Introduction
“Why She Gotta Be Like That” is a collaborative track by American country artist Scotty McCreery and Colombian singer-songwriter GUSI, released on May 4, 2023. This bilingual rendition reimagines McCreery’s original song “Why You Gotta Be Like That” from his 2021 album Same Truck, infusing it with Latin influences and Spanish lyrics.
The genesis of this cross-cultural collaboration began when McCreery discovered GUSI’s cover of “Why You Gotta Be Like That” on Instagram. Impressed by GUSI’s talent and interpretation, McCreery envisioned a duet that would blend their musical styles and heritage. Reflecting on this partnership, McCreery, who is a quarter Puerto Rican, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’ve always thought it would be fun to bring the Latin part of my heritage into some of my music… He brought so much to it.”
GUSI, known for his contributions to Latin music, brought a fresh perspective to the song by incorporating Spanish verses and rhythms. He shared his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am very grateful to Scotty and his team for inviting me to participate in this song… Additionally, I have grown up listening to country music and recording this song with this great performer was more than I imagined.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Jeff Ray, debuted on platforms like CMT, CMT Music, and CMT.com. Ray, who has a history of collaborating with McCreery on several projects, crafted a visual narrative that complements the song’s fusion of country and Latin elements. Although McCreery and GUSI filmed their parts separately due to logistical constraints, the video seamlessly portrays their musical synergy.
“Why She Gotta Be Like That” exemplifies the power of music to bridge diverse cultures and genres. By merging country storytelling with Latin rhythms and bilingual lyrics, McCreery and GUSI have created a track that resonates with a broad audience, celebrating the universality of music and the beauty of cross-cultural collaboration.