She Ain't You
Encyclopedia
"She Ain't You" is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown. The mid-tempo
R&B
, pop
-flavored ballad
was written by Brown, Jean Baptiste
, Ryan Buendia, Kevin McCall
and Jason Boyd, and was produced by Free School. It was sent to urban contemporary
radio in the United States on March 28, 2011, serving as the fourth US single from Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E.
(2011). Musically, "She Ain't You" samples
Michael Jackson
's "Human Nature
" (1983), and contains a portion of SWV
's "Right Here
" (1993), with lyrics of Brown falling in and out of love. The song received mixed to positive reviews from music critics.
"She Ain't You" reached number five on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart, number 17 on the US Pop Songs chart, and number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100
chart. Although it was only officially released in the US, the song also charted within the top 30 on charts in Australia and New Zealand. The accompanying music video
for the single was directed by Colin Tilley
, and features Brown paying tribute to Michael Jackson. Brown performed "She Ain't You" live at the 2011 BET Awards
, and on The Today Show.
—and Brian Springer mixed
the song at The Record Plant
—a studio in Los Angeles
, California
. Springer was assisted by Iain Findlay and Mark Beaven. Amber Streeter of R&B girl group RichGirl
performed background vocals
on the song. The song was sent to urban contemporary
radio in the United States on March 28, 2011. It also impacted rhythmic contemporary
radio on April 19, 2011, and contemporary hit radio
on May 31, 2011. A remix of "She Ain't You" featuring SWV premiered online on June 10, 2011.
"She Ain't You" is a mid-tempo
R&B
, pop
-flavored ballad
, featuring electronic and calm beats. The song samples Michael Jackson
's "Human Nature
" (1983), and contains a portion of SWV
's "Right Here
" (1993). It also makes use of the drums. According to Najah Goldstein from WXRK, it is "reminiscent of a 90's R&B love song." According to Scott Shetler from AOL Music, on the song, "Brown sings that he's found a new girl, but he's not happy because he still prefers his ex." Hannah Ash from The Harber Herald noted that the line: "With you I had a bad romance", could be a reference to Lady Gaga
's 2009 single "Bad Romance
". Ash also noted that the song contains "slow and pouty vocals."
wrote that the song "is totally shameless and completely effective" as it "derives much of its charm from a hefty sample of Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature'". Joanne Dorken of MTV UK wrote that the sample gives "the tune an instant eighties feel". Najah Goldstein of radio station WXRK wrote that the song is "shows a much softer side of Chris Brown", and further added that it's "definitely a song for the ladies ... maybe even for pop star Rihanna." Margaret Wappler of Los Angeles Times
wrote that "the sentiment of the song is refreshingly complex." Hannah Ash of The Harber Herald wrote that on F.A.M.E., "She Ain't You" and "Up to You" are "the perfect sweet and cute love songs". While reviewing the album, Sean Fennessey of The Washington Post
wrote that "a more appropriate application appears on 'She Ain’t You', which interpolates Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature'. Jackson has long been the emotional, physical and musical forebear to Brown. But on 'She Ain’t You' he begs the comparison, and it isn’t pretty." Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
wrote that Brown "has a really charmless way with a lyric, as on 'She Ain’t You'—"When I'm with her it's only 'bout the sex / With you I had a bad romance / And if I could just trade her in I would"—and a voice nowhere near strong enough to make up for it." On October 20, 2011, the song received a nomination for 'Song of the Year' at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards
.
, and peaked at number 27 on the issue dated August 6, 2011. Even though the song was only officially released in the US, it still managed to chart in other countries. On the Australian Singles Chart
, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 34 on June 13, 2011, and later peaked at number 27. The song was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA), for selling more than 35,000 digital copies. On the New Zealand Singles Chart
, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 37, peaked at number 27, and spent a total of seven weeks on the chart.
for "She Ain't You" was directed by Colin Tilley
, and premiered on May 2, 2011. Throughout the video, Brown pays tribute to Michael Jackson
, and as stated by Lewis Corner of Digital Spy
, "Brown has also choreographed a selection of iconic Jackson-inspired moves for the song's dance routine." The video opens with the following dedication, "Dedicated to my biggest inspiration of all time ... I Love You. R.I.P. Michael Jackson. 08/29/58 – 06/25/09." Brown then appears in a 1980s-styled white suit and a black fedora, performing choreography with male and female dancers against a wall of neon lights
. Brown's outfit has been noted for its similarities to the one Jackson wore in his music video for "Smooth Criminal
" (1988). In between these scenes, Brown can also be seen wearing a black suit while dancing in front of a backdrop of dark clouds. Amber Streeter and Brown appear separately during the song's chorus where they are surrounded by gold butterflies. More scenes of Brown performing choreography are shown during the second verse. He also appears outdoors splashing in a pool of water. The video ends showing Brown flying through the air.
A writer for Rap-Up
wrote that the video showcased what Brown does best – "dance". Anthony Osei of Complex magazine wrote, "If anyone can do a great Michael Jackson tribute, it's Chris Brown." A writer of DesiHits
wrote that the video brought the "same magic" from his tribute to Jackson at the 2010 BET Awards
, and added that it included "great lighting and even better choreography." Robbie Daw of Idolator
found the video "mildly enjoyable". Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly
called Brown's dancing "tremendous" and wrote, "You'd be hard pressed trying to find a singer out there with enough dancing abilities to even attempt a proper Jackson tribute. Brown is one of the few—if not the only." On October 20, 2011, the video received a nomination for 'Best Dance Performance' at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.
" and "Paper, Scissors, Rock" at the 2011 BET Awards
. The performance started off with Brown performing "She Ain't You" in a gray suit with voluminous pant legs and a cape fashioned out of a jacket. He then switched his outfit to a black jumpsuit and performed "Look at Me Now", as a group of dancers in similarly street black hoodies joined him on stage. Busta Rhymes
later appeared from a brightly lit cube flanked by dancers in eerie, transparent masks illuminated by blinking lights. Brown ended the performance with "Paper, Scissors, Rock". On July 15, 2011, Brown performed "She Ain't You" in front of an audience of 18,000 people at the Rockefeller Plaza
in New York City
as part of The Today Show concert series. For the performance, Brown wore a white shirt and a black and gold vest with black pants.
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
, pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
-flavored ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
was written by Brown, Jean Baptiste
Jean Baptiste Kouame
Jean Baptiste Kouame, often referred to simply as Jean Baptiste, is a songwriter and record producer.-2009:*The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.**"Boom Boom Pow" *Blake Lewis - Heartbreak on Vinyl**"Left My Baby for You"-2006:...
, Ryan Buendia, Kevin McCall
Kevin McCall
Kevin Lamar McCall, Jr. , better known as Kevin McCall or K-Mac, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper signed to Universal Music Group and CBE . He wrote on "Last Train to Paris", and was nominated with Chris Brown for Deuces on the 2011 Grammys.- Mixtapes :*Un-invited Guest Kevin...
and Jason Boyd, and was produced by Free School. It was sent to urban contemporary
Urban contemporary
Urban contemporary is a music radio format. The term was coined by the late New York DJ Frankie Crocker in the mid 1970s. Urban contemporary radio stations feature a playlist made up entirely of hip hop/rap, contemporary R&B, pop, electronica such as dubstep and drum and bass and Caribbean music...
radio in the United States on March 28, 2011, serving as the fourth US single from Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E.
F.A.M.E. (album)
F.A.M.E. is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Chris Brown, first released on March 18, 2011 by Jive Records. Brown worked with several record producers and songwriters for the album, including Kevin McCall, Jean Baptiste, Brian Kennedy, DJ Frank E, The Underdogs and The...
(2011). Musically, "She Ain't You" samples
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's "Human Nature
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)
"Human Nature" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written and composed by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the fifth single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Initially, Porcaro had recorded a rough demo of the song on a...
" (1983), and contains a portion of SWV
SWV
Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, is an American female R&B trio from New York. Formed in 1990 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1990s. They had a series of hits, including "Weak", "Right Here/Human Nature", "I'm So Into You", and "You're the One"....
's "Right Here
Right Here (SWV song)
"Right Here" is the title of the debut single released by the group SWV. It charted on the Billboard charts as a double-A-side with "Downtown". A remixed version, commonly referred to as "Right Here/Human Nature", became a number-one R&B single...
" (1993), with lyrics of Brown falling in and out of love. The song received mixed to positive reviews from music critics.
"She Ain't You" reached number five on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart, number 17 on the US Pop Songs chart, and number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart. Although it was only officially released in the US, the song also charted within the top 30 on charts in Australia and New Zealand. The accompanying music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the single was directed by Colin Tilley
Colin Tilley
Colin Tilley is an award winning music video director for Riveting Entertainment who has written and directed music videos for artists including Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Diddy, Usher, Melanie Fiona, Keri Hilson, Wiz Khalifa and U.K. rapper Chipmunk among others. His most...
, and features Brown paying tribute to Michael Jackson. Brown performed "She Ain't You" live at the 2011 BET Awards
BET Awards of 2011
The 2011 BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 26, 2011. The awards recognized African-Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Actor Kevin Hart hosted the event for the first time. ...
, and on The Today Show.
Background and composition
"She Ain't You" was written by Brown, Jean Baptiste, Ryan Buendia, Kevin McCall and Jason Boyd, and was produced by Free School. It was recorded at Stadium Red Studios in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
—and Brian Springer mixed
Audio mixing (recorded music)
In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
the song at The Record Plant
Record Plant Studios
The Record Plant was a series of three famous recording studios which were founded by Gary Kellgren and Chris Stone, beginning in New York City in 1968. The next year, Kellgren and Stone opened a second studio in Los Angeles. In 1972, the company expanded again with a third location in Sausalito,...
—a studio in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Springer was assisted by Iain Findlay and Mark Beaven. Amber Streeter of R&B girl group RichGirl
RichGirl
RichGirl was an American R&B girl group consisting of four members, Audra, Brave, Lyndriette and SeVen. The group was formed with the help of record producer Rich Harrison, and is managed by Tina Davis...
performed background vocals
Backing vocalist
A backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
on the song. The song was sent to urban contemporary
Urban contemporary
Urban contemporary is a music radio format. The term was coined by the late New York DJ Frankie Crocker in the mid 1970s. Urban contemporary radio stations feature a playlist made up entirely of hip hop/rap, contemporary R&B, pop, electronica such as dubstep and drum and bass and Caribbean music...
radio in the United States on March 28, 2011. It also impacted rhythmic contemporary
Rhythmic Contemporary
Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary rarely uses rock music or country music in its airplay, but it may...
radio on April 19, 2011, and contemporary hit radio
Contemporary hit radio
Contemporary hit radio is a radio format that is common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia that focuses on playing current and recurrent popular music as determined by the Top 40 music charts...
on May 31, 2011. A remix of "She Ain't You" featuring SWV premiered online on June 10, 2011.
"She Ain't You" is a mid-tempo
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
, pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
-flavored ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
, featuring electronic and calm beats. The song samples Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's "Human Nature
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)
"Human Nature" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written and composed by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the fifth single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Initially, Porcaro had recorded a rough demo of the song on a...
" (1983), and contains a portion of SWV
SWV
Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, is an American female R&B trio from New York. Formed in 1990 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1990s. They had a series of hits, including "Weak", "Right Here/Human Nature", "I'm So Into You", and "You're the One"....
's "Right Here
Right Here (SWV song)
"Right Here" is the title of the debut single released by the group SWV. It charted on the Billboard charts as a double-A-side with "Downtown". A remixed version, commonly referred to as "Right Here/Human Nature", became a number-one R&B single...
" (1993). It also makes use of the drums. According to Najah Goldstein from WXRK, it is "reminiscent of a 90's R&B love song." According to Scott Shetler from AOL Music, on the song, "Brown sings that he's found a new girl, but he's not happy because he still prefers his ex." Hannah Ash from The Harber Herald noted that the line: "With you I had a bad romance", could be a reference to Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
's 2009 single "Bad Romance
Bad Romance
"Bad Romance" is a song by American recording artist Lady Gaga. It was released as the lead single from her third extended play , and second major release The Fame Monster . Written by Lady Gaga and produced by RedOne, the track was inspired by Gaga's fear of negative love relationships and the...
". Ash also noted that the song contains "slow and pouty vocals."
Critical reception
Sarah Rodman of The Boston GlobeThe Boston Globe
The Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
wrote that the song "is totally shameless and completely effective" as it "derives much of its charm from a hefty sample of Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature'". Joanne Dorken of MTV UK wrote that the sample gives "the tune an instant eighties feel". Najah Goldstein of radio station WXRK wrote that the song is "shows a much softer side of Chris Brown", and further added that it's "definitely a song for the ladies ... maybe even for pop star Rihanna." Margaret Wappler of Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
wrote that "the sentiment of the song is refreshingly complex." Hannah Ash of The Harber Herald wrote that on F.A.M.E., "She Ain't You" and "Up to You" are "the perfect sweet and cute love songs". While reviewing the album, Sean Fennessey of The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
wrote that "a more appropriate application appears on 'She Ain’t You', which interpolates Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature'. Jackson has long been the emotional, physical and musical forebear to Brown. But on 'She Ain’t You' he begs the comparison, and it isn’t pretty." Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
wrote that Brown "has a really charmless way with a lyric, as on 'She Ain’t You'—"When I'm with her it's only 'bout the sex / With you I had a bad romance / And if I could just trade her in I would"—and a voice nowhere near strong enough to make up for it." On October 20, 2011, the song received a nomination for 'Song of the Year' at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards
Soul Train Music Awards
The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show which previously aired in national television syndication, and honors the best in Black music and entertainment...
.
Chart performance
For the chart issue dated April 2, 2011, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 75 on the US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. The song peaked at number five for the chart issue dated June 18, 2011, and has spent twenty-two weeks on the chart. For the chart issue dated April 30, 2011, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 90 on the US Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, and peaked at number 27 on the issue dated August 6, 2011. Even though the song was only officially released in the US, it still managed to chart in other countries. On the Australian Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 34 on June 13, 2011, and later peaked at number 27. The song was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA), for selling more than 35,000 digital copies. On the New Zealand Singles Chart
Recording Industry Association of New Zealand
The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand...
, "She Ain't You" debuted at number 37, peaked at number 27, and spent a total of seven weeks on the chart.
Music video
The music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "She Ain't You" was directed by Colin Tilley
Colin Tilley
Colin Tilley is an award winning music video director for Riveting Entertainment who has written and directed music videos for artists including Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Diddy, Usher, Melanie Fiona, Keri Hilson, Wiz Khalifa and U.K. rapper Chipmunk among others. His most...
, and premiered on May 2, 2011. Throughout the video, Brown pays tribute to Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, and as stated by Lewis Corner of Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
, "Brown has also choreographed a selection of iconic Jackson-inspired moves for the song's dance routine." The video opens with the following dedication, "Dedicated to my biggest inspiration of all time ... I Love You. R.I.P. Michael Jackson. 08/29/58 – 06/25/09." Brown then appears in a 1980s-styled white suit and a black fedora, performing choreography with male and female dancers against a wall of neon lights
Neon lighting
Neon lighting is created by brightly glowing, electrified glass tubes or bulbs that contain rarefied neon or other gases. Georges Claude, a French engineer and inventor, presented neon tube lighting in essentially its modern form at the Paris Motor Show from December 3–18, 1910...
. Brown's outfit has been noted for its similarities to the one Jackson wore in his music video for "Smooth Criminal
Smooth Criminal
"Smooth Criminal" is the seventh single from Michael Jackson's 1987 Bad album. The song contains a fast-paced beat intertwined with Jackson's lyrics about a woman named Annie, who has been attacked in her apartment by a "smooth" assailant. It was released as a single on October 24, 1988 and peaked...
" (1988). In between these scenes, Brown can also be seen wearing a black suit while dancing in front of a backdrop of dark clouds. Amber Streeter and Brown appear separately during the song's chorus where they are surrounded by gold butterflies. More scenes of Brown performing choreography are shown during the second verse. He also appears outdoors splashing in a pool of water. The video ends showing Brown flying through the air.
A writer for Rap-Up
Rap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
wrote that the video showcased what Brown does best – "dance". Anthony Osei of Complex magazine wrote, "If anyone can do a great Michael Jackson tribute, it's Chris Brown." A writer of DesiHits
DesiHits
-Background:DesiHits! is a multi-platform media company that produces and distributes fusion entertainment content aimed at the South Asian diaspora. The Company was founded in 2006 by Anjula Acharia-Bath, Ranj Bath and Arun Sandhu, and is headquartered in New York...
wrote that the video brought the "same magic" from his tribute to Jackson at the 2010 BET Awards
BET Awards
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET...
, and added that it included "great lighting and even better choreography." Robbie Daw of Idolator
Idolator (website)
Idolator is a music blog. Created by the blog network Gawker Media in August 2006, Idolator was later sold to rival blog network Buzz Media, which also owns music blog Stereogum. From the 2007 departure of original head writer Brian Raftery until November 2009, the blog's head writer was Maura...
found the video "mildly enjoyable". Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
called Brown's dancing "tremendous" and wrote, "You'd be hard pressed trying to find a singer out there with enough dancing abilities to even attempt a proper Jackson tribute. Brown is one of the few—if not the only." On October 20, 2011, the video received a nomination for 'Best Dance Performance' at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.
Live performances
On June 26, 2011, Brown performed "She Ain't You" along with "Look at Me NowLook at Me Now (Chris Brown song)
"Look at Me Now" is a "dirty south-inspired" hip hop song that features American rappers Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. According to Chad Grischow from IGN, the song features "thumping bass, spacy synth and horn jam sounds." Electronic background mixes are also present in the song...
" and "Paper, Scissors, Rock" at the 2011 BET Awards
BET Awards of 2011
The 2011 BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 26, 2011. The awards recognized African-Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Actor Kevin Hart hosted the event for the first time. ...
. The performance started off with Brown performing "She Ain't You" in a gray suit with voluminous pant legs and a cape fashioned out of a jacket. He then switched his outfit to a black jumpsuit and performed "Look at Me Now", as a group of dancers in similarly street black hoodies joined him on stage. Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
later appeared from a brightly lit cube flanked by dancers in eerie, transparent masks illuminated by blinking lights. Brown ended the performance with "Paper, Scissors, Rock". On July 15, 2011, Brown performed "She Ain't You" in front of an audience of 18,000 people at the Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering between 48th and 51st streets in New York City, United States. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
as part of The Today Show concert series. For the performance, Brown wore a white shirt and a black and gold vest with black pants.
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes for F.A.M.E..- Chris Brown – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, songwriterSongwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer... - Jean BaptisteJean Baptiste KouameJean Baptiste Kouame, often referred to simply as Jean Baptiste, is a songwriter and record producer.-2009:*The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.**"Boom Boom Pow" *Blake Lewis - Heartbreak on Vinyl**"Left My Baby for You"-2006:...
– songwriter - John BettisJohn BettisJohn Bettis is an American lyricist who has co-written many famous popular songs over the years. In 2011, John was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame....
– songwriter - Mark Beaven – assistant audio mixing
- Jason Boyd – songwriter
- Ryan Buendia – songwriter
- Iain Findlay – assistant audio mixing
- Kevin McCallKevin McCallKevin Lamar McCall, Jr. , better known as Kevin McCall or K-Mac, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper signed to Universal Music Group and CBE . He wrote on "Last Train to Paris", and was nominated with Chris Brown for Deuces on the 2011 Grammys.- Mixtapes :*Un-invited Guest Kevin...
– songwriter - Brian MorganBrian Alexander MorganBrian Alexander Morgan is a record producer that was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. Morgan was raised by his mother Mabel Mitchell along with his sister Toni Medlock . He has produced recordings for SWV, COKO, Nicole Wray, Martha Wash, Usher and JoJo, among others. He is also known for his...
– songwriter - Steve PorcaroSteve PorcaroSteven Maxwell "Steve" Porcaro is an American keyboardist and composer, who was an original member of the rock/pop band Toto....
– songwriter - Free School – producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
- Brian Springer – audio mixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
- Amber Streeter – background vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
Charts and certifications
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
27 |
| Australian Urban Singles Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
8 |
| Canadian Hot 100 Canadian Hot 100 The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007... |
80 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
27 |
| Slovak Airplay Chart Rádio Top 100 Oficiálna Rádio Top 100 Oficiálna is the name of the Slovakian national airplay chart published by the IFPI Czech Republic on a weekly basis since the cancellation of the Slovakian national section on December 31, 2009.... |
56 |
| UK R&B Singles Chart UK R&B Chart The Official UK R&B Chart is a forty-position R&B/Hip-Hop chart compiled by The Official UK Charts Company. Although the chart does not receive any airplay, its compilation is viewed on BBC Radio 1's website and publications such as ChartsPlus and Music Week... |
17 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
53 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
27 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs | 5 |
| US Pop Songs | 17 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956... ) |
Gold |
Release dates
| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | March 28, 2011 | Urban contemporary Urban contemporary Urban contemporary is a music radio format. The term was coined by the late New York DJ Frankie Crocker in the mid 1970s. Urban contemporary radio stations feature a playlist made up entirely of hip hop/rap, contemporary R&B, pop, electronica such as dubstep and drum and bass and Caribbean music... radio |
Jive Records Jive Records Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African... |
| April 19, 2011 | Rhythmic contemporary Rhythmic Contemporary Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary rarely uses rock music or country music in its airplay, but it may... radio |
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| May 31, 2011 | Contemporary hit radio Contemporary hit radio Contemporary hit radio is a radio format that is common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia that focuses on playing current and recurrent popular music as determined by the Top 40 music charts... |
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