akira Kurosawa’s 1990 film Dreams, specifically the segment with the blue-faced men.
She isn't just "using" the culture; she’s participating in it.
The Chart Success
The numbers don't lie.
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- Reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Hit #1 on Rhythmic Radio in October 2024.
- Became a massive hit in Japan, peaking in the top 5 on local charts.
The Cultural Impact of the "Watashi Wa Star" Trend
TikTok basically exploded when this song dropped.
The "Mamushi" dance challenge wasn't just for fans. Even the staff at some Japanese shrines and anime creators got in on the action. It normalized a Black woman occupying a space in Japanese pop culture that was previously gatekept.
Is her pronunciation perfect? Maybe not. But as Yuki Chiba himself has noted in interviews, the effort to bridge the two languages is what makes it a genuine collaboration rather than just a gimmick.
How to Lean Into the Megan Era
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world Megan created with this track, here are the best ways to experience it:
- Watch the Music Video: Directed by Kevin "Onda" Leyva, it was filmed at Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya (a traditional Japanese inn). It’s basically a short film where Megan lures gangsters into a bathhouse and... well, turns into a giant snake.
- Listen to the Album In Order: To understand why "Mamushi" sounds the way it does, listen to "Cobra" and "Hiss" first. You’ll hear the progression of the snake motif.
- Check out Yuki Chiba’s solo work: If you liked his verse, look up his work as KOHH. Tracks like "Dirt" or "It’s Okay" will give you a sense of why Megan respects his pen so much.
- Learn the Japanese Basics: If you're going to scream the lyrics in your car, at least know that Okane kasegu means "earning money" and Kira kira means "sparkling."
This song isn't going anywhere. Whether you call it "Watashi" or "Mamushi," it stands as a testament to what happens when an artist follows their genuine passions instead of just chasing a radio formula.
Actionable Insight: If you're interested in the intersection of hip-hop and Japanese culture, start by exploring the MEGAN album's visualizers. They often contain hidden anime easter eggs that explain the lyrical depth of her Japanese references.