If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the last few years, you’ve probably seen a viral clip of someone doing a "wing flap" dance move while wearing a bucket hat. It’s infectious. But if you’re asking who sings chicken noodle soup, the answer isn't just one person; it’s actually a cross-generational, cross-continental handoff that started in the streets of Harlem and ended up on the global charts.
Most people today associate the track with J-Hope of BTS, featuring American singer Becky G. That version dropped in 2019 and basically broke the internet. But honestly? The song has a much older soul. Before the K-pop superstardom, there was a 2006 original by Webstar and Young B. It was a regional anthem that defined an entire era of New York dance culture.
The Harlem Origins: Webstar, Young B, and the AGB
Let’s go back to 2006. If you were in New York City, specifically Harlem, you couldn't escape this beat. The original creators were DJ Webstar and Young B (who many now know as Bianca Bonnie from Love & Hip Hop). They were kids, really. Young B was only 16 when she recorded her verses.
It wasn't just a song; it was a movement.
The track featured The Voice of Harlem and was heavily pushed by the AGB (All Get Money Brothers) crew. It wasn't about complex lyricism. It was about the "Chicken Noodle Soup" dance—that specific rhythmic shuffling of the feet and flapping of the arms that looked a lot more difficult than it actually was. The song hit number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, which was huge for a localized dance track back then. It was raw. It was lo-fi. It felt like a block party in a digital file.
Young B’s hook—"Chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side"—became an instant playground chant. But as quickly as it rose, it sort of faded into the "one-hit wonder" category for the general public, even though it remained a legendary staple in the Black community and the hip-hop world. It represented a time when Harlem was the epicenter of "Litefeet" and snap-adjacent dance styles.
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How J-Hope and Becky G Revived the Legend
Fast forward to 2019. J-Hope, a member of the global powerhouse BTS, decides he wants to pay homage to his roots. See, before J-Hope was a pop star, he was a street dancer in Gwangju, South Korea. He grew up learning how to dance to the original Webstar and Young B version. To him, this wasn't just a catchy tune; it was the foundation of his career as a performer.
He reached out to Becky G, a Mexican-American artist who also grew up with the song. This was a massive moment of cultural intersection. You had a Korean artist and a Latina artist coming together to cover a song deeply rooted in Black American culture.
The 2019 version of "Chicken Noodle Soup" kept the iconic hook but added new verses in Korean and Spanish. It was a trilanguage flex that somehow worked perfectly. J-Hope spent a staggering amount of money on the music video, which featured over 50 dancers from all over the world. They filmed it in Los Angeles, and the energy was electric.
Why the 2019 Version Mattered
- The #CNSChallenge: It was one of the first major TikTok dance challenges led by a K-pop idol that truly crossed over into the mainstream West.
- Cultural Respect: J-Hope made it clear in interviews that he bought the rights and wanted to honor the original. He wasn't trying to "steal" the vibe; he was celebrating it.
- Representation: Seeing Becky G represent her heritage alongside J-Hope showed how music doesn't really care about borders anymore.
The Recipe Behind the Beat
What makes people want to hear who sings chicken noodle soup over and over? It’s the simplicity. The beat is basically a driving, percussive loop that leaves room for the "soda on the side" ad-libs.
In the 2006 version, the production is very "New York"—crisp snares and a heavy emphasis on the rhythm. In the J-Hope version, the production is slicker, more "pop," but it retains that essential bounce. If you strip away the vocals, you’re left with a beat that forces your feet to move. It’s biological at this point.
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Interestingly, Bianca Bonnie (Young B) has been vocal about her feelings regarding the remake. She’s expressed pride in seeing the song reach a new generation. It’s rare in the music industry to see a remake bring so much positive attention back to the original creators without a messy legal battle. J-Hope’s team handled the licensing properly, which meant the original creators got their flowers (and their royalties).
The Evolution of a Dance Anthem
The "Chicken Noodle Soup" dance has evolved significantly since 2006. The original Harlem version was more about the "Toe Wop" and specific footwork that required a lot of lower-body coordination. It was gritty.
The J-Hope/Becky G version stylized the dance. It became more of a choreographed routine suited for music videos. They added the "chicken wing" arm movement which is much more meme-able and easier for a casual fan to replicate in their bedroom for a 15-second clip.
Yet, the DNA is the same.
Where are they now?
- DJ Webstar: Still active in the New York scene, though he hasn't had a hit as massive as CNS since.
- Young B (Bianca Bonnie): Shifted into reality TV and continues to release music independently.
- J-Hope: Recently completed his mandatory South Korean military service and is back to being a global fashion and music icon.
- Becky G: A mainstay in the Latin pop world, constantly topping charts.
What Most People Miss About the Lyrics
Honestly, the lyrics aren't deep. We’re talking about soup and soda. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a "vibe" song. It captures a specific moment of childhood or young adulthood. Whether you were in a Harlem basement in '06 or watching a YouTube premiere in '19, the feeling of the song is about community.
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People often debate which version is "better." The purists will always point to the 2006 original for its cultural weight and authentic street feel. The newer fans will point to the 2019 version for its high production value and global inclusivity. Both are right.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Fans
If you’re just discovering the song or trying to explain its history to a friend, keep these points in mind to look like a real music head:
- Listen to both versions back-to-back. You can hear how the 2019 version samples the original "Let it rain, clear it out" vocal line.
- Check out Young B’s original video. It’s a time capsule of 2000s fashion—oversized jerseys, headbands, and baggy jeans.
- Look up the "Litefeet" dance style. Understanding the subculture that birthed the song makes the 2019 K-pop version feel much more meaningful as a tribute.
- Support the original creators. If you stream the J-Hope version, make sure to give the Webstar/Young B version a spin on Spotify too. It helps keep the legacy of the original artists alive.
The story of who sings chicken noodle soup is really a story of how a local sound can travel around the world if the rhythm is right. It’s a rare bridge between the Bronx/Harlem and Seoul. Whether you like the raw 2006 energy or the polished 2019 pop-fusion, the song remains one of the most successful "full circle" moments in modern music history.
To fully appreciate the track, go find the original music video on YouTube and compare it to the J-Hope version. You'll see the direct nods in the choreography—like the way they tilt their heads or the specific timing of the "rain" gesture. It’s a masterclass in how to do a remake with respect.