A promotional recording, promo, or plug copy is an audio or video recording distributed free, usually in order to promote a recording that is or soon will be commercially available. Promos are normally sent directly to broadcasters, such as music radio and television stations, and to tastemakers, such as DJs, music journalists, and critics, in advance of the release of commercial editions, in the hope that airplay, reviews, and other forms of exposure will result and stimulate the public's interest in the commercial release.
"Jam" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released in July 1992 by Epic as the fourth single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991), where it is the opening track. It also appears as the second track on his 2009 This Is It compilation album. The single was re-released in 2006 as part of Jackson's Visionary: The Video Singles collection campaign, and it was remixed to the Cirque du Soleil's Immortal World Tour, releasing that remix on the soundtrack album. "Jam" is a new jack swing song whose bridge features a rap verse performed by Heavy D. The music video of the song featured NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan. The song was also featured on the Chicago Bulls 's 1992 NBA Championship video "Untouchabulls" and was also used in many promotional ads of the NBA in the said season. The single peaked at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song re-entered the UK Singles Chart in 2006, reaching number 22.
"Lighters Up" is a single written and recorded by rapper Lil' Kim appearing as the first single off her fourth album, The Naked Truth. It was produced by her ex-boyfriend, record producer Scott Storch. The song has a similar tone to Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock. It was released on August 30, 2005. The album was originally due to be released September 13, but was delayed until September 27 because Queen Bee Entertainment felt that sales would not hold with the single "Lighters Up". The single debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, then quickly climbed up to number 31. The single had a moderate chart performance in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
"Girlfriend/Boyfriend" is a song by American R&B group Blackstreet. It was released in May 1999 as the second and final single from their third album Finally. Janet Jackson is also featured in the song as well as rappers Ja Rule and Eve. The song is co-written by R&B singer and Ja Rule's former associate Cynthia "Lil' Mo" Loving. It was a minor hit in the United States and achieved moderate success in some other countries.
"Whoa" is the second single from the album The Naked Truth by rapper Lil' Kim which is produced by J.R. Rotem. "Whoa" never made it to the Billboard Hot 100 but charted on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 for five weeks peaking at number 4. Also, the single made it to the R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks chart, where it peaked at number 30. Originally sent to US radio on November 22, 2005, it was then re-released in February to coincide with the airing of her reality show, Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, for which it served as the theme song. It was released in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2006.
"The Jump Off" is a song by American rapper Lil' Kim, released as the first single on February 10 in 2003 from her third studio album La Bella Mafia. It was produced by Timbaland and features Mr. Cheeks. The single debuted at number 95 and climbed into the Top 20 at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Black Hand Side is a song by the American hip-hop artist, Queen Latifah, released as a single in 1994, from her album, Black Reign. The song was written by Queen Latifah and Sidney "S.I.D." Reynolds, and samples "Hello It's Me" by The Isley Brothers. The music video was directed by the critically acclaimed F. Gary Gray, who also directed the music videos for Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day" and TLC's "Waterfalls".
"Hit 'Em wit da Hee" is a single by singer/rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. The track is found on her debut album, 1997's Supa Dupa Fly. The single was not eligible to chart in the U.S., and it was a success overseas, reaching No. 25 in the UK, her fourth consecutive top 40 hit. The music video edit of the song contains sampled strings from the Björk song "Jóga". In The U.S. the album version was released to radio and it received minor mainstream urban radio airplay and peaked at No. 61 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Released from Supa Dupa Fly, it was the final single from the album during summer 1998.
"Tres Deseos" is a merengue and salsa song by Cuban American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, released in 1996 as a promotional single from her second Spanish-language album, Abriendo Puertas (1995). An upbeat Latin dance song, it was the first promotional single released worldwide from the album. In Japan, it was released as a CD maxi single. Remixes of the song were produced by Rosabel, and with their help the song successfully made it to number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It become popular at Estefan's concerts as a medley with her song, Higher from the album Destiny.
"Turn Down The Lights" is a song by Shanice. It was the second single released from her third album, 21... Ways to Grow. A music video was filmed. The remixes can be viewed on YouTube.
"You Don't Have to Worry" is the third single from New Edition's sixth studio album, Home Again (1996). The song was released as the remixed "vocal version" featuring female rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott and as a B-side with the accompanying second single "I'm Still in Love with You". There is also an alternate version of the remix that features the vocals of Fat Joe, instead of Missy on the 12" single. The single version also features production by Stevie J and co-written credits by R&B group 112, while the album version credits production by Sean "Puffy" Combs and Chucky Thompson. All versions feature Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant on lead vocals. Additional rap verses from New Edition members Ronnie DeVoe and Michael Bivins are featured on the track as well.
"Is It Scary" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. The song was originally written to have been featured in the 1993 film Addams Family Values, but the plans were canceled after contract conflicts. The song was later released on Jackson's 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. "Is It Scary" was written and produced by Jackson, James Harris III and Terry Lewis.
"Mic Checka" is a song by American hip hop group Das EFX recorded for their debut album Dead Serious (1992). The song was released as the second single for the album in July 1992.
"Treat Them Like They Want to Be Treated" is a song by American hip hop artist Father MC, and features backing vocals by K-Ci and Jo-Jo, Devante Swing, and Mr. Dalvin, members of then-up-and-coming R&B group Jodeci. It was recorded for Father MC's debut album Father's Day, and released as its debut single in July, 1990.
"Down 4 Whateva" is a song by American girl group Nuttin' Nyce. The song, which was recorded for the group's debut album of the same name, was released as the first promotional single for the soundtrack to the 1994 film A Low Down Dirty Shame.
"I Like" is a song by American R&B group Guy recorded for their debut studio album Guy (1988). The song was released as the album's fourth single in 1989. The album version clocks at 4:54 while the single was 12-inch only and was composed entirely of edits.
"Superwoman Pt. II" is a song by American recording artist Lil' Mo from her debut album, Based on a True Story (2001). The song features the debut appearance by then-unknown Fabolous and remixed production by hip-hop producers DJ Clue and Ken "Duro" Ifill. To date, "Superwoman Pt. II" remains as Lil' Mo's most successful single to date as a leading artist.
"Let's Chill" is a song released by American R&B band Guy from the album The Future. Co-written by Bernard Belle and Teddy Riley, it was released as the second single from the album on February 18, 1991. It reached #41 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #10 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart and #3 on the R&B/Hip-hop singles chart; it was the highest-charting single by Guy on the Hot 100 at the time, not to be beat until 1999's "Dancin'".
"Hold Me" is a song by the American pop singer Laura Branigan, which was released in 1985 as the second single from her fourth studio album Hold Me. It was written by Bill Bodine and Beth Andersen, and produced by Jack White and Harold Faltermeyer.
"I Go On" is the second and final single from MC Lyte's fourth album Ain't No Other. Produced by Tyrone Fyffe, Franklin Grant and Wreckx-n-Effect's Markell Riley, it was released on November 4, 1993.
