"Freaky Friday" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Lil Dicky featuring Chris Brown | ||||
Released | February 27, 2018 | |||
Recorded | 2017 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:36 | |||
Label |
| |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Lil Dicky singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Chris Brown singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Freaky Friday" on YouTube |
"Freaky Friday" is a song by American rapper Lil Dicky featuring American singer Chris Brown. Written alongside Ammo and Nicholas Audino and produced by Mustard,Benny Blanco and Twice as Nice,it was released by Dirty Burd on February 27,2018,with its music video being released the following week. [1] The song is a comedy hip hop and pop-rap track that takes its concept from the 2003 movie Freaky Friday ,being about Lil Dicky and Chris Brown swapping bodies. It also contains uncredited vocals from Ed Sheeran,DJ Khaled,and Kendall Jenner.
"Freaky Friday" became Lil Dicky's most commercially successful single,peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States,"Freaky Friday" topped the charts in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, [2] [3] and peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia,Belgium (Wallonia),Canada,Denmark,Ireland,and the Netherlands. The song received a mixed response from critics,that felt divided towards its content.
![]() | "I haven’t put any music out in three years,and I really wanted to challenge myself to make something impactful. I think the video helped take it over the top,for sure. But even with the song by itself,I remember when Chris came out of the booth when we were recording it,he said,“This really sounds like a hit.”So,the thought was always in the back of my mind. But,to see it come to fruition is amazing." | |
—Lil Dicky talking about the making of the song in 2018. [4] |
"Freaky Friday" is a comedy hip hop song featuring a pop rap light-synthed Mustard and Benny Blanco production. [5] [6]
Lil Dicky stated during a 2018 interview with TheGrio that,not having released anything for three years prior to "Freaky Friday",he wanted to prove himself making "the best song [he] could've done". After coming up with the concept for the song,the rapper decided to realize it with Chris Brown. Lil Dicky stated that he chose Brown because “he's the best example of a superstar [he would have liked] to be for a day”,because of his looks,singing and dancing skills. [7] According to Dicky,he first met Brown at a 2015 celebrity basketball game,he spoke about it during a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter :“He walks right up to me,and he says,‘Hey man,I just want you to know,you’re an incredible rapper.’And Chris Brown was my ringtone in the ninth grade,and it was just a very meaningful thing for someone to say to me at that time”. [8]
The rapper said that "[he] had the general idea" for the song,wanting to replicate the concept of the 2003 movie Freaky Friday in music, [9] and then he heard Mustard's production,and chose it for the song because of it being a "Chris Brown beat over a Lil Dicky beat". He then started writing the song with different people prior to showing it to Brown:"we got it to a very rough,demo-y place,and I wanted to show Chris,and it’s hard. Like imagine hearing an unfinished demo without seeing the video? It’s like harder to understand from hearing just the song. So I got a guy who sounds a lot like Chris Brown,to sing the song so it could help him really visualize it. I remember thinking in my head,“I can’t confuse him.”" [10]
In 2017,after having a meeting with Brown and his team in the singer's studio,where Lil Dicky explained them the concept of "Freaky Friday",playing them an initial demo of it,the singer was welcomed to complete the song. [7] Dicky said to Billboard:"the second I started talking to [Chris Brown] about it,I could see how much he got the concept,and how funny he thought it could be. It was weird…I didn’t know what to expect when I went to his studio to talk about it all,show him the beat and play him a rough version of the hook,but he just laughed hysterically every time I wanted him to laugh. He was into it immediately,and we talked through the concept and individual ideas within the song,and then he took all of those thoughts and brought them to life in the biggest of ways,both in the song and in the video." [4] Days prior to releasing "Freaky Friday",Dicky premiered it to rappers Drake and Kanye West,receiving a positive feedback. [11] [12]
In the song the artists comically take up the concept of the novel that goes by the same name, swapping their bodies, namely the one of a charismatic and controversial superstar (Chris Brown), and the one of an emerging artist with a basic life (Lil Dicky).
In the song Dicky is euphoric waking up as Brown, and rejoices because he is rich, handsome, famous, surrounded by beautiful girls and able to sing and dance. Going crazy off his euphoria he calls Kanye West to tell him that he is his biggest fan, and then he realizes that he has a daughter. Meanwhile, Brown in Dicky's body is dissatisfied with the mediocrity of his life, but he's pleased by the fact that no one judges him in a racist way, due to him being African American, or due to his past controversies. Subsequently Dicky in Brown's body starts to get too exited, being exalted by his sexual performances, decides to publicly post photos of his penis on the Internet, and when the real Chris Brown sees them, he starts looking desperately for him, finding him at the VIP table of a nightclub. He gets angry and threatens him, but Dicky warns him that beating him would only mean hurting himself, making him realize that he doesn't want to, because he loves himself, that being the key for both to go back into each others' bodies. [13]
"Freaky Friday" received a mixed response from music critics. HotNewHipHop praised the song for having "one of the funniest concept in a while", calling it "undeniably hilarious". [14] Vibe complimented the duo's chemistry on the song, and its humor. [15] The Michigan Daily commented that "sonically, “Freaky Friday” is extremely basic, with a thin chord progression and beat akin to last year’s hackneyed hit, “I’m the One.” The track is much more entertaining when paired with the elaborate and extended music video, the driving force behind the growing popularity of the new single." [16] The Outline criticized it of being "racial harmony sold by two unfunny, clueless narcissists". [17] Pitchfork called it "arguably the worst hip-hop hit of the 2010s". [18] The Ringer wrote positively of the track: "while Lil Dicky is still fishing for the same easy laughs that he has been for years, he is now going all in on the kind of satirical rap that has earned groups like the Lonely Island, or even Weird Al Yankovic, a legitimate level of respect. Frankly, it works." [19] Stereogum deemed the song as "humorous, catchy, and contagiously fun", saying it features a "gold-plated hook sung by Brown and impeccable if unremarkable pop-rap production". [20] Vice commented "although comedy and punchlines are needed in rap bars, this was done in poor taste." [21]
The music video, along with the lyrical content of the song itself, takes its concept from the 2003 movie Freaky Friday , and features cameos from Jimmy Tatro, Ed Sheeran, DJ Khaled and Kendall Jenner. [22] The music video was shot in late 2017, and directed by Tony Yacenda. It was released on March 15, 2018, one week following the release of the song. [23]
The video shows Lil Dicky at a Chinese restaurant, similar to the 2003 film, Freaky Friday, where a character is at a Chinese restaurant and wishes she was somebody else. In the music video, Lil Dicky is approached by a fan, played by Jimmy Tatro, who mentions he is a fan of his work. He then says to his girlfriend, who is standing next to him, that he is a "funny rapper", not a serious rapper. Lil Dicky then says to himself he wishes he was somebody who has credibility, and is considered to be cool. The camera then pans to Chris Brown on television, that mentions that because the stress caused by his fame, he wishes he was somebody else as well. The Chinese waiter takes note of it, and gives Lil Dicky a fortune cookie. The video then shows Lil Dicky waking up in Chris Brown's body, and vice versa. The video illustrates the two in each other's bodies the following days, following the song's lyrical storyline. Towards the end, the two are about to fight, and they realize they shouldn't, instead they should embrace each other, being one in the other's body. Then this realization set them back to their original form. The video then ends with cameos from Ed Sheeran, DJ Khaled and Kendall Jenner, where Lil Dicky is then in possession in all of their bodies.
Shortly after the song's release, the Virginia Tech Hokies women's lacrosse team was scrutinized after members of the team uploaded a video of themselves singing along to Chris Brown's verse, where he (supposedly as Lil Dicky in his body) starts saying "What up my nigga" to everyone he encounters. Virginia Tech coach John Sung later apologized on behalf of the team, saying it was a "teachable moment" for the players and that "no malice was involved... They just thought they were just singing along to a song". [24] [25] [26]
Credits adapted from Tidal. [27]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [62] | 3× Platinum | 210,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [63] | 2× Platinum | 80,000‡ |
Canada (Music Canada) [64] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [65] | Platinum | 90,000‡ |
Germany (BVMI) [66] | Gold | 200,000‡ |
Netherlands (NVPI) [67] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [68] | 3× Platinum | 90,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [69] | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [70] | 5× Platinum | 5,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | February 27, 2018 | Digital download | Dirty Burd | [27] |
United States | March 20, 2018 | Urban contemporary radio |
| [71] |
"Gimme That" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It was written by Sean Garrett and Scott Storch for Brown's eponymous debut album (2005), while production was helmed by Storch, with Garrett credited as a co-producer. A remix of the song, featuring additional vocals from American rapper Lil Wayne, was released as the album's third single in April 2006 and peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"Can't Believe It" is a single by American singer T-Pain. It was released on July 29, 2008, as the first official single from T-Pain's album Thr33 Ringz. The song features rapper Lil Wayne, marking the second collaboration between T-Pain and Lil Wayne being released as a single.
The discography of American disc jockey DJ Khaled consists of thirteen studio albums which contain 54 singles ; his videography consists of at least 58 music videos. Khaled's value proposition is his extensive network of artists of whom he enlists to perform on studio recordings. While first accumulating such connections from his work as a live DJ and radio personality, he's since become known himself for numerous quips and phrases uttered on these records—many of which became Internet memes. Furthermore, his interviews, quotes, or other presentative qualities have often been described as "motivational" or "inspirational". Despite commercial success, the albums in Khaled's discography have often garnered largely mixed receptions from music critics.
The discography of American rapper Tyga consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, twenty mixtapes, sixty-seven singles and forty-six music videos. In 2008, Tyga released his first studio album, No Introduction, on the record label Decaydance Records. The album was led by the single "Coconut Juice", which peaked at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and marked Tyga's first song to enter on the chart. In 2010, Tyga and Virginia singer Chris Brown released the collaborative mixtape Fan of a Fan (2010), which included their hit single "Deuces", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Tyga's first song to chart on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it peaked atop.
"Look at Me Now" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring American rappers Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes released as the second single from Brown's fourth studio album F.A.M.E. on February 1, 2011. The artists co-wrote the song with its producers Afrojack, Diplo, and Free School, with additional writing from Ryan Buendia. Musically, "Look at Me Now" is a "dirty south–inspired" hip hop song that features "thumping bass, spacy synth and horn jam sounds."
"Mirror" is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne featuring American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. The second bonus track on the deluxe edition of Tha Carter IV (2011), was released to urban contemporary radio stations as the sixth and final single on September 13, 2011, through Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Republic Records. The artists wrote the song alongside Phillip Lawrence and producer Ramon "REO" Owen of the Soundkillers, with co-production from the Smeezingtons. The song was produced three years before its release. Owen, with Mike Caren's help, was able to get the track to several rappers, who rejected it. Lil Wayne liked the song after hearing it, however, and his verses were added to Mars's hook vocals already on the track.
"High School" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj, featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It was released on April 16, 2013 by Young Money, Cash Money and Republic as the third and final single from the reissue of Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up (2012).
American rapper Lil Wayne has released 286 singles including 19 promotional singles. Lil Wayne attained his first singles chart entry in 1999 as a featured artist on Hot Boys member Juvenile's single "Back That Azz Up", which peaked at number 19 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and became a top ten hit on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. Wayne later released his debut solo studio album Tha Block Is Hot in November 1999. Its title track and lead single, which features B.G. and Juvenile, reached number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lights Out followed in December 2000 and produced the singles "Get Off the Corner", "Everything" and "Shine". "Way of Life", the lead single from Wayne's third studio album 500 Degreez, peaked at number 71 on the Hot 100 and became a top 20 hit on the Hot Rap Songs chart. In 2004, Wayne was featured on the single "Soldier" by American girl group Destiny's Child, which became his first top ten hit on the Hot 100 and enjoyed commercial success internationally.
"Loyal" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, released as the fourth single from his sixth studio album X (2014). Produced by Nic Nac and Mark Kragen, the song features American rapper Lil Wayne and another American rapper depending on a specific version: Tyga on the album version, French Montana on the East Coast version, and Too $hort on the West Coast version. The song was written by Brown, Wayne, Bobby Brackins, Ty Dolla $ign, and the producers, as well as different interpolative-credited artists, varying for each respective version.
"Only" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Canadian rapper Drake, American rapper Lil Wayne, and American singer Chris Brown, from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was released on October 28, 2014 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records as the third single from the album. The rappers wrote the song with producers Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and JMIKE, with production assistance from HBM and Rock City. "Only" is a hip-hop song that contains an "icy" production that sits "ominously" underneath dirty lyrical metaphors.
Canadian rapper and singer Tory Lanez has released seven studio albums, Twenty mixtapes, four extended plays (EP), eighty-nine singles and more than eighty music videos. In 2009, Lanez began his career by releasing his debut mixtape, T.L 2 T.O. He received major recognition from the mixtape, Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story, released in August 2013, which included guest appearances from Roscoe Dash and Kirko Bangz. In 2014, he released Lost Cause, which led to his first tour, the Lost Cause tour. Lanez collaborated with the WeDidIt collective on the Cruel Intentions EP in 2015. Chixtape III and The New Toronto were released later that year. He released his debut album I Told You, in 2016.
Professional Rapper is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil Dicky. It was released on July 31, 2015, by Commission Records, Dirty Burd Music and Alternative Distribution Alliance. The album features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Rich Homie Quan, Fetty Wap, Jace, Viper, Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, and T-Pain, alongside narrations from Hannibal Buress and Lil Dicky's parents.
David Andrew Burd, better known by his stage name Lil Dicky, is an American rapper, comedian, and actor. He first received recognition after the music video for his 2013 song, "Ex-Boyfriend" became a viral hit—earning over one million views on YouTube in 24 hours. His 2014 single, "Save Dat Money", marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and preceded his debut studio album, Professional Rapper (2015).
"Back to Sleep" also known by it's censored title "Sex You Back to Sleep" is a song by American singer Chris Brown from his seventh studio album Royalty. The song was released as the album's third single and its first urban single on November 5, 2015. Three official remixes of the song were released during the first months of 2016: The first featuring Usher and Zayn, the second featuring Miguel, August Alsina, and Trey Songz, and the final featuring Tank, R. Kelly and Anthony Hamilton.
"Party" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring fellow American singer Usher and American rapper Gucci Mane. It was released by RCA as the second single from the former's eighth studio album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon (2017) on December 16, 2016. "Party" was the only top 40 hit from the album, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr., known professionally as Tee Grizzley, is an American rapper. He first began posting music online following a two year prison sentence, he released the song "First Day Out" in 2017. It quickly gained viral status—earning two million views on YouTube in under three weeks—due to a social media challenge enacted by basketball player LeBron James, after which the song peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with 300 Entertainment. Its release preceded his debut mixtape My Moment (2017), and was followed by the single "From the D to the A", which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His collaborative mixtape with Lil Durk, Bloodas (2018), was followed by his debut studio album, Activated (2018).
"Undecided" is a song by American singer Chris Brown. It was released as a single on January 4, 2019, by RCA Records. The song serves as the lead single from Brown's ninth studio album Indigo.
The discography of American rapper Lil Dicky consists of one studio album, one soundtrack, two mixtapes, one EP, ten singles. His debut studio album, Professional Rapper, was self-released on July 31, 2015. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200, as well as charting on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums at number two and one respectively. Lil Dicky's debut mixtape, So Hard, was released on May 22, 2013.
"No Guidance" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on June 8, 2019, as the fourth single from Brown's ninth studio album, Indigo (2019). The song was written by Brown, Drake, Velous and Nija Charles, and produced by Vinylz, J-Louis, Teddy Walton, and Canadian producer 40.
"Go Crazy" is a song by American singer Chris Brown and American rapper Young Thug, from their collaborative mixtape Slime & B, released on May 5, 2020. After it became the only charting song from the mixtape, it was officially released as a single on May 19, 2020. The song is a trap-infused R&B record, with production that samples the Showboys's 1986 single "Drag Rap", for which the Showboys are credited as writers. The official remix of the song was released on February 19, 2021, and features fellow American rappers Future, Lil Durk, and Latto.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)