Prom Queen (Lil Wayne song)

Last updated
"Prom Queen"
Lil Wayne-Prom Queen.jpg
Single by Lil Wayne
from the album Rebirth
ReleasedJanuary 27, 2009
Recorded2008
Genre Rap rock
Length3:41
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lil' Wayne singles chronology
"Unstoppable"
(2009)
"Prom Queen"
(2009)
"Every Girl"
(2009)

"Prom Queen" is the lead single from Lil Wayne's album, Rebirth . The track is produced by Infamous and Andrew "Drew" Correa. The song is written by and contains backing vocals from Shanell Woodgett. The song made its official debut on January 27, [1] appearing on Lil Wayne's MySpace page. The following day, "Prom Queen" was made available for purchase on all online music stores [2] and Lil Wayne performed the single live for the first time during a concert in San Diego, which was streamed live on AT&T's FREEdom of Choice and Mobile Music Facebook pages that evening. [1] The song features the Auto-Tune effect.

Contents

Musical style

"Prom Queen" is a rap rock song, [3] featuring "mall-metal riffage" and Auto-Tuned vocals. [4] The song also incorporates elements from emo, grunge and late-'90s rap-rock. [5]

Music video

The music video premiered on Jimmy Kimmel Live! . The music video is about a young, high schooler Lil Wayne falling in love with a girl at school, but she denies him for someone else when she became prom queen. As they both age, Wayne becomes famous, while the girl becomes pregnant with the baby of her boyfriend who has left her. Wayne records the song "Prom Queen" as newspaper clippings of his life come up, such as his awards at the 2009 Grammy Awards and the major success of his album Tha Carter III . Later, Wayne performs with a Gibson Dark Fire guitar at a concert; Young Money artist Shanell Woodgett, who wrote the song, is also seen together with Wayne. During the concert, the girl who shunned Wayne in high school makes her way to the stage. When she reaches her hand out, hoping for Wayne to remember her, Wayne does remember her, and what she did to him; as a result, Wayne turns around just as they are about to touch hands, showing the girl how it felt when she did the same to him. At the end of the video, Wayne and Shanell are seen at the high school gym; they kiss and leave silently.

The video also features the members of nu metal band Korn as Wayne's backup band, as well as Young Money artist Shanell Woodgett and her younger sister, Danity Kane member D. Woods.

Chart performance

"Prom Queen" started to make an impact on the charts in early February. It made a "Hot Shot Debut" at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 based on downloads in the US and rose to number 15 the next week, also a "Hot Shot Debut" at number 26 on the Pop 100 and rose to number 22 the next week, and also charted at number 16 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles. In Canada it also made a "Hot Shot Debut" at number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100 also based on downloads and skyrocketed up to number 36 the next week.

Charts

Chart performance for "Prom Queen"
Chart (2009)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [6] 93
Australia Urban (ARIA) [7] 10
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [8] 36
US Billboard Hot 100 [9] 15
US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs [10] 16
US Billboard Pop 100 [11] 22

Certifications

Certifications for "Prom Queen"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [12] Platinum1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
United StatesJanuary 28, 2009 Digital download Cash Money, Universal Motown [2]
February 3, 2009 Contemporary hit radio [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Wayne</span> American rapper and singer (born 1982)

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation, and is often mentioned among the greatest rappers of all time. Carter's career began in 1995, when he was signed by rapper Birdman to his record label Cash Money Records, becoming the youngest member of the label at age eleven. From then on, he was the flagship artist of Cash Money Records before ending his association with the imprint in June 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shontelle</span> Barbadian singer (born 1985)

Shontelle Delia Layne, known mononymously as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in 2008. Her second album, No Gravity, was released in 2010. Her singles "T-Shirt" and "Impossible" achieved international success. In 2020, Shontelle released "Remember Me".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kat DeLuna</span> American singer

Kathleen Emperatriz DeLuna is an American singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)</span> 2007 single by Wyclef Jean featuring Akon, Lil Wayne and Niia

"Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is the lead single from Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean's sixth studio album, Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant. The R&B and hip hop song features vocals from Niia and Akon, as well as rapper Lil Wayne. Verizon Wireless released the song on their V CAST service on August 7, 2007. It peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever You Like</span> 2008 single by T.I.

"Whatever You Like" is a song by the American rapper T.I., released as the lead single from his sixth studio album, Paper Trail (2008). The song was written by T.I. and David Siegel, alongside the song's producer Jim Jonsin. "Whatever You Like" served as the third single from Paper Trail in the United Kingdom with a release date of June 1, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let It Rock (Kevin Rudolf song)</span> 2008 single by Kevin Rudolf

"Let It Rock" is the debut single by American musician Kevin Rudolf. It was produced by Rudolf for his debut album, In the City, and features two verses from American rapper Lil Wayne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turnin Me On</span> 2008 single by Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne

"Turnin Me On" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, from her debut album, In a Perfect World... The song features American rapper Lil Wayne who co-wrote the song alongside Hilson and Zachary Anson Wallace. Production credits are shared between Danja and Polow da Don, who also co-wrote the song. Following the minimal chart success of Hilson's worldwide lead single "Energy" in the United States, international markets received "Return the Favor", while "Turnin Me On" was released as the third single in the US.

<i>Rebirth</i> (Lil Wayne album) 2010 studio album by Lil Wayne

Rebirth is the seventh studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released February 2, 2010, on Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment and Universal Motown. The album's production was primarily handled by Cool & Dre, DJ Infamous, DJ Nasty & LVM, Kevin Rudolf, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Rebirth was promoted as Wayne's rock music debut, though it includes some hip hop tracks. The album features guest appearances from Eminem, Kevin Rudolf, Shanell and Nicki Minaj.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Girl (Young Money song)</span> 2009 single by Young Money

"Every Girl" is a song by rap group Young Money released as the first single from their debut collaboration album titled We Are Young Money. It was legally released to the iTunes Store on June 11, 2009. Young Money Entertainment rappers Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, and Mack Maine make appearances on the track. The video was shot on February 13, 2009, and was released on April 6 of that same year. The song was leaked to the internet on January 28, 2009, just a day after "Prom Queen" was officially released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down (Jay Sean song)</span> 2009 song by Jay Sean

"Down" is a song by British singer Jay Sean featuring American rapper and labelmate Lil Wayne. The song was released in North America as his debut single from his first album there, All or Nothing. In other markets, including the United Kingdom, the song serves as Jay Sean's lead single from his third studio album. Produced by J-Remy and Bobby Bass, "Down" is the seventh-best selling single of 2009 and has been certified Platinum in several countries. The song went on to sell six million copies in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best I Ever Had (Drake song)</span> 2009 single by Drake

"Best I Ever Had" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third mixtape So Far Gone. The song was later re-released on his debut EP of the same name. The song's popularity helped Drake decide to release So Far Gone as an EP, available for purchase. "Best I Ever Had" is also included as a bonus track on Drake's debut studio album Thank Me Later in certain countries.

<i>Beam Me Up Scotty</i> (mixtape) 2009 mixtape by Nicki Minaj

Beam Me Up Scotty is the third mixtape by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on April 18, 2009 by Young Money and Aphilliates. The mixtape features guest appearances from rappers Brinx, Busta Rhymes, Drake, Gucci Mane, Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Lil Wayne, Red Café, Rocko and Ron Browz, as well as vocals from singers Ricky Blaze, Bobby V, Shanell. Its production was overseen by DJ Holiday and the Trap-a-Holics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forever (Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem song)</span> 2009 single by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem

"Forever" is a song by rappers Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. Written alongside producer Boi-1da, the song was originally released as the third single from the soundtrack to LeBron James's More than a Game documentary and was placed on the Refill re-release of Eminem's album Relapse. Eminem performed his verse of the song at the American Music Awards of 2009. Drake performed the song with Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Travis Barker at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. A demo version of the song was leaked in mid-2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BedRock</span> 2009 single by Young Money featuring Lloyd

"BedRock" is the second single by hip hop group/record label Young Money Entertainment from their debut collaboration album, We Are Young Money (2009). It is performed by acts that were signed under Young Money, including rap verses by Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj as her debut single, Drake, Tyga, Jae Millz, with the chorus performed by Lloyd. "BedRock" is also featured as a bonus track on the Japanese, New Zealand, and the "Complete Edition" 2020 reissue editions of Nicki Minaj's debut studio album, Pink Friday.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 My Town (Play Ball)</span> 2009 single by Birdman featuring Drake and Lil Wayne

"4 My Town (Play Ball)" is the fourth single from rapper Birdman's fourth studio album, Priceless. The song features Young Money/Cash Money artists Drake and Lil Wayne. Drake's verse and the unmastered instrumental to the song was originally leaked and titled as "Play Ball" by Richie Wess and featuring Drake and Yung Dred, and then later placed on Soulja Boy's mixtape Paranormal Activity again as "Play Ball" featuring Drake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On Fire (Lil Wayne song)</span> 2009 single by Lil Wayne

"On Fire" is a song performed by rapper Lil Wayne. The song is taken from Lil Wayne's seventh studio album Rebirth. It was released as the album's second single on December 3, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Knockout (Lil Wayne song)</span> 2010 single by Lil Wayne featuring Nicki Minaj

"Knockout" is a song by Lil Wayne from his album Rebirth. It features Nicki Minaj rapping near the end of the song and singing the chorus. The song debuted at forty-four on the US Billboard Hot 100 due to strong digital sales with the album's release. This song also marks Minaj's first appearance on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motivation (Kelly Rowland song)</span> 2011 single by Kelly Rowland

"Motivation" is a song recorded by American recording artist Kelly Rowland for her third studio album Here I Am (2011). The song was written by Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, Daniel Morris and Lil Wayne, with Jonsin producing the song and Lil Wayne having featured vocals. The R&B slow-jam was released as the fourth single from Here I Am on March 2, 2011, by Universal Motown Records.

Shanell Lynn Woodgett known simply as Shanell or SnL, is an American singer and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. She is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which was formerly an imprint of Birdman's Republic Records-distributed Cash Money Records.

<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. 1 2 Lil Wayne Goes Rock With 'Rebirth'. Billboard (January 26, 2009). Retrieved January 26, 2009.
  2. 1 2 "Prom Queen: MP3 Downloads: Lil Wayne". Amazon.com . Archived from the original on March 10, 2009. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
  3. Jeffries, David. "Rebirth - Lil Wayne". AllMusic . Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  4. Vozick-Levinson, Simon (January 28, 2009). "Lil Wayne's 'Prom Queen': Make it go away!". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  5. Weiss, Jeff (February 2, 2010). "Wayne's new world: A track-by-track breakdown of Lil Wayne's 'Rebirth'". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on February 4, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  6. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 166.
  7. "Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart - Australian Record Industry Association". Ariacharts.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-04-25. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  8. "Information Not Found". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  9. "Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  10. [ dead link ]
  11. "Lil Wayne – Awards". AllMusic . Archived from the original on January 23, 2016. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  12. "American single certifications – Lil Wayne – Prom Queen". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  13. "CHR – Available for Airplay". FMQB . Archived from the original on February 19, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2023.