Lil Freak: Difference between revisions
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{{About|the Usher song|the Three 6 Mafia song|Lil' Freak (Ugh Ugh Ugh)}} |
{{About|the Usher song|the Three 6 Mafia song|Lil' Freak (Ugh Ugh Ugh)|the Harry Styles song|Little Freak}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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{{Infobox single |
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{{Infobox song |
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|Name = Lil Freak |
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| name = Lil Freak |
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| cover = Lil Freak Official single cover.png |
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| alt = A black man sits down in a chair while flanked by a woman whose profile is unseen. |
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| type = single |
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|Artist = [[Usher (singer)|Usher]] featuring [[Nicki Minaj]] |
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| artist = [[Usher (musician)|Usher]] featuring [[Nicki Minaj]] |
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| album = [[Raymond v. Raymond]] |
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| released = March 2, 2010 |
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|Format = [[Music download|Digital download]] |
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| recorded = |
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|Genre = {{hlist|[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]|[[Hip hop music|hip hop]]}} |
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| studio = No Excuses Studio<br/>([[Santa Monica, California]]) |
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|Recorded = 2009 |
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| genre = {{hlist|[[Dirty rap]]|[[pop-rap]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11699-little-freak-ft-nicki-minaj/|title = Listen to "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj] by Usher| website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] }}</ref>}} |
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|Studio = No Excuses Studio<br><small>([[Santa Monica, California]])</small> |
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| length = 3:55 |
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| label = [[LaFace Records|LaFace]] |
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| writer = |
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* [[Usher Raymond]] |
* [[Usher Raymond]] |
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* [[Nicki Minaj|Onika Maraj]] |
* [[Nicki Minaj|Onika Maraj]] |
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* [[Blac Elvis|Elvis Williams]] |
* [[Blac Elvis|Elvis Williams]] |
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* [[Stevie Wonder]] |
* [[Stevie Wonder]] |
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| producer = |
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}} |
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|Producer = {{flatlist| |
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* Blac Elvis |
* Blac Elvis |
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* Polow da Don |
* Polow da Don |
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| chronology = [[Usher (musician)|Usher]] |
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}} |
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| prev_title = [[Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)]] |
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|title = |
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| prev_year = 2009 |
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|Chronology = [[Usher (singer)|Usher]] singles |
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| next_title = [[OMG (Usher song)|OMG]] |
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|Last single = "[[Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)]]"<br/>(2009) |
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| next_year = 2010 |
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|This single = "'''Lil Freak'''"<br/>(2010) |
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| misc = {{Extra chronology |
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|Next single = "[[OMG (Usher song)|OMG]]"<br/>(2010) |
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| artist = [[Nicki Minaj]] |
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| type = singles |
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{{Extra chronology |
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| prev_title = [[My Chick Bad]] |
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|Artist = [[Nicki Minaj]] singles |
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| prev_year = 2010 |
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|Type = singles |
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| title = Lil' Freak |
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|Last single = "[[My Chick Bad]]"<br/>(2010) |
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| year = 2010 |
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| next_title = [[Get It All]] |
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| next_year = 2010 |
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}}}} |
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}} |
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{{External music video|{{YouTube|dNVNzRzDt-k|"Lil Freak"}}}} |
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}} |
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"'''Lil Freak'''" is a song by American |
"'''Lil Freak'''" is a song by American singer [[Usher (musician)|Usher]], taken from his sixth studio album, ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]''. Featuring guest vocals by Trinidadian rapper [[Nicki Minaj]], the song was written by her, Usher, [[Ester Dean]], [[Blac Elvis]] and [[Polow da Don]], the latter two producing the track. Its [[Hook (music)|hook]] is based on a manipulated sample of American soul musician [[Stevie Wonder]]'s 1973 hit, "[[Living for the City]]". "Lil Freak" was released as the second single from the album in the United States and Canada on March 2, 2010. |
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Carrying a dark tone, composed of heavy bass beats derived from [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] music, the lyrics are about the thrill of orchestrating a [[ménage à trois]] in a club. The song received positive reviews from critics who complimented its sensual nature. It peaked at number 40 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and eight on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]], becoming Usher's 16th top ten hit on the latter chart. The song's accompanying music video has a secret society concept, dealing with an underground club, playing on the storyline of the song. |
Carrying a dark tone, composed of heavy bass beats derived from [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] music, the lyrics are about the thrill of orchestrating a [[ménage à trois]] in a club. The song received positive reviews from critics who complimented its sensual nature. It peaked at number 40 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and eight on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]], becoming Usher's 16th top ten hit on the latter chart. The song's accompanying music video has a secret society concept, dealing with an underground club, playing on the storyline of the song. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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In an interview with ''[[MTV News]]'' when asked if he was just entertaining, Usher said the song was based on real life, stating, "Yeah, I mean, I wrote about it. It happens in this day and time. Those are the best chicks to be friends with, honestly."<ref name="RacyMTVLyricsarticle">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634757/20100325/usher.jhtml|title=Usher {{sic|nolink=y|Dicusses}} Racy Lyrics On 'Lil Freak': 'It Happens'|publisher= |
In an interview with ''[[MTV News]]'' when asked if he was just entertaining, Usher said the song was based on real life, stating, "Yeah, I mean, I wrote about it. It happens in this day and time. Those are the best chicks to be friends with, honestly."<ref name="RacyMTVLyricsarticle">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634757/20100325/usher.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329124910/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634757/20100325/usher.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 29, 2010|title=Usher {{sic|nolink=y|Dicusses}} Racy Lyrics On 'Lil Freak': 'It Happens'|publisher=[[MTV News]]|first=Shaheem|last=Reid|date=2010-03-25|access-date=2010-03-30}}</ref> |
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Usher reiterated his statements in another interview with ''[[Access Hollywood]]'', and when asked if he thought the racy lyrics would raise eyebrows, he said it would, commenting that that was an objective of the song.<ref name="aw"/> Usher also said that the work was like the dichotomy of ''Raymond v. Raymond'', distinguishing one world from another, as in "playing the nice guy" or "showing the other side."<ref name="aw"/> Before official release, the song was leaked onto the Internet in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5336252/ushers-a-little-freak-on-new-leaked-track|title= |
Usher reiterated his statements in another interview with ''[[Access Hollywood]]'', and when asked if he thought the racy lyrics would raise eyebrows, he said it would, commenting that that was an objective of the song.<ref name="aw"/> Usher also said that the work was like the dichotomy of ''Raymond v. Raymond'', distinguishing one world from another, as in "playing the nice guy" or "showing the other side."<ref name="aw"/> Before official release, the song was leaked onto the Internet in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5336252/ushers-a-little-freak-on-new-leaked-track|title=Usher's A 'Little Freak' On New Leaked Track|first=Becky|last=Bain|work=Idolator|publisher=Buzzmedia Publishers|access-date=2010-07-20|date=2009-12-21}}</ref> |
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==Composition== |
==Composition== |
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{{listen|filename=lilfreak.ogg|title="Lil Freak" |
{{listen|filename=lilfreak.ogg|title="Lil Freak" (2010) |
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|description=A 30 second sample of "Lil Freak" featuring Usher singing the song's chorus, and the intro of Nicki Minaj's verse.. |
|description=A 30 second sample of "Lil Freak" featuring Usher singing the song's chorus, and the intro of Nicki Minaj's verse.. |
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|pos=left}} |
|pos=left}} |
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The song is midtempo, with supported by heavy bass beats produced by [[Polow da Don]], which ''Prefix Magazine'' called "[[Jurassic Park (franchise)|Jurrasic Park]] synths". Chris Ryan of [[MTV News]] said "Usher pairs off with current queen MC Nicki Minaj, and the two glide over Polow Da Don's minimal bass beat."<ref name="MTVBUZZ"/> Sara D. Anderson of [[AOL|AOL Radio Blog]] said that the "heavy back-beat tune confirms Usher's old ways: "Yeah you the business / So What's the business / Don't be shy, I'm just talkin' to you girl."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/01/14/usher-little-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/|title=Usher 'Little Freak' Feat. Nicki Minaj - New Song|publisher=[[AOL]]|first=Sara|last=Anderson|date=2010-01-14| |
The song is midtempo, with supported by heavy bass beats produced by [[Polow da Don]], which ''Prefix Magazine'' called "[[Jurassic Park (franchise)|Jurrasic Park]] synths". Chris Ryan of [[MTV News]] said "Usher pairs off with current queen MC Nicki Minaj, and the two glide over Polow Da Don's minimal bass beat."<ref name="MTVBUZZ"/> Sara D. Anderson of [[AOL|AOL Radio Blog]] said that the "heavy back-beat tune confirms Usher's old ways: "Yeah you the business / So What's the business / Don't be shy, I'm just talkin' to you girl."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/01/14/usher-little-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/|title=Usher 'Little Freak' Feat. Nicki Minaj - New Song|publisher=[[AOL]]|first=Sara|last=Anderson|date=2010-01-14|access-date=2010-03-07}}</ref> Tom Breihan of [[Pitchfork Media]] called the heavily manipulated "[[Living for the City]]" sample, "a monstrous swirl of orchestral exoticism".<ref name="PFM">{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11699-little-freak-ft-nicki-minaj/|title=Pitchfork: Track Reviews: Usher - "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj]|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|first=Tom|last=Breihan|date=2010-01-14|access-date=2010-03-07}}</ref> Minaj makes several puns in her lines, one of them referring to [[Santa Claus's reindeer]] in a runthrough which Prefix Magazine reviewed negatively.<ref name="PRFM">{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/usher/little-freak-f-nicki-minaj-mp3/35991/|title="Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (MP3)|publisher=Prefix Magazine|date=2010-01-06|access-date=2010-03-07}}</ref> She also refers to [[P. Diddy]] and [[Cassie (singer)|Cassie]] in her lines, that she's "plotting on how I can take Cassie away from Diddy".<ref name="PFM" /> |
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==Critical reception== |
==Critical reception== |
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Critics positively received the song, complimenting Minaj's cameo and the track's production and lyrics. Andrew Winistorfer of ''Prefix Magazine'' thought that Usher should have gone with "Lil Freak" as the album's first big single, saying, "It ([[OMG (Usher song)|OMG]]) doesn't come close to matching the filthy heights of "Little Freak ''[sic]''..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/usher/oh-my-gosh-f-william/38444/|title="Oh My Gosh" f. will.i.am|publisher=Prefix Magazine|first=Andrew|last=Winistorfer| |
Critics positively received the song, complimenting Minaj's cameo and the track's production and lyrics. Andrew Winistorfer of ''Prefix Magazine'' thought that Usher should have gone with "Lil Freak" as the album's first big single, saying, "It ([[OMG (Usher song)|OMG]]) doesn't come close to matching the filthy heights of "Little Freak ''[sic]''..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/usher/oh-my-gosh-f-william/38444/|title="Oh My Gosh" f. will.i.am|publisher=Prefix Magazine|first=Andrew|last=Winistorfer|access-date=2010-04-06}}</ref> He also said the song was "by a wide margin, the best track to be leaked from Usher's long-delayed Raymond vs. Raymond album".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/usher/little-freak-f-nicki-minaj-video/38982/|title="Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (Video)|publisher=Prefix Magazine|first=Andrew|last=Winistorfer|access-date=2010-04-06}}</ref> In his initial reaction, he pointed out flaws of the song, but said that the song "could become unavoidable if it gets traction on radio".<ref name="PRFM" /> Chris Ryan of ''[[MTV News]]'' called the song, "slick, sexy hip-hop-infused R&B done to its finest". He also called the song "nothing short of freak nasty," and "is so full of sexy sexuality that it's enough to make [[Tiger Woods]] blush".<ref name="MTVBUZZ">{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/03/22/usher-nicki-minaj-little-freak/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225035416/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/03/22/usher-nicki-minaj-little-freak/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2012|title=Song You Need To Know: Usher, Featuring Nicki Minaj, 'Little Freak' (WARNING: NSFW)|publisher=[[MTV News|MTV Buzzworthy]]|first=Chris|last=Ryan|date=2010-03-22|access-date=2010-03-30}}</ref> ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' magazine commented that "wedding ring is definitely off on this Usher cut", and that Nicki Minaj stole the scene in the song.<ref name="VIBE">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.vibe.com/mt/2009/12/singled-out-usher-feat-nicki-minaj-little-freak|title=Singled Out: Usher Feat. Nicki Minaj "Lil Freak"|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=2009-12-20|access-date=2010-03-07}}</ref> ''[[Pitchfork Media]]'' commented favourably on the songs explicit nature, stating the song "isn't some [[R. Kelly]]-esque devotional hymn to sexual addiction", and that "The whole towering mess makes a drunken 3 a.m. threesome sound like the most epic endeavor anyone could hope for". The review also compared the song to [[Justin Timberlake]]'s "[[Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)|Cry Me a River]]", stating, "it pushes into "Cry Me a River" territory for the same reason that "Cry Me a River" transcended: the gigantic, operatic backing track".<ref name="PFM" /> |
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===Accolades=== |
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{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
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|+Accolades for "Lil Freak" |
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! scope="col"| Publication |
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! scope="col"| Accolade |
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! scope="col"| Rank |
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! scope="row"| ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' |
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| The Top 100 Tracks of 2010 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7895-the-top-100-tracks-of-2010/?page=2 |title= The Top 100 Tracks of 2010 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date= 13 December 2010 }}</ref> |
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| style="text-align:center;”| 89 |
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! scope="row"| ''[[New York Post]]'' |
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| The Top 210 Songs of 2010<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2010/12/28/the-top-210-songs-from-2010/ |title= Top 25 Songs of 2010 |date=10 December 2010 |newspaper=[[New York Post]] |access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref> |
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| style="text-align:center;”| 108 |
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|} |
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==Chart performance== |
==Chart performance== |
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On the week ending March 20, 2010, "Lil Freak" debuted at number 43 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="Charthistory"/> It then fell to 66, but rebounded ten spots to 56, and later peaked at 40 on the chart.<ref name="Charthistory"/> The song's appearance on the [[Hot Digital Songs]] and [[Hot 100 Airplay]] charts at number 31 and 37, respectively, helped stabilize its stay on the Hot 100.<ref name="Charthistory"/> " |
On the week ending March 20, 2010, "Lil Freak" debuted at number 43 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="Charthistory"/> It then fell to 66, but rebounded ten spots to 56, and later peaked at 40 on the chart.<ref name="Charthistory"/> The song's appearance on the [[Hot Digital Songs]] and [[Hot 100 Airplay]] charts at number 31 and 37, respectively, helped stabilize its stay on the Hot 100.<ref name="Charthistory"/> "Lil Freak" charted at number 28 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] months before its release due to it being leaked on the Internet.<ref name="Charthistory"/> It eventually peaked at eight, and was Usher's third straight top ten hit on the chart, and 16th overall.<ref name="Charthistory"/> According to [[Nielsen SoundScan]], it has sold 508,000 units in the US as of October 3, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/66598/week-ending-oct-3-2010-americas-most-popular-inmate/;_ylt=AvtSmfRN61rf8CwIEX9nc6UPwiUv? |title=America's Most Popular Inmate |first=Paul |last=Grein |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |date=October 6, 2010 |access-date=December 9, 2010}}</ref> Internationally, "Lil Freak" reached 109 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UK"/> Usher performed the song in the [[United Kingdom]] on ''[[The Graham Norton Show]]'' on June 7, 2010.<ref>[[Graham Norton|Norton, Graham]] (2010-06-07), ''[[The Graham Norton Show]]''. [[BBC One]] ([[British Broadcasting Corporation]]). Series 7, Episode 9.</ref> |
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==Music video== |
==Music video== |
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===Background and concept=== |
===Background and concept=== |
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Usher and Minaj shot the music video on March 9, 2010 in [[Los Angeles]] with director Taj Stansberry, represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/09/new-music-jason-derulo-f-nicki-minaj-in-my-head-remix/|title=New Music: Jason Derulo f/ Nicki Minaj – |
Usher and Minaj shot the music video on March 9, 2010 in [[Los Angeles]] with director Taj Stansberry, represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/09/new-music-jason-derulo-f-nicki-minaj-in-my-head-remix/|title=New Music: Jason Derulo f/ Nicki Minaj – 'In My Head (Remix)'|work=[[Rap-Up]]|access-date=2010-07-28}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'', Stansberry commented on the video's sex appeal and the pairing of Usher and Minaj, stating, "This probably has the potential to be [his sexiest video ever]. Usher’s one of the best entertainers in the world, then you have Nicki Minaj who’s fresh on the scene. Put them together and there’s just sparks, it was real good."<ref name="Vibe">{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/posts/usher-and-nicki-shoot-m%C3%A9nage|title=Director Says "Lil Freak" Is Usher's Sexiest Video Yet|first=Tray|last=Hova|date=2010-03-12|access-date=2010-07-20|work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|archive-date=2010-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315120341/http://www.vibe.com/posts/usher-and-nicki-shoot-m%C3%A9nage|url-status=dead}}</ref> When asked about the music video's concept would redefine the word "freak", commenting:[[File:Lilfreakvid.jpg|thumb|179px|right|Usher in front of a backdrop with Minaj and dancing and being flaunted by dancers.]] <blockquote>"My general idea was to take the word and show its many faceted sides, twisting and turning it to where there’s really no distinguishing between one freak and another. Usher went there. When you’re engaging in sexual activity, there are many transitions and this is not about what they look like literally, but what they look like metaphorically. It’s about luring people into a situation. Because you have your thoughts on a ménage à trois, but then we’re doing it in a non-obvious way."<ref name="Vibe"/></blockquote> On Minaj and her pairing with Usher, Stansberry said, " [Nicki] had a few looks that I really liked. She played the part, but still was her. If you really listen to her words in the song, you can kinda visualize her outfit."<ref name="Vibe"/> Stansberry also confirmed that R&B singer [[Ciara]] and singer-actor [[Jamie Foxx]] would make appearances in the video.<ref name="Vibe"/> In an interview with [[MTV News]] on the set of her video for "[[Massive Attack (song)|Massive Attack]]", Minaj said that "The video is freaky. And it's a great concept, a great story line," Minaj told MTV News. "It felt just like one of the sequels to ''[[Saw (franchise)|Saw]]''. It was dope."<ref name="MTV1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634082/20100316/story.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323050418/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634082/20100316/story.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 23, 2010|title=Nicki Minaj Says Usher's 'Lil Freak' Video Is 'Dope'|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=2010-03-17|access-date=2010-03-20|first=Jayson|last=Rodriguez}}</ref> Stating that the video had a "secret society" concept, Usher told ''[[Access Hollywood]]'' that the place symbolized locations where people use to get away from pressures, and also said the movie ''[[Eyes Wide Shut]]'' was some sort of inspiration of the video.<ref name="aw">{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/behind-the-scenes-ushers-lil-freak_video_1215843|title=Behind The Scenes: Usher's 'Lil Freak'|work=[[Access Hollywood]]|access-date=2010-07-20|publisher=NBC Universal Inc.}}</ref> On March 22, 2010 a thirty second preview of the music video was surfaced onto the internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/22/sneak-peek-usher-f-nicki-minaj-lil-freak/|title=Sneak Peek: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'|date=2010-03-22|access-date=2010-07-20|work=[[Rap-Up]]}}</ref> Two days later on March 24, 2010, Usher premiered the full music video on [[BET]]'s ''[[106 & Park]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.singersroom.com/photo/519/106--Usher-Usher-Visits-BETs-106--Park|title=106 & Usher: Usher Visits BET's 106 & Park|work=Singersroom|date=27 March 2010|access-date=2010-07-20|publisher=Singersroom.com}}</ref> |
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===Synopsis and reception=== |
===Synopsis and reception=== |
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The video begins with a woman walking in |
The video begins with a woman walking in a tunnel, and she enters and elevator with Minaj, sporting a [[Cruella de Vil]] hairstyle, and other women.<ref name="RacyMTVLyricsarticle"/> The elevator goes to what ''[[MTV News]]'' calls "Usher's underground playground," then soon finds Usher against a wall.<ref name="RacyMTVLyricsarticle"/> A laptop is shown, and the video goes on to show people who are there, including [[Ciara]] playing a casino game.<ref name="ru1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/24/video-usher-f-nicki-minaj-lil-freak/|title=Video: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'|work=[[Rap-Up]]|access-date=2010-07-21|date=2010-03-24}}</ref> Then, girls are performing choreography on poles, as Usher sings his verses on the wall in the tunnel.<ref name="ru1"/> Nicki Minaj then comes to sing her verse and starts talking to the unknown woman who was in the tunnel with Usher, and then Minaj guides the woman somewhere.<ref name="ru1"/> Foxx makes appears near the end of the video, with a red light on him. Usher sings the rest of the song on the wall in the tunnel with choreography from the women, until the video fades out.<ref name="ru1"/> |
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[[ |
[[BET]] Sound Off complimented the video and that it stuck to the storyline of the song, stating "there's only but so much you can do with a video like this" without the video being banned, being labelled offensive, or "resemble a video we’ve already seen."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/video-usher-ft-nicki-minaj-lil-freak/ |title=Video: Usher ft. Nicki Minaj- Lil Freak |publisher=[[Black Entertainment Television|BET Interactive]] |access-date=2010-07-20 |date=2010-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502072303/http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/video-usher-ft-nicki-minaj-lil-freak/ |archive-date=2010-05-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The music video on [[YouTube]] has received over 35 million views as of May 2024.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVNzRzDt-k Usher - Lil Freak ft. Nicki Minaj].[[YouTube]]</ref> |
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==Credits and personnel== |
==Credits and personnel== |
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Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref>Usher ''Raymond v. Raymond'' liner notes. [[LaFace Records]] (2010)</ref> |
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*[[Songwriting]] - [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher Raymond]], [[Nicki Minaj]], [[Polow da Don]], [[Blac Elvis]], [[Ester Dean]], [[Stevie Wonder]] |
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*[[Songwriting]] – [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher Raymond]], [[Nicki Minaj]], [[Polow da Don]], [[Blac Elvis]], [[Ester Dean]], [[Stevie Wonder]] |
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*[[Record producer|Production]] - Blac Elvis, Polow da Don |
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*[[Record producer|Production]] – Blac Elvis, Polow da Don |
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*[[Sound recording and reproduction|Recording]] - Jay Stevenson |
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*[[Sound recording and reproduction|Recording]] – Jay Stevenson |
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*[[Audio mixing (recorded music)|Mixing]] - Jaycen Joshua, assisted by Giancarlo Lino |
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*[[Audio mixing (recorded music)|Mixing]] – Jaycen Joshua, assisted by Giancarlo Lino |
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*Contains a sample from "[[Living For The City]]", written and performed by Stevie Wonder, courtesy of [[Motown Records]]. |
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*Contains a sample from "[[Living for the City]]", written and performed by Stevie Wonder, courtesy of [[Motown Records]]. |
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Source<ref>Usher ''Raymond v. Raymond'' Liner notes. [[LaFace Records]] (2010)</ref> |
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==Charts== |
==Charts== |
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{|class="wikitable" |
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
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|+Weekly chart performance for "Lil Freak" |
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!Chart (2010) |
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!scope="col"|Chart (2010) |
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!align="center"|Peak<br>position |
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!scope="col"|Peak<br />position |
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|- |
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|- |
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|[[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name="UK">{{cite web|url=http://zobbel.de/cluk/100619cluk.txt|title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update|accessdate=2010-06-19|work=[[The Official Charts Company]]|publisher=Zobbel}}</ref> |
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!scope="row"|[[UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name="UK">{{cite web|url=http://zobbel.de/cluk/100619cluk.txt|title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update|access-date=2010-06-19|work=[[The Official Charts Company]]|publisher=Zobbel}}</ref> |
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|align="center"|109 |
|align="center"|109 |
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|- |
|- |
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{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|40|artist=Usher|rowheader=true|access-date=February 19, 2024|refname="Charthistory"}} |
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|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="Charthistory">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=all}}|title=Usher Album & Song Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|accessdate=2010-07-20}}</ref> |
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|align="center"|40 |
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|- |
|- |
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{{singlechart|Billboardrandbhiphop|8|artist=Usher|rowheader=true|access-date=February 19, 2024}} |
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|US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]]<ref name="Charthistory"/> |
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|align="center"|8 |
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|- |
|- |
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{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|21|artist=Usher|rowheader=true|access-date=February 19, 2024}} |
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|} |
|} |
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== Certifications == |
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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Lil Freak"}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Lil Freak|artist=Usher|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=2024|access-date=February 10, 2024}} |
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{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}} |
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== Release history == |
== Release history == |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
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|+ Release history and formats for "Lil Freak" |
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|- |
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! scope="col" | Region |
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!Country |
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! scope="col" | Date |
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!Date |
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! scope="col" | Format(s) |
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!Format |
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! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
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|- |
|- |
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!scope="row"|Canada |
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|Canada<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137|title=Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher|publisher=[[iTunes Store]] ([[Apple Inc|Apple]]) |location=Canada|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002162821/http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137 |archivedate=2010-10-02}}</ref> |
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|rowspan="2"|March 2, 2010 |
|rowspan="2"|March 2, 2010 |
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|rowspan="2"|[[Music download|Digital download]] |
|rowspan="2"|[[Music download|Digital download]] |
||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137|title=Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher|publisher=[[iTunes Store]] ([[Apple Inc|Apple]]) |location=Canada|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002162821/http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137 |archive-date=2010-10-02}}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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!scope="row"|United States |
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|United States<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137?i=358554253&v0=9990&ign-mpt=uo%3D1|title=Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher|publisher=iTunes Store (Apple)|location=United States|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308035949/http://itunes.apple.com/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137 |archivedate=2010-03-08}}</ref> |
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| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137?i=358554253&v0=9990&ign-mpt=uo%3D1|title=Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher|publisher=iTunes Store (Apple)|location=United States|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308035949/http://itunes.apple.com/album/lil-freak-feat-nicki-minaj/id358554137 |archive-date=2010-03-08}}</ref> |
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|} |
|} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Usher singles}} |
{{Usher singles}} |
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{{Nicki Minaj singles}} |
{{Nicki Minaj singles}} |
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[[Category:2010 singles]] |
[[Category:2010 singles]] |
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[[Category:Usher ( |
[[Category:Usher (musician) songs]] |
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[[Category:Songs written by Ester Dean]] |
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[[Category:Songs about sexuality]] |
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[[Category:Songs written by Usher (musician)]] |
[[Category:Songs written by Usher (musician)]] |
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[[Category:2009 songs]] |
[[Category:2009 songs]] |
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[[Category:LaFace Records singles]] |
[[Category:LaFace Records singles]] |
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[[Category:Pop-rap songs]] |
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[[Category:Dirty rap songs]] |
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[[Category:Song recordings produced by Polow da Don]] |
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Polow da Don]] |
Latest revision as of 10:03, 28 August 2024
"Lil Freak" | ||||
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Single by Usher featuring Nicki Minaj | ||||
from the album Raymond v. Raymond | ||||
Released | March 2, 2010 | |||
Studio | No Excuses Studio (Santa Monica, California) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:55 | |||
Label | LaFace | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Usher singles chronology | ||||
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Nicki Minaj singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Lil Freak" on YouTube |
"Lil Freak" is a song by American singer Usher, taken from his sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond. Featuring guest vocals by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj, the song was written by her, Usher, Ester Dean, Blac Elvis and Polow da Don, the latter two producing the track. Its hook is based on a manipulated sample of American soul musician Stevie Wonder's 1973 hit, "Living for the City". "Lil Freak" was released as the second single from the album in the United States and Canada on March 2, 2010.
Carrying a dark tone, composed of heavy bass beats derived from R&B and hip hop music, the lyrics are about the thrill of orchestrating a ménage à trois in a club. The song received positive reviews from critics who complimented its sensual nature. It peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and eight on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Usher's 16th top ten hit on the latter chart. The song's accompanying music video has a secret society concept, dealing with an underground club, playing on the storyline of the song.
Background
[edit]In an interview with MTV News when asked if he was just entertaining, Usher said the song was based on real life, stating, "Yeah, I mean, I wrote about it. It happens in this day and time. Those are the best chicks to be friends with, honestly."[2] Usher reiterated his statements in another interview with Access Hollywood, and when asked if he thought the racy lyrics would raise eyebrows, he said it would, commenting that that was an objective of the song.[3] Usher also said that the work was like the dichotomy of Raymond v. Raymond, distinguishing one world from another, as in "playing the nice guy" or "showing the other side."[3] Before official release, the song was leaked onto the Internet in December 2009.[4]
Composition
[edit]The song is midtempo, with supported by heavy bass beats produced by Polow da Don, which Prefix Magazine called "Jurrasic Park synths". Chris Ryan of MTV News said "Usher pairs off with current queen MC Nicki Minaj, and the two glide over Polow Da Don's minimal bass beat."[5] Sara D. Anderson of AOL Radio Blog said that the "heavy back-beat tune confirms Usher's old ways: "Yeah you the business / So What's the business / Don't be shy, I'm just talkin' to you girl."[6] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork Media called the heavily manipulated "Living for the City" sample, "a monstrous swirl of orchestral exoticism".[7] Minaj makes several puns in her lines, one of them referring to Santa Claus's reindeer in a runthrough which Prefix Magazine reviewed negatively.[8] She also refers to P. Diddy and Cassie in her lines, that she's "plotting on how I can take Cassie away from Diddy".[7]
Critical reception
[edit]Critics positively received the song, complimenting Minaj's cameo and the track's production and lyrics. Andrew Winistorfer of Prefix Magazine thought that Usher should have gone with "Lil Freak" as the album's first big single, saying, "It (OMG) doesn't come close to matching the filthy heights of "Little Freak [sic]..."[9] He also said the song was "by a wide margin, the best track to be leaked from Usher's long-delayed Raymond vs. Raymond album".[10] In his initial reaction, he pointed out flaws of the song, but said that the song "could become unavoidable if it gets traction on radio".[8] Chris Ryan of MTV News called the song, "slick, sexy hip-hop-infused R&B done to its finest". He also called the song "nothing short of freak nasty," and "is so full of sexy sexuality that it's enough to make Tiger Woods blush".[5] Vibe magazine commented that "wedding ring is definitely off on this Usher cut", and that Nicki Minaj stole the scene in the song.[11] Pitchfork Media commented favourably on the songs explicit nature, stating the song "isn't some R. Kelly-esque devotional hymn to sexual addiction", and that "The whole towering mess makes a drunken 3 a.m. threesome sound like the most epic endeavor anyone could hope for". The review also compared the song to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River", stating, "it pushes into "Cry Me a River" territory for the same reason that "Cry Me a River" transcended: the gigantic, operatic backing track".[7]
Accolades
[edit]Publication | Accolade | Rank |
---|---|---|
Pitchfork | The Top 100 Tracks of 2010 [12] | 89 |
New York Post | The Top 210 Songs of 2010[13] | 108 |
Chart performance
[edit]On the week ending March 20, 2010, "Lil Freak" debuted at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.[14] It then fell to 66, but rebounded ten spots to 56, and later peaked at 40 on the chart.[14] The song's appearance on the Hot Digital Songs and Hot 100 Airplay charts at number 31 and 37, respectively, helped stabilize its stay on the Hot 100.[14] "Lil Freak" charted at number 28 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs months before its release due to it being leaked on the Internet.[14] It eventually peaked at eight, and was Usher's third straight top ten hit on the chart, and 16th overall.[14] According to Nielsen SoundScan, it has sold 508,000 units in the US as of October 3, 2010.[15] Internationally, "Lil Freak" reached 109 on the UK Singles Chart.[16] Usher performed the song in the United Kingdom on The Graham Norton Show on June 7, 2010.[17]
Music video
[edit]Background and concept
[edit]Usher and Minaj shot the music video on March 9, 2010 in Los Angeles with director Taj Stansberry, represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.[18] In an interview with Vibe, Stansberry commented on the video's sex appeal and the pairing of Usher and Minaj, stating, "This probably has the potential to be [his sexiest video ever]. Usher’s one of the best entertainers in the world, then you have Nicki Minaj who’s fresh on the scene. Put them together and there’s just sparks, it was real good."[19] When asked about the music video's concept would redefine the word "freak", commenting:
"My general idea was to take the word and show its many faceted sides, twisting and turning it to where there’s really no distinguishing between one freak and another. Usher went there. When you’re engaging in sexual activity, there are many transitions and this is not about what they look like literally, but what they look like metaphorically. It’s about luring people into a situation. Because you have your thoughts on a ménage à trois, but then we’re doing it in a non-obvious way."[19]
On Minaj and her pairing with Usher, Stansberry said, " [Nicki] had a few looks that I really liked. She played the part, but still was her. If you really listen to her words in the song, you can kinda visualize her outfit."[19] Stansberry also confirmed that R&B singer Ciara and singer-actor Jamie Foxx would make appearances in the video.[19] In an interview with MTV News on the set of her video for "Massive Attack", Minaj said that "The video is freaky. And it's a great concept, a great story line," Minaj told MTV News. "It felt just like one of the sequels to Saw. It was dope."[20] Stating that the video had a "secret society" concept, Usher told Access Hollywood that the place symbolized locations where people use to get away from pressures, and also said the movie Eyes Wide Shut was some sort of inspiration of the video.[3] On March 22, 2010 a thirty second preview of the music video was surfaced onto the internet.[21] Two days later on March 24, 2010, Usher premiered the full music video on BET's 106 & Park.[22]
Synopsis and reception
[edit]The video begins with a woman walking in a tunnel, and she enters and elevator with Minaj, sporting a Cruella de Vil hairstyle, and other women.[2] The elevator goes to what MTV News calls "Usher's underground playground," then soon finds Usher against a wall.[2] A laptop is shown, and the video goes on to show people who are there, including Ciara playing a casino game.[23] Then, girls are performing choreography on poles, as Usher sings his verses on the wall in the tunnel.[23] Nicki Minaj then comes to sing her verse and starts talking to the unknown woman who was in the tunnel with Usher, and then Minaj guides the woman somewhere.[23] Foxx makes appears near the end of the video, with a red light on him. Usher sings the rest of the song on the wall in the tunnel with choreography from the women, until the video fades out.[23]
BET Sound Off complimented the video and that it stuck to the storyline of the song, stating "there's only but so much you can do with a video like this" without the video being banned, being labelled offensive, or "resemble a video we’ve already seen."[24]
The music video on YouTube has received over 35 million views as of May 2024.[25]
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[26]
- Songwriting – Usher Raymond, Nicki Minaj, Polow da Don, Blac Elvis, Ester Dean, Stevie Wonder
- Production – Blac Elvis, Polow da Don
- Recording – Jay Stevenson
- Mixing – Jaycen Joshua, assisted by Giancarlo Lino
- Contains a sample from "Living for the City", written and performed by Stevie Wonder, courtesy of Motown Records.
Charts
[edit]Chart (2010) | Peak position |
---|---|
UK Singles (OCC)[16] | 109 |
US Billboard Hot 100[14] | 40 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[27] | 8 |
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[28] | 21 |
Certifications
[edit]Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United States (RIAA)[29] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
[edit]Region | Date | Format(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Canada | March 2, 2010 | Digital download | [30] |
United States | [31] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Listen to "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj] by Usher". Pitchfork.
- ^ a b c Reid, Shaheem (2010-03-25). "Usher Dicusses [sic] Racy Lyrics On 'Lil Freak': 'It Happens'". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 29, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
- ^ a b c "Behind The Scenes: Usher's 'Lil Freak'". Access Hollywood. NBC Universal Inc. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Bain, Becky (2009-12-21). "Usher's A 'Little Freak' On New Leaked Track". Idolator. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ a b Ryan, Chris (2010-03-22). "Song You Need To Know: Usher, Featuring Nicki Minaj, 'Little Freak' (WARNING: NSFW)". MTV Buzzworthy. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
- ^ Anderson, Sara (2010-01-14). "Usher 'Little Freak' Feat. Nicki Minaj - New Song". AOL. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ a b c Breihan, Tom (2010-01-14). "Pitchfork: Track Reviews: Usher - "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj]". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ a b ""Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (MP3)". Prefix Magazine. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ Winistorfer, Andrew. ""Oh My Gosh" f. will.i.am". Prefix Magazine. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ^ Winistorfer, Andrew. ""Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (Video)". Prefix Magazine. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ^ "Singled Out: Usher Feat. Nicki Minaj "Lil Freak"". Vibe. 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
- ^ "The Top 100 Tracks of 2010". Pitchfork. 13 December 2010.
- ^ "Top 25 Songs of 2010". New York Post. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f "Usher Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
- ^ Grein, Paul (October 6, 2010). "America's Most Popular Inmate". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update". The Official Charts Company. Zobbel. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
- ^ Norton, Graham (2010-06-07), The Graham Norton Show. BBC One (British Broadcasting Corporation). Series 7, Episode 9.
- ^ "New Music: Jason Derulo f/ Nicki Minaj – 'In My Head (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
- ^ a b c d Hova, Tray (2010-03-12). "Director Says "Lil Freak" Is Usher's Sexiest Video Yet". Vibe. Archived from the original on 2010-03-15. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-03-17). "Nicki Minaj Says Usher's 'Lil Freak' Video Is 'Dope'". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-20.
- ^ "Sneak Peek: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'". Rap-Up. 2010-03-22. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "106 & Usher: Usher Visits BET's 106 & Park". Singersroom. Singersroom.com. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ a b c d "Video: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'". Rap-Up. 2010-03-24. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
- ^ "Video: Usher ft. Nicki Minaj- Lil Freak". BET Interactive. 2010-03-25. Archived from the original on 2010-05-02. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Usher - Lil Freak ft. Nicki Minaj.YouTube
- ^ Usher Raymond v. Raymond liner notes. LaFace Records (2010)
- ^ "Usher Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
- ^ "Usher Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Usher – Lil Freak". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher". Canada: iTunes Store (Apple). Archived from the original on 2010-10-02.
- ^ "Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher". United States: iTunes Store (Apple). Archived from the original on 2010-03-08.
- 2010 singles
- Usher (musician) songs
- Nicki Minaj songs
- Songs written by Nicki Minaj
- Songs written by Polow da Don
- Songs written by Blac Elvis
- Songs written by Ester Dean
- Songs written by Stevie Wonder
- Songs written by Usher (musician)
- 2009 songs
- LaFace Records singles
- Pop-rap songs
- Dirty rap songs
- Song recordings produced by Polow da Don