Romeo Must Die (soundtrack)

Last updated
Romeo Must Die: The Album
RomeoMustDie.jpg
Soundtrack album by
various artists
ReleasedMarch 14, 2000 (2000-03-14)
Recorded1999–2000
Genre
Length74:25
Label
Producer
Singles from Romeo Must Die: The Album
  1. "Try Again"
    Released: March 21, 2000
  2. "Come Back in One Piece"
    Released: June 6, 2000
  3. "We at It Again"
    Released: June 20, 2000
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Entertainment Weekly A− [2]
Mixmag Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]
RapReviews3/10 [5]
Soundtrack.Net 2/5 [6]
The Village Voice A− [7]

Romeo Must Die: The Album is the soundtrack to Andrzej Bartkowiak's 2000 action film Romeo Must Die , composed of hip hop and R&B music. It was released on March 28, 2000 through Blackground Records and Virgin Records in association with Warner Bros. Records (who helped co-financed the soundtrack). Recording sessions took time between May 1999 and January 2000.

Contents

Production was handled by several record producers, including Irv Gotti, Rapture Stewart, Ant Banks, Eric Seats, Mannie Fresh, J Dub, and Timbaland, who also served as executive producer along with Barry and Jomo Hankerson, and the film star Aaliyah.

It features contributions from Aaliyah, who appears on fours songs, as well as B.G., Chanté Moore, Dave Hollister, Destiny's Child, Ginuwine, Joe, Lil' Mo, Mack 10, Playa, Stanley Clarke, The Comrads and more.

Three singles and music videos were released from the album: Aaliyah's number one pop hit "Try Again" (directed by Wayne Isham), Aaliyah and her co-star DMX duet "Come Back in One Piece" (directed by Little X), and Timbaland & Magoo's "We At It Again" (directed by Chris Robinson), which introduced Timbaland's younger brother, rapper Sebastian, to audiences. Q magazine included the soundtrack album in their list of the '5 Best Compilations of 2000'. [8] [9]

In August 2021, it was reported that Aaliyah's recorded work for Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and, for the first time ever, streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution. [10] Romeo Must Die: The Album was re-released on September 3, 2021. [11]

Commercial performance

In the United States, the soundtrack debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart selling 203,000 in its first week. [12] It was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on May 2, 2000 for selling a million copies. The album sold 1.3 million copies by the end of 2000. [13] By 2001 the album sold 1.5 million copies domestically and over 2 million copies internationally. [14] [15]

In Canada, the soundtrack peaked at number 4 and was certified Platinum by Music Canada. The album reached number 6 in Germany and lasted at number 76 in the year-ending. In 2013, it also was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Try Again" (performed by Aaliyah)
 Timbaland 4:45
2."Come Back in One Piece" (performed by Aaliyah and DMX)
4:19
3."Rose in a Concrete World (J Dub Remix)" (performed by Joe)
  • Joe
  • Joshua Thompson
4:50
4."Rollin' Raw" (performed by B.G.)
 Mannie Fresh 4:00
5."We at It Again" (performed by Timbaland & Magoo)
Timbaland4:45
6."Are You Feelin' Me?" (performed by Aaliyah)
Timbaland3:11
7."Perfect Man" (performed by Destiny's Child)
  • Eric Seats
  • Rapture Stewart
3:47
8."Simply Irresistible" (performed by Ginuwine)
  • Garrett
  • T. Mosley
  • Brian Kidd
  • Timbaland
  • Brian Kidd (co.)
4:01
9."It Really Don't Matter" (performed by Confidential)
  • Edward Ruiz
  • Franchesco Ferraro
  • Juan Enrique Figueroa
  • Louis M. Vizzo
  • Robert Scalere Jr.
  • Jeffery Walker
J Dub4:08
10."Thugz" (performed by Mack 10 and Tha Comrads)
 Ant Banks 4:13
11."I Don't Wanna" (performed by Aaliyah)
  • Donnie Scantz
  • Kevin Hicks
4:16
12."Somebody's Gonna Die Tonight" (performed by Dave Bing and Lil' Mo)
  • Irv Gotti
  • Lil' Rob
4:36
13."Woozy" (performed by Playa)
  • Garrett
  • Benjamin Bush
  • Jawaan Peacock
  • Matthew Brown
4:10
14."Pump the Brakes" (performed by Dave Hollister)
  • Bush
  • Seats
  • Stewart
  • Eric Seats
  • Rapture Stewart
4:27
15."This Is a Test" (performed by Chanté Moore)
  • Eric Seats
  • Rapture Stewart
3:20
16."Revival" (performed by Non-A-Miss)
  • K. Dang
  • M. Calaguas
  • Walker
J Dub4:57
17."Come On" (performed by Sonja Blade)
  • Sonja Holder
  • Anthony Moody
D-Moet3:50
18."Swung On" (performed by Stanley Clarke and Politix)
 Stanley Clarke 3:16
Total length:1:14:25
Notes

Other songs

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [41] Platinum100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [42] Silver60,000^
United States (RIAA) [43] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release history and formats for Romeo Must Die: The Album
RegionDateEdition(s)Format(s)Label(s)Ref.
CanadaMarch 14, 2000Standard CD Virgin [44]
United StatesMarch 21, 2000 [45]
JapanMay 10, 2000 EMI Music Japan [46]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaliyah</span> American singer (1979–2001)

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was an American singer and actress. She has been credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, earning her the nicknames the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop".

<i>Romeo Must Die</i> 2000 film by Andrzej Bartkowiak

Romeo Must Die is a 2000 American action film directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak in his directorial debut and features fight choreography by Corey Yuen. The film stars Jet Li, Aaliyah, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, DMX and Delroy Lindo. The film marks Aaliyah's only film that was released during her lifetime before she was killed in a plane crash a year later. The plot is loosely related to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, transplanted to contemporary Oakland with Black-American and Chinese-American gangs representing the feuding families.

<i>One in a Million</i> (Aaliyah album) 1996 studio album by Aaliyah

One in a Million is the second studio album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on August 13, 1996, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.

<i>Aaliyah</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Aaliyah

Aaliyah is the third and final studio album by American R&B singer Aaliyah. It was released on July 7, 2001, by Blackground Records and Virgin Records. Because of its packaging design, it is also known as "The Red Album".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackground Records</span> American record label

Blackground Records 2.0 is an American record label founded and owned by Jomo and Barry Hankerson. Initially named Blackground Enterprises, the label switched its name to Blackground Entertainment then later Blackground Records in 2000. In 2021, the label rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0, reviving its company and catalogue onto streaming services, with a partnership with Empire Distribution. It co-operated with a publishing company founded by Hankerson, named Black Fountain Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Static Major</span> American singer and songwriter (1974–2008)

Stephen Ellis Garrett Jr., known professionally as Static Major, was an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer from Louisville, Kentucky. He is best known for his posthumous guest appearance on Lil Wayne's 2008 single "Lollipop", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song and its music video were both released in memory of his death in February of that year.

<i>I Care 4 U</i> 2002 compilation album by Aaliyah

I Care 4 U is a posthumous compilation album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on December 10, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records. Following Aaliyah's death on August 25, 2001, Blackground decided to release a posthumous record in collaboration with Universal Music Group. The album compiles eight of Aaliyah's previously released songs alongside six previously unreleased recordings which were discarded from sessions for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001).

<i>Ultimate Aaliyah</i> 2005 box set by Aaliyah

Ultimate Aaliyah is a posthumous box set and second posthumous album overall by American singer Aaliyah. It was released in selected countries on April 4, 2005, by Blackground Records. The box set consists of three discs–the first disc is a greatest hits collection, the second, entitled Are You Feelin' Me?, contains material from soundtracks and Timbaland's studio albums, while the third is a DVD with the documentary The Aaliyah Story.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Try Again (Aaliyah song)</span> 2000 single by Aaliyah

"Try Again" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die (2000). After its initial release, it appeared as a bonus track on international editions of Aaliyah's eponymous third and final studio album (2001). The song was written by Static Major and Timbaland, while production handled by the latter. "Try Again" was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio stations by Blackground and Virgin Records on March 21, 2000. Musically, it is an R&B, electro, dance-pop, and trip hop song. It also includes influences from hip hop, EDM, and acid house. The intro contains an interpolation from Eric B. & Rakim's song "I Know You Got Soul" (1987). Lyrically, the narrator (Aaliyah) encourages a potential partner not to give up when she initially rejects his advances.

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

American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 31 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DMX discography</span> Hardcore hip hop recording discography

American rapper DMX has released eight studio albums, seven compilation albums, three mixtapes, 47 singles and 24 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Are You That Somebody?</span> 1998 single by Aaliyah

"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack (1998). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the United States on May 26, 1998, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records. Musically, it is an R&B, pop, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) keeping an intimate relationship a secret due to her celebrity status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss You (Aaliyah song)</span> 2002 single by Aaliyah

"Miss You" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Johntá Austin, Ginuwine and Teddy Bishop in 1998, the song was initially recorded in 1999 for Aaliyah's eponymous third studio album (2001). However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's death in 2001. It was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its lead single on October 28, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.

<i>Tims Bio: Life from da Bassment</i> 1998 studio album by Timbaland

Tim's Bio: From the Motion Picture – Life from da Bassment is a 1998 album released by Blackground Records. Though nominally the debut solo album by hip-hop/R&B producer Timbaland, the LP is technically a compilation of tracks produced by Timbaland and often – though not strictly – featuring his vocals. A litany of guest stars appear on Tim's Bio, from Timbaland's "Swing Mob" partners Magoo, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Playa, and Skillz, to outside performers Nas, Jay-Z, Twista and others. Tim's Bio notably marks the on-record debut of Ludacris on "Phat Rabbit", later included on his major-label debut LP Back for the First Time (2000).

<i>Under Construction, Part II</i> 2003 studio album by Timbaland & Magoo

Under Construction, Part II is the third and final studio album released by hip hop duo Timbaland & Magoo. It was released by Blackground and Universal on November 18, 2003, in the United States. The group's third album and Timbaland's fourth overall LP, as he issued Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment, a solo album, in 1998, Under Construction Part II is nominally a sequel to Missy Elliott's fourth studio album Under Construction, which was also chiefly produced by Timbaland. The album was dedicated to R&B singer and regular Timbaland collaborator Aaliyah, who had died on August 25, 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Like Fire</span> 1997 single by Aaliyah featuring Timbaland

"Hot Like Fire" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album One in a Million (1996). The song was written by both Missy Elliot and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song. In 1997 it was re-recorded and released as the fifth and final single from One in a Million with "The One I Gave My Heart To" on September 16, 1997 by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come Back in One Piece</span> 2000 single by Aaliyah featuring DMX

"Come Back in One Piece" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah, featuring a guest appearance by American rapper DMX, for the soundtrack to the 2000 film Romeo Must Die. It was written by DMX, Stephen Garrett, Irv Gotti, Rob Meys, George Clinton, Bernie Worrell and William Collins, while the production was handled by Gotti and Lil Rob. The song was released as the second single from Romeo Must Die on June 6, 2000, by Blackground Records and Virgin Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Wanna (Aaliyah song)</span> 2000 single by Aaliyah

"I Don't Wanna" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written and composed by Johntá Austin, Jazze Pha, Donnie Scantz, and Kevin Hicks, it appears on both the Next Friday (1999) and Romeo Must Die (2000) soundtracks.

<i>The Fast and the Furious</i> (soundtrack) 2001 soundtrack album by various artists

The Fast and the Furious: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the first of two soundtracks to Rob Cohen's 2001 action film The Fast and the Furious. It was released on June 5, 2001, by Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Universal Music Group. Production was handled mostly by Irv Gotti, as well as twelve other record producers, including Channel 7, Damizza, Nick "Fury" Loftin and Swizz Beatz. It features contributions from the film star Ja Rule, along with Armageddon, Ashanti, Black Child, Boo & Gotti, Caddillac Tah, DMX, Faith Evans, Fat Joe, Funkmaster Flex, Limp Bizkit, Method Man, Nate Dogg, N.O.R.E., O-1, Petey Pablo, Redman, R. Kelly, Scarface, Shade Sheist, Tank and Vita. The album reached number seven on the Billboard 200, number five on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and went platinum in 2002 in both the United States and Canada.

<i>Nutty Professor II: The Klumps</i> (soundtrack) 2000 soundtrack album to Nutty Professor II: The Klumps by various artists

Nutty Professor II: The Klumps is the soundtrack album to Peter Segal's 2000 comedy film Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. It was released on July 11, 2000, through Def Jam Recordings, as a sequel to 1996 The Nutty Professor Soundtrack, and mainly composed of R&B and hip hop music.

References

  1. ↑ Mathis, Derrick. "Romeo Must Die - Original Soundtrack | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  2. ↑ Seymour, Craig (March 27, 2000). "Romeo Must Die Soundtrack". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Review: Romeo Must Die". Mixmag . London: 177. October 2000. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Review: Romeo Must Die". Q . London: 119. November 2000. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  5. ↑ Juon, Steve 'Flash' (April 19, 2000). "Various Artists :: Romeo Must Die Soundtrack – RapReviews". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  6. ↑ Sheby, Matthew (December 2, 2004). "Romeo Must Die Soundtrack (2000)". Soundtrack.Net . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  7. ↑ Christgau, Robert (May 30, 2000). "Consumer Guide". The Village Voice . Retrieved November 29, 2020– via www.robertchristgau.com.
  8. ↑ "5 Best Compilations of 2000". Q . London: 95. January 2001. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Rocklist.net...Q End Of Year Lists". www.rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  10. ↑ McIntyre, Hugh (August 5, 2021). "20 Years After Her Passing, Aaliyah's Music Is Finally Coming To Streaming Services". Forbes . Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  11. ↑ Darville, Jordan (August 19, 2021). "Streaming release dates for Aaliyah's catalogue revealed, with One in a Million available tonight". The Fader . Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  12. ↑ Mancini, Robert (April 5, 2000). "MTV.com - News - 'NSYNC On Top Again As Aaliyah, Drag-On Hit Chart". MTV . Archived from the original on June 5, 2002. Retrieved November 29, 2020– via Wayback Machine.
  13. ↑ Christman, Ed (February 10, 2001). "Best Selling Records of 2000". Billboard . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  14. ↑ Hall, Rashaun (July 21, 2001). "Blackground Readying Aaliyah's Return". Billboard . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Congratulate Aaliyah". Billboard . 27 January 2001. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  16. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Hits of the World". Billboard . Vol. 112, no. 16. April 15, 2000. p. 56. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  21. ↑ "R&B : Top 50". Jam! . May 22, 2000. Archived from the original on May 23, 2000. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 9840". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  24. ↑ "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 17, no. 30. July 22, 2000. p. 10. Retrieved January 26, 2023– via World Radio History.
  25. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Charts.nz – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Official Compilations Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Billboard 200 Chart: Week of April 15, 2000". Billboard . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart: Week of April 15, 2000". Billboard . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  33. ↑ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2000". Jam! . Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  36. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2000". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2000". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2001". Jam! . January 8, 2002. Archived from the original on July 26, 2002. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  39. ↑ "Top 100 rap albums of 2001 in Canada". Jam! . January 8, 2002. Archived from the original on November 22, 2002. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Decade End Charts – R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. 2009. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Various Artists – Romeo Must Die - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Music Canada.
  42. ↑ "British album certifications – Original Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die - The Album". British Phonographic Industry.Select albums in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Romeo Must Die - The Album in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  43. ↑ "American album certifications – Soundtrack – Romeo Must Die". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  44. ↑ "Music Releases: March 2000". Jam!. March 14, 2000. Archived from the original on August 29, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Aaliyah, DMX, Ginuwine Pitch In For "Romeo" LP". MTV News. February 18, 2000. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023. The "Romeo Must Die" soundtrack is due in stores on March 21, while the film will arrive in theaters on March 24.
  46. ↑ "ロミオ・マスト・ダイ オリジナル・サウンドトラック" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 24, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.