In 2007, we were presented with an artist that would make the whole world dance…if only for a summer.

Today’s pick comes courtesy of Kat DeLuna : it’s her stellar debut single ‘Whine Up’ featuring dancehall king, Elephant Man.

The first single from the Dominican diva’s debut ‘9 Lives,’ the track was what first single dreams are made of: catchy, instant and fun.

With RedOne on production duties, the song had all the ingredients to become a fixture of Summer 2007. It performed fairly well the world over, peaking at #29 in the US, and inside the Top 20 in both Canada and Australia at #15 and #18 respectively. In France and Belgium, it reached Top 10 glory.

Gil Green directed the track’s visual, which is set in New York. Like the song, it mixes elements of Latin and Caribbean cultures.

It opens with Kat showcasing her impressive operatic singing before being interrupted by the sound of the tune and dancing up a storm with her girlfriends. Later on, male dancers join them in a classic Boys vs Girls situation.

These days, sew artists are encouraged to build an organic following and connect with an audience before being (literally) afforded the “big” treatment. As such, it’s very interesting seeing how much seemed to be pumped into a promising newbie from the get-go just over a decade ago.

As far as Kat is concerned, we’ve always felt it was a touch unfortunate that her collectively impressive work with a then-rising RedOne went unnoticed in the wake of his blockbuster touchdowns with Lady Gaga. 

Anyhow, this song still bangs – even 13 years later.

Your thoughts?