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{{Short description|2004 single by Monica}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = U Should've Known Better
| name = U Should've Known Better
Line 5: Line 7:
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Monica (singer)|Monica]]
| artist = [[Monica (singer)|Monica]]
| album = [[All Eyez on Me (Monica album)|All Eyez on Me]] <br>and [[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]
| album = [[All Eyez on Me (Monica album)|All Eyez on Me]] {{noitalic|and}} [[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]
| released = May 18, 2004
| released = {{start date|2004|3|8}}
| format = {{hlist|[[Music download|Digital download]]|[[7-inch single|7" single]]}}
| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio = SouthSide Studios<br><small>([[Atlanta, Georgia]])</small>
| studio = SouthSide (Atlanta, Georgia)
| venue =
| genre =
| genre = [[contemporary R&B|R&B]]
| length = 4:17
| length = 4:17 <small>(album version)</small>
| label = [[J Records|J]]
| label = [[J Records|J]]
| writer = {{hlist|[[Monica Arnold]]|[[Jermaine Dupri]]|[[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]]}}
| writer = {{hlist|[[Monica Arnold]]|[[Jermaine Dupri]]|[[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|Jermaine Dupri|[[Bryan Michael Cox]] <small>(co.)</small>}}
| producer = Jermaine Dupri, [[Bryan-Michael Cox]]
| prev_title = [[Get It Off]]
| prev_title = [[Category:Music infoboxes with Module:String errors{{!}}S]]<strong class="error">String Module Error: Match not found</strong>
| prev_year = 2003
| prev_year = 2003
| next_title = [[Everytime tha Beat Drop]]
| next_title = [[Everytime tha Beat Drop]]
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"'''U Should've Known Better'''" is a song by American recording artist [[Monica (singer)|Monica]]. It was written in collaboration with [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]] and [[Jermaine Dupri]], and produced by the latter along with frequent co-producer [[Bryan Michael Cox]] for her original third studio album, ''[[All Eyez on Me (Monica album)|All Eyez on Me]]'' (2002). When the album was shelved for release outside Japan, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, ''[[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]'' (2003). A [[contemporary R&B]] [[slow jam]], "U Should've Known Better" contains elements of [[soul music]] and [[rock music]]. Built on an pulsating [[backbeat]], the song's instrumentation consists of screeching [[Slide guitar|guitar]]s and an understated [[harp]] pattern. Lyrically, Monica, as the protagonist, delivers a message of loyalty to her imprisoned [[love interest]] and sings about staying down for him despite his doubts.
"'''U Should've Known Better'''" is a song by American recording artist [[Monica (singer)|Monica]]. It was written in collaboration with [[Harold Lilly (songwriter)|Harold Lilly]] and [[Jermaine Dupri]], and produced by the latter along with frequent co-producer [[Bryan Michael Cox]] for her original third studio album, ''[[All Eyez on Me (Monica album)|All Eyez on Me]]'' (2002). When the album was shelved for release outside Japan, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, ''[[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]'' (2003). A [[contemporary R&B]] [[slow jam]], "U Should've Known Better" contains elements of [[soul music]] and [[rock music]]. Built on an pulsating [[backbeat]], the song's instrumentation consists of screeching [[Slide guitar|guitar]]s and an understated [[harp]] pattern. Lyrically, Monica, as the protagonist, delivers a message of loyalty to her imprisoned [[love interest]] and sings about staying down for him despite his doubts.


The song was generally well received by contemporary music critics who highlighted the heartfelt emotion and sadness. Released as the fourth and final single from ''After the Storm'' in May 2004, the single marked Monica's first balladic release in over five years. On the charts, "U Should've Known Better" peaked at number 19 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and number 6 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]], becoming the album's highest-charting single release after "[[So Gone]]". Its accompanying music video was shot by director [[Benny Boom]], and filmed in [[Mexico]] in April 2004. It features rapper [[Young Buck]] as Monica's love interest.
The song was generally well received by contemporary music critics who highlighted the heartfelt emotion and sadness. Released as the fourth and final single from ''After the Storm'' on March 8, 2004, the single marked Monica's first balladic release in over five years. On the charts, "U Should've Known Better" peaked at number 19 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and number 6 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]], becoming the album's highest-charting single release after "[[So Gone]]". Its accompanying music video was shot by director [[Benny Boom]], and filmed in [[Mexico]] in April 2004. It features rapper [[Young Buck]] as Monica's love interest.


==Background and release==
==Background==
In an interview with ''[[MTV News]]'' in June 2000, Monica revealed that she was planning to start work on a follow-up to her 1998 album ''[[The Boy Is Mine (album)|The Boy Is Mine]]'' throughout the summer season, with a first single to be released by October of the same year.<ref name="mtv-jj">{{cite news|title=Monica: Jingle Jamming |publisher=MTV.com |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica00/index2.jhtml |accessdate={{date|2012-07-24}} |date={{date|2000-06-01}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213030753/http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica00/index2.jhtml |archivedate=2013-12-13 |df= }}</ref> The following month, personal tribulations put a temporary halt on the album's production when her former boyfriend Jarvis "Knot" Weems committed [[suicide]].<ref name="Enquirer">{{cite web|first=Nekesa|last=Mumbi Moody|date=2003-06-27|title=Monica Triumphs Over Tragedy ''After the Storm''|work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer|Enquirer]]|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/06/27/tem_0627monica.html|accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> In July 2000, Monica and Weems were together at the graveside of Weems's brother, who had died in an automobile accident at age 25 in 1998, when Weems, without warning, put a gun to his head and shot himself to death.<ref name="Enquirer"/> Knot left behind a daughter from a previous relationship, who Monica took into care after going into hiatus.<ref name="mtv-idn">{{cite news|title=Monica: It's Different Now |publisher=MTV.com |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica01/index2.jhtml |accessdate={{date|2012-07-24}} |date={{date|2001-04-18}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213030857/http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica01/index2.jhtml |archivedate=2013-12-13 |df= }}</ref> In early 2001, Monica eventually decided to resume recording to prepare the release of her third album in fall 2001.<ref name="mtv-idn"/> Throughout the process, Monica primarily worked with her usual stable of producers, which included [[Dallas Austin]], production team Soulshock & Karlin, [[Bryan Michael Cox]], and [[Rodney Jerkins]] and his Darkchild crew.<ref name="bw">{{cite news|title=Superstar Monica Selects Self-Titled Album|publisher=Business Wire|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2002_June_27/ai_87859988|accessdate={{date|2007-11-25}} | date={{date|2002-06-27}}}}</ref> Though she "had never thought about writing much" by then, her producers encouraged the singer to intensify her work on the ''All Eyez on Me'' album and to write and contribute own lyrics and ideas to the songs, one of which was the ballad "U Should've Known Better."<ref name="bw"/>
In an interview with ''[[MTV News]]'' in June 2000, Monica revealed that she was planning to start work on a follow-up to her 1998 album ''[[The Boy Is Mine (album)|The Boy Is Mine]]'' throughout the summer season, with a first single to be released by October of the same year.<ref name="mtv-jj">{{cite news|title=Monica: Jingle Jamming |publisher=MTV.com |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica00/index2.jhtml |access-date=24 July 2012 |date=1 June 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213030753/http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica00/index2.jhtml |archive-date=2013-12-13 }}</ref> The following month, personal tribulations put a temporary halt on the album's production when her former boyfriend Jarvis "Knot" Weems committed [[suicide]].<ref name="Enquirer">{{cite web|first=Nekesa|last=Mumbi Moody|date=2003-06-27|title=Monica Triumphs Over Tragedy ''After the Storm''|work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer|Enquirer]]|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/06/27/tem_0627monica.html|access-date=2007-06-01}}</ref> In July 2000, Monica and Weems were together at the graveside of Weems's brother, who had died in an automobile accident at age 25 in 1998, when Weems, without warning, put a gun to his head and shot himself to death.<ref name="Enquirer"/> Knot left behind a daughter from a previous relationship, who Monica took into care after going into hiatus.<ref name="mtv-idn">{{cite news|title=Monica: It's Different Now |publisher=MTV.com |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica01/index2.jhtml |access-date=24 July 2012 |date=18 April 2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213030857/http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/m/monica01/index2.jhtml |archive-date=2013-12-13 }}</ref> In early 2001, Monica eventually decided to resume recording to prepare the release of her third album in fall 2001.<ref name="mtv-idn"/> Throughout the process, Monica primarily worked with her usual stable of producers, which included [[Dallas Austin]], production team Soulshock & Karlin, [[Bryan Michael Cox]], and [[Rodney Jerkins]] and his Darkchild crew.<ref name="bw">{{cite news|title=Superstar Monica Selects Self-Titled Album|publisher=Business Wire|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2002_June_27/ai_87859988|access-date=25 November 2007 | date=27 June 2002}}</ref> Though she "had never thought about writing much" by then, her producers encouraged the singer to intensify her work on the ''All Eyez on Me'' album and to write and contribute own lyrics and ideas to the songs, one of which was the ballad "U Should've Known Better."<ref name="bw"/>


==Production and release==
[[File:JermaineDupriApr05.jpg|150px|thumbnail|right|The song was co-written and produced by mentor [[Jermaine Dupri]].<ref name="booklet"/>]]
[[File:JermaineDupriApr05.jpg|150px|thumbnail|right|The song was co-written and produced by mentor [[Jermaine Dupri]].<ref name="booklet"/>]]
Monica penned the song along with Harold Lilly and longtime contributor [[Jermaine Dupri]], while production on the track was helmed by Dupri and [[Bryan Michael Cox]].<ref name="booklet">{{cite AV media notes |title=All Eyez on Me |others=[[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]] |year=2002 |url= |publisher=[[J Records]]}}</ref> "U Should've Known Better" was mixed by [[Phil Tan]] with further assistance from Dupri and John Horesco IV.<ref name="booklet"/> William Odum played the [[guitar]], while recording at the SouthSide Studios in [[Atlanta, Georgia]] was overseen Brian Frye.<ref name="booklet"/> He was assisted by Tadd Mingo, and Javier Valeverde.<ref name="booklet"/> A sultry ballad, the lyrics of the song deal with misunderstandings in a relationship, which conduce to doubts about love's veracity. Nonetheless Monica, as the female protagonist, promises her man she'll stay with him, singing lines like: "It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down, either way I'm gonna be around."<ref name="bw"/> When the US release of ''All Eyez on Me'' was shelved, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, ''[[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]''.<ref name="mtv100">{{cite web |first=Corey |last=Moss |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480921/monica-plays-mistress-on-likely-next-single.jhtml|title=Monica Sees What It's Like To Be DMX's Mistress On Likely Next Single|work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom]] |date=2003-12-08|accessdate=2013-02-04}}</ref> Although a duet with [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]], "Don't Gotta Go Home", was expected be released as the album's fourth single at times, "U Should've Known Better" eventually replaced original plans.<ref name="mtv100"/>
Monica penned the song along with Harold Lilly and longtime contributor [[Jermaine Dupri]], while production on the track was helmed by Dupri and [[Bryan Michael Cox]].<ref name="booklet">{{cite AV media notes |title=All Eyez on Me |others=[[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]] |year=2002 |publisher=[[J Records]]}}</ref> "U Should've Known Better" was mixed by [[Phil Tan]] with further assistance from Dupri and John Horesco IV.<ref name="booklet"/> William Odum played the [[guitar]], while recording at the SouthSide Studios in [[Atlanta, Georgia]] was overseen Brian Frye.<ref name="booklet"/> He was assisted by Tadd Mingo, and Javier Valeverde.<ref name="booklet"/> A sultry ballad, the lyrics of the song deal with misunderstandings in a relationship, which conduce to doubts about love's veracity. Nonetheless Monica, as the female protagonist, promises her man she'll stay with him, singing lines like: "It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down, either way I'm gonna be around."<ref name="bw"/> When the US release of ''All Eyez on Me'' was shelved, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, ''[[After the Storm (Monica album)|After the Storm]]''.<ref name="mtv100">{{cite web |first=Corey |last=Moss |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480921/monica-plays-mistress-on-likely-next-single.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411100202/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480921/monica-plays-mistress-on-likely-next-single.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2013|title=Monica Sees What It's Like To Be DMX's Mistress On Likely Next Single|work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |date=2003-12-08|access-date=2013-02-04}}</ref> Although a duet with [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]], "Don't Gotta Go Home", was expected be released as the album's fourth single at times, "U Should've Known Better" eventually replaced original plans.<ref name="mtv100"/>


== Chart performance ==
==Chart performance==
Released as the album's fourth and final single in March 2004, "U Should've Known Better" opened as the Hot Shot Debut of the week at number 72 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]] chart in the week of April 3, 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (2004-04-03)|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Apr-03-2004&f=Hot_R&B/Hip-Hop_Songs&model.chartId=3053307|work=Billboard|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> However, it took another three months until the song entered the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart, where it debuted at number 67 in the week of June 6, 2004, the second-highest debut of the week.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Billboard Hot 100 (2004-06-05)|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Jun-05-2004&f=The_Billboard_Hot_100&model.chartId=3054075|work=Billboard|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> "U Should've Known Better" remained twenty weeks on the chart, reaching its peak position of number 19 in its ninth week. It marked the second single from ''After the Storm'' to reach the top twenty on the Hot 100chart and, as the album's final single, would remain its second highest-charting offering behind leading single "[[So Gone]]."<ref>{{Cite web|title=U Should've Known Better|url=http://acharts.us/song/491|work=A-Charts|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref>
Released as the album's fourth and final single in March 2004, "U Should've Known Better" opened as the Hot Shot Debut of the week at number 72 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]] chart in the week of April 3, 2004.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (2004-04-03)|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Apr-03-2004&f=Hot_R&B/Hip-Hop_Songs&model.chartId=3053307|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-date=2011-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521195752/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Apr-03-2004&f=Hot_R&B%2FHip-Hop_Songs&model.chartId=3053307|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, it took another three months until the song entered the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart, where it debuted at number 67 in the week of June 6, 2004, the second-highest debut of the week.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Billboard Hot 100 (2004-06-05)|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Jun-05-2004&f=The_Billboard_Hot_100&model.chartId=3054075|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-date=2011-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521195816/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/detailed_chart_display.jsp?g=s&cd=Jun-05-2004&f=The_Billboard_Hot_100&model.chartId=3054075|url-status=dead}}</ref> "U Should've Known Better" remained twenty weeks on the chart, reaching its peak position of number 19 in its ninth week. It marked the second single from ''After the Storm'' to reach the top twenty on the Hot 100chart and, as the album's final single, would remain its second highest-charting offering behind leading single "[[So Gone]]."<ref>{{Cite web|title=U Should've Known Better|url=http://acharts.us/song/491|work=A-Charts|access-date=2008-08-10}}</ref>


Although never released on a [[CD single]] or [[CD maxi single]] format, "U Should've Known Better" was also successful on ''Billboard''´s component charts. It reached number 6 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]]—Monica's tenth non-consecutive top ten entry on that particular chart—as well as the top ten on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] and the top twenty on the [[Hot 100 Airplay]] chart. It also appeared on the [[Rhythmic Top 40]] at number 20.<ref name="bb">{{cite web|title=Archive Search|work=Billboard| url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/chart_search_results.jsp?rpp=100&sw=&cd=&f=&t=known&per=Monica&df=P&prod=&g=s&l=&dl=|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> The song was ranked 72nd on the [[Top Hot 100 Hits of 2004|Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles 2004 year-end chart]].
Although never released on a [[CD single]] or [[CD maxi single]] format, "U Should've Known Better" was also successful on ''Billboard''´s component charts. It reached number 6 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]]—Monica's tenth non-consecutive top ten entry on that particular chart—as well as the top ten on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] and the top twenty on the [[Hot 100 Airplay]] chart. It also appeared on the [[Rhythmic Top 40]] at number 20.<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine|title=Archive Search|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/chart_search_results.jsp?rpp=100&sw=&cd=&f=&t=known&per=Monica&df=P&prod=&g=s&l=&dl=|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-date=2012-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916144301/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/chart_search_results.jsp?rpp=100&sw=&cd=&f=&t=known&per=Monica&df=P&prod=&g=s&l=&dl=|url-status=dead}}</ref> The song was ranked 72nd on the [[Top Hot 100 Hits of 2004|Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles 2004 year-end chart]].


==Music video ==
==Music video ==
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The "U Should've Known Better" video premiered worldwide in May 2004 at the end on BET's Access Granted. It charted well on several video-chart countdowns, including [[Black Entertainment Television|BET's]] ''[[106 & Park]]'' and [[MTV|MTV's]] ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]''.
The "U Should've Known Better" video premiered worldwide in May 2004 at the end on BET's Access Granted. It charted well on several video-chart countdowns, including [[Black Entertainment Television|BET's]] ''[[106 & Park]]'' and [[MTV|MTV's]] ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]''.


==Formats and track listings==
==Track listings==
{{track listing
{{col-begin}}
| headline = US promo CD<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=U Should've Known Better|others=[[Monica (singer)|Monica]]|year=2004|type=US promo CD liner notes|publisher=J Records|id=J1DJ-59464-2}}</ref>
{{col-2}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
;Promo CD single<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Monica-U-Shouldve-Known-Better/release/3612842|title=Monica– U Should've Known Better (Promo)|publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=2013-02-06}}</ref>

# "U Should've Known Better" (Radio Edit) – 4:17
# "U Should've Known Better" (Radio Edit without Guitar) – 4:17
| title1 = U Should've Known Better
| note1 = radio edit
# "U Should've Known Better" (Instrumental) – 4:45
| extra1 = {{hlist|[[Jermaine Dupri]]|[[Bryan-Michael Cox]]{{ref|A|[A]}}}}
# "U Should've Known Better" (Call-Out Hook) – 0:10
| length1 = 4:17
{{col-2}}

;12" single<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Monica-U-Shouldve-Known-Better/release/794176|title=Monica– U Should've Known Better (Vinyl)|publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=2013-02-06}}</ref>
# "U Should've Known Better" (DIO Club Mix) – 7:11
| title2 = U Should've Known Better
| note2 = radio edit without guitar
# "U Should've Known Better" (DIO Radio Mix) – 3:58
| extra2 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}}}
# "U Should've Known Better" (Bass/Fonseca Mixshow) – 5:39
| length2 = 4:17
# "U Should've Known Better" (Bass/Fonseca Instrumental) – 3:42

# "U Should've Known Better" (Bass/Fonseca Radio) – 3:41
| title3 = U Should've Known Better
{{col-2}}
| note3 = instrumental
{{col-end}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}}}
| length3 = 4:45

| title4 = U Should've Known Better
| note4 = call-out hook
| extra4 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}}}
| length4 = 0:10
}}
{{track listing
| headline = US 12-inch vinyl<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=U Should've Known Better|others=Monica|year=2004|type=US 12-inch vinyl disc|publisher=J Records|id=J12-65190-1-SA}}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = U Should've Known Better
| note1 = DIO club mix
| extra1 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}|Christian Dio{{ref|B|[B]}}}}
| length1 = 7:11

| title2 = U Should've Known Better
| note2 = DIO radio mix
| extra2 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}|Christian Dio{{ref|B|[B]}}}}
| length2 = 3:58

| title3 = U Should've Known Better
| note3 = Bass / Fonseca mixshow
| extra3 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}|Anthony Fonseca{{ref|B|[B]}}|Anton Bass{{ref|B|[B]}}}}
| length3 = 5:39

| title4 = U Should've Known Better
| note4 = Bass / Fonseca instrumental
| extra4 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}|Fonseca{{ref|B|[B]}}|Bass{{ref|B|[B]}}}}
| length4 = 3:42

| title5 = U Should've Known Better
| note5 = Bass / Fonseca radio
| extra5 = {{hlist|Dupri|Cox{{ref|A|[A]}}|Fonseca{{ref|B|[B]}}|Bass{{ref|B|[B]}}}}
| length5 = 3:41
}}
'''Notes'''
* <sup>{{note|A|[A]}}</sup> denotes co-producer
* <sup>{{note|B|[B]}}</sup> denotes additional producer


== Credits and personnel ==
==Credits and personnel==
Credits for ''After the Storm'' adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="booklet"/>
Credits for ''After the Storm'' are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="booklet"/>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 77: Line 118:
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


== Charts ==
==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "U Should've Known Better"
! Chart (2004) !! Peak<br>position
! scope="col"|Chart (2004)
! scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|19|artist=Monica|song=U Should've Known Better|artistid=88033|accessdate=2011-05-23}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|19|artist=Monica|rowheader=true|access-date=May 23, 2011}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrandbhiphop|6|artist=Monica|song=U Should've Known Better|artistid=88033|accessdate=2011-05-23}}
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|6|artist=Monica|rowheader=true|access-date=May 23, 2011}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrhythmic|20|artist=Monica|accessdate=November 30, 2017}}
{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|20|artist=Monica|rowheader=true|access-date=November 30, 2017}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Year-end chart performance for "U Should've Known Better"
!Chart (2004)
! scope="col"|Chart (2004)
!align="center"|Position
! scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=2004|title=Billboard Top 100 - 2004|publisher=LongBoredSurfer.com|accessdate=2009-09-15|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707161042/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=2004|archivedate=2009-07-07|df=}}</ref>
! scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=2004|title=Billboard Top 100 – 2004|publisher=LongBoredSurfer.com|access-date=September 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707161042/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=2004|archive-date=July 7, 2009}}</ref>
|72
|align="center"|72
|-
|-
|align="left"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2004/bsititl.jsp|publisher=[[Billboard.biz]]|title=2004 Year End Chart|accessdate=2009-09-15}}</ref>
! scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2004/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 2004|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 22, 2023}}</ref>
|29
|align="center"|29
|-
! scope="row"|US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs|magazine=[[Billboard Radio Monitor]]|volume=12|issue=51|page=29|date=December 17, 2004}}</ref>
|85
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==References==
==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:left"
{{reflist|2}}
|+ Release dates and formats for "U Should've Known Better"
! scope="col"|Region
! scope="col"|Date
! scope="col"|Format(s)
! scope="col"|Label(s)
! scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3"|United States
|March 8, 2004
|{{hlist|[[Urban adult contemporary|Urban AC]]|[[urban radio]]}}
|rowspan="3"|[[J Records|J]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-03-05.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1545|page=27|date=March 5, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|June 8, 2004
|[[Rhythmic contemporary|Rhythmic contemporary radio]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-06-04.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1558|page=27|date=June 4, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|August 9, 2004
|[[Contemporary hit radio]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-08-06.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1567|page=23|date=August 6, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref>
|}


==External links==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [http://www.monica.com/ Monica.com] — official Monica site
* {{MetroLyrics song|monica|u-shouldve-known-better}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Monica songs}}
{{Monica songs}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2000s ballads]]
[[Category:2002 songs]]
[[Category:2002 songs]]
[[Category:2004 singles]]
[[Category:2004 singles]]
[[Category:2000s ballads]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]]
[[Category:J Records singles]]
[[Category:Monica (singer) songs]]
[[Category:Monica (singer) songs]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Benny Boom]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Benny Boom]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Jermaine Dupri]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Jermaine Dupri]]
[[Category:Songs written by Harold Lilly (songwriter)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Jermaine Dupri]]
[[Category:Songs written by Jermaine Dupri]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]]
[[Category:Songs written by Harold Lilly (songwriter)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Monica (singer)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Monica (singer)]]
[[Category:J Records singles]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, 27 June 2024

"U Should've Known Better"
Single by Monica
from the album All Eyez on Me and After the Storm
ReleasedMarch 8, 2004 (2004-03-08)
StudioSouthSide (Atlanta, Georgia)
Length4:17
LabelJ
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox
Monica singles chronology
"Get It Off"
(2003) 		"U Should've Known Better"
(2004) 		"Everytime tha Beat Drop"
(2006)

"U Should've Known Better" is a song by American recording artist Monica. It was written in collaboration with Harold Lilly and Jermaine Dupri, and produced by the latter along with frequent co-producer Bryan Michael Cox for her original third studio album, All Eyez on Me (2002). When the album was shelved for release outside Japan, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, After the Storm (2003). A contemporary R&B slow jam, "U Should've Known Better" contains elements of soul music and rock music. Built on an pulsating backbeat, the song's instrumentation consists of screeching guitars and an understated harp pattern. Lyrically, Monica, as the protagonist, delivers a message of loyalty to her imprisoned love interest and sings about staying down for him despite his doubts.

The song was generally well received by contemporary music critics who highlighted the heartfelt emotion and sadness. Released as the fourth and final single from After the Storm on March 8, 2004, the single marked Monica's first balladic release in over five years. On the charts, "U Should've Known Better" peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks, becoming the album's highest-charting single release after "So Gone". Its accompanying music video was shot by director Benny Boom, and filmed in Mexico in April 2004. It features rapper Young Buck as Monica's love interest.

Background

[edit]

In an interview with MTV News in June 2000, Monica revealed that she was planning to start work on a follow-up to her 1998 album The Boy Is Mine throughout the summer season, with a first single to be released by October of the same year.[1] The following month, personal tribulations put a temporary halt on the album's production when her former boyfriend Jarvis "Knot" Weems committed suicide.[2] In July 2000, Monica and Weems were together at the graveside of Weems's brother, who had died in an automobile accident at age 25 in 1998, when Weems, without warning, put a gun to his head and shot himself to death.[2] Knot left behind a daughter from a previous relationship, who Monica took into care after going into hiatus.[3] In early 2001, Monica eventually decided to resume recording to prepare the release of her third album in fall 2001.[3] Throughout the process, Monica primarily worked with her usual stable of producers, which included Dallas Austin, production team Soulshock & Karlin, Bryan Michael Cox, and Rodney Jerkins and his Darkchild crew.[4] Though she "had never thought about writing much" by then, her producers encouraged the singer to intensify her work on the All Eyez on Me album and to write and contribute own lyrics and ideas to the songs, one of which was the ballad "U Should've Known Better."[4]

Production and release

[edit]
The song was co-written and produced by mentor Jermaine Dupri.[5]

Monica penned the song along with Harold Lilly and longtime contributor Jermaine Dupri, while production on the track was helmed by Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox.[5] "U Should've Known Better" was mixed by Phil Tan with further assistance from Dupri and John Horesco IV.[5] William Odum played the guitar, while recording at the SouthSide Studios in Atlanta, Georgia was overseen Brian Frye.[5] He was assisted by Tadd Mingo, and Javier Valeverde.[5] A sultry ballad, the lyrics of the song deal with misunderstandings in a relationship, which conduce to doubts about love's veracity. Nonetheless Monica, as the female protagonist, promises her man she'll stay with him, singing lines like: "It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down, either way I'm gonna be around."[4] When the US release of All Eyez on Me was shelved, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, After the Storm.[6] Although a duet with DMX, "Don't Gotta Go Home", was expected be released as the album's fourth single at times, "U Should've Known Better" eventually replaced original plans.[6]

Chart performance

[edit]

Released as the album's fourth and final single in March 2004, "U Should've Known Better" opened as the Hot Shot Debut of the week at number 72 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in the week of April 3, 2004.[7] However, it took another three months until the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it debuted at number 67 in the week of June 6, 2004, the second-highest debut of the week.[8] "U Should've Known Better" remained twenty weeks on the chart, reaching its peak position of number 19 in its ninth week. It marked the second single from After the Storm to reach the top twenty on the Hot 100chart and, as the album's final single, would remain its second highest-charting offering behind leading single "So Gone."[9]

Although never released on a CD single or CD maxi single format, "U Should've Known Better" was also successful on Billboard´s component charts. It reached number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks—Monica's tenth non-consecutive top ten entry on that particular chart—as well as the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and the top twenty on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. It also appeared on the Rhythmic Top 40 at number 20.[10] The song was ranked 72nd on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles 2004 year-end chart.

Music video

[edit]
Monica in the video for "U Should've Known Better"

The music video for "U Should've Known Better" was shot by director Benny Boom, and produced by Joyce Washington for FM Rocks. It was filmed in various locations throughout Mexico, in April 2004, and features rapper Young Buck appears in the video as her love interest.

The video follows the single's topic of a misunderstandings in a relationship, showing Monica as the girlfriend, with the boyfriend held in a Mexico hold-prison. With Monica getting help from a guy friend, her boyfriend's best friend sees them and thinks otherwise. Monica drives through the desert of Mexico to get him out of prison. The video ends with Monica and her boyfriend hugging at the end and going home together.

The "U Should've Known Better" video premiered worldwide in May 2004 at the end on BET's Access Granted. It charted well on several video-chart countdowns, including BET's 106 & Park and MTV's TRL.

Track listings

[edit]
US promo CD[11]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."U Should've Known Better" (radio edit)
4:17
2."U Should've Known Better" (radio edit without guitar)
4:17
3."U Should've Known Better" (instrumental)
4:45
4."U Should've Known Better" (call-out hook)
0:10
US 12-inch vinyl[12]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."U Should've Known Better" (DIO club mix)
7:11
2."U Should've Known Better" (DIO radio mix)
3:58
3."U Should've Known Better" (Bass / Fonseca mixshow)
5:39
4."U Should've Known Better" (Bass / Fonseca instrumental)
3:42
5."U Should've Known Better" (Bass / Fonseca radio)
3:41

Notes

  • ^[A] denotes co-producer
  • ^[B] denotes additional producer

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits for After the Storm are adapted from the album's liner notes.[5]

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "U Should've Known Better"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States March 8, 2004
J [19]
June 8, 2004 Rhythmic contemporary radio [20]
August 9, 2004 Contemporary hit radio [21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Monica: Jingle Jamming". MTV News. MTV.com. June 1, 2000. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  2. ^ a b Mumbi Moody, Nekesa (June 27, 2003). "Monica Triumphs Over Tragedy After the Storm". Enquirer. Retrieved June 1, 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Monica: It's Different Now". MTV News. MTV.com. April 18, 2001. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "Superstar Monica Selects Self-Titled Album". Business Wire. June 27, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d e f All Eyez on Me (Media notes). Brandy. J Records. 2002.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ a b Moss, Corey (December 8, 2003). "Monica Sees What It's Like To Be DMX's Mistress On Likely Next Single". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  7. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (2004-04-03)". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2008.
  8. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100 (2004-06-05)". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2008.
  9. ^ "U Should've Known Better". A-Charts. Retrieved August 10, 2008.
  10. ^ "Archive Search". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 16, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2008.
  11. ^ U Should've Known Better (US promo CD liner notes). Monica. J Records. 2004. J1DJ-59464-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ U Should've Known Better (US 12-inch vinyl disc). Monica. J Records. 2004. J12-65190-1-SA.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ^ "Monica Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  14. ^ "Monica Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  15. ^ "Monica Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  16. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 2004". LongBoredSurfer.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  17. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 2004". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  18. ^ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 29.
  19. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1545. March 5, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  20. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1558. June 4, 2004. p. 27. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  21. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1567. August 6, 2004. p. 23. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
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