The phrase "I Like It" has served as the backbone for some of the most influential tracks in music history across genres ranging from Latin Trap and Pop to R&B and Country. Depending on which era you grew up in, those three words might trigger a different melody in your head. Whether you are looking for Cardi B's bilingual powerhouse, Enrique Iglesias's club anthem, or the soulful classics of the 80s and 90s, this comprehensive guide covers the full lyrics and the cultural stories behind them.

The 2018 Global Smash: Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin

When most listeners search for "I Like It lyrics" today, they are likely looking for the 2018 diamond-certified single by Cardi B. This track didn't just top the charts; it merged the worlds of American Hip-Hop and Latin Trap, creating a cultural bridge that remains influential years later.

Full Lyrics for I Like It by Cardi B

[Intro: Cardi B] Yeah, baby, I like it like that You gotta believe me when I tell you I said I like it like that You gotta believe me when I tell you I said I like it like—

[Verse 1: Cardi B] Now I like dollars, I like diamonds I like stunting, I like shining I like million dollar deals, where's my pen? Bitch, I'm signing I like those Balenciagas, the ones that look like socks I like going to the jeweler, I put rocks all in my watch I like texts from my exes when they want a second chance I like proving niggas wrong, I do what they say I can't They call me Cardi Bardi, banging body Spicy mami, hot tamale Hotter than a Somali, fur coat, Ferrari Hop out the stu', jump in the coupe Big dipper on top of the roof Flexing on bitches as hard as I can Eating halal, driving the Lam' Told that bitch I'm sorry, though 'Bout my coins like Mario Yeah, they call me Cardi B I run this shit like cardio, woo!

[Chorus: Cardi B] Diamond district in the chain, chain (I said I like it like that) Certified, you know I'm gang, gang, gang, gang (I said I like it like— woo!) Drop the top and blow the brains, woo! (I said I like it like that) Oh, he's so handsome, what's his name? Yeah (I said I like it)

[Verse 2: Bad Bunny] Chambean, chambean, pero no jalan Tú compras to'a las Jordan, bo, a mí me las regalan I spend in the club what you have in the bank This is the new religion, bang, en Latino gang, gang, yeh Trato de hacer dieta, pero es que en el closet tengo mucha grasa Ya mudé la' Gucci pa' dentro de casa, yeh Cabrón, a ti no te conocen ni en plaza El diablo me llama, pero Jesucristo me abraza Guerrero como Eddie, que viva la raza, yeh Me gustan boricuas, me gustan cubanas Me gusta el acento de las colombianas Como mueve el culo la dominicana Lo rico que me chingan las venezolanas Andamos activos, perico pin-pin Billetes de cien en el maletín Que retumbe el bajo, Bobby Valentín, yeh Aquí es prohibido amar, diles, Charytín Que pa'l picor les tengo Claritín Yo llego a la disco y se forma el motín

[Verse 3: J Balvin] Como Celia Cruz tengo el azúcar Tu jeva me vio y se fue de pecho como Jimmy Snuka Te vamos a tumbar la peluca Y arranca pa'l carajo, cabrón, que a ti no te vo' a pasar la hookah Mis tenis Balenciaga me reciben en la entrada Pa-pa-paparazzi like I'm Lady Gaga Y no te me hagas, que en cover de Billboard tú has visto mi cara No salgo de tu mente Donde quieras que viajes has escuchado "Mi Gente" Yo no soy hype, soy como el Testarossa Yo soy el que se la vive y también el que la goza Es la cosa, mami es la cosa El que mira sufre y el que toca goza

Why Cardi B's Version Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The genius of Cardi B’s "I Like It" lies in its DNA. Produced by J. White Did It, Tainy, and Craig Kallman, the song is a modern reimagining of the 1967 boogaloo classic "I Like It Like That" by Pete Rodriguez. By sampling this specific era of Nuyorican soul, Cardi B paid homage to the Bronx's musical heritage while bringing a fresh, trap-infused energy to the rhythm.

In our analysis of the track, the lyrical themes center on unapologetic success and cultural pride. Cardi B’s verse is a masterclass in "stunting"—referencing high-fashion staples like the Balenciaga "Speed Trainer" (the ones that look like socks) and her transition from a viral personality to a business mogul signing "million dollar deals."

Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s verses are equally significant. Bad Bunny brings the raw grit of Puerto Rican trap, referencing "Eddie" (the late wrestler Eddie Guerrero) and the "Latino Gang" movement. J Balvin’s contribution adds a smoother, reggaeton-pop flair, referencing the legendary Celia Cruz and her catchphrase "Azúcar!" This collaboration was instrumental in the "Latin Explosion" of the late 2010s, proving that bilingual lyrics could dominate the Billboard Hot 100.

The 2010 Club Anthem: Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull

Before the trap era, the world was dancing to the electropop sounds of Enrique Iglesias. Released in 2010 as part of his album Euphoria, "I Like It" was the quintessential summer party song, featuring the high-octane energy of "Mr. Worldwide" himself, Pitbull.

Full Lyrics for I Like It by Enrique Iglesias

[Intro: Pitbull] Enrique Iglesias! Pitbull! Y'all know what time it is We gonna set it off tonight, just go Set the club on fire, just go Enrique, holla at them like...

[Verse 1: Enrique Iglesias] Girl, please, excuse me if I'm coming too strong But tonight is the night we can really let go My girlfriend's out of town and I'm all alone Your boyfriend's on vacation and he doesn't have to know No, oh, oh, oh, oh No one can do the things I'm gonna wanna do to you No, oh, oh, oh, oh Shout it loud, scream it loud, let me hear you go!

[Chorus] Baby, I like it! The way you move on the floor Baby, I like it! Come on and give me some more Oh, yes, I like it! Screaming like never before Baby, I like it! I, I, I like it!

[Verse 2: Enrique Iglesias] Girl, please, excuse me if I'm misbehaving, oh I'm trying to keep my hands off, but you're begging me for more Round, round, round, give a low, low, low Let the time, time pass 'cause we're never getting old No, oh, oh, oh, oh No one can do it better, turn around, I'll give you more No, oh, oh, oh, oh Shout it loud, scream it loud, let me hear you go!

[Bridge: Pitbull] Go, DJ, that's my DJ I'm a Miami boy, you know how we play I ain't playing with you, but I want to play with you Get me? Got me? Good, now watch me It's a different species, meet me in DC Let's party on the White House lawn Tiger Woods times Jesse James Equals Pitbull all night long!

The Electropop Influence of the Early 2010s

Enrique’s version of "I Like It" was produced by RedOne, the mastermind behind Lady Gaga’s early hits. If the production feels familiar, it’s because it interpolates Lionel Richie’s "All Night Long (All Night)." The "Party, karamu, fiesta, forever" chant in the background is a direct nod to the 80s classic, bridging two generations of dance music.

During our playback of the 2010 version, the lyrical simplicity is actually its greatest strength. It captures the hedonistic, "live in the moment" spirit of the Jersey Shore era (the song was actually featured prominently on the soundtrack of the MTV show). While Cardi B’s version is about status and identity, Enrique’s version is purely about the chemistry of the dance floor.

The 1982 Soul Foundation: DeBarge

Long before the modern pop versions, there was DeBarge. Their 1982 hit "I Like It" from the album All This Love is widely considered one of the greatest R&B tracks of all time. It isn't just a song; it's a template for the smooth soul that would define the genre for decades.

Key Lyrics and Musical Impact

The lyrics of DeBarge’s version are deeply romantic and melodic: "I like it, I like it / I really like it / You really got a hold on me / I like it, I like it / I really like it / You really got a hold on me."

Unlike the upbeat party versions of the 2000s, this is a mid-tempo groove driven by lush harmonies and Randy DeBarge’s soaring vocals. In the world of music production, this track is legendary for its sampling potential. Fans of 2000s R&B will recognize the melody in Nelly’s "My Place," which sampled the song heavily to create a nostalgic, romantic atmosphere.

The song’s longevity lies in its sincerity. It doesn't rely on aggressive beats or flashy brand name-dropping. Instead, it focuses on the universal feeling of a new crush and the excitement of mutual attraction. For anyone looking for the "I Like It" lyrics that lean into "Old School" R&B, this is the definitive version.

The 1999 Teen R&B Hit: Sammie

At just twelve years old, Sammie released "I Like It" in late 1999, and it quickly became a staple of the Y2K era R&B scene. Produced by Dallas Austin (the legendary producer for TLC and Monica), this song captured the "puppy love" sentiment that resonated with a younger demographic.

Full Lyrics for I Like It by Sammie

[Verse 1] Girl, I wish that I could spend time with you each and every day Playing all my love and emotions, that's the thing that's got me open And I don't know what it takes to let you know you're my girl To let you know you're my baby And even when they say we won't stay around If they only knew that we were meant to be together Forever and ever, whatever (There's no better thing) Me and you, girl, that's why I write you love letters saying...

[Chorus] I like the way you look at me I like the time we spend, baby I like what we have grown to be I like it, girl, don't you know I like it?

[Verse 2] Sometimes I want to be the one you be checking for Can I get a second for me, me and you to be alone? Tell me if you think it's wrong Love is nothing but the time it takes you to say "I'm on your mind" Let me tell you, I'm always there, oh yeah Let's get a little time away, go to the movies on a Saturday Meet me at the finish line so I can tell you one more time Girl, you know I'm not scared to let you say that...

The Legacy of Sammie’s "I Like It"

Sammie’s version is a fascinating time capsule. In our retrospective view, the song represents a transition period in R&B where the sound was moving away from the heavy swing of the 90s toward the cleaner, pop-oriented production of the early 2000s. The lyrics reflect the innocent perspective of a teenager navigating first love—references to "writing love letters" and "going to the movies on a Saturday" anchor the song in a pre-social media era of romance.

Despite being over two decades old, the song maintains a massive following on streaming platforms, often cited as a "classic" by millennials who grew up with the music video on BET or MTV.

The 1995 Country Cross-Over: Tim McGraw

It might surprise some pop fans, but country music has its own iconic "I Like It" anthem. Tim McGraw’s "I Like It, I Love It" was released in 1995 and became one of the defining songs of his career.

Lyrical Differences

While the other songs on this list are rooted in R&B, Pop, or Trap, McGraw’s track is a high-energy country-rock celebration. The lyrics—"I like it, I love it, I want some more of it"—are sung with a twang that made it a staple at sporting events and country fairs across America.

The song tells the story of a man so infatuated with his partner that he starts acting out of character, like missing the big game just to be with her. It’s a humorous, relatable take on the "I Like It" theme that shows just how versatile these three simple words can be.

How to Tell Which "I Like It" Song You Are Looking For

With so many versions, it can be confusing to find the right lyrics. Here is a quick cheat sheet based on the "vibe" or genre of the song:

  • If it's a Latin Trap song with Spanish verses: You are looking for Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin (2018). Look for mentions of "Balenciagas" and "halal."
  • If it's a high-energy club song with Pitbull: You are looking for Enrique Iglesias (2010). Look for the "Party, karamu, fiesta" chorus.
  • If it's a smooth, soulful 80s track: You are looking for DeBarge (1982). Look for the melodic "I really like it" hook.
  • If it's a young R&B singer from the late 90s: You are looking for Sammie (1999). Look for the "movies on a Saturday" line.
  • If it's a country song with a rock beat: You are looking for Tim McGraw (1995). Look for the "I want some more of it" extension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What song does Cardi B's I Like It sample?

Cardi B’s version samples the 1967 hit "I Like It Like That" by Pete Rodriguez. It is a cornerstone of the Boogaloo genre, which originated in New York City and blended African American soul and R&B with Latin rhythms.

Who wrote the lyrics for Enrique Iglesias's I Like It?

The song was written by Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, and the producer RedOne, with a songwriting credit also given to Lionel Richie because the track interpolates lyrics and melodies from his song "All Night Long."

Did Bad Bunny and J Balvin write their own verses?

Yes, in the world of Latin Trap and Reggaeton, artists typically write their own "chanteo" (verses). Bad Bunny and J Balvin are known for their distinct lyrical styles, and their verses in "I Like It" are considered quintessential examples of their work from that era.

Why are there so many songs called I Like It?

"I Like It" is a simple, universal, and highly "sticky" phrase. In songwriting, simple phrases make for effective "hooks" that stay in the listener's head. It allows for a wide range of interpretations—from financial success (Cardi B) to romantic obsession (DeBarge).

Summary of the "I Like It" Lyrical Evolution

Tracing the "I Like It" lyrics through the decades reveals a fascinating evolution in popular culture. What started as a smooth R&B sentiment in the early 80s transformed into a teen pop anthem in the late 90s, a global dance floor filler in 2010, and finally, a bilingual cultural milestone in 2018.

Each version reflects the technology and social priorities of its time. Cardi B’s lyrics about Instagram-worthy fashion and global streaming dominance contrast sharply with Sammie’s lyrics about physical love letters. However, the core sentiment remains the same: a celebration of desire, whether it's for a person, a lifestyle, or just a great night out. Whether you're reciting the rapid-fire Spanish of Bad Bunny or the soulful harmonies of El DeBarge, these lyrics continue to prove that some feelings are truly timeless.