How Low

Last updated
"How Low"
Luda-how-low.jpg
Single by Ludacris
from the album Battle of the Sexes
ReleasedDecember 8, 2009
Recorded2009
Genre Hip hop
Length3:21 (album version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) T-Minus
Ludacris singles chronology
"Regret"
(2009)
"How Low"
(2009)
"Baby"
(2010)

"How Low" is a hip hop song by American rapper Ludacris. It is the lead single from his seventh studio album, Battle of the Sexes . The song premiered at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, which took place on October 10, 2009. However, the ceremony was aired on October 27, 2009. It was performed by Ludacris as the second half of a medley that began with Lil Scrappy's "Addicted to Money", a song in which he is featured. The track was produced by Canadian producer T-Minus. The song was released via iTunes on December 8, 2009. The song debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at 13. [1] The music video was filmed on December 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, California and was directed by Dave Meyers. The music video leaked on the internet on January 20, 2010. [2] The single is Ludacris’ best-selling single as a lead artist with sales of 2,216,000 units as of August, 2012, and it has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. [3] [4]

Contents

The official remix features American rappers Rick Ross and Twista.

Background

"How Low" was officially released as the lead single from Ludacris' Battle of the Sexes album on December 8, 2009. Prior to the single's release, Ludacris performed the song live on October 10, 2009 at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. The track samples Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise" as the primary vocals in the chorus, additional vocals by Carla Henderson.

The song was Nominated for the Grammy's 2011 Best Rap Solo Performance but lost to Eminem's 'Not Afraid'.

Official remixes and freestyles

There are two different versions of the official remix.

Remixes

Music video

The video begins with three girls in a bedroom for a sleepover. They begin by talking directly into a camcorder, in which they reveal that there is a rumor that if you "go low" enough in front of a mirror, Ludacris will appear. They begin dancing to the song in front of a mirror, and Ludacris' face appears in the reflection and starts rapping. The girls are visibly excited at the sight and continue dancing. The video progresses with shots of Ludacris in a club with a black light. Back in the bedroom, Ludacris, backup dancers and masked men burst out of the mirror and into the room. The girls, scared, run downstairs and into another room to hide. Ludacris and his dancers come down the stairs and eventually find the girls. Ludacris magically tears off the girls' clothing and changes them into erotic dancers. More people begin to appear and throw a party in the house as all of the girls dance. The video then changes over to different girls, changing in a locker room. Similarly to the original girls, the girls in the locker room also state the rumor and decide to test it by dancing low in front of the mirror in the same hopes of seeing Ludacris. The following scene shows Ludacris at the original party, rapping in front of the dancing girls outside of the house. However, because the girls in the locker room have started to "go low", Ludacris begins to fade, while giving off some type of electrostatic discharge. He then appears in the mirror inside the locker room and the whole concept of the video apparently restarts. The video features a cameo from Disturbing tha Peace artist Lil Fate.

Charts

Chart (2010)Peak
position
Australia ARIA Singles Chart [5] 54
Belgian Tip Chart (Flanders) [6] 9
Belgian Tip Chart (Wallonia) [6] 14
Canadian Hot 100 41
Dutch Tipparade (Bubbling Under) [7] 30
New Zealand Singles Chart [8] 21
UK Singles Chart 67
UK R&B Chart [9] 21
US Billboard Hot 100 [10] 6
US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard ) [11] 24
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [12] 2
US Hot Rap Songs ( Billboard ) [13] 2
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [14] 4

Year-end charts

Chart (2010)Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [15] 36

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [16] 3× Platinum3,000,000Double-dagger-14-plain.png

Double-dagger-14-plain.png Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh (Ciara song)</span> 2005 song by Ciara

"Oh" is a song by American singer, Ciara who wrote the song with Ludacris, Andre Harris, and Vidal Davis. "Oh" was produced by Harris and Davis, who work as Dre & Vidal. The song was released on March 1, 2005, as the third single from her debut album, Goodies. The downtempo R&B song features hip-hop elements and a heavy bassline, and can be seen as an anthem to her hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. Ciara sings about the many things the city has to offer, while Ludacris raps the third verse.

<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">I'm 'n Luv (wit a Stripper)</span> Single

"I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)" (censored as "I'm N Luv (Wit a Dancer)") is a single written and performed by American rapper and singer T-Pain featuring fellow American rapper Mike Jones. Produced by the former, it was released in late 2005 and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it T-Pain's second top 10 single, and Mike Jones's first. This is T-Pain's third most successful single to date, tying with his other "Bartender", and Mike Jones's most successful single to date. The official remix is with Twista, Pimp C, R. Kelly, Too Short and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gettin' Some</span> 2005 single by Shawnna

"Gettin' Some" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Shawnna. It was released on December 3, 2005, via Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings as a single from her second studio album Block Music. The original version of "Gettin' Some" appears on Block Music as a hidden track. The song samples Too Short's "Blowjob Betty".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Okay (One Blood)</span> 2006 single by The Game

"It's Okay (One Blood)" is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game featuring vocals from reggae singer Junior Reid, from his second studio album Doctor's Advocate. Released as the album's lead single on July 24, 2006, the song was written by The Game himself and Junior Reid, and it was produced by D-Roc, and Reefa. The Game himself revealed that the song would be released on July 31, 2006, but actually was released on July 24, 2006. The song was originally to be released on July 4, 2006 but got pushed back by The Game. Jimmy Rosemond, head of Czar Entertainment and The Game's manager, explained how "One Blood" would receive positive radio airplay and prove the talent that The Game had. A supposed original version of the song was released in late January 2011.

Jamal Fincher Jones, known professionally as Polow da Don, is an American record producer and rapper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Low (Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz song)</span> 2003 Single by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz featuring Ying Yang Twins

"Get Low" is the debut single by American rap group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, featuring American hip hop duo Ying Yang Twins, released as a single in 2003. It first appeared on the 2002 album Kings of Crunk. "Get Low" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 20 on the Hot Digital Songs chart. It was number five on the top Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs of 2003. Outside of the United States, "Get Low" peaked within the top ten of the charts in the United Kingdom, the top twenty of the charts in Germany and the top forty of the charts in Australia, Austria, and New Zealand. It is also known as a breakthrough song for the crunk genre, as the song's success helped it become mainstream. It is listed number 99 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Play a Love Song</span> 2006 single by Jamie Foxx featuring Twista

"DJ Play a Love Song" is a song by American entertainer Jamie Foxx. It was written by Sean Garrett, Jamal Jones, and Jason Perry for his second album, Unpredictable (2005), while production was helmed by Garrett and Jones under his production moniker Polow da Don. The song features additional vocals by rapper Twista. It was released as the album's second single in early 2006. A video for the song co-stars America's Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Out</span> 2013 single by Ciara featuring Nicki Minaj

"I'm Out" is a song recorded by American recording artist Ciara, for her eponymously titled fifth studio album (2013), featuring guest vocals from Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj. It was written by Ciara, Minaj and Rock City brothers, Timothy and Theron Thomas. Rock City and The Co-Captains provided production. "I'm Out" made its premiere on May 22, 2013, on Ciara's official SoundCloud account and was serviced to urban radio in the United States on June 3, 2013, as the second single from Ciara through Epic Records. Lyrically, it incorporates themes of breakups and making an ex-boyfriend regret leaving.

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

The discography of T-Pain, an American rapper and singer, consists of seven studio albums, one compilation album, one soundtrack album, one instrumental album, seven mixtapes, 21 singles and nineteen music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go Girl (Ciara song)</span> 2008 single by Ciara featuring T-Pain

"Go Girl" is a song co-written and performed by American R&B singer Ciara. The song was released as the lead single, for her third studio album Fantasy Ride, however it was only included on the Japan version of the album. The track is a female empowerment anthem that preaches control, featuring semi-auto-tune vocals and a mid-tempo beat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hotel Room Service</span> Song by Pitbull

"Hotel Room Service" is a song by American rapper Pitbull released as the third single from his fourth album, Pitbull Starring in Rebelution. It was released to both iTunes and mainstream radio on June 16, 2009. The song peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it his second top 10 hit following "I Know You Want Me ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shut It Down (song)</span> 2009 single by Pitbull featuring Akon

"Shut It Down" is a song by hip-hop artist/rapper Pitbull featuring Senegalese American R&B and hip hop recording artist and vocalist Akon. It was released as the fourth single from Pitbull's album, Pitbull Starring in Rebelution on November 2, 2009. A remix of the song features vocals by Clinton Sparks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beamer, Benz, or Bentley</span>

"Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" is the first official single from Lloyd Banks' third album H.F.M. 2 , which was released on November 23, 2010. The song was released as a digital download on February 9, 2010. It was added to KAMP-FM in Los Angeles in four days from release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Chick Bad</span> 2010 single by Nicki Minaj and Ludacris

"My Chick Bad" is a song by American rapper Ludacris. The song features Trinidadian recording artist Nicki Minaj, who co-wrote the song with Ludacris, Samuel Lindley, and Derrelle Davidson. The track was produced by The Legendary Traxster. "My Chick Bad" serves as the second single from Ludacris' eighth album, Battle of the Sexes. An official remix to the song was also released, featuring female rappers Diamond, Eve, and Trina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride (Ciara song)</span> 2010 single by Ciara featuring Ludacris

"Ride" is a song by American recording artist Ciara. The song features American rapper Ludacris. It was co-written by Ciara, Ludacris, Tricky Stewart, and The-Dream, and produced by the latter two. The song served as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct. The song was first released for digital download on April 23, 2010. "Ride" is a down-tempo R&B song, featuring a heavy bass line and seductive tone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welcome to My Hood</span> 2011 hip-hop song by DJ Khaled

"Welcome to My Hood" is a song by American record producer DJ Khaled featuring American rappers Rick Ross, Plies, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain from the former's fifth studio album We the Best Forever. The album also contains the remix of the song featuring Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Mavado, Twista, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, The Game, Jadakiss, Bun B, and Waka Flocka Flame. The song is Khaled's first single to be produced with The Renegades & DJ Nasty and LVM. It was released for digital download in the United States on January 18, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pass at Me</span> 2011 single by Timbaland featuring Pitbull and David Guetta

"Pass at Me" is a single from American hip-hop producer Timbaland. The song features vocals from American rapper Pitbull, also features production by French DJ David Guetta. It was released via digital download on September 13, 2011 in the United States, and received a full release across Europe on the weekend of October 7, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body Party</span> 2013 single by Ciara

"Body Party" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Ciara for her self-titled fifth studio album, Ciara (2013). It was written by Ciara, Jasper Cameron, Nayvadius "Future" Wilburn, Michael Williams, Pierre Ramon Slaughter, Carlton Mahone, Rodney Terry, and was produced by Mike Will Made It. The song premiered on March 4, 2013, via Billboard.com and was released as a digital download on March 8, 2013, as the lead single of her fifth album. Epic Records serviced the single to Rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States on April 9, 2013. Musically, "Body Party" is a down-tempo R&B song that samples "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJ's.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Errrbody</span> 2014 single by Yo Gotti

"Errrbody" is a single by American rapper Yo Gotti, released on July 10, 2014, by Epic Records. The song is about Gotti talking about mainstream rappers being similar to one another, and pretending to be who they aren't despite their status. "Errrbody" peaked at numbers 29 and 98 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot 100 charts respectively. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over 500,000 units in the United States. An accompanying music video for the single, directed by Benny Boom, follows a group of suburban kids getting involved with street life and finding it not for them the hard way. An official remix of the song was released in October 2014 and featured Lil Wayne and Ludacris.

References

  1. "iTunes Top 100 Songs (USA)". Doipod.com. 2007-10-27. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  2. Ludacris (2009-12-23). "Twitter / Ludacris: Live from "how low" video". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  3. "Recording Industry Association of America". RIAA. Archived from [http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php? resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=ludacris&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=on&before=on&startMonth=12&endMonth=4&startYear=2009&endYear=2010&sort=Artist&perPage=25 the original] on 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2011-08-05.{{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); line feed character in |url= at position 41 (help)
  4. Paul Grein (August 8, 2012). "Week Ending Aug. 5, 2012. Songs: Phillip Phillips Is "Home"". Chart Watch. Yahoo Music. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  5. "The ARIA Report: Issue 1053" (PDF). webarchive.nla.gov.au. 2006-08-23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  6. 1 2 "Ludacris - How Low". ultratop.be. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  7. Megacharts. "NL Tipparade". Megacharts.
  8. "RIANZ". RIANZ. Archived from the original on 2011-03-18. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  9. UK R&B Singles chart retrieved: 2010-04-06.
  10. "Ludacris Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  11. "Ludacris Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  12. "Ludacris Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  13. "Ludacris Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-03-09.
  14. "Ludacris Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  15. Hot 100
  16. "American single certifications – Ludacris – How Low". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved December 2, 2022.