Give It 2 U

Last updated
Pulitzer2018-portraits-kendrick-lamar.jpg
2 Chainz at Pretty Girls Like Trap Music Tour.jpg
In "Give It 2 U", Thicke collaborated with rappers Kendrick Lamar (left) and 2 Chainz (right).

The song was written and produced by Dr. Luke, and Cirkut, with additional writing by Thicke, Kendrick Lamar and will.i.am. It was written in approximately an hour, with Thicke striving to write a carefree song that is "straight to the dancefloor, straight to the sexy". [1] When discussing the song, Thicke described it as "very Michael Jackson, Prince but also pretty hip-hop. It’s a big, shiny pop record. It’s fun". [2] Thicke originally reached out to 2 Chainz to record a verse for the song, although his management had also simultaneously sent the song out to Kendrick Lamar. [3] Both rappers expressed interest in appearing on the song, resulting in a demo entitled "Give It to Me". [3] [4] On May 2, 2013, Thicke premiered this demo on the radio show Sway in the Morning. [4] However, this version of the song was later relegated to a remix on the deluxe edition of Blurred Lines (2013), with the album version only featuring Lamar.

"Give It 2 U" was recorded at Luke's in the Boo, Record Plant Studios, and TDE Red Room Studios in Malibu, Los Angeles, and Carson, respectively. [5]

Composition and remixes

"Give It 2 U" is an electropop and hip hop song featuring elements of dubstep.

Lyrically, the song discusses Thicke's desire to sexually please a partner. Speaking on the lyric "Big dick for ya, let me give it to ya", Thicke explained that it was "more a comment of swagger. Like, I'm big-dick swingin'". [6]

A remix version for the song, featuring an additional verse from 2 Chainz, was made available as one of the bonus tracks on the deluxe edition of Blurred Lines (2013). Another version, the "Norman Doray & Rob Adans Remix", was released in 2013.

Critical reception

Rob Tannenbaum of Rolling Stone praised the song, citing it as one of the parent album's "cheeky impersonations of dubstep". [7] Andrew Chan of Slant Magazine criticized the sexual lyrics of the song, citing it as a low point on the album. [8] Sophie Schillaci of The Hollywood Reporter criticized the song's sexual lyrical content, claiming that "In the wake of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” controversy (and wild success), the singer is giving his critics some fresh ammo". [9]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Give It 2 U" debuted at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the issue dated September 7, 2013. [10] The song spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart, peaking at number 25 for the issue dated September 14, 2013. [10] On the Dance Club Songs and Mainstream Top 40 charts, the song peaked at number 21 and 13, respectively. [11] [12] The song reached the top ten on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic charts, peaking at number 7 and 6, respectively. [13] [14] It also reached the number 45 position on the year-end versions of both charts. [15] [16]

Music video

Background

The music video was directed by Diane Martel in Los Angeles, California and premiered on August 23, 2013 on MTV. [17] Rather than the album version, the video was produced for the remix of "Give It 2 U" featuring both Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz. It features appearances by three models including Alana Greszatai, Jessica Strother, and Mallory Llewellyn, all of whom are termed the "Luxury Girls" in the video. [18] Three American dance teams, including The Passionettes, The Stingettes, and The Baker Girls, also made an appearance in the video. [18] Before its release, MTV News reported that it was set on a football field, noting that "Thicke and Lamar [are] riding around on mini trucks with women on their laps". [17] In the video, Thicke wore gold-rimmed sunglasses and a golden whistle, while alternating between a black suit jacket and a black-and-white striped suit, with the latter in reference to the referee outfit he wore during his performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. [19] When speaking on working with Martel, Thicke said,

It's a Diane Martel dream, and I'm just happy to be here. The thing about Diane Martel that makes it so amazing — besides just being a crazy genius — is that she combines all different parts of the world into one soup. She takes the cotton candy, she takes the beautiful football-playing girls and she mixes it all up into one beautiful pot. So we're all very lucky to have her and excited to be working with her again [17]

Synopsis and reception

The video is set on a football field and features a cameo by Thicke's son, Julian Fuego, as well as college dance teams from Albany State University and Alabama State University. Several dancers called "Luxury Girls" are shown dressed up like bottles of champagne, rolls of $100 bills and tins of caviar with others holding up Paper Mache models of lobsters, sushi and other luxurious foods. 2 Chainz enters the field leading a parade float labelled the "Ass Float" while Kendrick enters on a miniature car. The video ends with every girl dancing to the song with Robin Thicke.

Carrie Battan of Pitchfork praised the video, referring to it as "valiant effort to top the mania induced by 'Blurred Lines'". [20] Lacey Seidman of VH1 described the video a "delight", commenting that Thicke "unleashes an arsenal of fun foolishness in the Diane Martel-directed video". [21]

Live performances

Thicke performed the song at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in a medley alongside "Blurred Lines" and Miley Cyrus's "We Can't Stop". [22] Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz accompanied Thicke, performing their verses from the remixed version of the song. [23] Phillip Mlynar of MTV News described the performance as having a "football referee–themed vibe", as Thicke donned a black-and-white stripped suit with cheerleader-themed dancers surrounding him. [23] "Give It 2 U" was regularly performed as the opening number on Thicke's debut headlining tour, the Blurred Lines Tour (2014). [24]

Media

  • The song appears during the party scene in the third episode of season one ("Girl, Interrupted") of The CW television series The Tomorrow People .
  • The song was also featured in the 2015 comedy film Ted 2 .

Track listings and formats

  1. "Give It 2 U" (featuring Kendrick Lamar) – 3:50
  2. "Give It 2 U" (No Rap Version) – 2:56
  1. "Give It 2 U" (Remix) (featuring Kendrick Lamar & 2 Chainz) – 4:17
  1. "Give It 2 U" (U.S. Mix) (featuring Kendrick Lamar) – 3:49
  1. "Give It 2 U" (Norman Doray & Rob Adans Remix Radio Edit) (featuring Kendrick Lamar) – 3:54

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from "Give It 2 U" CD single liner notes. [5]

Chart performance

"Give It 2 U"
Robin Thicke - "Give It 2 U" (Single).jpg
Single by Robin Thicke featuring 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar
from the album Blurred Lines
ReleasedAugust 27, 2013 (2013-08-27)
Recorded2013
Studio
Genre
Length4:20
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Robin Thicke singles chronology
"For the Rest of My Life"
(2013)		"Give It 2 U"
(2013)		"Feel Good"
(2013)
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
"Fragile"
(2013)		"Give It 2 U"
(2013)		"Forbidden Fruit"
(2013)

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [38] Gold35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

CountryRelease dateFormatLabel
United StatesAugust 27, 2013 Mainstream radio
  • Star Trak Entertainment
  • Interscope Records
Italy [39] November 8, 2013 Mainstream radio Universal

Related Research Articles

Diane Martel is an American music video director and choreographer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Thicke</span> American singer, songwriter, and record producer

Robin Alan Thicke is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his 2013 hit single "Blurred Lines", which is one of the best-selling singles of all time. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, he received nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lost Without U</span> 2006 single by Robin Thicke

"Lost Without U" is a song by American singer Robin Thicke. It was released on December 4, 2006 as the second single from his second album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke (2006). People magazine voted the ballad as 2007's Sexiest Song of the Year. It was also named the 10th best song of 2007 by Vibe magazine.

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

The discography of American singer Robin Thicke consists of 8 studio albums, 30 singles and 23 music videos. Thicke signed his first recording contract with Interscope Records as a teenager and found success as a songwriter, before he began concentrating on his career as a performer. In 2000, Thicke started recording his debut album, A Beautiful World, which was released in April 2003. The album debuted at number 152 on the US Billboard 200, selling 119,000 copies. The record also peaked at number 36 on the Mega Album Top 100 in the Netherlands. Two singles were released from the album; the first, "When I Get You Alone" became a top ten hit in the Netherlands and New Zealand. That single also peaked at number 17 in Australia and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). In 2006, Thicke released his second studio album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. The record debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200, topped it on the Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and became a certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also charted in France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Evolution of Robin Thicke produced four singles, all of which charted on the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Lost Without U" became one of his biggest hits, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending 11 weeks atop the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

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

American rapper Kendrick Lamar has released five studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play (EP), five mixtapes, 65 singles, and three promotional singles. Lamar initially performed under the stage name K.Dot, releasing three mixtapes under that moniker: Y.H.N.I.C. (2004), Training Day (2005), and C4 (2009). He gained major attention after the release of his fourth mixtape Overly Dedicated, which was released in 2010. It was Lamar's first full-length project to be released under his birth name and fared well enough to enter the United States Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where it peaked at number 72.

<i>Quality Street Music</i> 2012 studio album by DJ Drama

Quality Street Music is the fourth studio album by American hip hop disc jockey DJ Drama. It was released on October 2, 2012, by Entertainment One Music, Aphilliates Music Group, Embassy Entertainment, and Powerhouse Productions. The album features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, T-Pain, Fabolous, Jeezy, Drake, Future, Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, T.I., Ludacris, 2 Chainz, B.o.B., Kid Ink, Jeremih, Meek Mill, Waka Flocka Flame, Tyler, the Creator, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radioactive (Imagine Dragons song)</span> 2012 single by Imagine Dragons

"Radioactive" is a song by American pop rock band Imagine Dragons from their major-label debut EP Continued Silence and later on their debut studio album, Night Visions (2012), as the opening track. It was first sent to modern rock radio on October 29, 2012, and then released to contemporary hit radio on April 9, 2013. Musically, "Radioactive" is an electronic rock and alternative rock song with elements of dubstep. In a 2021 podcast interview called The Turning Point, Dan Reynolds revealed that after almost a decade, he had realized that lyrics were actually about him not giving up hope after losing faith in Mormonism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Will Made It</span> American music producer (born 1989)

Michael Len Williams II, known professionally as Mike Will Made It or simply Mike Will, is an American record producer and rapper. He is best known for producing trap beats for several Southern hip hop and pop artists on various commercially successful singles, including "Black Beatles" and "Powerglide" by Rae Sremmurd, "Mercy" by Kanye West, "No Lie" by 2 Chainz, "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J, "Pour It Up" by Rihanna, "Love Me" by Lil Wayne, "Body Party" by Ciara, "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Formation" by Beyoncé, and "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. He embarked on a career as a non-performing lead artist in 2013 with his debut single "23", which peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100. His 2017 follow up single, "Rake It Up" peaked at number eight on the chart. He has released six mixtapes and one solo studio album, Ransom 2 (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poetic Justice (song)</span> 2013 single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Drake

"Poetic Justice" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, produced by American record producer Scoop DeVille, features a verse from Canadian rapper Drake. The song was released as the album's fourth official single, due to its positive response.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pour It Up</span> 2013 single by Rihanna

"Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United States on January 8, 2013, as the second US single, and third overall single from the album. It was later also sent to contemporary hit radio radios in the country. "Pour It Up" written by Rihanna alongside Rock City and producers Mike Will Made It and JBo. It is a club, trap, and R&B song with a minimal hip hop beat. Rihanna brags about her wealth, which serves as both a strip club anthem and a declaration of independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuckin' Problems</span> 2012 single by ASAP Rocky featuring 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar

"Fuckin' Problems" is a song by American rapper ASAP Rocky featuring Canadian rapper Drake and fellow American rappers 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar. It was released on October 24, 2012, as the second single from Rocky's debut studio album Long. Live. ASAP (2013), and was later released to radio on November 27, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 MTV Video Music Awards</span> Award ceremony

The 2013 MTV Video Music Awards were held on August 25, 2013, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Marking the 30th installment of the award show, they were the first to be held in New York City not to use a venue within the borough of Manhattan. Nominations were announced on July 17, 2013. Leading the nominees were Justin Timberlake and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis with six, followed by Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and Robin Thicke with four. Pop singer Justin Timberlake was the big winner on the night with four awards, including Video of the Year for "Mirrors" and the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift were also among the winners of the night. The ceremony drew a total of 10.1 million viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe</span> 2013 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, produced by frequent collaborator Sounwave of Top Dawg Entertainment in-house production team Digi+Phonics, heavily samples "Tiden Flyver", by Danish electronic group Boom Clap Bachelors. It was originally intended to be a collaboration with American singer Lady Gaga, but her contributions were ultimately excluded from the final recording due to timing issues. A remix of "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" featuring American rapper Jay-Z was sent to radio as the album's fifth single on March 21, 2013, with the original version and another remix featuring British singer Emeli Sandé later being released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blurred Lines</span> 2013 single by Robin Thicke

"Blurred Lines" is a song by American singer Robin Thicke featuring fellow American rapper T.I. and American musician Pharrell Williams from the former's sixth studio album of the same name (2013). Solely produced by the latter, it was released as the album's lead single in 2013, through Star Trak Recordings and Interscope Records. For the lyrics, Thicke said the song is about his then-wife Paula Patton. Musically, "Blurred Lines" is an R&B and pop track with instrumentation consisting of bass guitar, drums, and percussion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.O.E.N.O.</span> 2013 single by Rocko featuring Future and Rick Ross

"U.O.E.N.O." is a song written and performed by American rapper Rocko featuring fellow American rappers Future and Rick Ross. It was released on March 5, 2013, as the lead single from the former's sixth mixtape Gift of Gab 2 (2013). Produced by Childish Major, "U.O.E.N.O." peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as number 87 on the year-end Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">For the Rest of My Life</span> 2013 single by Robin Thicke

"For the Rest of My Life" is a song by American R&B singer Robin Thicke from his sixth studio album Blurred Lines (2013). Written and produced by Thicke and ProJay, the song was serviced to urban adult contemporary radio as the second single from Blurred Lines on May 21, 2013.

<i>Blurred Lines</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Robin Thicke

Blurred Lines is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Robin Thicke. It was first released in Germany on July 12, 2013, and released in the United States on July 30, 2013, by Star Trak Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from T.I., Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz. will.i.am also features as a guest writer on the track "Give It 2 U" and also serves as a producer on the tracks "Feel Good" and "Go Stupid 4 U".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LoveHate Thing</span> 2013 single by Wale featuring Sam Dew

"LoveHate Thing" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Wale featuring vocals from Roc Nation singer Sam Dew. It was co-written by both artists, along with Antonio Palmer and Mint Condition's Stokley Williams, who also co-produced the song with Dew and Tone P. It was released on May 21, 2013 as the second single from his third studio album The Gifted (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classic Man</span> 2015 single by Jidenna featuring Roman GianArthur

"Classic Man" is a song by Nigerian-American rapper Jidenna, released on February 3, 2015, as his commercial debut single by Epic Records. The song, which features vocals from fellow American singer Roman GianArthur, was included on Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Records collective EP, The Eephus, as the lead single. In December 2015, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance. The song was produced by Jidenna, alongside Nana Kwabena and Nate "Rocket" Wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R.I.P. (Young Jeezy song)</span> 2013 single by Young Jeezy featuring 2 Chainz

"R.I.P." is a song by American rapper Young Jeezy, released as the second single from his twelfth mixtape It's Tha World (2012). It features vocals from fellow rapper 2 Chainz and was produced by record producer DJ Mustard, who helped to write the song with Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz.

References

  1. ↑ Graham, Mark (July 30, 2013). "Robin Thicke Breaks Down Blurred Lines, Track-By-Track (Pt. 2 of 2)". VH1 . Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  2. ↑ Johnson, James (June 24, 2013). "Robin Thicke On What To Expect From His New Album 'Blurred Lines'". Inquisitr . Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Phili, Stelios (May 7, 2013). "Robin Thicke on That Banned Video, Collaborating with 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar, and His New Film". GQ . Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  4. 1 2 Sargent, Jordan (May 2, 2013). "Robin Thicke Goes Dubstep for Will.i.am-Produced 'Give It to Me'". Spin . Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 Give It 2 U (EU CD Single liner notes). Robin Thicke. Star Trak Entertainment. 2013. 06025 3754872 9.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ Rapkin, Mickey (24 October 2013). "Robin Thicke Is Red Hot". Elle.com. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  7. ↑ Tannenbaum, Rob. "Robin Thicke, 'Blurred Lines'". Rolling Stone. Vol. August 1, 2013, no. 1188. Wenner Media LLC. p. 70. ISSN   0035-791X . Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  8. ↑ Chan, Andrew (July 23, 2013). "Robin Thicke: Blurred Lines". Slant Magazine . Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  9. ↑ Schillaci, Sophie (July 2, 2013). "Robin Thicke Debuts Controversial New Song in the Wake of 'Blurred Lines' Criticism". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 "Robin Thicke Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  11. 1 2 "Robin Thicke Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  12. 1 2 "Robin Thicke Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  13. 1 2 "Robin Thicke Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  14. 1 2 "Robin Thicke Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  15. 1 2 "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  16. 1 2 "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  17. 1 2 3 "Robin Thicke Hits the Football Field with Kendrick Lamar for 'Give It 2 U' Video". MTV News. August 23, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  18. 1 2 "Meet Robin Thicke's "Give It 2 U" Video Girls (and Find Out What They Thought of Miley's VMA Performance!)". E! Online. August 28, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Robin Thicke debuts 'Give It 2 U' music video after VMAs performance with Miley Cyrus". New York Daily News. August 27, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Video: Robin Thicke, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz: "Give It 2 U"". Pitchfork.com. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  21. ↑ Seidman 8/23/2013, Lacey. "Robin Thicke, 2 Chainz + Kendrick Lamar Delight In A Wacky Pep Rally". VH1.com. Retrieved 20 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ↑ "Twerk It Out: Miley and Robin's VMA Performance, One Year Later". Rolling Stone. August 22, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  23. 1 2 "Miley Cyrus Twerks, Gives Robin Thicke Some Tongue at VMAS". MTV News. August 25, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  24. ↑ Stevenson, Jane (July 26, 2014). "Robin Thicke makes up for lost time at Casino Rama". Toronto Sun . Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Give It 2 U (Norman Doray & Rob Adans Remix) [Radio Edit][feat. Kendrick Lamar] – Robin Thicke". iTunes (US). 2013-01-01. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  26. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  27. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  28. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  29. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U" (in French). Ultratip.
  30. ↑ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  31. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U" (in French). Les classement single.
  32. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 2019-02-19.
  33. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 39, 2013". Irish Singles Chart.
  34. ↑ "Tipparade-lijst van week 42, 2013". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Robin Thicke feat. Kendrick Lamar – Give It 2 U". Top 40 Singles.
  36. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  37. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  38. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  39. ↑ "ROBIN THICKE - Give it 2 U (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (Universal) | Radio Date 08/11/2013". Archived from the original on 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
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.