Say Less (Ashanti song)

Last updated

"Say Less"
SayLessSingleCoverAshanti.jpg
Single by Ashanti featuring Ty Dolla $ign
ReleasedNovember 6, 2017
Genre
Length3:14
Label Written Entertainment
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) DJ Mustard
Ashanti singles chronology
"Let's Go"
(2015)		"Say Less"
(2017)		"Encore"
(2018)
Ty Dolla $ign singles chronology
"Leg Over (Remix)"
(2017)		"Say Less"
(2017)		"Ex"
(2017)

"Say Less" is a song recorded by American singer Ashanti that features fellow American singer Ty Dolla $ign. It was released on November 6, 2017. Media outlets reported that it was the lead single from Ashanti's upcoming sixth album. The single was produced by DJ Mustard and was written by two said artists. It is an R&B, club, and West Coast hip hop song whose lyrics are about someone telling critics to mind their own businesses; Ashanti and Ty Dolla $ign also flirt with one another on the track.

Contents

"Say Less" was praised by critics following its release; its vocals were frequently cited as the highlights, though commentators were divided over the production. The song was used in a commercial for Cîroc vodka, and Ashanti further promoted it with live performances. A music video was released on April 6, 2018, on Ashanti's Vevo account. In the video, Ashanti confronts rumors around her career and experiences media scrutiny.

Recording and release

Ty Dolla Sign features on the single. Ty Dolla Sign 2018.jpg
Ty Dolla Sign features on the single.

Ashanti wrote "Say Less" with Ty Dolla $ign while working with him in a recording studio; [1] the song was produced by DJ Mustard. [2] Ty Dolla $ign provided collaborative verses for the song. [3] Ty Dolla $ign and Ashanti had agreed to work together after talking on a group text started by Ashanti's brother; they first met in Los Angeles. Ashanti said she thought his melody and cadence fit her music. [4] "Say Less" was recorded in Tyrese Gibson's recording studio in Miami and was mixed in Atlanta. [3] [5]

"Say Less" was made available through her record label Written Entertainment. [6] Media outlets reported that it was the lead single from Ashanti's upcoming sixth album, [6] [7] and referred to it as her comeback single. [4] [8] In a Billboard interview, Ashanti said that she considered releasing one or two other songs from her upcoming album instead of "Say Less". She picked it as a single since it was featured in an advertisement for Cîroc vodka. [9]

The song was released on November 6, 2017, as a digital download. [2] [10] Ashanti first announced it during a conversation with a TMZ cameraman. [3] [11] Clean and explicit versions of the song were made available. The cover art shows Ashanti naked and covered only with an oversized checkered purse. [12] The day following its release, the track was uploaded to WorldStarHipHop's YouTube account. [13]

Composition and lyrics

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Say Less"
An audio sample of the song. Music critics identified it as a R&B, club, and West Coast hip hop composition. [7] [6] [14]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Say Less" is an R&B, club and West Coast hip hop song, [7] [6] [14] that lasts three minutes and 14 seconds. [10] Carl Lamarre of Billboard wrote that the composition featured Mustard's "signature flavor", [2] while Trevor Smith of HotNewHipHop identified it as having a West-Coast hip hop sound. [3] Glenn Gamboa of Newsweek described it as an R&B take on Demi Lovato's pop music. [6] Brooke Marine of W wrote that "Say Less" is an example of the album's "slew of fun party bops that fit in with Ashanti's idea of empowerment". [15] Several music critics called the track "bouncy". [2] [16] [17]

The song revolves around Ashanti telling critics to stay out of her business, [16] and lyrics include "bitch, say less". [18] Ashanti said about the song's lyrics: "I think nowadays we have to make it very clear that if it's B.S., say less, I'm a New Yorker. It's a very New York term. And I think it's just about being bold and getting to the point. I don't have time for you to waste it." [19] During the song, Ashanti and Ty Dolla $ign flirt with one another. [20] In the single edit, she sings: "This is your body/ Ain't no way I could hide it/ I wanna be your top supplier/ Cause I'll provide this all to you". [2] She also talks about acting like a boss: "If it ain't about the money, say less". [6] Ty Dolla $ign boasts about his wealth in the verses: "Young n---a got the pool with me / Make it rain, got a budget on me". [2] He brags about stealing a man's girlfriend by rapping: "Pull up to the party / Jewels all on my body / Your chick on my body / And they can't tell me nothin'". [7]

Critical reception

"Say Less" received primarily positive reviews from music critics. Praising the song's composition and Mustard's production as "catchy", Carl Lamarre wrote "Ashanti's dulcet vocals are sweeter than ever". [2] Emmanuel C.M. of XXL called it "a fun club record", [21] and Claire Valentine of Paper praised Ashanti's confidence. [22] Sydney Gore of MTV said the single "will definitely spark the fire of your desire this winter". [4] A reviewer from Rap-Up praised Mustard's production and Ashanti's vocals, and referred to Ty Dolla $ign's contributions as "soothing vocals". [7] Trevor Smith described Ty Dolla $ign and Mustard as "a proven hitmaking team", and wrote that they acted as "a strong support section" for Ashanti. [3]

Other critics responded negatively to the song's composition. D-Money of SoulBounce.com praised "Say Less" as "the kind of frothy, club-ready R&B aimed straight for the mainstream", but criticized it for lacking "substance, memorability or staying power". [20] Tom Breihan of Stereogum was more critical of the single, writing that it was stuck in "the hot sound of four years ago" and does not sound like an Ashanti song. [23]

Music video and promotion

Promotion and live performances

On November 21, 2017, "Say Less" was featured in a 20-second advertisement for Cîroc vodka, [20] [22] [24] in which Ashanti wears a bikini. [22] She promoted the commercial with images posted to her Instagram account. [22] Sean Combs had asked Ashanti to appear in the commercial during a meeting at a Las Vegas party. During the filming, Combs told her to create a "Bo Derek moment" for the video. [19] According to Glenn Gamboa, Ashanti collaborated with Cîroc "to empower women by offering her keys to a successful career". [6] Ashanti explained: "I think I always try to just give the message of being an empowered woman and being able to empower women". When discussing the wardrobe for the video, she said: "Women should just be proud without having to feel any pressure." [22]

Ashanti performed "Say Less" as part of a co-headlining concert tour with Ja Rule. [8] [25] Victor D. Infante of Telegram & Gazette wrote that she "delivered with equal measures sass and style". [25] She sang the track at Billboard Live as part of medley with her previous songs; Bryan Kess of Billboard included it in his list of the top 20 Billboard Live performances of 2017. [26] Ashanti also appeared on Genius' YouTube channel to explain the song's meaning and lyrics. [5] On May 21, 2018, she performed "Say Less" on Good Day L.A. . [27]

Music video

In a 2017 interview with Billboard, Ashanti said a music video for the single was planned, and a preview clip was scheduled to be shown on Total Request Live . [9] The video, directed by Noyz and LT Hutton, was released on April 6, 2018 on Ashanti's Vevo account. [18] [28] Throughout the video, Ashanti is confronted by media scrutiny, and Ty Dolla $ign makes minor appearances in several scenes. [18] [29] Abby Jones of Billboard described the video as including "theatrical elements". [18]

In the opening scene, Ashanti narrates: "Sometimes I feel like, 'Is it really all worth it, for people to attack you and judge you, without even knowing what kind of pain and suffering you might be going through behind closed doors?'". [30] In the video, Ashanti reflects on her life while a television presenter discusses previous scandals involving her career. [31] The reports include her interview with Joe Budden about a fan throwing money at her during a live performance, [29] [31] the indictment of Murder, Inc., and allegations of a hit and run. [30] Ashanti also watches television host Wendy Williams on her daytime talk show and looks at gossip websites. [30] According to the media, Ashanti pushed a fan into a pool; this is later proven untrue because the fan had accidentally fallen into the water. [30] Ashanti responds to the media by saying: "Honestly, people need to just say less." [18] The video ends with "to be continued". [30]

Track listing

Digital download [10]
No.TitleLength
1."Say Less"3:14

Credits and personnel

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef
WorldwideNovember 6, 2017 Digital download Written Entertainment [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ty Dolla Sign</span> American singer

Tyrone William Griffin Jr., better known by his stage name Ty Dolla Sign, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from Los Angeles, California. He first gained recognition for his feature on rapper YG's 2010 single "Toot It and Boot It". He signed to Atlantic Records in 2012, and Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Entertainment the following year. He's since released three studio albums: Free TC (2015), Beach House 3 (2017), and Featuring Ty Dolla Sign (2020), the latter of which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mustard (record producer)</span> American record producer

Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, known professionally as Mustard, is an American record producer. He is a frequent collaborator with California-based hip hop artists YG and Ty Dolla Sign; he has produced various hit records for hip hop and R&B artists since his entrance into mainstream music with rapper Tyga's 2011 hit single "Rack City".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paranoid (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2013 single by Ty Dolla $ign featuring B.o.B

"Paranoid" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla $ign featuring American rapper B.o.B, released on September 10, 2013 as the first single from the former's debut EP, Beach House EP (2014). Written by the artists alongside producer DJ Mustard, "Paranoid" is a hip hop song that lyrically describes being in fear of getting caught cheating.

<i>Beach House EP</i> 2014 EP by Ty Dolla Sign

Beach House EP is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on January 21, 2014, by Atlantic Records. Ty mostly produced through the entirety of this EP, alongside the variety of the other record producers such as DJ Mustard, D'Mile and Young Chop, among others. The EP features guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, B.o.B, French Montana, Trey Songz, Twista, Jay Rock, Travis Scott and Fredo Santana, among others. The EP was supported by three singles: "Paranoid" featuring B.o.B, "Or Nah" featuring Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard, and the remix to the first single entitled "Paranoid (Remix)".

<i>Free TC</i> 2015 studio album by Ty Dolla Sign

Free TC is the debut studio album by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on November 13, 2015, by Atlantic Records. As executive producers, Ty Dolla Sign and Wiz Khalifa enlisted a variety of collaborators; including DJ Mustard, DJ Spinz, Cardo, Johnny Juliano, Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, Rae Sremmurd, E-40, Future, and Kanye West, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Or Nah (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2014 single by Ty Dolla $ign featuring Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard

"Or Nah" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla $ign featuring American rapper Wiz Khalifa and American record producer DJ Mustard. Written alongside Lemmie Crockem and Mike Free, the latter of whom produced the song with DJ Mustard, the song was released on January 7, 2014 as the second single from the former's debut EP Beach House EP. The song has since peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. On April 29, 2014, it officially impacted rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States. The song samples the signature "bed squeaking" from the 2004 hit single "Some Cut".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You and Your Friends</span> 2014 single by Wiz Khalifa featuring Ty Dolla Sign and Snoop Dogg

"You and Your Friends" is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Dogg and American singer Ty Dolla $ign from the former's fifth studio album Blacc Hollywood (2014). It was released on July 22, 2014 by Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records as the album's second official single. It was produced by DJ Mustard and Mike Free and is a bonus track on the deluxe version of Blacc Hollywood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ty Dolla Sign discography</span>

The discography of American singer Ty Dolla Sign consists of three studio albums, two extended plays (EP), seven mixtapes and forty-four singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stand For</span> 2014 single by Ty Dolla Sign

"Stand For" is a song written and performed by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released as a single on November 17, 2014. After the release of the song it was reported that it will be included in Ty's debut studio album, Free TC, but it didn't make the final track listing. "Stand For" was produced by DJ Dahi and Diplo. The song has since peaked at number 10 on the US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<i>Made in L.A.</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Mila J

Made in L.A. (M.I.L.A.) is the debut extended play (EP) by American R&B recording artist Mila J. It was released on October 14, 2014, by Motown Records. The EP features guest appearances by B.o.B, with the production, which was provided by DJ Mustard, among others. The EP was supported by two singles: "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up" and "My Main" featuring Ty Dolla Sign.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drop That Kitty</span> 2015 single by Ty Dolla Sign featuring Charli XCX and Tinashe

"Drop That Kitty" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla Sign featuring Charli XCX and Tinashe. The track was produced by Stargate and Cashmere Cat. The song was written by Ty Dolla Sign and Charlotte Atichison. It was released as digital download in the United States on February 17, 2015, originally intended as the first single from Free TC but was later scrapped. Sign raps the track's main verses, while XCX sings its chorus hook and Tinashe its bridge and pre-chorus hook. The lyrical content in the song serve as a four-step dance instructional and contain several sexual euphemisms and innuendos. It discusses a scenario of meeting someone attractive in a club and communicating basest desires to them, while extolling the virtues of physical flexibility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saved (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2015 song

"Saved" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla Sign included on his debut studio album, Free TC (2015), and features American rapper E-40. The track was released on October 16, 2015, as the third single from the album. It was written by Ty, E-40, Glenda Proby, Bobby Brackins, DJ Mustard and Twice as Nice, with production helmed by the latter two. The official music video for "Saved" was released on November 16, 2015. It was directed by Elliott Sellers.

<i>Campaign</i> (mixtape) 2016 mixtape by Ty Dolla Sign

Campaign is a commercial mixtape by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on September 23, 2016, by Atlantic Records. The mixtape was supported by three singles: the title track, "No Justice", and "Zaddy". The mixtape is a recurring theme expressing the views of Ty Dolla Sign and his friends and family on the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever You Need (Meek Mill song)</span> 2017 single by Meek Mill featuring Chris Brown and Ty Dolla Sign

"Whatever You Need" is a song by American rapper Meek Mill featuring American singers Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign. The lead single from the former's third album Wins & Losses (2017), it is a hip hop and R&B song that contains a sample of Tony! Toni! Toné!'s 1990 song "Whatever You Want" and from 1983 song "A Dream" by DeBarge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ex (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2017 single by Ty Dolla Sign

"Ex" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla Sign, released on October 6, 2017. It is the third single from his second studio album Beach House 3 (2017) and features American rapper YG. Produced by BongoByTheWay, Hitmaka and Ty Dolla Sign, the song samples the remix of "Only You" by 112.

<i>Beach House 3</i> 2017 studio album by Ty Dolla Sign

Beach House 3 is the second studio album by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on October 27, 2017, by Atlantic Records. The album serves as the third installment in his Beach House series. It features guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Tory Lanez, The-Dream, YG, Future, Swae Lee, Wiz Khalifa, Damian Marley, and Lauren Jauregui, among others. The album's production was handled by Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, Skrillex, Mike Dean, Apex Martin, MariiBeatz, Dun Deal and James Royo, among others.

<i>MihTy</i> 2018 studio album by MihTy

MihTy is the eponymous and only studio album by American duo MihTy, composed of Jeremih and Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on October 26, 2018, through Def Jam Recordings and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pineapple (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2018 single by Ty Dolla Sign featuring Gucci Mane and Quavo

"Pineapple" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla $ign featuring American rappers Gucci Mane and Quavo. It was released on March 30, 2018 as a single from the deluxe of Ty's second studio album Beach House 3 (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bottled Up</span> 2018 song by Dinah Jane

"Bottled Up" is the debut solo single by American singer Dinah Jane, featuring fellow American singers Ty Dolla Sign and Marc E. Bassy. It was written by A.CHAL, Ty Dolla Sign, Bassy, and Jane. It was released on September 21, 2018. The song was noted for having a similar sound to Jane’s former group’s, Fifth Harmony, music. It is an R&B song with tropical and hip-hop influences, while lyrically, it is about someone who bottles up their feelings and uses alcohol and drugs to hide them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hit Different</span> 2020 single by SZA featuring Ty Dolla Sign

"Hit Different" is a single by American singer SZA featuring fellow American singer Ty Dolla $ign. The singers wrote the song with Rob Bisel and producers The Neptunes. The song was recorded at the home of American record producer DJ Khaled and released through Top Dawg Entertainment on September 4, 2020, days after SZA posted on social media suggesting that the record label had been intentionally pushing back the release date of her music. It is a contemporary R&B torch song about a dysfunctional but tempting relationship.

References

  1. ↑ "Ashanti Drops By To Talk About Her New Single, "Say Less"". AOL. November 30, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lamarre, Carl (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti Connects With Ty Dolla $ign for Her Bouncy Single 'Say Less': Listen". Billboard . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Smith, Trevor (November 5, 2017). "Ashanti and Ty Dolla $ign "Say Less" On Their New Collaboration". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 Gore, Sydney (November 30, 2017). "Ashanti Might Hold the Record for Most TRL Visits of All Time". MTV. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Ashanti "Say Less" Official Lyrics & Meaning Verified". Genius. December 12, 2017. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gamboa, Glenn (November 15, 2017). "Ashanti releases new single, 'Say Less,' on her own record label". Newsday . Archived from the original on November 15, 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "New Music: Ashanti Feat. Ty Dolla $ign – 'Say Less'". Rap-Up . November 6, 2017. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017.
  8. 1 2 Garwood, Bianca (November 6, 2017). "Less is More on Ashanti's Comeback Track, "Say Less"". Ebony . Archived from the original on November 7, 2017.
  9. 1 2 "Ashanti Discusses New Single "Say Less" In Studio". Billboard . December 8, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Say Less (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – Single". Apple Music. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Ashanti Enlists Ty Dolla $ign for New Single 'Say Less'". Rap-Up . October 11, 2017. Archived from the original on March 13, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Listen now: Ashanti and Ty Dolla $ign do all the talking on new track, "Say Less"". ABC News Online. November 6, 2017. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Ashanti Feat. Ty Dolla $ign "Say Less" (WSHH Exclusive – Official Audio)". WorldStarHipHop. November 7, 2017. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017.
  14. 1 2 Mojica, Nick (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti teams up with Ty Dolla Sign for "Say Less" [Listen]". The Boombox . Archived from the original on November 7, 2017.
  15. ↑ Marine, Brooke (December 7, 2017). "Ashanti Opens Up About Her Hands-On Approach to Her Own Career and Creating "Ear Candy" Collaborations". W . Archived from the original on January 4, 2018.
  16. 1 2 Robertson, Darryl (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti Recruits Ty Dolla $ign For New Song, "Say Less"". Vibe . Archived from the original on March 15, 2018.
  17. ↑ Miss2Bees (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti Drops new Song Featuring Ty Dolla Sign, 'Say Less'". The Source . Archived from the original on February 1, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Jones, Abby (April 6, 2018). "Ashanti Brushes Off All of Her Drama in New 'Say Less' Video Featuring Ty Dolla $ign: Premiere". Billboard . Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
  19. 1 2 Moraski, Lauren (December 8, 2017). "Yes, Ashanti Is Still Here And Ready For You To 'Say Less'". HuffPost . Archived from the original on February 9, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 D-Money (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti & Ty Dolla $ign Aim To Do The Most With 'Say Less'". SoulBounce.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  21. ↑ C.M., Emmanuel (November 7, 2017). "Ty Dolla Sign Teams Up With Ashanti on New Song "Say Less"". XXL . Archived from the original on November 8, 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 Valentine, Claire (December 23, 2017). "Ashanti is a Woman in Charge". Paper . Archived from the original on December 23, 2017.
  23. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 6, 2017). "Ashanti – "Say Less" (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)". Stereogum . Archived from the original on January 8, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Cîroc French Vanilla: Ashanti "Say Less"". Cîroc. November 21, 2017. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  25. 1 2 D. Infante, Victor (January 14, 2018). "Ashanti, Ja Rule ward off winter in steamy Palladium show". Telegram & Gazette . Archived from the original on March 18, 2018.
  26. ↑ Kress, Bryan (December 21, 2017). "Top 20 Billboard Live Performances of 2017 with Rita Ora, Dashboard Confessional, Ashanti & More: Watch". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Ashanti performs 'Say Less' on Good Day LA". Good Day L.A. May 21, 2018. Archived from the original on June 6, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Ashanti – Say Less (Official Video) ft. Ty Dolla $ign". Vevo. April 6, 2018. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
  29. 1 2 Post, Chantilly (April 6, 2018). "Ashanti & Ty Dolla $ign Drop Off "Say Less" Visuals". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 "Video: Ashanti Feat. Ty Dolla $ign – 'Say Less'". Rap-Up . April 6, 2018. Archived from the original on April 7, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Lobo, Paula (April 6, 2018). "Watch now: Ashanti warns her haters to "Say Less" in new music video". WJBD-FM. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
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.