Work It (Nelly song)

Last updated

"Work It"
Nelly featuring Justin Timberlake - Work It CD cover.jpg
Single by Nelly featuring Justin Timberlake
from the album Nellyville
B-side "Put Your Hands Up"
ReleasedFebruary 24, 2003 (2003-02-24)
Length4:01
Label Universal
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Epperson
Nelly singles chronology
"Air Force Ones"
(2002)
"Work It"
(2003)
"Pimp Juice"
(2003)
Justin Timberlake singles chronology
"Cry Me a River"
(2002)
"Work It"
(2003)
"Rock Your Body"
(2003)

"Work It" is a single by American rapper Nelly featuring American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. It was released on February 24, 2003, as the fourth single from Nelly's 2002 album, Nellyville . It peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.

Contents

Critical reception

Tom Sinclair of Entertainment Weekly panned the collaboration, stating that the song was one of the weaker tracks in Nellyville despite the inclusion of Justin Timberlake. [1] Dele Fadele of NME described it as a "silly pop-directed collaboration with Justin Timberlake of *N Sync." [2] Writing for PopMatters , Wayne Franklin noted that Timberlake croons on the song. [3]

Commercial performance

"Work It" peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the March 13, 2004, issue of Billboard , charting for five weeks. [4] It also peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart on March 15, 2003, spending 11 weeks on the chart. [5]

Music video

The music video for "Work It" shows Justin and Nelly visiting the Playboy Mansion where they play tennis and meet many of the Playboy Playmates. Hugh Hefner also makes an appearance. It was directed by Joseph Kahn and released in 2003.

Track listings

Charts

Chart (2003–2004)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [11] 14
Australian Urban (ARIA) [12] 6
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) [13] 53
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) [14] 26
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) [15] 37
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) [16] 13
Denmark (Tracklisten) [17] 16
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [18] 25
Germany (GfK) [19] 31
Greece (IFPI) [20] 14
Ireland (IRMA) [21] 11
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [22] 17
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [23] 16
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [24] 17
Norway (VG-lista) [25] 15
Scotland (OCC) [26] 9
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [27] 41
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [28] 59
UK Singles (OCC) [5] 7
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [29] 1
US Billboard Hot 100 [4] 68
US Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [30] 24

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [31] Gold35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref(s).
AustraliaFebruary 24, 2003 CD single Universal [32]
United KingdomMarch 3, 2003
[33] [34]

The song was remixed by Scott Storch and was included on Nelly's 2003 remix album Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention .[ citation needed ] Another remix by Jason Nevins sampled AC/DC's 1980 single "Back in Black", which received considerable airplay, but was not officially released.[ citation needed ] The "Nevins Universal Dub" remix was played in the viral internet sensation clip of Robin Schreiber dancing at the Golden State Warriors basketball game on November 9, 2016 [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot in Herre</span> 2002 single by Nelly

"Hot in Herre" is a song by American rapper Nelly, released as the lead single from his second album, Nellyville (2002). It was released on May 7, 2002, by Universal Records. It was written by Nelly, Charles Brown, and the producers the Neptunes. It features additional vocals by former labelmate Dani Stevenson and incorporates Chuck Brown's 1979 single "Bustin' Loose". "Hot in Herre" is widely considered to be Nelly's signature song along with the worldwide hit "Dilemma".

<i>Nellyville</i> 2002 studio album by Nelly

Nellyville is the second studio album by American rapper Nelly. It was released on June 25, 2002, by Universal Records and Fo' Reel Entertainment. The album's production was handled by Waiel Yaghnam, the Neptunes, Jay E, Trackboyz, Ryan Bowser, and Just Blaze. Two singles from Nellyville, "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma", both topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for respectively seven and ten weeks. The album received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Over and Over (Nelly song)</span> 2004 single by Nelly

"Over and Over" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring American country music singer Tim McGraw. The lyrics were written by Nelly while the music was written and produced by James D. "Sted-Fast" Hargrove II and Jayson "KoKo" Bridges. Other musicians who contributed to the recording include Bryan Loss (drums) and Matthew Brauss. The lyrics of the song focus on regret.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Place (song)</span> 2004 single by Nelly

"My Place" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring R&B singer Jaheim. It is the lead single from Nelly's fourth studio album, Suit (2004). The song is about Nelly inviting a girl over to his house, and the female backing vocals are provided by Kim Johnson. The track samples three songs: Labelle's "Isn't It a Shame", DeBarge's "I Like It", and Teddy Pendergrass's "Come Go with Me", so the respective songwriters are given credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dilemma (Nelly song)</span> 2002 single by Nelly

"Dilemma" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring American singer Kelly Rowland. It was released on June 25, 2002, as the second single from the former's second studio album, Nellyville (2002). The song also appeared on Rowland's debut solo studio album, Simply Deep (2002). An R&B ballad, the song consists of a high-pitched intonation and call and response, and contains a sample of Patti LaBelle's 1983 song "Love, Need and Want You". The lyrics describe a man infatuated with a woman committed in an existing relationship. "Dilemma" was written by Nelly, Antoine "Bam" Macon and Ryan Bowser, alongside the "Love, Need and Want You" writers, Kenneth Gamble and Bunny Sigler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batter Up (St. Lunatics song)</span> 2001 single by St. Lunatics

"Batter Up" is a song by American hip hop group St. Lunatics, with member Nelly credited as a featured artist. The track was produced by Steve "Blast" Wills and first appeared on Nelly's debut solo album, Country Grammar (2000). It was later included on the group's album Free City (2001) as a bonus track. A remixed version of "Batter Up" appears on Nelly's album Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention (2003).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride wit Me</span> 2001 single by Nelly

"Ride wit Me" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring City Spud. It was released on February 13, 2001, as the third single from Nelly's debut studio album, Country Grammar (2000). "Ride wit Me" peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked within the top 10 of the charts in Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E.I. (song)</span> 2000 song by Nelly

"E.I." is a song by American rapper Nelly. Released as the second single on October 17, 2000, from his debut album Country Grammar, it peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. A remix of the song, called "Tip Drill", was released in 2003 along with lyrics and a music video that drew controversy for its misogynistic themes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Señorita (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2003 single by Justin Timberlake

"Señorita" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut studio album, Justified (2002). It was released on July 7, 2003, by Jive Records as the fourth single from the album. He co-wrote the track with its producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. According to Timberlake, the song was influenced by Stevie Wonder. Musically, "Señorita" is an R&B, pop, and jazz up-tempo ballad, featuring an electric piano strut, cowbell in beat of the song, and a rhythm section. The song has been described as a Spanish "number" with a "Latin flavored" cut beat. In the track, Timberlake sings about a woman, whose attention he is trying to capture. "Señorita" received positive reviews from music critics, who commented on the track's general sound and lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grillz</span> 2005 single by Nelly

"Grillz" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring fellow American rappers Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp, and uncredited vocals from American singer Brandi Williams. The song was written by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Paul Wall, Ali, Gipp and James Phillips; it contains samples of Destiny's Child's "Soldier", written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelendria Rowland, Tenitra Williams, Garrett Hamler, and Rich Harrison; it also contains samples of "Left Me Lonely" by MC Shan. Production was handled by Dupri. Following its release, it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 20 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girlfriend (NSYNC song)</span> 2002 single by NSYNC

"Girlfriend" is a pop and hip hop song by American boy band NSYNC. It was released on January 14, 2002, as the third single from their fourth studio album, Celebrity. It was the group's last song to enter the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five. "Girlfriend" additionally reached number one in Canada and charted within the top 10 in six other countries, including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This was the last single and song the band released in their career before their reunion in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gangsta Lovin'</span> 2002 single by Eve

"Gangsta Lovin'" is the lead single from Eve's third studio album, Eve-Olution (2002). The song features R&B-soul singer Alicia Keys. Released in July 2002, "Gangsta Lovin'" became Eve's second consecutive number-two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as her third consecutive top-10 hit in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It to Me (Timbaland song)</span> 2007 song by Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake

"Give It to Me" is a song performed by American producer Timbaland, released as the first single from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado and American singer Justin Timberlake. All three artists co-wrote the song together with American rapper Attitude and American producer Danja, who co-produced the song with Timbaland. Mosley Music Group, in association with Blackground Records and Interscope Records, serviced the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radios in the United States on February 6, 2007, and later to urban radios on March 10, 2007. "Give It to Me" is an electro song that embodies the sensibilities of club music. The song features the protagonists addressing their critics about their successes in the music industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Into You (Fabolous song)</span> 2003 single by Fabolous

"Into You" is the third single from American rapper Fabolous's second album, Street Dreams (2003), appearing in two versions: an album track with guest vocals by Ashanti, and a single featuring Tamia. The latter version also appears on Tamia's album More. After Irv Gotti of Murder Inc. Records refused to let Ashanti film a music video to promote the single, Fabolous reached out to Tamia to re-record a commercial version. Both the album and single versions received heavy radio play, resulting in all three artists being credited on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single was released through Elektra Records and DJ Clue's Desert Storm Records.

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

The American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake has released six studio albums, two compilation albums, three extended plays, and 52 singles. Timberlake started his music career in 1995, as a member of boy band NSYNC. Following the group's hiatus in 2002, he released his solo debut studio album, Justified, in November that same year. The album was a commercial success and peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and additionally topped the charts in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Justified earned multiple multi-platinum certifications, including a triple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and a sextuple platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It produced four singles: "Like I Love You", "Cry Me a River", "Rock Your Body" and "Señorita"; all performed well commercially, with two of them becoming top 5 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and top two hits on the UK Singles Chart. "Rock Your Body" also reached number one in Australia.

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

American rapper and singer Nelly has released eight studio albums, two compilation albums, one remix album, three extended plays, two mixtapes, 49 singles, three promotional singles and 48 music videos. He was also a member of the hip hop group St. Lunatics, which included fellow rappers Ali, City Spud, Murphy Lee, and Kyjuan. Nelly has sold a total of 21,815,000 albums in the US as of June 2014, making him the fourth bestselling rap artist in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 Minutes</span> 2008 single by Madonna

"4 Minutes" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her eleventh studio album Hard Candy (2008), featuring vocals by fellow American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake and American producer Timbaland. It was released as the lead single from the album on March 17, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records. It marked the first time in Madonna's 25-year career that another artist was featured in a single. According to Madonna, the song is about saving the environment and "having a good time while we are doing it". She also cited the song as the inspiration for the documentary I Am Because We Are (2008).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay E</span> Musical artist

Jason Lee Epperson is an American record producer and DJ from St. Louis, Missouri. He first became known as the primary producer of hometown native Nelly's 2000 debut album Country Grammar, which received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Thereafter, he produced extensively for Nelly and his collaborators, and signed with his record label, Derrty Entertainment as in-house talent. He has since produced songs for other artists including Murphy Lee, St. Lunatics, Justin Timberlake, E-40, Cedric the Entertainer, Lil Wayne, Ron Isley, Three 6 Mafia, and Hilary Duff. Epperson's style is characterized by hip hop mixed with soul, R&B, and pop music. Billboard magazine, in its December 2000 issue, listed Epperson at number 16 on its "Top 100 Producers" list, as well as number 19 on its "Top 100 R&B/Hip Hop Producers of 2000" list. He has received a Grammy Award nomination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Is the Love?</span> 2003 single by the Black Eyed Peas

"Where Is the Love?" is a song by American hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas. It was released on May 12, 2003, as the lead single from their third album, Elephunk (2003). The song was written by will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, Justin Timberlake, Printz Board, Michael Fratantuno, and George Pajon. The track features vocals from Timberlake, although he is not officially credited on the single release. It was the group's first single to feature singer Fergie as an official member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carry Out</span> 2009 single by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake

"Carry Out" is a song recorded by American producer and rapper Timbaland for his third studio album Shock Value II (2009). The song features guest vocals from longtime collaborator, American recording artist Justin Timberlake. Timbaland and Timberlake co-wrote the song with Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Jim Beanz and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon; with Harmon co-producing the song with Timbaland. Mosley Music Group, together with Blackground and Interscope Records, serviced the song to contemporary hit radio on December 1, 2009, in the United States, as the third single from Shock Value II.

References

  1. Sinclair, Tom (March 17, 2020). "Nellyville". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  2. Fadele, Dele (September 12, 2005). "Nelly : Nellyville". NME . Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  3. Franklin, Wayne (June 27, 2002). "Nelly: Nellyville". PopMatters . Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Nelly Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  5. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  6. Work It (back cover). Nelly. United Kingdom: Universal Records. 2003. 019 804-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. Work It (back cover). Nelly. United Kingdom: Universal Records. 2003. MCST 40312.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. Work It – The Remixes (back cover). Nelly. United Kingdom: Universal Records. 2003. 019 805-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. Work It (back cover). Nelly. Europe: Universal Records. 2003. 019 771-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. Work It (back cover). Nelly. Canada: Universal Records. 2003. 4400197722.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  12. "Issue 681" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  13. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  14. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  15. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  16. "Nelly Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  17. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". Tracklisten. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  18. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 21, no. 13. March 22, 2003. p. 13. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  19. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  20. "Top 50 Singles: Εβδομάδα 29/03 – 04/04" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on April 14, 2003. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  21. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Work It". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  22. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 12, 2003" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  23. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  24. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  25. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". VG-lista. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  26. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  27. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  28. "Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake – Work It". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  29. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  30. "Nelly Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  31. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  32. "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 24th February 2003" (PDF). ARIA. February 24, 2003. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2003. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  33. Doherty, Sean (February 22, 2003). "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 21, no. 9. p. 10. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  34. "New Releases – For Week Starting 3 March 2003: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . March 1, 2003. p. 21. Retrieved September 2, 2021.Misprinted as March 10 on source.
  35. Graflage, Stephanie (November 11, 2016). ""Work It" : Dancing NBA mom will make you smile". WDAF-TV . Retrieved May 17, 2020.