Boo'd Up

Last updated

"Boo'd Up"
Ella Mai Boo'd Up.png
Single by Ella Mai
from the EP Ready and the album Ella Mai
Released20 February 2018 (2018-02-20)
RecordedJanuary 2017 [1]
Genre R&B [2] [3]
Length
  • 4:16 (EP version)
  • 3:59 (album version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Ella Mai singles chronology
"Naked"
(2017)
"Boo'd Up"
(2018)
"Trip"
(2018)
Music video
"Boo'd Up" on YouTube

"Boo'd Up" is the debut commercial single by English singer Ella Mai from her third extended play, Ready . Serving as the lead single for the EP, the song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. [4] It was a minor hit in her native UK, peaking at 52 whilst peaking within the top 50 in Australia and Canada. A remix featuring Nicki Minaj and Quavo peaked at number 8 in New Zealand. The song was written by Mai, Joelle James, Dijon "Mustard" McFarlane and Larrance Dopson of 1500 or Nothin', and produced by the latter two. It was nominated for Song of the Year and won Best R&B Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. [5]

Contents

Background and release

American singer-songwriter Joelle James first wrote "Boo'd Up" in 2014 originally for herself. She later looked for an artist to give the song to, eventually giving it to Ella Mai after feeling that "synergy of it would be perfect for her." [6]

Mai originally released the song in February 2017 as part of the Ready EP. "Boo'd Up" rose in popularity on social media as well as in nightclubs over the next few months, [7] notably in the Bay Area and later in Dallas, Texas. After Mai served as the opening act on Kehlani's tour, her music reached a bigger audience and the song grew on radio airplay in the spring of 2018. [8] The song became her first top 10 song in the US in the following month, deeming it her "breakthrough hit". [9] Rolling Stone wrote that the single is "one of the biggest singles by a breakout female R&B singer in the past 10 years." [10]

In support of the song and its commercial success, Mai announced a US concert tour titled after the song, during the month of August. [11]

Critical reception

In December 2018, Billboard magazine ranked "Boo'd Up" as the third best song of the year. [12]

Music video

An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Nick Walker, premiered via Mai's Vevo channel on 26 April 2018. [13] It features cameo appearances from singer Khalid, rapper Kamaiyah, and YouTube personality Alissa Ashley. [14] [15] Model Donnell Blaylock Jr. plays Mai's love interest in the video. [16]

As of August 2021, the music video has over 460 million views.

Remixes

American rappers T-Pain, Fetty Wap, Plies, Fabolous, Dave East, Vado, and Young Dro released remixes to the song. [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]

Live performances

On 17 November 2018, Mai performed the song on Saturday Night Live , with Jezebel describing Mai as "Pure '90s R&B Heartthrob". [25] It comes on the heels of Ella Mai’s critically acclaimed performance at the BET Awards 2018. [26] [27]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [40] 2× Platinum140,000
Canada (Music Canada) [41] 2× Platinum160,000
United Kingdom (BPI) [42] Gold400,000
United States (RIAA) [43] 7× Platinum7,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
Worldwide22 February 2017 Digital download (along with Ready EP)
[44]
SiriusXM The Heat 4 February 2018Rhythmic/R&B Hits
United States20 February 2018 Rhythmic contemporary [45]
Urban contemporary [ citation needed ]
10 July 2018 Contemporary hit radio [46]

Nicki Minaj and Quavo remix

"Boo'd Up (Remix)"
Single by Ella Mai, Nicki Minaj and Quavo
Released4 July 2018 (2018-07-04)
Recorded2018
Genre
Length3:37
Label
Songwriter(s)
Nicki Minaj singles chronology
"Bed"
(2018)
"Boo'd Up (Remix)"
(2018)
"Fefe"
(2018)
Digital download – Official Remix [51]
No.TitleLength
1."Boo'd Up (Remix)" (with Nicki Minaj and Quavo)3:37

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [52] 12
Belgium Urban (Ultratop Flanders) [53] 12
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [54] 8

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ) [55] Gold15,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
Worldwide4 July 2018 Digital download [51]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Do Is Win</span> 2010 single by DJ Khaled featuring Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain and Snoop Dogg

"All I Do Is Win" is a song from DJ Khaled's fourth studio album Victory (2010). It was the third single from the album. The track features American rappers T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. It was released on February 8, 2010, along with "Put Your Hands Up". The song peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The single was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

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

The discography of Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj consists of five studio albums, one compilation album, three mixtapes, 136 singles, and 20 promotional singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turn Me On (David Guetta song)</span> 2011 single by David Guetta

"Turn Me On" is a song by French DJ David Guetta from his fifth studio album Nothing but the Beat. Vocals are provided by rapper and singer Nicki Minaj, whose second studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded features the song as a bonus song on its deluxe version. It was written by Ester Dean, David Guetta and Giorgio Tuinfort, with a rap written by Minaj.

"Feeling Myself" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Beyoncé from Minaj's third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was written by Minaj, SZA, Beyoncé, and Hit-Boy and produced by the latter two. "Feeling Myself" is a hip hop song backed by a West Coast synth, driving bass and drums.

"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">All Eyes on You</span> 2015 single by Meek Mill featuring Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj

"All Eyes on You" is a song by American rapper Meek Mill, released as the second single from his second studio album Dreams Worth More Than Money, on June 26, 2015. The song features Nicki Minaj with additional vocals from Chris Brown. It is a hip hop and R&B song, produced by Danny Morris, Alex Delicata, and co-produced by the Monarch, Kevin Cossom and DJ Khaled.

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

American rapper Fetty Wap has released three studio albums, two extended plays, twelve mixtapes, 68 singles, and six promotional singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down in the DM</span> 2015 single by Yo Gotti

"Down in the DM" is a song by American rapper Yo Gotti. Released on October 27, 2015, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, The Art of Hustle (2016), it was produced by Ben Billions and Schife. The song was officially credited as featuring Nicki Minaj on US charts due to her remix version. The song peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Yo Gotti's first top 40 entry.

<i>Cold Summer</i> (Mustard album) 2016 studio album by Mustard

Cold Summer is the second studio album by American hip hop producer Mustard. It was released on September 16, 2016, by Pu$haz Ink, Roc Nation and Republic Records. The majority of the album was produced entirely by DJ Mustard himself, and features guest appearances from YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Nipsey Hussle, RJ, Quavo, O.T. Genasis, Jeezy, Rich The Kid, TeeCee4800, K Camp, Nicki Minaj, Jeremih, Young Thug, Meek Mill, Ella Mai, Rick Ross, John Legend and James Fauntleroy.

Shane Lee Lindstrom, known professionally as Murda Beatz, is a Canadian record producer. He has produced hit singles including "Butterfly Effect" for Travis Scott, "Back on Road" for Gucci Mane, "Nice for What" for Drake, and "Motorsport" for Migos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ella Mai</span> British R&B singer (born 1994)

Ella Mai Howell is a British R&B singer. Her musical career began at London's British and Irish Modern Music Institute in 2014, during which time she auditioned as part of a trio on the 11th season of The X Factor. In 2015, she released her debut four-track solo extended play (EP), Troubled in October of that year. The EP and her performances on social media were discovered by American record producer DJ Mustard, who then signed Mai to his record label 10 Summers Records, an imprint of Interscope Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rake It Up</span> 2017 single by Yo Gotti and Nicki Minaj

"Rake It Up" is a song recorded by American rapper Yo Gotti from his collaborative mixtape with record producer Mike WiLL Made-It titled Gotti Made-It (2017), featuring vocals by Nicki Minaj. The song also serves as the lead single from Gotti's ninth studio album, I Still Am. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and 30 Roc, the song was released on June 1, 2017. The song's music video premiered August 21 on Tidal, and was subsequently released on YouTube on August 26. The song peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Yo Gotti's first top 10 entry and most successful single to date. The song interpolates Too Short's Freaky Tales.

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

The discography of American rapper Quavious Keyate Marshall, known as Quavo, consists of two studio albums, two collaborative albums, two compilation albums, two mixtapes, one extended play, bunch of singles, 34 other songs and twelve music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MotorSport</span> 2017 single by Migos featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B

"MotorSport" is a song by American hip-hop trio Migos, Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj, and American rapper Cardi B. Written alongside Murda Beatz and Cubeatz, it was released on October 27, 2017, as the lead single from the trio's third studio album Culture II (2018). It reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Migos' second top 10 in the country.

<i>Queen</i> (Nicki Minaj album) 2018 studio album by Nicki Minaj

Queen is the fourth studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 10, 2018 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. It was Minaj's first album in nearly four years following The Pinkprint (2014). Recording sessions with a handful of producers for the album began in late 2016 and concluded in August 2018. The album includes guest appearances by rappers Eminem, Foxy Brown, Future, Swae Lee, and Lil Wayne; along with singers Ariana Grande, Labrinth, and the Weeknd.

<i>Ready</i> (Ella Mai EP) 2017 EP by Ella Mai

Ready is the third EP by English singer and songwriter Ella Mai. The extended play is the third of the trilogy leading up to her debut album. It was released by 10 Summers and produced by DJ Mustard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trip (Ella Mai song)</span> 2018 R&B song by Ella Mai

"Trip" is a song by English singer Ella Mai from her eponymous debut studio album. The song peaked at number 47 in the UK and number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song was written by Mai, Varren Wade, Quinton, and Dijon MacFarlane. The single became her first number one on Billboard's Rhythmic chart in its 22 December 2018 issue.

"Barbie Dreams" is a song recorded by rapper Nicki Minaj for her fourth studio album Queen (2018). It was released on August 14, 2018, to radio stations through Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records as the third single from the album. The song was written by Minaj, Rashad "Ringo" Smith, Alexander Roland, the duo Mel & Mus, Christopher Smith, James Brown, and Fred Wesley; while its production was done by Ringo, and Mel & Mus.

"That's How You Feel" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake. It was produced by Noel Cadastre. The song samples Nicki Minaj's verse on the remix of the group PTAF's "Boss Ass Bitch". The song almost entirely features Drake rapping and only contains a few lines provided by Minaj, from her performance of her verse on "Boss Ass Bitch", live at Power 106's PowerHouse at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The song also features additional background vocals by DJ Boof.

"Whole Lotta Money" is a song by American rapper Bia, released on May 18, 2021, as the fifth single from Bia's second EP, For Certain. The song's music video was released on April 8, 2021. Following viral success on social media platform TikTok, the song's original version peaked at number three on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. A remix featuring American rapper Nicki Minaj was released on July 9, 2021, and reached number 16 of the Billboard Hot 100.

References

  1. "How Ella Mai Created 'Boo'd Up' | Billboard | How It Went Down". YouTube .
  2. "Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" marks the return of female R&B singers". Rolling Stone. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  3. Billboard Staff (19 October 2023). "The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List". Billboard . Retrieved 10 February 2024. An addictive, punch-drunk R&B love song with a brain-sticking, near-nonsense-sounding chorus...
  4. "Ella Mai Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  5. "61st GRAMMY Awards: Full Nominees & Winners List". 7 December 2018.
  6. Gore, Sydney (23 May 2018). "How Joelle James wrote "Boo'd Up," the surprise hit of the summer". The Fader. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  7. Howard, Jackson (2018). "Ella Mai's Slow Burn". The Fader. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  8. Johnson, Cherise (15 June 2018). "How Ella Mai's Unlikely 'Billboard' Hit 'Boo'd Up' Exploded In Popularity A Year After Its Release". Uproxx. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  9. Zellner, Xander (30 May 2018). "Ella Mai Scores First Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 With 'Boo'd Up'". Billboard. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  10. Leight, Elias (23 May 2018). "'Boo'd Up': How Ella Mai Is Leading Female R&B Singers Back Onto the Charts". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  11. Penrose, Nerisha (13 June 2018). "Ella Mai Announces Boo'd Up Summer Tour". Billboard. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  12. "Billboard's 100 Best Songs of 2018: Critics' Picks". Billboard. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  13. "Ella Mai, Kamaiyah And Khalid Free Their Inner Youth In "Boo'd Up" Visual". Vibe . 26 April 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  14. "Watch Ella Mai's New Music Video for "Boo'd Up" f/ Cameos by Khalid and Kamaiyah". Freshest FM. Retrieved 5 July 2018.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. Kevito (April 2018). "Ella Mai Shares Moments Of Affection In New Video For "Boo'd Up"". Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  16. "WATCH: R&B Newcomer Ella Mai Gets "Boo'd Up" in Music Video". Gossip On This. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  17. Goddard, Kevin (12 June 2018). "Fetty Wap Tackles Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" For His Latest Remix". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  18. Arevalo, Lydia (13 June 2018). "Fetty Wap's Remix Of Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" Gives Us A Lot Of Feelings". Vibe. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  19. "Vado & Dave East – Boo'd Up Remix Lyrics". Genius. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  20. "Young Dro Remixes Some Of The Hottest Tracks On "Adderall Flow" Mixtape". HotNewHipHop. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  21. "Nicki Minaj and Quavo Join Ella Mai on New "Boo'd Up" Remix: Listen". pitchfork.com. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  22. "T-Pain Serves Best "Boo'd Up" Remix Yet". HotNewHipHop. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  23. "T-Pain, Proving He's Still T-Pain, Steals the 'Boo'd Up' Remix From Nicki Minaj and Quavo". Rolling Stone. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  24. "T-Pain Dropped the Best Remix of Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up"". Complex. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  25. "On Saturday Night Live, Ella Mai is Pure '90s R&B Heartthrob".
  26. "Twitter is Pissed About How the BET Awards Treated Ella Mai".
  27. "Ella Mai Performs "Boo'd Up" at 2018 BET Awards". 25 June 2018. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  28. "Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  29. "Ella Mai Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  30. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  31. "Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  32. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  33. "Ella Mai Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  34. "Ella Mai Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  35. "Ella Mai Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  36. "Ella Mai Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  37. "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  38. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  39. "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  40. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  41. "Canadian single certifications – Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". Music Canada . Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  42. "British single certifications – Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  43. "American single certifications – Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". Recording Industry Association of America.
  44. "Ready - EP". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  45. "Top 40/R Future Releases". All Access. All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  46. "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access. All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  47. Arcand, Rob (4 July 2018). "Ella Mai – "Boo'd Up (Remix)" ft. Nicki Minaj & Quavo". SPIN . Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  48. Blistein, Jon (4 July 2018). "Ella Mai Taps Nicki Minaj, Quavo for Slick 'Boo'd Up' Remix". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  49. Clark, Anne Victoria (4 July 2018). "Ella Mai Releases 'Boo'd Up' Remix With Nicki Minaj and Quavo". Vulture. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  50. Saponara, Michael (5 July 2018). "Nicki Minaj & Quavo Join Forces With Ella Mai For 'Boo'd Up (Remix)': Listen". Billboard . Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  51. 1 2 "Boo'd Up (Remix) - Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  52. "Ella Mai, Nicki Minaj & Quavo – Boo'd Up (Remix)" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
  53. "Ella Mai, Nicki Minaj & Quavo – Boo'd Up (Remix)" (in Dutch). Ultratop Urban. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  54. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 16 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  55. "New Zealand single certifications – Ella Mai – Boo'd Up". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 3 August 2018.