Lil Freak

Last updated

The song is midtempo, with supported by heavy bass beats produced by Polow da Don, which Prefix Magazine called "Jurrasic Park synths". Chris Ryan of MTV News said "Usher pairs off with current queen MC Nicki Minaj, and the two glide over Polow Da Don's minimal bass beat." [5] Sara D. Anderson of AOL Radio Blog said that the "heavy back-beat tune confirms Usher's old ways: "Yeah you the business / So What's the business / Don't be shy, I'm just talkin' to you girl." [6] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork Media called the heavily manipulated "Living for the City" sample, "a monstrous swirl of orchestral exoticism". [7] Minaj makes several puns in her lines, one of them referring to Santa Claus's reindeer in a runthrough which Prefix Magazine reviewed negatively. [8] She also refers to P. Diddy and Cassie in her lines, that she's "plotting on how I can take Cassie away from Diddy". [7]

Critical reception

Critics positively received the song, complimenting Minaj's cameo and the track's production and lyrics. Andrew Winistorfer of Prefix Magazine thought that Usher should have gone with "Lil Freak" as the album's first big single, saying, "It (OMG) doesn't come close to matching the filthy heights of "Little Freak [sic]..." [9] He also said the song was "by a wide margin, the best track to be leaked from Usher's long-delayed Raymond vs. Raymond album". [10] In his initial reaction, he pointed out flaws of the song, but said that the song "could become unavoidable if it gets traction on radio". [8] Chris Ryan of MTV News called the song, "slick, sexy hip-hop-infused R&B done to its finest". He also called the song "nothing short of freak nasty," and "is so full of sexy sexuality that it's enough to make Tiger Woods blush". [5] Vibe magazine commented that "wedding ring is definitely off on this Usher cut", and that Nicki Minaj stole the scene in the song. [11] Pitchfork Media commented favourably on the songs explicit nature, stating the song "isn't some R. Kelly-esque devotional hymn to sexual addiction", and that "The whole towering mess makes a drunken 3 a.m. threesome sound like the most epic endeavor anyone could hope for". The review also compared the song to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River", stating, "it pushes into "Cry Me a River" territory for the same reason that "Cry Me a River" transcended: the gigantic, operatic backing track". [7]

Accolades

"Lil Freak"
Lil Freak Official single cover.png
Single by Usher featuring Nicki Minaj
from the album Raymond v. Raymond
ReleasedMarch 2, 2010
Recorded2009
Studio No Excuses Studio
(Santa Monica, California)
Genre
Length3:55
Label LaFace
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Blac Elvis
  • Polow da Don
Usher singles chronology
"Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)"
(2009)
"Lil Freak"
(2010)
"OMG"
(2010)
Nicki Minaj singles chronology
"My Chick Bad"
(2010)
"Lil' Freak"
(2010)
"Get It All"
(2010)
Accolades for "Lil Freak"
PublicationAccoladeRank
Pitchfork The Top 100 Tracks of 2010 [12] 89
New York Post The Top 210 Songs of 2010 [13] 108

Chart performance

On the week ending March 20, 2010, "Lil Freak" debuted at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100. [14] It then fell to 66, but rebounded ten spots to 56, and later peaked at 40 on the chart. [14] The song's appearance on the Hot Digital Songs and Hot 100 Airplay charts at number 31 and 37, respectively, helped stabilize its stay on the Hot 100. [14] "Lil Freak" charted at number 28 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs months before its release due to it being leaked on the Internet. [14] It eventually peaked at eight, and was Usher's third straight top ten hit on the chart, and 16th overall. [14] According to Nielsen SoundScan, it has sold 508,000 units in the US as of October 3, 2010. [15] Internationally, "Lil Freak" reached 109 on the UK Singles Chart. [16] Usher performed the song in the United Kingdom on The Graham Norton Show on June 7, 2010. [17]

Music video

Background and concept

Usher and Minaj shot the music video on March 9, 2010 in Los Angeles with director Taj Stansberry, represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo. [18] In an interview with Vibe , Stansberry commented on the video's sex appeal and the pairing of Usher and Minaj, stating, "This probably has the potential to be [his sexiest video ever]. Usher’s one of the best entertainers in the world, then you have Nicki Minaj who’s fresh on the scene. Put them together and there’s just sparks, it was real good." [19] When asked about the music video's concept would redefine the word "freak", commenting:

Usher in front of a backdrop with Minaj and dancing and being flaunted by dancers. Lilfreakvid.jpg
Usher in front of a backdrop with Minaj and dancing and being flaunted by dancers.

"My general idea was to take the word and show its many faceted sides, twisting and turning it to where there’s really no distinguishing between one freak and another. Usher went there. When you’re engaging in sexual activity, there are many transitions and this is not about what they look like literally, but what they look like metaphorically. It’s about luring people into a situation. Because you have your thoughts on a ménage à trois, but then we’re doing it in a non-obvious way." [19]

On Minaj and her pairing with Usher, Stansberry said, " [Nicki] had a few looks that I really liked. She played the part, but still was her. If you really listen to her words in the song, you can kinda visualize her outfit." [19] Stansberry also confirmed that R&B singer Ciara and singer-actor Jamie Foxx would make appearances in the video. [19] In an interview with MTV News on the set of her video for "Massive Attack", Minaj said that "The video is freaky. And it's a great concept, a great story line," Minaj told MTV News. "It felt just like one of the sequels to Saw . It was dope." [20] Stating that the video had a "secret society" concept, Usher told Access Hollywood that the place symbolized locations where people use to get away from pressures, and also said the movie Eyes Wide Shut was some sort of inspiration of the video. [3] On March 22, 2010 a thirty second preview of the music video was surfaced onto the internet. [21] Two days later on March 24, 2010, Usher premiered the full music video on BET's 106 & Park . [22]

Synopsis and reception

The video begins with a woman walking in a tunnel, and she enters and elevator with Minaj, sporting a Cruella de Vil hairstyle, and other women. [2] The elevator goes to what MTV News calls "Usher's underground playground," then soon finds Usher against a wall. [2] A laptop is shown, and the video goes on to show people who are there, including Ciara playing a casino game. [23] Then, girls are performing choreography on poles, as Usher sings his verses on the wall in the tunnel. [23] Nicki Minaj then comes to sing her verse and starts talking to the unknown woman who was in the tunnel with Usher, and then Minaj guides the woman somewhere. [23] Foxx makes appears near the end of the video, with a red light on him. Usher sings the rest of the song on the wall in the tunnel with choreography from the women, until the video fades out. [23]

BET Sound Off complimented the video and that it stuck to the storyline of the song, stating "there's only but so much you can do with a video like this" without the video being banned, being labelled offensive, or "resemble a video we’ve already seen." [24]

Credits and personnel

Source [25]

Charts

Chart performance for "Lil Freak"
Chart (2010)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) [16] 109
US Billboard Hot 100 [14] 40
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs [14] 8
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [26] 21

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "Lil Freak"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [27] Platinum1,000,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release history and formats for "Lil Freak"
CountryDateFormat
Canada [28] March 2, 2010 Digital download
United States [29]

Related Research Articles

Jamal Fincher Jones, known professionally as Polow da Don, is an American record producer and rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He began his career as a recording artist in the late 1990s, leaving college to pursue a rap career with the group Jim Crow. The group signed to Epic Records in 1999, where they released two albums—Crow's Nest (1999) and Right Quick (2001)—before being dropped from the label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicki Minaj</span> Trinidadian-born rapper and singer (born 1982)

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. Often referred to as the "Queen of Rap", she is known for her musical versatility, animated rap flow, and various alter egos. She first gained recognition after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Get Crazy</span> 2009 song by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Wayne

"I Get Crazy" is a song by Trinidad-born American rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. It features Young Money label-mate Lil Wayne. The song was included on Minaj's third mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty (2009), finding minor success on the US Rap chart and R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

<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">OMG (Usher song)</span> 2010 single by Usher

"OMG" is a song by American singer Usher featuring American rapper will.i.am, who also wrote and produced the song. It uses the auto-tune effect in several lines, as well as Jock Jams-esque sports arena chanting. It was released on March 22, 2010, as the first worldwide single off his sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, and the fourth single overall, following the three US singles "Papers", "Hey Daddy ", and "Lil Freak". The song was met with a mixed reception from critics, who criticized the use of auto-tune, but commended the song's dance and club vibe. The song marks the second time that Usher has collaborated with will.i.am, following the single "What's Your Name", from his previous album Here I Stand (2008).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Massive Attack (song)</span> 2010 Nicki Minaj single

"Massive Attack" is the debut single by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj, featuring Sean Garrett. It was released on April 13, 2010 by Young Money, Cash Money and Universal Motown. It was produced by Garrett and Alex da Kid, who wrote the song together with Minaj. It was initially intended to be the lead single from Minaj's debut studio album, Pink Friday, but the song was dropped from the album due to the single's underwhelming commercial performance. The song was a distinct change in Minaj's previous work on mixtapes and features and received mixed reviews from critics, who commended its lyrical content and distinctiveness but criticized that it did not fit her "Barbie" persona well. An accompanying music video which features a helicopter chase, and militaristic jungle and desert scenes, was positively received.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Love (Nicki Minaj song)</span> 2010 song by Nicki Minaj

"Your Love" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on June 1, 2010 by Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Motown as the lead single from her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010). It replaced the previously-released "Massive Attack" featuring Sean Garrett as the lead single of the album, after its underwhelming commercial performance a month earlier.

"Woohoo" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. The song was written by Aguilera, Onika Maraj, Claude Kelly, Ester Dean and Jamal "Polow da Don" Jones, and produced by Polow da Don, for Aguilera's sixth studio album, Bionic (2010). "Woohoo" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary crossover airplay as the album's second radio single on May 25, 2010. The song, which samples the 1972 song "Add már uram az esőt" by Hungarian singer Kati Kovács, is about oral sex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bottoms Up (Trey Songz song)</span> 2010 single by Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj

"Bottoms Up" is a song by American singer Trey Songz. It was produced by Kane Beatz and features rapper Nicki Minaj. The song serves as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure. It is his most successful single to date, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monster (Kanye West song)</span> 2010 song by Kanye West

"Monster" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, released as the third single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song features rappers Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Nicki Minaj, along with indie folk group Bon Iver. All five credited acts have writing credits on the posse cut, with the production handled by West and Mike Dean. The instrumental is atmospheric and drum-heavy, and the lyrics reflect influences from horror films, creating an eerie composition which drew critical comparisons to the Michael Jackson track "Thriller".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman's Revenge</span> 2010 song by Nicki Minaj

"Roman's Revenge" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj featuring American rapper Eminem, performing as their respective alter egos Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady. Taken from her debut studio album Pink Friday (2010), written alongside producer Swizz Beatz. It was released exclusively on October 30, 2010 through the United States iTunes Store, as a promotional release preceding the album's release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moment 4 Life</span> 2010 single by Nicki Minaj

"Moment 4 Life" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj, featuring Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on December 7, 2010 by Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Motown as the fourth single from Minaj's debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010). The song was produced by T-Minus and written by both artists. Sonically, it is a hip hop song that lyrically relates to maintaining a feeling of accomplishment and enjoying the moment.

"Did It On'em" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on April 7, 2011 by Young Money and Cash Money as the sixth single from her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010). It was written by Minaj with J. Ellington and Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, who produced the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stupid Hoe</span> 2011 song by Nicki Minaj

"Stupid Hoe" is a song by Trinidadian-American rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. The song was written by Minaj and DJ Diamond Kuts, the latter of which handled the production. It was released through Cash Money Records on December 20, 2011, from Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), two weeks after the release of the album's first promotional single "Roman in Moscow".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Boys (Nicki Minaj and Cassie song)</span> 2012 single by Nicki Minaj and Cassie

"The Boys" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj and American singer Cassie. It was released on September 13, 2012 by Young Money, Cash Money and Universal Republic as the lead single from the reissue of Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up (2012). It was written by Minaj, Anjulie Persaud, Jonas Jeberg and Jean Baptiste, and produced by the latter two. It was Minaj's last single to be released by Universal Republic before the label went defunct and its artists roster moved to the revived Republic Records. Initially a track recorded by Cassie for her second studio album under the title "Money on Love," it was subsequently played for Minaj during sessions for The Re-Up, who decided to keep Cassie's vocals but wrote her own verses with certain production portions also being re-worked.

<i>The Pinkprint</i> 2014 studio album by Nicki Minaj

The Pinkprint is the third studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on December 12, 2014, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Minaj co-executive-produced the album alongside Birdman, Lil Wayne and Ronald Williams, with a variety of producers who produced the album's sound. Looking to depart from the dance-pop elements of her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), The Pinkprint is a follow-up record influenced by her traditional hip hop beginnings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaconda (song)</span> 2014 single by Nicki Minaj

"Anaconda" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 4, 2014 by Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic as the second single from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). The song was produced by Polow da Don, DJ Spydr, and Da Internz, and prominently samples "Baby Got Back" (1992) by Sir Mix-a-Lot. It peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Minaj's highest charting single at the time. The song also peaked within the top ten in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, top forty in Austria, France and Portugal and top fifty in Czech Republic.

"Truffle Butter" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Drake and Lil Wayne. It is included as an exclusive bonus track on the iTunes edition of Minaj's third studio album The Pinkprint (2014). Produced by Young Money Entertainment with help by Cash Money Records and Republic Records, the song was released as the fifth single from the album on January 23, 2015. "Truffle Butter" is hip hop song and contains a sample of Maya Jane Coles' song "What They Say" (2010). In March 2015, it was sent to urban contemporary and contemporary hit radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Form (song)</span> 2018 single by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Wayne

"Good Form" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. The original mix debuted on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart at number nine following the release of her fourth studio album, Queen, on August 10, 2018. A remix to the song featuring American rapper Lil Wayne was released on November 29, 2018, as the fourth single from the album, where it peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Minaj and was produced by Mike Will Made It and Plush.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do We Have a Problem?</span> 2022 single by Nicki Minaj and Lil Baby

"Do We Have a Problem?" is a song by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj and American rapper Lil Baby. It was released on February 4, 2022. The music video runs nine minutes long and is inspired by the 2010 movie Salt. In the United States, the song debuted and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it reached number three in South Africa, and 14 in Canada. It was included on Minaj's first greatest hits album, Queen Radio: Volume 1 (2022).

References

  1. "Listen to "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj] by Usher". Pitchfork .
  2. 1 2 3 Reid, Shaheem (2010-03-25). "Usher Dicusses[sic] Racy Lyrics On 'Lil Freak': 'It Happens'". MTV News . Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  3. 1 2 3 "Behind The Scenes: Usher's 'Lil Freak'". Access Hollywood . NBC Universal Inc. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  4. Bain, Becky (2009-12-21). "Usher's A 'Little Freak' On New Leaked Track". Idolator. Buzzmedia Publishers. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  5. 1 2 Ryan, Chris (2010-03-22). "Song You Need To Know: Usher, Featuring Nicki Minaj, 'Little Freak' (WARNING: NSFW)". MTV Buzzworthy . Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  6. Anderson, Sara (2010-01-14). "Usher 'Little Freak' Feat. Nicki Minaj - New Song". AOL . Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  7. 1 2 3 Breihan, Tom (2010-01-14). "Pitchfork: Track Reviews: Usher - "Little Freak" [ft. Nicki Minaj]". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  8. 1 2 ""Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (MP3)". Prefix Magazine. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  9. Winistorfer, Andrew. ""Oh My Gosh" f. will.i.am". Prefix Magazine. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
  10. Winistorfer, Andrew. ""Little Freak" f. Nicki Minaj (Video)". Prefix Magazine. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
  11. "Singled Out: Usher Feat. Nicki Minaj "Lil Freak"". Vibe . 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  12. "The Top 100 Tracks of 2010". Pitchfork .
  13. "Top 25 Songs of 2010". New York Post . 10 December 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Usher Album & Song Chart History". Billboard . Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  15. Grein, Paul (October 6, 2010). "America's Most Popular Inmate". Yahoo! Music . Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  16. 1 2 "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update". The Official Charts Company . Zobbel. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
  17. Norton, Graham (2010-06-07), The Graham Norton Show . BBC One (British Broadcasting Corporation). Series 7, Episode 9.
  18. "New Music: Jason Derulo f/ Nicki Minaj – 'In My Head (Remix)'". Rap-Up . Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Hova, Tray (2010-03-12). "Director Says "Lil Freak" Is Usher's Sexiest Video Yet". Vibe . Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  20. Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-03-17). "Nicki Minaj Says Usher's 'Lil Freak' Video Is 'Dope'". MTV News . Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  21. "Sneak Peek: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'". Rap-Up . 2010-03-22. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  22. "106 & Usher: Usher Visits BET's 106 & Park". Singersroom. Singersroom.com. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Video: Usher f/ Nicki Minaj – 'Lil Freak'". Rap-Up . 2010-03-24. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
  24. "Video: Usher ft. Nicki Minaj- Lil Freak". BET Interactive. 2010-03-25. Archived from the original on 2010-05-02. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  25. Usher Raymond v. Raymond liner notes. LaFace Records (2010)
  26. "Usher Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  27. "American single certifications – Usher – Lil Freak". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  28. "Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher". Canada: iTunes Store (Apple). Archived from the original on 2010-10-02.
  29. "Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Usher". United States: iTunes Store (Apple). Archived from the original on 2010-03-08.