Jump to content

Mesmerize (song): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
SporkBot (talk | contribs)
Bots
1,244,917 edits
m Remove template per TfD outcome
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,547,818 edits
 
(28 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|2002 single by Ja Rule}}
{{Short description|2002 single by Ja Rule}}
{{For|the Chapterhouse song|Mesmerise (song)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Mesmerize
| name = Mesmerize
| cover = JaRuleMesmerize.jpg
| cover = JaRuleMesmerize.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Ja Rule]] featuring [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]
| artist = [[Ja Rule]] featuring [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]
| album = [[The Last Temptation (Ja Rule album)|The Last Temptation]]
| album = [[The Last Temptation (Ja Rule album)|The Last Temptation]]
| B-side = Pop Niggas
| released = {{start date|2002|12|16}}
| released = {{start date|2002|12|16}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres -->
| genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres -->
| length = 4:38
| length = 4:38
| label =
| label = {{hlist|[[Murder Inc Records|Murder Inc.]]|[[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]|}}
* [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
| writer = {{hlist|[[Ja Rule|Jeffrey Atkins]]|[[Thom Bell|Thomas Bell]]|[[Linda Creed]]|[[Irving Lorenzo]]|Andre Parker}}
* [[Murder Inc. Records|Murder Inc.]]
| producer = {{hlist|[[Irv Gotti]]|[[Chink Santana]]}}
| writer =
| chronology = [[Ja Rule]]
* [[Ja Rule|Jeffrey Atkins]]
| prev_title = [[Thug Lovin']]
* Ashanti Douglas
| prev_year = 2002
* [[Chink Santana|Andre Parker]]
| next_title = Reign
* [[Irving Lorenzo]]
| next_year = 2003
* [[Thom Bell|Thomas Bell]]
| misc = {{Extra chronology
* [[Linda Creed]]
| producer =
* [[Irv Gotti]]
* [[Chink Santana]]
| chronology = [[Ja Rule]]
| prev_title = [[Thug Lovin']]
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Reign (song)|Reign]]
| next_year = 2003
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]
| artist = [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]
| type = single
| type = single
Line 30: Line 42:
| next_title = [[Rock wit U (Awww Baby)]]
| next_title = [[Rock wit U (Awww Baby)]]
| next_year = 2003
| next_year = 2003
}}{{External music video|{{YouTube|VcP96KbFIIU|"Mesmerize"}}}}
}}
}}
"'''Mesmerize'''" is a song by American rapper [[Ja Rule]]. It was released on December 16, 2002, as the second single from his fourth studio, album ''[[The Last Temptation (Ja Rule album)|The Last Temptation]]'' (2002). Containing a [[sampling (music)|sample]] from the 1974 song "[[Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)]]" by [[Diana Ross]] and [[Marvin Gaye]], the song was produced by [[Irv Gotti]] and features R&B artist [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]. The song peaked at number two on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] in February 2003, making it Ashanti's and Ja Rule's fourth top-10 hit as a duet.
}}
"'''Mesmerize'''" is a song by American rapper [[Ja Rule]]. It was released on December 16, 2002, as the second single from his fourth studio, album ''[[The Last Temptation (Ja Rule album)|The Last Temptation]]'' (2002). Contains a [[sampling (music)|sample]] from the 1974 song "[[Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)]]" by [[Diana Ross]] and [[Marvin Gaye]], the song was produced by [[Irv Gotti]] and features R&B artist [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]. The song peaked at number two on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] on January 2003, behind [[Jennifer Lopez]] and [[LL Cool J]]'s "[[All I Have (song)|All I Have]]", making it Ashanti's and Ja Rule's fourth top-10 hit as a duet.


==Music video==
==Music video==
Inspired by the musical number "[[You're the One that I Want]]" from the 1978 musical film ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]'', the music video begins with a group of men dressed in black discussing their plan for a revolution in a strategy room. Ja Rule enters dressed in a preppy sweater, greatly surprising the other men, and explains that his girl wants him to forsake the street life. Meanwhile, some of Ashanti's friends are having a slumber party (with the ''[[Ashanti (album)|Ashanti]]'' album cut "Movies" playing in the background) and playing [[scrabble]] when Ashanti emerges dressed in flashy black leather attire, explaining that her guy wants her to be more street.
Inspired by the musical number "[[You're the One that I Want]]" from the 1978 musical film ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]'', the music video begins with [[Irv Gotti]] a group of men dressed in black discussing their connections in [[Los Angeles, California]] and [[Houston, Texas]] (a reference to Murder Inc.'s affiliation with [[Death Row Records]] and [[Rap-A-Lot Records]]) and their plan for a revolution in a strategy room. Ja Rule enters dressed in a preppy sweater, greatly surprising the other men, and explains that his girl wants him to forsake the street life. Meanwhile, some of Ashanti's friends are having a slumber party (with the ''[[Ashanti (album)|Ashanti]]'' album cut "Movies" playing in the background) and playing [[scrabble]] when Ashanti emerges dressed in flashy black leather attire, explaining that her guy wants her to be more street.


The song begins with the two meeting up at an amusement fair. As they sing, they partake in various carnival attractions, such as game booths and bumper cars. The song ends abruptly with Ja Rule's friends emerging from a black van and asking him if he's riding with them. After he hesitates and turns to Ashanti, she accepts. They enter the van and after a few quick cuts they emerge and Ja Rule begins rapping "Destiny", the closing track from the album. The video ends with a crowd of men marching the streets and holding up various signs, including tributes to late rappers [[Tupac Shakur]] and DJ [[Jam-Master Jay]] from [[Run-D.M.C.]]
The song begins with the two meeting up at an amusement fair. As they sing, they partake in various carnival attractions, such as game booths and bumper cars. The song ends abruptly with Ja Rule's friends emerging from a black van and asking him if he's riding with them. After he hesitates and turns to Ashanti, she accepts. They enter the van and after a few quick cuts they emerge and Ja Rule begins rapping "Destiny", the closing track from the album. The video ends with a crowd of men marching the streets and holding up various signs, including tributes to late rappers [[Tupac Shakur]] and DJ [[Jam-Master Jay]] from [[Run-D.M.C.]]


The street scene was filmed outside [[Cathedral High School (Los Angeles)|Cathedral High School]] on Bishops Road (formerly Stadium Way), an up-hill climb towards [[Dodger Stadium]]. The carnival scenes were filmed in [[Los Angeles]] at Cathedral High School's graveyard field. The entire campus was the site of the old [[Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles|Calvary Cemetery]], Northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The street scene was filmed outside [[Cathedral High School (Los Angeles)|Cathedral High School]] on Bishops Road (formerly Stadium Way), an up-hill climb towards [[Dodger Stadium]]. The carnival scenes were filmed in [[Los Angeles]] at Cathedral High School's graveyard field. The entire campus was the site of the old [[Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles|Calvary Cemetery]], northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

==Track listings==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''US 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=[[Ja Rule]]|year=2002|type=US 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=[[Def Jam Recordings]], [[Murder Inc. Records]]|id=440 063 773-1}}</ref>
:A1. "Mesmerize" (radio)
:A2. "Mesmerize" (street)
:A3. "Mesmerize" (instrumental)
:B1. "Pop N****s" (radio)
:B2. "Pop N****s" (street)
:B3. "Pop N****s" (instrumental)

'''Australian CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=Ja Rule|year=2003|type=Australian CD single liner notes|publisher=Murder Inc. Records|id=063 701-2}}</ref>
# "Mesmerize" (radio edit)
# "Mesmerize" (album version)
# "Pop Niggas" (album version)
# "Mesmerize" (video)

'''European CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=Ja Rule|year=2003|type=European CD single liner notes|publisher=Murder Inc. Records|id=063 773-2}}</ref>
# "Mesmerize" (radio edit)
# "Pop Niggas" (album version)
{{col-2}}
'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=Ja Rule|year=2003|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings|id=077 958-2}}</ref>
# "Mesmerize" – 4:38
# "[[Between Me and You]]" (featuring [[Christina Milian]]) – 4:10
# "Mesmerize" (instrumental) – 4:38
# "Mesmerize" (video) – 3:44

'''UK 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=Ja Rule|year=2003|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings|id=077 958-1}}</ref>
:A1. "Mesmerize" – 4:38
:A2. "Pop N****s" – 4:29
:B1. "Mesmerize" (instrumental) – 4:38

'''UK cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Mesmerize|others=Ja Rule|year=2003|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings|id=077 958-4}}</ref>
# "Mesmerize" – 4:38
# "Between Me and You" (featuring Christina Milian) – 4:10
# "Mesmerize" (instrumental) – 4:38
{{col-end}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 53: Line 103:
{{single chart|Australia|5|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Australia|5|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Australiaurban|3|url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20030407-0000/Issue682.pdf|urltitle=Issue 682|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2021}}
{{single chart|Australiaurban|3|url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030406140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20030407-0000/Issue682.pdf|urltitle=Issue 682|rowheader=true|access-date=March 2, 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|8|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|8|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
Line 59: Line 109:
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|6|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|6|artist=Ja Rule feat. Ashanti|song=Mesmerize|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Canadian Singles Chart|Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-canada-digital-song-sales/2003-04-26|title=Canadian Digital Song Sales: Page 1|website=Billboard}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Canadian Singles Chart|Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-canada-digital-song-sales/2003-04-26|title=Canadian Digital Song Sales: Page 1|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
|19
|19
|-
!scope="row"|Canada CHR ([[Nielsen BDS]])<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050407223203/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2003.pdf|archivedate=April 7, 2005|url=http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2003.pdf|title=Canadian Top 20 in 2003|website=Cross Canada Countdown|accessdate=June 26, 2024}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center"|11
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2003/MM-2003-04-05.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=21|issue=15|page=13|date=April 5, 2003|access-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2003/MM-2003-04-05.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=21|issue=15|page=13|date=April 5, 2003|access-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref>
Line 86: Line 139:
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|2|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|2|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboarddancesales|19|artist=Ashanti|access-date=April 15, 2022|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|5|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|5|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
Line 92: Line 147:
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|3|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|3|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|2|artist=Ja Rule|rowheader=true|accessdate=May 27, 2022}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 104: Line 161:
|35
|35
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australian Urban (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-singles-2003.htm|title=ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Urban Singles 2003|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309195417/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-singles-2003.htm|archive-date=April 15, 2020|access-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Australian Urban (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-singles-2003.htm|title=ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Urban Singles 2003|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309195417/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-singles-2003.htm|archive-date=March 9, 2020|access-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref>
|20
|20
|-
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=2084|title=End of Year Charts 2003|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|access-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref>
!scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/2003-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 2003|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|access-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref>
|40
|40
|-
|-
Line 113: Line 170:
|123
|123
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bobborst.com/popculture/top-100-songs-of-the-year/?year=2003|title=Top 100 Songs of 2003 - Billboard Year End Charts|website=Bobborst.com|accessdate=November 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405014014/http://www.bobborst.com/popculture/top-100-songs-of-the-year/?year=2003|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bobborst.com/popculture/top-100-songs-of-the-year/?year=2003|title=Top 100 Songs of 2003 – Billboard Year End Charts|website=Bobborst.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405014014/http://www.bobborst.com/popculture/top-100-songs-of-the-year/?year=2003|archive-date=April 5, 2017|access-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref>
|25
|25
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Billboard Year End Charts|website=Billboard.com|accessdate=November 9, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 2003|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref>
|49
|49
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot Rap Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Year in Music: Hot Rap Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=115|issue=52|page=YE-65|date=December 27, 2003}}</ref>
|8
|-
!scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Charts 2003: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs|magazine=[[Airplay Monitor]]|volume=11|issue=51|page=14|date=December 19, 2003}}</ref>
|24
|-
!scope="row"|US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Year in Music: Hot Rhythmic Top 40 Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=115|issue=52|page=YE-81|date=December 27, 2003}}</ref>
|18
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
Line 124: Line 190:
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=November 9, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=November 9, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Ja Rule ft Ashanti|title=Mesmerize|award=Silver|relyear=2003|certyear=2018|id=15267-2514-1|salesamount=249,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/ashantis-top-10-biggest-hits-on-the-official-uk-chart__28478/|title=Ashanti's Top 10 biggest hits on the Official UK Chart|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=January 28, 2020|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>|access-date=March 2, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Ja Rule|title=Mesmerize|award=Gold|relyear=2003|certyear=2024|access-date=June 28, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Ja Rule ft Ashanti|title=Mesmerize|award=Gold|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=15267-2514-1|access-date=May 26, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:left"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Date
Line 136: Line 203:
|-
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|United States
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|United States
|December 16, 2002
|{{start date|2002|12|16}}
|{{hlist|[[Rhythmic contemporary]]|[[urban radio]]}}
|{{hlist|[[Rhythmic contemporary]]|[[urban radio]]}}
|rowspan="2"|{{hlist|[[Murder Inc Records|Murder Inc.]]|[[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]}}
|rowspan="2"|{{hlist|[[Murder Inc Records|Murder Inc.]]|[[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]}}
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2002/RR-2002-12-13.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1483|page=26|date=December 13, 2002|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2002/RR-2002-12-13.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1483|page=26|date=December 13, 2002|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|January 27, 2003
|{{start date|2003|1|27}}
|[[Contemporary hit radio]]
|[[Contemporary hit radio]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2003/RR-2003-01-24.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1488|page=30|date=January 24, 2003|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2003/RR-2003-01-24.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1488|page=30|date=January 24, 2003|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia
!scope="row"|Australia
|March 10, 2003
|{{start date|2003|3|10}}
|CD
|CD
|Murder Inc.
|Murder Inc.
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20030407-0000/Issue681.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 10th March 2003|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=26|date=March 10, 2003|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue681.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 10th March 2003|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=26|date=March 10, 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030406140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20030407-0000/Issue681.pdf|archive-date=April 6, 2003|access-date=May 9, 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
|March 17, 2003
|{{start date|2003|3|17}}
|{{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}}
|{{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}}
|{{hlist|Murder Inc.|Def Jam}}
|{{hlist|Murder Inc.|Def Jam}}
Line 172: Line 239:
[[Category:Ja Rule songs]]
[[Category:Ja Rule songs]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Irv Gotti]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Irv Gotti]]
[[Category:Songs written by Ashanti (singer)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Chink Santana]]
[[Category:Songs written by Irv Gotti]]
[[Category:Songs written by Irv Gotti]]
[[Category:Songs written by Ja Rule]]
[[Category:Songs written by Ja Rule]]
[[Category:Songs written by Linda Creed]]
[[Category:Songs written by Linda Creed]]
[[Category:Songs written by Thom Bell]]
[[Category:Songs written by Thom Bell]]
[[Category:Songs written by Chink Santana]]

Latest revision as of 05:48, 20 November 2024

For the Chapterhouse song, see Mesmerise (song).

"Mesmerize"
Single by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti
from the album The Last Temptation
B-side"Pop Niggas"
ReleasedDecember 16, 2002 (2002-12-16)
Length4:38
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Ja Rule singles chronology
"Thug Lovin'"
(2002) 		"Mesmerize"
(2002) 		"Reign"
(2003)
Ashanti singles chronology
"Baby"
(2002) 		"Mesmerize"
(2002) 		"Rock wit U (Awww Baby)"
(2003)
Music video
"Mesmerize" on YouTube

"Mesmerize" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on December 16, 2002, as the second single from his fourth studio, album The Last Temptation (2002). Containing a sample from the 1974 song "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)" by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, the song was produced by Irv Gotti and features R&B artist Ashanti. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2003, making it Ashanti's and Ja Rule's fourth top-10 hit as a duet.

Music video

[edit]

Inspired by the musical number "You're the One that I Want" from the 1978 musical film Grease, the music video begins with Irv Gotti a group of men dressed in black discussing their connections in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas (a reference to Murder Inc.'s affiliation with Death Row Records and Rap-A-Lot Records) and their plan for a revolution in a strategy room. Ja Rule enters dressed in a preppy sweater, greatly surprising the other men, and explains that his girl wants him to forsake the street life. Meanwhile, some of Ashanti's friends are having a slumber party (with the Ashanti album cut "Movies" playing in the background) and playing scrabble when Ashanti emerges dressed in flashy black leather attire, explaining that her guy wants her to be more street.

The song begins with the two meeting up at an amusement fair. As they sing, they partake in various carnival attractions, such as game booths and bumper cars. The song ends abruptly with Ja Rule's friends emerging from a black van and asking him if he's riding with them. After he hesitates and turns to Ashanti, she accepts. They enter the van and after a few quick cuts they emerge and Ja Rule begins rapping "Destiny", the closing track from the album. The video ends with a crowd of men marching the streets and holding up various signs, including tributes to late rappers Tupac Shakur and DJ Jam-Master Jay from Run-D.M.C.

The street scene was filmed outside Cathedral High School on Bishops Road (formerly Stadium Way), an up-hill climb towards Dodger Stadium. The carnival scenes were filmed in Los Angeles at Cathedral High School's graveyard field. The entire campus was the site of the old Calvary Cemetery, northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Track listings

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[39] Platinum 70,000^
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[40] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[41] Gold 400,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States December 16, 2002
[42]
January 27, 2003 Contemporary hit radio [43]
Australia March 10, 2003 CD Murder Inc. [44]
United Kingdom March 17, 2003
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
  • Murder Inc.
  • Def Jam
 [45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mesmerize (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Ja Rule. Def Jam Recordings, Murder Inc. Records. 2002. 440 063 773-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ Mesmerize (Australian CD single liner notes). Ja Rule. Murder Inc. Records. 2003. 063 701-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ Mesmerize (European CD single liner notes). Ja Rule. Murder Inc. Records. 2003. 063 773-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. ^ Mesmerize (UK CD single liner notes). Ja Rule. Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings. 2003. 077 958-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. ^ Mesmerize (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Ja Rule. Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings. 2003. 077 958-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Mesmerize (UK cassette single sleeve). Ja Rule. Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings. 2003. 077 958-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  8. ^ "Issue 682" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  9. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  10. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize" (in French). Ultratip.
  11. ^ "Canadian Digital Song Sales: Page 1". Billboard.
  12. ^ "Canadian Top 20 in 2003" (PDF). Cross Canada Countdown. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2005. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  13. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 21, no. 15. April 5, 2003. p. 13. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  14. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize" (in French). Les classement single.
  15. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  16. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Mesmerize". Irish Singles Chart.
  17. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Ja Rule feat. Ashanti" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  18. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  19. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize". Top 40 Singles.
  20. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  21. ^ "Ja Rule feat. Ashanti – Mesmerize". Swiss Singles Chart.
  22. ^ "Ja Rule: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  23. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  24. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Ashanti Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  26. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  27. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
  28. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  29. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  30. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2003". ARIA. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  31. ^ "ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Urban Singles 2003". ARIA. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  32. ^ "End of Year Charts 2003". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  33. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2003" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  34. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2003 – Billboard Year End Charts". Bobborst.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  35. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 2003". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  36. ^ "Year in Music: Hot Rap Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 115, no. 52. December 27, 2003. p. YE-65.
  37. ^ "The Year in Charts 2003: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 11, no. 51. December 19, 2003. p. 14.
  38. ^ "Year in Music: Hot Rhythmic Top 40 Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 115, no. 52. December 27, 2003. p. YE-81.
  39. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  40. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Ja Rule – Mesmerize" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  41. ^ "British single certifications – Ja Rule ft Ashanti – Mesmerize". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  42. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1483. December 13, 2002. p. 26. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  43. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1488. January 24, 2003. p. 30. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  44. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 10th March 2003" (PDF). ARIA. March 10, 2003. p. 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 6, 2003. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  45. ^ "New Release Countdown: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. March 15, 2003. p. 21. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Mesmerize_(song)&oldid=1258525900"