"I Wanna Be Down" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Brandy | ||||
from the album Brandy | ||||
Released | September 5, 1994 | |||
Recorded | 1993 [1] | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:51 | |||
Label | Atlantic | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) | Keith Crouch | |||
Brandy singles chronology | ||||
|
"I Wanna Be Down" is the debut single of American recording artist Brandy from her self-titled debut album (1994). It was written by musicians Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, with production helmed by the former, it was released on September 5, 1994, by the Atlantic Recording Corporation. The song is a mid-tempo track that features a thunderous beat and light synth riffs. Lyrically, "I Wanna Be Down" describes a flirt with a boy, who Norwood tries to convince of her loveliness.
The song's music video was filmed by Keith Ward and released in October 1994. It features Norwood in her tomboyish image, dancing in front of a jeep near a forest, surrounded by backup dancers. "I Wanna Be Down" was performed on several television and award show ceremonies, such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno , the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards, and the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards. It has been performed on almost every one of Norwood's concerts and tours, and is featured on the compilation album The Best of Brandy (2005).
"I Wanna Be Down" was released to positive reaction by contemporary music critics. Its impact on the charts was comparatively large for a debut single: While it spent four weeks on top of the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, it reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and the top 20 in Australia and New Zealand. In 1995, a hip hop remix with new lyrics from female rappers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo was released.
"I Wanna Be Down" was written by Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, while production and arrangement was also handled by the former for Human Rhythm Productions during 1993. [2] [1] Darryl Simmons served as executive producer, while mastering was overseen by Brian Gardner. [2] Chosen by Norwood's record company, Atlantic Records, as the leading single from her debut album, Norwood initially did not like the idea of releasing it as her first offering. "'I Wanna Be Down' was interesting," she said in a retrospective interview with Complex magazine in 2012. "I didn't really get it at first, but I was young and I didn't really know what worked at radio or what it was. I liked the song, but I just didn't get it being the first thing that people heard from me." [3] Upon its chart success, she changed her mind on their decision however: "[...] Once it was released and I saw why everyone responded to the title phrase, I understood why!" [4]
"I Wanna Be Down" is a contemporary R&B production that lasts for four minutes and fifty-one seconds (4:51). The mid-tempo song contains keyboards and drums and is influenced by the music genre hip hop soul. [5] It was written, produced and arranged by Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones at Human Rhythm Studios. The background song was performed by Norwood and Tiara Le Macks. Booker T. Jones was responsible for the sound mix. [6] The lyrics are about a young woman's love for a man. In the chorus, Brandy sings: "I wanna be down with what you're going through / I wanna be down / I wanna be down with you". Atlantic decided to release the song as Brandy's debut single, something she, at first, did not like. In an interview with Complex Magazine several years later, she stated: "'I Wanna Be Down' was interesting" and continued: "I did not understand the thing first. I was young and did not understand what would and what would not go home at radio stations "I liked the song but did not like the idea that it was the first single that people would hear from me." [7] After the single became a hit, Brandy changed her mind about Atlantic's choice: later understood why they wanted to publish it. Everyone started using the phrase 'I wanna be down ..' and I had an 'aha' experience! " [8]
Atlantic printed thirteen different single versions of "I Wanna Be Down". The most common CD / Maxi release included the album version, an extended mix called "Cool Out" and an a cappella version. [9] On the cover, Brandy is seen sitting in an overall in front of a blue gate. The photo was taken by photographer Michael Miller who has previously worked with artists such as Cypress Hill and Daddy Freddy. [10] In Europe, the song was released via East West Records and had the same table of contents as on the CD / Maxi single in the USA. In the UK, the song was printed on "12 vinyl records that were identical to the North American vinyl records. These editions included remix versions of the song such as" Carson CA Edit "and" 3 Boyz Dub ". [11]
Steve Baltin from Cash Box concluded that "I Wanna Be Down" "has the teen-aged Brandy poised to be the next big thing in the R&B market." He explained further, "By mixing a traditional r&b style with a hip-hop groove. Brandy has created a song with across-the-board appeal that will continue to rise on the pop charts." [12] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "One Bourbon, one Scotch, one beer; in the world of music, that used to be the order booze poured in, until this teenage girl entered the swingbeat ring. Slowly you'll be punch drunk." [13] Alan Jones from Music Week deemed the song as "a slow, sinewy number in the TLC mould". [14] Ralp Tee from the magazine's RM Dance Update wrote, "Just 16 years old, Brandy ventures into the same musical territory as fellow teenager Aaliyah. Simply exploding on import over last weekend, the track is essentially a catchy two-stepper with the arrangement kept to a basic drum and bass pattern, interspersed with subtle keyboard and synth guitar. An impressive debut." [15] Another editor, James Hamilton, described it as a "slinky girls' superb smoochy Isleys-ish guitar backed 86bpm US smash". [16]
The original music video for "I Wanna Be Down" was directed by Keith Ward and premiered prior to the single's official release in September 1994. The video portrays Norwood in her tomboyish image, dancing in front of a Hummer near a forest, surrounded by backup dancers. [17] Her first video shooting, Norwood explained the filming a great experience: "I was so excited about the video. I got a chance to work with some great people like Frank Gatson. All my friends were in the video. My brother was in the video [...] He was there and we had this little dance, and that became really popular. That was a fun time. I was so excited because my dream was coming through right before my eyes... at the age of 15". [3]
Upon its release, Atlantic Records head Sylvia Rhone came up with the idea of re-recording the track with a group of rappers. [18] "I Wanna Be Down" was eventually remixed with new lyrics from female rappers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo. "The hip-hop remix meant the world to me," Norwood stated in 2012. "I'm fresh out of the box and these superstars are a part of my first single! They are my mentors and I looked up to them. I was a huge Queen Latifah fan. I'm thinking, 'Oh my God...I can't believe this is happening to me.' I got the chance to vibe with all three of them. They embraced me as a little sister. I was one of the first R&B artists to welcome hip-hop onto an R&B beat. It had never been done before quite like that[...] I knew it was a special record." [18]
A music video for the Human Rhythm Hip Hop Remix premiered in February 1995. It was filmed by director Hype Williams whose remix video for Craig Mack's 1994 song "Flava in Ya Ear" served as inspiration for the video. [19] A simple performance video, it features appearances by Lyte, Latifah, and Yo-Yo and was photographed "in glamorous black and white and vivacious color, complete with flashbulbs popping to the beat." [19] Norwood's younger brother Ray J made a cameo appearance in the video. This version eventually earned Norwood her first nomination for a MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video at the 1995 ceremony. [19]
All tracks written by Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, and produced by the former. [2]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "I Wanna Be Down" (LP version) | 4:53 |
2. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Instrumental) | 4:09 |
3. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Cool Out) | 5:13 |
4. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Cool Out Instrumental) | 5:13 |
5. | "I Wanna Be Down" (A Capella) | 4:32 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "I Wanna Be Down" (LP Edit) | 4:09 |
2. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Human Rhythm Hip Hop Remix featuring MC Lyte, Queen Latifah & Yo-Yo) | 4:15 |
3. | "I Wanna Be Down" (LP Version) | 4:53 |
4. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Cool Out) | 5:13 |
5. | "I Wanna Be Down" (A Capella) | 4:32 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "I Wanna Be Down" (LP Edit) | 4:09 |
2. | "I Wanna Be Down" (LP Version) | 4:53 |
3. | "I Wanna Be Down" (Cool Out) | 5:13 |
4. | "I Wanna Be Down" (A Capella) | 4:32 |
Personnel are adapted from the liner notes of Brandy. [2]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
All-time charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United States (RIAA) [42] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | September 5, 1994 |
| Atlantic | [ citation needed ] |
United Kingdom | December 5, 1994 | [43] | ||
May 22, 1995 | [44] |
Brandy Rayana Norwood, better known by her mononym Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born into a musical family in McComb, Mississippi, Norwood was raised in Carson, California, beginning her career as a backing vocalist for teen groups. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1993, she released her self-titled debut album the following year, which sold six million copies worldwide. Brandy gained fame by starring in the UPN sitcom Moesha, and further recognition for her role in the television film Cinderella (1997) and the slasher film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). Her 1998 duet with fellow R&B contemporary Monica, "The Boy Is Mine", won a Grammy Award and became one of the best-selling female duets of all time. Her second album, Never Say Never (1998), sold 16 million copies worldwide.
Brandy is the debut studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on September 27, 1994, by Atlantic Records. Chiefly produced by Keith Crouch, the album contains a range of contemporary genres, including hip-hop, pop-soul, and R&B. Aside from Crouch, Norwood worked with a range of other writers and producers, including R&B group Somethin' for the People, Arvel McClinton, and Damon Thomas.
"Talk About Our Love" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her fourth studio album Afrodisiac (2004). It was written by Kanye West, who also appears as a featured artist on it, and Harold Lilly, while production was handled by the former. Due to the song's use of a sample of Mandrill's 1978 song "Gilly Hines", band members Claude Cave II, and Carlos, Louis, and Ricardo Wilson are also credited as writers. Lyrically, "Talk About Our Love" is about a relationship lacking support from family and friends.
"Who Is She 2 U" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood from her fourth studio album, Afrodisiac (2004). It was written by Candice Nelson, Walter Millsap III and Timbaland, and produced by the latter. The song is built around a sample of "Instant Love" (1977) by American singer Leon Ware. Due to the inclusion of the sample, he and Jacqueline Hilliard are also credited as songwriters. Based on true events, the song describes a woman who is suspicious about her mate's awkward behavior around a seemingly unfamiliar woman. The dramatic up-tempo incorporates piano keys, flutes, chamber pop string melodies and go-go drum programming.
"What About Us?" is a song by American singer Brandy from her third studio album, Full Moon (2002). It was written by LaShawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Kenisha Pratt, Nora Payne and Norwood, featuring main production by Jerkins. An offbeat, aggressive high-tech track, the song's development was motivated by the fact that the singer wanted something different–an aggressive, sexier and edgier sound with a message which would empower women while also reflecting her own growth and maturity.
"Full Moon" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her third studio album of the same title (2002). A breakaway from Rodney Jerkins' dominating influence on the album, it was written and produced by Mike City, one of the few producers Norwood worked with on Full Moon apart from Jerkins and his production and songwriting crew. Described by Norwood as "ghetto", the track is an R&B and pop song with a simple, piano-led production. Lyrically, the song follows Norwood as she experiences love at first sight in a nightclub, whose circumstances she attributes to a full moon night.
"Top of the World" is a song by American singer Brandy Norwood, from her second studio album, Never Say Never (1998). The song was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Isaac Phillips, Nycolia "Tye-V" Turman, and Mason Betha, with Darkchild and Norwood producing and Mase having featured vocals. Released as the album's second international single in 1998, the track peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 20 in Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand.
"Have You Ever?" is a song by American recording artist Brandy for her second studio album, Never Say Never (1998). The song was written by Diane Warren, while production was handled by David Foster. It was released as the album's third single by Atlantic Records in October 1998. The song became Norwood's second song to reach the top position on the US Billboard Hot 100, following the worldwide chart-topping of "The Boy Is Mine". The former further reached number one in New Zealand, number two in Iceland, number eight in Australia, and the top 30 in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
"Angel in Disguise" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her second studio album Never Say Never (1998). It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Traci Hale, and Tye-V Turman, and was produced by Jerkins along with Brandy. The song was recorded and mixed by audio engineer Dave Way at the Pacifique Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California and features prominent backing vocals by singer Joe.
"U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written by Isaac Phillips, Paris Davis, Sean Bryant, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Norwood for her second studio album Never Say Never (1998). Production was handled by Jerkins, with additional production from Norwood.
American singer Brandy Norwood entered the music business as a backing vocalist for R&B boy bands such as Immature, prior to launching her own career in 1994. Her discography, as a solo artist, includes eight studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play, 42 singles, 46 album appearances and 28 soundtrack appearances. Norwood has sold over 8.6 million albums in the United States, and more than 40 million records worldwide. Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist. In 1999, Billboard ranked Norwood among the top 20 of the Top Pop Artists of the 1990s.
"Sittin' Up in My Room" is a song by American recording artist Brandy. It was written and produced by Babyface and recorded by Norwood for the soundtrack of the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett. The song was among five of the album's singles and peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, seeing Norwood's furthest commercial success on the chart at that time. The bass intro is similar to that of the riff performed by bassist Larry Graham, of Sly and the Family Stone, on their hit "Thank You ", and its remix featuring LL Cool J contains a sample of "Haven't You Heard" by Patrice Rushen.
"Baby" is a song by American R&B recording artist Brandy, taken from her debut studio album, Brandy (1994). It was penned by Keith Crouch, Kipper Jones, and Rahsaan Patterson and produced by the former. Released as the album's second single on December 24, 1994, in the United States, it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. It also reached number four in New Zealand, number 16 in Australia, and number 68 in Canada. The single sold 1,000,000 copies in 1995 in the United States.
"Best Friend" is a song by American singer Brandy Norwood. It was written by Keith Crouch and Glenn McKinney for her self-titled debut studio album, Brandy (1994), while production was helmed by the former. The song was dedicated to her brother Ray J.
"Brokenhearted" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written and produced by Kipper Jones and Keith Crouch for her self-titled debut studio album, Brandy (1994). Requested by then Atlantic Records head Sylvia Rhone, the song was developed late into the production of the album. Pressured to meet Rhone's deadline for Brandy, Kipper suffered from a case of writer's block during the early writing process but eventually came up with the idea for a sweet, morose R&B ballad that deals with the aches of a teenager's first heartbreak.
Brandy Norwood, an American singer, songwriter and actress, has released various music videos. She first appeared in the music video for her debut single "I Wanna Be Down (1994). The Keith Ward-directed clip won the Billboard Music Award for Best New Clip, R&B/Urban. A second version, shot alongside female rappers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo for the Human Rhythm Hip Hop Remix of "I Wanna Be Down", earned Norwood her first MTV Video Music Award nomination in the Best Rap Video at the 1995 ceremony, and received Billboard Music Award and Billboard Music Video Award nods. Norwood's video for follow-up "Baby", a collaboration with director Hype Williams, garnered a Best Choreography nomination at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Other videos from the album included for the singles "Best Friend", and "Brokenhearted".
Human is the fifth studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on December 5, 2008 by Epic Records, Knockout Entertainment and Koch Records. The album was Norwood's debut Epic Records release, following her split with Atlantic Records in 2005, and her reunion with longtime collaborator and mentor Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who executively produced and wrote most of the album with his songwriting collective.
Two Eleven is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Brandy. Released on October 16, 2012, it served as the singer's debut release with Chameleon Entertainment and RCA Records after departing from Epic Records soon after releasing her previous album, Human (2008). The album's title is taken from Norwood's birthday; it is also the day on which her idol and friend, entertainer Whitney Houston died eight months before Two Eleven's release.
"Put It Down" is a song by American singer Brandy featuring Chris Brown. Taken from her sixth studio album Two Eleven (2012), it was written and produced by Sean Garrett, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford and Dwayne "Dem Jointz" Abernathy along with Brown, telling the story of Norwood complimenting a prospective beau on his swag. The bass-heavy, R&B up-tempo track served as Norwood's first release under RCA Records, since signing to Chameleon Records under the label, and was released to US digital outlets on May 4, 2012.
"Baby Mama" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy, featuring rapper Chance the Rapper. It was written by Norwood, Chance, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk for her seventh studio album B7 (2020), while production was helmed by Hit Boy and Norwood along with LaShawn Daniels. Built upon a bass-heavy, horn-led beat and a joyful melody, the R&B track is a Mother's Day anthem that pays homage to single mothers, while also celebrating Norwood's love for daughter Sy'rai.
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty |url=
(help)