Before I Do Explained

Before I Do
Cover:Sevyn_Streeter_Before_I_Do_Single_Cover.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Sevyn Streeter
Album:Girl Disrupted
Released:December 2, 2016
Recorded:2016
Genre:R&B
Length:3:57
Label:Atlantic
Producer:The Stereotypes
Chronology:Sevyn Streeter
Prev Title:D4L
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:Fallen
Next Year:2017

"Before I Do" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Sevyn Streeter from her debut studio album, Girl Disrupted (2017). The song was produced by Micah Powell, B Harv and The Stereotypes, Eric Nealante' Phillips. It was released as the album's second single on December 2, 2016 through Atlantic Records.[1] [2] The song samples "(At Your Best) You Are Love" by the late singer Aaliyah, which is an Isley Brothers cover.

Background and composition

The song was premiered at Rap-Up LIVE on October 18, 2016 along with songs "My Love for You", "D4L" and a soulful cover of Lauryn Hill’s "Ex-Factor".[3] On December 2, 2016 "Before I Do" was released digitally as a single on iTunes.[1] On December 4, 2016, Streeter posted three pictures taken from the set of the music video with lyrics from the song on and hashtags "#BEFOREIDO #VIDEOMONDAY #GIRLDISRUPTED" revealing the video would be released on December 5, 2016.[4] [5] [6] In an interview with Fuse Streeter described the track to be influenced by the late R&B singer Aaliyah.[7]

Critical reception

The song was well received by critics. Rap-Up stated in a review "Sevyn Streeter is set to release her debut album next year, but before 2016 is over, she’s giving fans another taste of Girl Disrupted with “Before I Do.” The stripped-down R&B jam finds the Haines City songstress ready to take her relationship to the next level, but before she does, she wants to make sure her man is the right one."[8] HotNewHipHop said in a review "Sevyn Streeter has a voice of velvet, and on her new single "Before I Do," she lets those uniquely soothing vocals loose. Over an old school 90's R&B beat, she investigates a potential lover before allowing him to smash."[9] Singersroom stated in a review "Sevyn Streeter continues to heighten anticipation around her forthcoming debut album, Girl Disrupted, with the release of the new record, Before I Do. On the stripped-down tune, the R&B songstress finds herself in the gray area of love: she’s trying to figure out if her boo is real or if he’s unfaithful.[10]

Music video

A teaser video was released to Streeter's YouTube account on December 2, 2016.[11] The music video was released to Streeter's YouTube account on December 5, 2016, directed by Mike Ho who previously directed "My Love for You.[12]

Live performances

During television network's Revolt Sessions Streeter performed tracks "My Love for You", "Before I Do", "D4L", "Prolly" from her upcoming album and "Shattered" from the extended play (EP) Call Me Crazy, But....[13] Streeter performed the song on The Wendy Williams Show on July 11, 2017.[14]

Track listings and formats

Digital download[1] [2]
  1. "Before I Do" – 3:57

Charts

Charts (2017)Peak
Position
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[15] 15
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[16] 1

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Before I Do - Single by Sevyn Streeter. iTunes (U.S. Store). 2 December 2016.
  2. Web site: Before I Do Sevyn Streeter MP3 Downloads. Amazon (U.S. Store). 2 December 2016.
  3. Web site: SEVYN STREETER DEBUTS NEW MUSIC, COVERS LAURYN HILL AT RAP-UP LIVE. Rap-Up. 18 October 2016. 2 December 2016.
  4. Web site: Baby in my mind, we should be together.... #BEFOREIDO #VIDEOMONDAY #GIRLDISRUPTED. Instagram. 4 December 2016.
  5. Web site: Cause I want u to be all over me, truthfully.... #BEFOREIDO #VIDEOMONDAY #GIRLDISRUPTED. Instagram. 4 December 2016.
  6. Web site: But before I do, I wanna know before I go there with you... #BEFOREIDO #VIDEOMONDAY #GIRLDISRUPTED. Instagram. 4 December 2016.
  7. Web site: Sevyn Streeter Discusses Aaliyah's Influence On Before I Do. YouTube. 23 December 2016.
  8. Web site: NEW MUSIC: SEVYN STREETER – 'BEFORE I DO'. Rap-Up. 2 December 2016.
  9. Web site: Sevyn Streeter - Before I Do [New Song]]. Hot New Hip Hop. 3 December 2016. 3 December 2016.
  10. Web site: JusMusic. DJ. Sevyn Streeter – Before I Do. Singersroom. 3 December 2016. 3 December 2016.
  11. Web site: Sevyn Streeter - Before I Do Music Video Trailer. YouTube. 3 December 2016.
  12. Web site: Sevyn Streeter - Before I Do [Official Music Video]]. YouTube. 5 December 2016.
  13. Web site: REVOLT Sessions Sevyn Streeter. YouTube. 13 December 2016.
  14. Web site: Watch Sevyn Streeter Perform "Before I Do" on Wendy.
  15. News: Hip Hop/R&B Songs Airplay Chart. Billboard. 2017-09-19.
  16. News: Adult R&B Songs & Music Chart. Billboard. 2017-08-29.
  17. International releases of Before I Do: