You'll Never Guess Who's Behind McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' Jingle

If you've been within an earshot of a television or radio in the last decade, you've heard McDonald's ubiquitous "I'm lovin' it" jingle. Launched in 2004, the "ba-da-ba-ba-ba" ditty became the first truly international McDonald's campaign, used in all of their markets across the globe. 

While there were rumors that the little ditty was the creation of Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams, the real author of this earworm may surprise you (and no, it's not Ronald McDonald). In an interview with radio station Hot 97, former record executive and current CEO of the marketing firm Translation, Steve Stoute gave credit where credit is due. 

"No, you know who did that?" Stoute said, when the interviewer mistakenly credited Pharrell. "Pusha T. That's crazy that Pusha T wrote the song to McDonald's 'I'm Lovin It.'"

That's right—Pusha T, the rapper whose dark lyrics often describe his days selling cocaine, also wrote the upbeat jingle that sold a billion big macs. Well, I guess he knows how to push a product, no matter what it is. 

Watch Stoute's full interview here, with the reveal around the four minute mark. And check out the full version of the "I'm lovin it" song, if you don't mind it getting stuck in your head all day.