Get Ur Freak On

Last updated

"Get Ur Freak On"
MissyElliottGetUrFreakOn.jpg
Single by Missy Elliott
from the album Miss E... So Addictive
ReleasedMarch 13, 2001 (2001-03-13)
Studio Westlake (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length3:56
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Timbaland
Missy Elliott singles chronology
"Is That Yo Chick"
(2000)		"Get Ur Freak On"
(2001)		"Lick Shots"
(2001)
Music video
"Get Ur Freak On" on YouTube

"Get Ur Freak On" is a song by American rapper Missy Elliott. It was written and produced by Elliott and Timbaland for her third studio album Miss E... So Addictive (2001). Based on heavy bhangra elements, a popular music and dance form from the region of Punjab in India, [2] the song features a six-note base that is a Punjabi melody played on a tumbi and rhythm and bassline played on tabla. [3]

Contents

Released as the album's first single on March 13, 2001, the track reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Internationally, "Get Ur Freak On" became a top-10 success in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where it became her first solo top-10 hit, peaking at number four. A remix of the song featuring Nelly Furtado was a dance club hit during this period. On the Billboard magazine issue dated February 21, 2015, "Get Ur Freak On" re-entered at number 40, more than a decade after its original chart run. This re-entry was spawned by Missy Elliott's performance at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show that occurred earlier in the month.

Background and promotion

At the beginning of the song, a man says in Japanese: 「これからみんなでめちゃくちゃ踊って騒ごう、騒ごう。」 "Kore kara minna de mechakucha odotte. Sawagou, sawagou". Translated into English, it means: "Everyone start dancing together wildly now. Let's make some noise, let's make some noise." Before the second chorus (after Missy says "Let me throw you some"), the song samples German artist Karunesh’s song “Solitude” from the album Global Spirit. The outro of the song features the man who speaks Japanese saying "Ichi, ni, san, shi", translating to "One, two, three, four." The music video was directed by Dave Meyers. Rappers Ludacris, LL Cool J, Timbaland, Ja Rule, Busta Rhymes, Master P, Spliff Star, Lil' Romeo, Eve, Nate Dogg and singer Nicole Wray make cameo appearances in the video.

Critical reception and legacy

"Get Ur Freak On" is widely considered one of Missy Elliott's best songs. Stereogum and Paste ranked the song number one and number two, respectively, on their lists of the 10 greatest Missy Elliott Songs. [4] [5] In 2011, the song was listed 14th on Rolling Stone 's Best Songs of the 2000s. [6] In 2004 and 2010, it was ranked at number 466 on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. [7] In the 2021 reranking, it was ranked at number eight. [8] In 2002, "Get Ur Freak On" was named the best single released in the year 2001 by The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop annual year-end critics' poll. The song also lists at number seven on Pitchfork Media 's Top 500 Songs of the 2000s and number 16 on VH1's Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop. In 2011, NME placed it at number 17 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years". [9] In April 2014, the song was remixed with the Black Keys' song "Keep Me" for the original soundtrack to Neighbors (2014). [10]

In 2002, "Get Ur Freak On" won Elliott the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, beating out fellow nominees "Because I Got High" (Afroman), "Who We Be" (DMX), "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" (Jay-Z), and "Ride wit Me" (Nelly).

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [54] Platinum600,000‡
United States (RIAA) [55] 2× Platinum2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref(s).
United StatesMarch 13, 2001 Urban contemporary radio [56] [57]
March 20, 2001 Rhythmic contemporary radio [58]
United KingdomApril 16, 2001
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [59] [60]
AustraliaMay 21, 2001CD [61]

Cover versions

In 2005, Scottish acoustic rocker KT Tunstall released her version of "Get Ur Freak On" performed for BBC Radio Live Lounge on certain versions of the single for "Suddenly I See".

Anda Adam's single "Nai, Nai" from her debut album Confidențial (2005) samples the Elliot's track.

Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra released a surf rock rendition on the 2007 album "Hits the Hits."

American rock band Eels also released a version of "Get Ur Freak On" on Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I , having frequently performed it live during the Shootenanny! tour several years previously.

On the comedy show Fonejacker , the track was parodied by Kayvan Novak as he tried to get "Sounds of the Universe" record shop manager Jon Burnip, to identify the track by singing the tune with nonsensical lyrics. [62]

In Britney Spears' Britney: Piece of Me revamped Vegas residency show, "Get Ur Freak On" was performed as a medley along with other Elliott songs.

Though not covered, the melody of the song was sampled in the song “ILoveYourAunt” by American rappers A$AP Ferg and $ki Mask the Slump God.

Japanese experimental music group Satanicpornocultshop sampled lyrics from "Get Ur Freak On" in their 2010 song "[r.i.p.] Tide."

During James Corden's Carpool Karaoke segment Michelle Obama rapped with Missy Elliott "Get Ur Freak On". [63]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1, 2 Step</span> 2004 single by Ciara

"1, 2 Step" is a song by American singer Ciara featuring American rapper Missy Elliott. Written alongside producer Jazze Pha, it was released on November 1, 2004 as the second single of the former's debut studio album, Goodies. In the United States. It peaked within the top 10 of the charts in several countries worldwide, including Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song is heavily inspired by 1980s electro music production. Throughout the song, Ciara gives a description of how the song's beat feels as she exhorts party-goers to dance to the music. "1, 2 Step" was ranked 59th on Billboard's Top 100 Songs of the 2000s. In the United States, the song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks.

<i>Miss E... So Addictive</i> 2001 studio album by Missy Elliott

Miss E... So Addictive is the third studio album by American rapper and singer Missy Elliott. It was released by The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records on May 15, 2001, in the United States. The album spawned the club and R&B/hip-hop hits "One Minute Man", featuring Ludacris and Trina, and "Get Ur Freak On", as well as the international club hit "4 My People" and the less commercially successful single "Take Away".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rollover DJ</span> 2003 single by Jet

"Rollover DJ" is the second single released from Australian rock band Jet's debut album, Get Born (2003). It was released on 3 November 2003 and was promoted with two different music videos. The song reached the top 40 on both the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look What You've Done</span> 2003 single by Jet

"Look What You've Done" is a song by Australian rock band Jet, released on 8 March 2004 as the third international and fourth US single from their debut studio album, Get Born (2003). The single was initially issued in the United Kingdom in March before being released in Australia the following month. In the United States, it was serviced to rock radio formats in October 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lose Control (Missy Elliott song)</span> 2005 single by Missy Elliott

"Lose Control" is a song by American rapper Missy Elliott featuring singer Ciara and rapper Fatman Scoop. It was released as the lead single from Elliott's sixth studio album, The Cookbook, on May 23, 2005. It contains samples from Hot Streak's "Body Work" and Cybotron's "Clear". The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, number two in New Zealand, and in the top thirty in various countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gossip Folks</span> 2002 single by Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris

"Gossip Folks" is a song by American rapper Missy Elliott featuring fellow American rapper Ludacris, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Under Construction on December 9, 2002. Written alongside producer Timbaland, it peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work It (Missy Elliott song)</span> 2002 single by Missy Elliott

"Work It" is a hip hop song written by American rapper Missy Elliott and her producer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley for Elliott's fourth studio album Under Construction (2002). The song's musical style, and production by Timbaland, were heavily inspired by old school hip hop from the early 1980s. It samples Run-D.M.C.'s "Peter Piper" and Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three's "Request Line".

The Goldmind, Inc. is an American record label founded in 1997 by rapper Missy Elliott. Elliott and Goldmind were once distributed through East West Records & Elektra Entertainment Group, Until 2004 when Time Warner sold WMG to a private investment group. The new owners then merged the Elektra with sister label Atlantic Records, transferring Elliott and Goldmind. Goldmind is home to Missy Elliott, specializing in R&B/hip-hop/soul music.

<i>Make It Hot</i> 1998 studio album by Nicole Wray

Make It Hot is the debut studio album by American singer Nicole Wray. The album was released in August 1998 through Missy Elliott's Elektra-distributed vanity label, The Goldmind. The album was produced by Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Some editions of the release credit Nicole as Nicole Ray, an artist name she only used here and on her single "I Can't See".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pass That Dutch</span> 2003 single by Missy Elliott

"Pass That Dutch" is a song by American rapper Missy Elliott. It was written and produced by Timbaland and Elliott for her fifth studio album, This Is Not a Test! (2003), and contains samples of "Magic Mountain" by War and "Potholes in My Lawn" by De La Soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody (Keith Sweat song)</span> 1996 single by Keith Sweat

"Nobody" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keith Sweat featuring Athena Cage from the band Kut Klose. The song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it reached No. 9 in New Zealand, No. 10 in the Netherlands, No. 16 in Canada, and No. 22 in Australia. The music video for the single features a young Mekhi Phifer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Minute Man</span> 2001 single by Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris and Trina

"One Minute Man" is a song written by American rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. It was written and produced by Elliott and Timbaland for her third studio album Miss E... So Addictive (2001) and features guest vocals by rapper Ludacris. Incorporating elements of oriental music, the song deals with premature ejaculation. Elliott, a rapper, also sings on the record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Been Awhile</span> 2001 single by Staind

"It's Been Awhile" is a song by American rock band Staind. It was released on March 27, 2001, as the lead single from their third studio album, Break the Cycle (2001).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Could Go!</span> 2002 single by Angie Martinez

"If I Could Go!" is the first single released from American rapper Angie Martinez's second studio album, Animal House (2002). The track features rapper Sacario and singer Lil Mo and was produced by Rick Rock; Sacario co-wrote the song. It is Martinez's highest-charting song to date on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 15. The song won two Certified BDS Spin Awards for 50,000 radio spins and 100,000 radio spins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Into You (Fabolous song)</span> 2003 single by Fabolous

"Into You" is the third single from American rapper Fabolous's second studio album, Street Dreams (2003), featuring either Ashanti or Tamia. The song also appears on Tamia's album More. "Into You" originally featured Ashanti, but after Irv Gotti of Murder Inc. Records refused to let her film a music video to promote the single, Fabolous reached out to Tamia to re-record a commercial version. Both the album and single versions received heavy radio-play, resulting in all three artists being credited on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single was released through Elektra Records and DJ Clue's Desert Storm Records.

American singer and songwriter Tweet has released three studio albums, one live album, one extended play, 13 singles, two promotional singles, and 13 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Itch (Vitamin C song)</span> 2000 single by Vitamin C

"The Itch" a song by American pop singer Vitamin C, released as the first single from her second album, More (2001). Released on October 10, 2000, it peaked at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number six in Australia, where it was certified platinum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold Rock a Party</span> 1996 single by MC Lyte

"Cold Rock a Party" is the lead single released from American rapper MC Lyte's fifth studio album, Bad As I Wanna B (1996). While the original version of the song that appears on the album was produced by Rashad Smith and samples Audio Two's "Top Billin", the single version features Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, was produced by Sean Combs, and samples Diana Ross' 1980 hit "Upside Down".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss California (song)</span> 2001 single by Dante Thomas

"Miss California" is a song by American singer-songwriter Dante Thomas, featuring American rapper and former Fugees member Pras Michel. It was released on February 20, 2001, as the lead single from his debut album, Fly. Despite peaking at number 85 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the track was an international hit, topping the charts of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands and becoming a top-five hit in Australia, New Zealand, and several other mainland European countries. Cameron Casey directed the song's music video.

"Lick Shots" is a buzz single by American recording artist Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott from her third album, Miss E... So Addictive (2001). The song was written and produced by both Elliott and frequent collaborator Timbaland.

References

  1. ↑ Rolling Stone Staff (June 28, 2018). "The 100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 31, 2023. But this stuttering, avant-garde, trans-continental experiment hit the Top 10 in 2001.
  2. ↑ Archived April 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone . December 11, 2003.
  4. ↑ Patrin, Nate (March 3, 2015). "The 10 Best Missy Elliott Songs". Stereogum . Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  5. ↑ O'Brien, Jon (July 18, 2017). "The 10 Best Missy Elliott Songs". Paste . Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  6. ↑ "100 Best Songs of the 2000s". Rolling Stone. June 17, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  7. ↑ Archived June 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. September 15, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  9. ↑ "150 Best Tracks Of The Past 15 Years". NME.COM. October 6, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  10. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Neighbors (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists". iTunes . Apple.com . Retrieved April 21, 2014.
  11. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. 67190-0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. E7206T, 7559-67255-0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (UK CD single liner notes). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. E7206CD, 7559-67206-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (UK cassette single sleeve). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. E7206C, 7559-67206-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (European CD single liner notes). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. 7559-67207-5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ Get Ur Freak On (Australian CD single liner notes). Missy Elliott. Elektra Records, The Goldmind Inc. 2001. 7559672262.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  18. ↑ "Issue 593" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 18, no. 19. May 5, 2001. p. 19. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  26. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Get Ur Freak On". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". Top Digital Download. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 19, 2001" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  32. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". Singles Top 100. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Missy %22Misdemeanor%22 Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  34. ↑ "Missy Elliott: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  36. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  37. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  38. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  39. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  40. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  42. ↑ "Missy Elliott Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2001" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Rapports annuels 2001" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  45. ↑ "Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2001". Jam!. Archived from the original on January 26, 2003. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  46. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  47. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2001" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  48. ↑ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Top 40 Urban Tracks of 2001" (PDF). Music Week . January 19, 2002. p. 26. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 2001". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  51. ↑ "The Year in Music 2001: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 52. December 29, 2001. p. YE-44. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  52. ↑ "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 60.
  53. ↑ "Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 48.
  54. ↑ "British single certifications – Missy Elliott – Get Ur Freak On". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  55. ↑ "American single certifications – Missy Elliott – Get Your Freak On". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  56. ↑ Kenon, Marci (April 14, 2001). "Elliott's Third Album Is 'So Addictive'" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 15. p. 36. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  57. ↑ "AddVance Notice" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1392. March 9, 2001. p. 80. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  58. ↑ "Gavin Crossover: Impact Dates". Gavin Report . No. 2335. February 16, 2001. p. 74.
  59. ↑ Thomas, Gareth (April 18, 2001). "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 18, no. 18. p. 12. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  60. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting April 16, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . April 14, 2001. p. 29. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  61. ↑ "The ARIA Report: ARIA New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 21st May 2001" (PDF). ARIA. May 21, 2001. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2002. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  62. ↑ "YouTube". Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2014– via YouTube.
  63. ↑ Michelle Obama raps Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" on Carpool Karaoke and it's so friggin' good
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.