| "Hero" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Nas featuring Keri Hilson | ||||
| from the album Untitled | ||||
| Released | June 23, 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2008 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 4:00 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Polow da Don | |||
| Nas singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Keri Hilson singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Hero" is a song by American rapper Nas,released June 2008 as the lead single from his untitled album. [1] [2] The song,which features vocals from American R&B singer Keri Hilson,was produced by Polow da Don.
After claiming that hip hop had died on his previous album,Nas raps on "Hero" about stepping up and bringing it back. The third verse of the song addresses the controversy surrounding the album,originally titled Nigger:
It's Universal apartheid,I'm hogtied,the corporate side
Blocking y'all from goin' to stores and buyin' it
First L.A. [Reid] and Doug Morris was riding with it
But Newsweek article startled bigwigs;they said,"Nas,why is you tryin' it?"
My lawyers only see the Billboard charts as winning
Forgetting,Nas the only true rebel since the beginning
Still in musical prison,in jail for the flow
Try telling Bob Dylan,Bruce [Springsteen],or Billy Joel they can't sing what's in they soul!
So untitled it is
I never changed nothing,but,people,remember this
If Nas can't say it,think about these talented kids
With new ideas,being told what they can and can't spit
I can't sit and watch it,so shit I'ma drop it!
Like it or not,you ain't got to cop it
I'm a hustla in the studio,cups of Don Julio
No matter what the CD called,I'm unbeatable y'all! [3]
The reference to Doug Morris,then the chairman and CEO of the Universal Music Group,is preserved in the version of "Hero" that appeared on The Nigger Tape,a mixtape released in the run-up to the untitled album's release. In the album version of "Hero," the lyric "Doug Morris" is censored.
The music video premiered on BET on July 7,2008. [5] It features the Audi R8. Keri Hilson and Ken Jenkins both make appearances in the video. The video appeared at #63 on BET's Notarized:Top 100 Videos of 2008 countdown. It was directed by Taj Stansberry. [6]
| Chart (2008) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [7] | 60 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [8] | 70 |
| UK Singles (OCC) [9] | 70 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 [10] | 97 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [11] | 82 |
John David Jackson,better known by his stage name Fabolous,is an American rapper. Raised in Brooklyn,he first gained recognition for his ability upon performing live on DJ Clue's Hot 97 radio show. Jackson then signed to Clue's record label Desert Storm Records,in a joint venture with Elektra Records. He rose to further prominence with his debut studio album Ghetto Fabolous (2001),which spawned the hit singles "Can't Deny It" and "Young'n ." Adopting a further commercially-oriented approach,his second album,Street Dreams (2003),was supported by the singles "Can't Let You Go" and "Into You" —both of which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Sittin' Sidewayz" is a song by American rapper Paul Wall,released as the first single from his album The Peoples Champ. It features rapper Big Pokey and was produced by Salih Williams. The single's music video had cameo appearances by Jim Jones,DJ Paul,Juicy J and Bun B. The song samples a line by Big Pokey from his verse on DJ Screw's "June 27th".
Keri Lynn Hilson is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Decatur,Georgia,she began her musical career as a songwriter and backing vocalist for other artists under the wing of record producer Anthony Dent in 2002. At the age of 14,Hilson secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe,which ultimately disbanded. She attended at Oxford College of Emory University while contributing to material for popular artists,including Britney Spears,Usher,Ciara,The Pussycat Dolls,and Mary J. Blige;she joined the songwriting-production group,the Clutch in 2004.
"It's Okay (One Blood)" is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game featuring vocals from reggae singer Junior Reid,from his second studio album Doctor's Advocate. Released as the album's lead single on July 24,2006,the song was written by The Game himself and Junior Reid,and it was produced by D-Roc,and Reefa. The Game himself revealed that the song would be released on July 31,2006,but actually was released on July 24,2006. The song was originally to be released on July 4,2006 but got pushed back by The Game. Jimmy Rosemond,head of Czar Entertainment and The Game's manager,explained how "One Blood" would receive positive radio airplay and prove the talent that The Game had. A supposed original version of the song was released in late January 2011.
"Throw Some D's" is the first single from the self-titled album of rap artist Rich Boy,and his most commercially successful song to date. The single was produced by Butta and Polow da Don. The song contains samples from the 1979 song "I Call Your Name" by the R&B group Switch. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA. The song was number 37 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.
"The Way I Are" is a song by American producer Timbaland,released as the second single from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by singer Keri Hilson,and is included on international editions on her debut album In a Perfect World... (2009). The two artists co-wrote the song with Danja,The Clutch,and Candice Nelson. Timbaland and Danja also produced the song. 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 June 15,2007. "The Way I Are" is an electrohop song with influences of R&B and dance music that help create its futuristic sound. Its lyrics are based on the theme of role reversal and sensuous desires.
In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. It was released on March 24,2009,through Zone 4,Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records. Originally planned for a 2007 release,it was pushed back numerous times into 2008,amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases. The production on the album was handled primarily by Timbaland,Polow da Don and Danja,among others.
Not 4 Sale is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall,released September 9,2008 on Kon Live/Geffen Records. It is his second international major-label album after Quest for Fire:Firestarter,Vol. 1,released in 2001. It was a critical success,and included the top five Billboard Hot 100 single "Dangerous",and the minor hit "Numba 1 ".
The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas,commonly referred to eponymously as Nas,or simply Untitled, was released on July 15,2008 by The Jones Experience,Columbia Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group. Its original title Nigger was omitted due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet. The album is distinguished for its political content,diverse sources of production,and provocative subject matter. The album features guest appearances from Chris Brown,Keri Hilson,Busta Rhymes,and The Game,among others.
The discography of American R&B singer Keri Hilson consists of two studio albums,29 singles,and 31 music videos. Hilson began her career as a songwriter,penning tracks for several artists in the mid-2000s as part of the five-person production and songwriting team The Clutch. Together,they co-wrote songs for artists including Mary J. Blige,Omarion,The Pussycat Dolls and Britney Spears. Hilson's solo discography began when she was featured on "Hey Now ",a 2004 single by American rapper Xzibit,which reached the top 10 in the United Kingdom. In 2006,Hilson signed to Mosley Music Group,a record label created by American record producer and rapper Timbaland.
"Turnin Me On" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson,from her debut album,In a Perfect World... The song features American rapper Lil Wayne who co-wrote the song alongside Hilson and Zachary Anson Wallace. Production credits are shared between Danja and Polow da Don,who also co-wrote the song. Following the minimal chart success of Hilson's worldwide lead single "Energy" in the United States,international markets received "Return the Favor",while "Turnin Me On" was released as the third single in the US.
"Knock You Down" is a song by American singer and songwriter Keri Hilson,recorded for her debut album,In a Perfect World.... The song features guest vocals from Ne-Yo and Kanye West. All three artists co-wrote the song with its producer Nate "Danja" Hills,as well as Kevin Cossom and Marcella Araica. The song was released first released to rhythmic and urban airplay in the United States as the album's fourth single in the US,and it would later serve as the third worldwide single.
"Number One" is the first single featuring Keri Hilson from American R&B singer R. Kelly's 2009 album,Untitled. The song was released digitally on July 28,2009.
"I'm Good" is a song written and performed by American rap duo Clipse featuring Pharrell Williams from the duo's third studio album Til the Casket Drops (2009). Produced by The Neptunes,the cover artwork is made by KAWS who also made the cover artwork for Clipse's previous single Kinda Like a Big Deal. It was released on iTunes on June 30,2009. The single sold nearly 7,700 copies in first week.
"I Invented Sex" is a song by American R&B singer Trey Songz,and features Canadian recording artist Drake. Together,they wrote the song alongside Tony "Chef Tone" Scales and its producer,Los Da Mystro. It was released to urban airplay as the third single from Songz's third studio album Ready on October 13,2009. The song features a sensual message,accompanied by heavy percussion. "I Invented Sex" received positive reviews,and reached number forty-two on the Billboard Hot 100,and became Songz's first song to top the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its official remix features fellow R&B singers Keri Hilson and Usher. The accompanying music video,containing a parental advisory warning,is the lead-up to the "Say Aah" video.
"Got Your Back" is a song by American hip hop recording artist T.I.,released on June 1,2010,as the lead single from his seventh studio album No Mercy (2010). The song features American R&B singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. T.I. wrote the song with Young Jedi,alongside the track's producer DJ Toomp. "Got Your Back" was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 15,2010.
"Breaking Point" is a song performed by American recording artist Keri Hilson from her second studio album,No Boys Allowed (2010). Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records released it as the album's lead single on September 7,2010. The song was written by Timbaland,Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon,Hilson and Timothy "Attitude" Clayton,and produced by Timbaland with assistance from Harmon. According to Hilson,"Breaking Point" was inspired by women's experiences of tolerating too much from their partner and enduring their lies. The song is about a breaking point when a woman is tired of being neglected and exploited by her partner,whose many excuses are no longer accepted.
No Boys Allowed is the second studio album by American singer Keri Hilson. It was released on December 17,2010,by Mosley Music Group,Zone 4,Inc. and Interscope Records. On the album,Hilson has reunited with Timbaland and Polow da Don,who executively produced the album,as they did with her debut release. Hilson also worked with several other producers and songwriters,including Ne-Yo,Tha Bizness,John Legend,StarGate,Bei Maejor and Boi-1da,among others. Meanwhile,Chris Brown,Rick Ross,Kanye West,J. Cole,Nelly and Timbaland,are serving as featured guest vocals. Musically,No Boys Allowed is an R&B album,which incorporates elements of pop,soul,electro and dancehall into various songs.
"Pretty Girl Rock" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson,taken from her second studio album,No Boys Allowed (2010). It was released as the lead single internationally and was the second single from that album released in the United States. The song was written by Ne-Yo and Chuck Harmony,who also handled its production. It includes a sample of "Just the Two of Us",which was written by Bill Withers,William Salter and Ralph MacDonald. "Pretty Girl Rock" is a mid-tempo R&B song that features a slinky piano and bouncy R&B beats. Lyrically,the song is a cheeky ode to self-empowerment.
"I'm on One" is a song by American hip hop artist DJ Khaled,released as the second single from his fifth studio album,We the Best Forever. The hip hop song features Canadian rapper Drake and American rappers Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and features production from Canadian producers T-Minus,Nikhil S. and Noah "40" Shebib. It was released for digital download in the United States on May 20,2011. Remixes and freestyles were released from rappers such as Tyga,Meek Mill,Jamie Drastik,including other rappers.
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Singles | |
| Featured singles | |
| Other songs | |
| Related articles | |
