Differences (song)

Last updated
"Differences"
Differences (song).jpg
Single by Ginuwine
from the album The Life
ReleasedAugust 8, 2001
Recorded2001
Genre R&B [1]
Length4:25(album version)
4:08 (radio edit)
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Troy Oliver
Ginuwine singles chronology
"There It Is"
(2001)
"Differences"
(2001)
"Take Away"
(2001)
Music video
"Differences" on YouTube

"Differences" is an R&B song by American singer Ginuwine. It was written by the artist alongside producer Troy Oliver and recorded for his third studio album, The Life (2001). Released as the album's second single, the ballad spent four weeks at number-one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was ranked at number 50 and number 68 in the 2001 and 2002 on Billboard Year-End lists, respectively, and was eventually certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). American rapper Pop Smoke sampled the song on his hit track released in 2020, "What You Know Bout Love". [2]

Contents

Background

"Differences" was written by Ginuwine along with Troy Oliver, while production was helmed by the latter. [3] In an interview with Blogcritics , Ginuwine commented on the background to the track: "That song was really during a time when I was going through a depressed state because of my dad and my mom had passed. We're writing a whole bunch of songs [...] I said, 'I'm going to write a song about [my wife]', and it happened to be a song that a lot of people wanted to sing to their wives when they were getting married. It's just one of those songs that will always be here. I'm just happy I'm the one that did it." [4]

Chart performance

Released as the second single from The Life, "Differences" peaked at number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the week ending October 6, 2001, becoming his second single to do so. [5] A precedent on the chart, it became the first track on the chart to reach the summit without a physical single being available at retail in a configuration. [5]

Music video

A music video for "Differences" was directed by Hype Williams. [6] A special effects-heavy clip, [6] Ginuwine elaborated on the video shooting in an interview with MTV News: "Actually, the game plan going into [the shoot] was [to] talk to God. Williams was like, 'Look man this gotta be heartfelt. People gotta know you mean this.' He was saying, 'The only way they're gonna know you're meaning it is if you close your eyes and you just talk to God.' I was very skeptical about it 'cause I was just [in front of] a green screen all day. I just had to imagine – he was just telling me what is gonna be where." [6]

Track listing

CD single [7] [8]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Differences" (Album Version) Troy Oliver 4:26
2."Differences" (Kenny Diaz Mix)
  • Oliver
  • Kenny Diaz [a]
3:59
3."Differences" (Mike Rizzo Radio Mix)
3:29
4."Differences" (Video)  

Notes

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [20] Silver200,000
United States (RIAA) [21] Gold500,000^

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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Static Major</span> American musician (1974–2008)

Stephen Ellis Garrett Jr., known professionally as Static Major, was an American R&B and hip hop producer, singer, rapper, and songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. He is best known for his posthumous guest appearance on Lil Wayne's 2008 single "Lollipop", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song and its music video were both released in memory of his death in February of that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Real (Jennifer Lopez song)</span> 2001 single by Jennifer Lopez

"I'm Real" is the name of two songs recorded by American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, both primarily for her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). The original song was released as the album's third single; Ja Rule of Murder Inc. Records wrote and was featured on a newly-written song with completely different lyrics and production titled "I'm Real (Murder Remix)", which was featured on a re-issue of J.Lo in July 2001, on Lopez's remix album, J to tha L–O! The Remixes (2002), and on Ja Rule's third studio album, Pain Is Love (2001).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Gonna Be Alright</span> 2002 song by Jennifer Lopez

"I'm Gonna Be Alright" is a song by American singer Jennifer Lopez from her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was written by Lopez, Lorraine Cheryl Cook, Ronald LaPread and producers Cory Rooney and Troy Oliver. "I'm Gonna Be Alright" was remixed by Poke & Tone of Trackmasters for Lopez's first remix album, J to tha L-O! The Remixes (2002). It was released on April 1, 2002, by Epic Records as the album's second single. The remix features rapper Nas and achieved moderate success on the music charts worldwide, and peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lopez's sixth U.S. top ten single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Gone</span> 2003 single by Monica

"So Gone" is a song by American R&B recording artist Monica. It was one out of several tracks rapper-producer Missy Elliott wrote and produced along with Kenneth Cunningham and Jamahl Rye from production duo Spike & Jamahl for Monica's fourth studio album, After the Storm (2003), following the delay and subsequent reconstruction of her 2002 album, All Eyez on Me. Incorporating elements of hip hop and 1970s-style smooth jazz as well as soul music, it features a sample from the 1976 song "You Are Number One", penned by Zyah Ahmonuel and performed by The Whispers.

<i>The Life</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Ginuwine

The Life is the third studio album from American R&B singer Ginuwine, released on Epic Records in 2001. The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 152,000 copies sold in the U.S. and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It also spawned a top 5 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Differences". The Life was the first Ginuwine LP not to be primarily produced by Timbaland, who only produced one track, "That's How I Get Down". The song "Two Reasons I Cry" is dedicated to the memory of Ginuwine's parents, who both died a year before the album was released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Owe Me (Nas song)</span> 1999 single by Nas featuring Ginuwine

"You Owe Me" is a 1999 single by Nas featuring Ginuwine, from Nas' fourth studio album Nastradamus. The single was produced by Timbaland. "You Owe Me" was a hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number thirteen, and it was also a minor hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 59. A music video directed by David Meyers was also released; it had a cameo featuring Destiny's Child & DMX. The song has been referenced by Jay-Z in "Blueprint 2", and also by J. Cole in his track "Let Nas Down".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaliyah discography</span>

American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 31 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izzo (H.O.V.A.)</span> 2001 single by Jay-Z

"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" is the first single released by Jay-Z from his sixth album The Blueprint. It is among his most popular singles. This was the second song released off The Blueprint, after the diss track "Takeover", but the lead single from it. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, becoming Jay Z’s first top 10 single as a lead artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss You (Aaliyah song)</span> 2002 single by Aaliyah

"Miss You" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Johntá Austin, Ginuwine and Teddy Bishop in 1998, the song was initially recorded in 1999 for Aaliyah's eponymous third studio album (2001). However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's death in 2001. It was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its lead single on October 28, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh Boy (Cam'ron song)</span> 2002 single by Camron featuring Juelz Santana

"Oh Boy" is a 2002 Grammy-nominated hip hop single by Cam'ron from his album Come Home with Me, and features Juelz Santana. The single was released through Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records, Cam'ron's Diplomat Records and Def Jam Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)</span> 2000 single by Jay-Z

"I Just Wanna Love U " is a song by American rapper Jay-Z, released as the first single from his 2000 album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. It was produced by the Neptunes and features a chorus performed by Neptunes member Pharrell and Pennsylvania rapper Omillio Sparks, both of whom remain uncredited. The video for the song, directed by David Meyers, features cameos from rappers Lil' Kim, Lil' Cease, Damon Dash, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Jermaine Dupri and actor John Witherspoon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Boyz (song)</span> 1999 single by Missy Elliott

"Hot Boyz" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Missy Elliott featuring American rapper and singer-songwriter Lil' Mo. The remix version of the song was an urban hit featuring Nas, Eve and Q-Tip. The remix broke the record for most weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart on the issue dated January 15, 2000; as well as spending 18 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Singles from December 4, 1999, to March 25, 2000, a record not broken until "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X in 2019. The song also reached number 5 on the US Hot 100 on January 15, 2000. In the UK, the song became the biggest hit from the Da Real World album; it peaked at #18, being Missy's sixth top 40 and fourth top 20 solo success. On February 4, 2000 the song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pony (Ginuwine song)</span> 1996 single by Ginuwine

"Pony" is a song by American singer Ginuwine, released as the debut single from his first album, Ginuwine...The Bachelor (1996). Ginuwine sung, co-wrote, and produced the song with Swing Mob associates Static Major, Digital Black, Smoke E. Digglera, and Timbaland; the latter made his breakthrough as a producer with the song. It peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Need a Girl (Part Two)</span> 2002 single by P. Diddy

"I Need a Girl (Part Two)" is a single by American rapper P. Diddy. It was released on May 21, 2002 as the second single from Diddy's and Bad Boy Records' remix album, We Invented the Remix (2002). It is a sequel to the single "I Need a Girl (Part One)", released a few months prior. The song includes guest appearances from Ginuwine, Loon, Mario Winans and Tammy Ruggeri. It was written by Sean Combs, Chauncey Hawkins, Mario Winans, Frankie Romano, Michael Carlos Jones and Adonis Shropshire and produced by Mario Winans and Diddy. Just like with "I Need a Girl (Part One)", the music video was directed by Benny Boom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Anxious</span> 1999 single by Ginuwine

"So Anxious" is a song by R&B singer Ginuwine. It was written by Static Major, Benjamin Bush, and Timbaland for his second studio album 100% Ginuwine (1999), while production was helmed by the latter. The song describes the narrator anxiously waiting on his lover all night to return his calls so that she can meet him for romance. Released as the album's third single, "So Anxious" became Ginuwine's second top 20 pop hit. It also reached number two on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video was directed by Chris Robinson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ginuwine discography</span>

This article contains the discography of American R&B singer Ginuwine. This includes eight studio albums, 36 singles and four compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hell Yeah (Ginuwine song)</span> 2003 single by Ginuwine

"Hell Yeah" is a song by American R&B singer Ginuwine featuring rapper Baby. It was written, produced, and arranged by R. Kelly for his album Chocolate Factory, however in the wake of his sexual misconduct allegations, it ended up being sold to Ginuwine fourth studio album The Senior (2003), because of its hedonistic lyrical content. Released as the album's lead single, the song became a top 20 hit in the United States, peaking at number seventeen on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached the top thirty in the United Kingdom. The official remix features Baby and Clipse along with Kelly and Clipse. A music video for "Hell Yeah" was shot in Las Vegas and includes a cameo by rapper Snoop Dogg and comedian DeRay Davis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaquille O'Neal discography</span>

The discography of former professional basketball player, rapper, and DJ Shaquille O'Neal consists of four studio albums, two compilation albums, two soundtracks, one unreleased album, and 19 singles. O'Neal played in the NBA from 1992 until 2011. Around 1993, O'Neal was signed to Jive Records where he released his debut album, Shaq Diesel, in that year. The album peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200, number 10 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Shaq Diesel produced four singles. The first, "What's Up Doc? ", peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 56 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, number 22 on Rap Songs, and was certified gold by the RIAA. The second, "(I Know I Got) Skillz", peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 20 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, number 3 on Rap Songs, and was certified gold by the RIAA. It also peaked at number 34 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The third, "I'm Outstanding", peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 29 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 6 on Rap Songs. Internationally, it peaked at number 43 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number 70 on the UK Singles Chart. The fourth, "Shoot Pass Slam", did not chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby by Me</span> 2009 single by 50 Cent featuring Ne-Yo

"Baby By Me" is a song by American rapper 50 Cent, released on September 10, 2009 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct. The song was produced by Polow da Don and contains a guest appearance from American R&B singer Ne-Yo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Away (song)</span> 2001 single by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott featuring Ginuwine and Tweet

"Take Away" is a song by American rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. It was written by Elliott and Timbaland for her third studio album, Miss E... So Addictive (2001), while production was helmed by the latter, with Elliott and Craig Brockman served as co-producers. The downtempo track features guest vocals from R&B singer Ginuwine. While the album version of "Take Away" credits background vocals by 702 member, Kameelah Williams, the single version replaces Williams's vocals with then-newcomer, Elliott's former protégée Tweet.

References

  1. Chris Richards (2019-02-13). "'Pony' is forever — but Ginuwine hopes you remember him for another song". The Washington Post . Washington, D.C. ISSN   0190-8286. OCLC   1330888409.
  2. Schwartz, Danny (July 6, 2020). "Pop Smoke's Endless Summer Continues on 'Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  3. The Life (booklet). Ginuwine. Epic Records. 2001.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. "Differences". songfacts.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  5. 1 2 "Single Minded". Billboard . October 6, 2001. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Reid, Shaheem (June 11, 2001). "Ginuwine's Career Peaking Just When He Needed It Most". MTV News . Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  7. Differences - Ginuwine Music - Yahoo! Shopping yahoo.com. Retrieved October 25, 2008
  8. allmusic (Differences > Overview) allmusic.com. Retrieved October 25, 2008
  9. "Tipparade-lijst van week 6, 2002". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  10. "Ginuwine – Differences" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  11. "Ginuwine – Just Because / Differences". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  12. "Ginuwine Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  13. "Ginuwine Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  14. "Ginuwine Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  15. "Ginuwine Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  16. "Billboard Top 100 – 2001". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  17. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2001". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  18. "Billboard Top 100 – 2002". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  19. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2002". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  20. "British single certifications – Ginuwine – Differences". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  21. "American single certifications – Ginuwine – Differences". Recording Industry Association of America.