Lighters Up Explained

Lighters Up
Cover:LightersUP.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Lil' Kim
Album:The Naked Truth
Recorded:2005
Length:4:25
Label:Atlantic, Queen Bee Entertainment
Producer:Scott Storch
Prev Title:Sugar (Gimme Some)
Prev Year:2005
Next Title:Whoa
Next Year:2006

"Lighters Up" is a single written and recorded by rapper Lil' Kim appearing as the first single off her fourth album, The Naked Truth. It was produced by her ex-boyfriend, record producer Scott Storch. The song has a similar tone to Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock. It was released on August 30, 2005. [1] The album was originally due to be released September 13, but was delayed until September 27 because Queen Bee Entertainment felt that sales would not hold with the single "Lighters Up". The single debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, then quickly climbed up to number 31. The single had a moderate chart performance in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 2013, the song was voted the best Brooklyn anthem by MTV.[2]

Background

As the first single from the Naked Truth, the single did reasonably well, creating hype for the album. However, due to the late follow-up, along with little promotions, the single performed less well than previous singles by Lil' Kim. The song is about Kim cautioning people about the dangers and conditions of certain parts of Brooklyn. The video features cameo appearances by Mary J. Blige, Freddie Foxxx, her brother Chris and Maino.

There was also an official remix of the song featuring Tego Calderón. The song featured a new verse and ad-libs from Calderon, as well as a new intro from Kim, but no new verses from Kim. A limited edition CD single featuring this remix was given away with purchases of "The Naked Truth" album exclusively at Target.

The music video of the song starts with the chorus of the clean version of "Shut Up Bitch", which they say "Shut Up, Chick" instead. The video was directed by Kirk Fraser in New York City, peaked at #1 on BET 106 & Park.

Two versions of the song were released. The original, which features cities throughout the US and overseas during the hook, and another version titled "Lighters Up (Welcome To Brooklyn)", which features spots throughout Brooklyn during the hook.

Lauryn Hill wanted to feature on the song but due to label issues it never happened.[3]

Formats and track listings

  1. "Lighters Up" (Radio Edit) – 3:28
  1. "Lighters Up" (Explicit Version) – 4:26
  2. "Lighters Up" (Clean Radio Edit) – 3:28
  3. "My Ni*#@s" (Bonus) – 4:14
  1. Lighters Up (Amended) 4:06
  2. Lighters Up (Explicit) 4:29
  3. Lighters Up (Instrumental) 4:30
  4. Lighters Up (Welcome To Brooklyn) (Amended) 4:30
  5. Lighters Up (Welcome To Brooklyn) (Explicit) 4:28
  1. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Radio Version) – 3:44
  2. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Explicit Version) – 3:44
  3. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Instrumental) – 3:39
  4. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Acapella) – 3:44
  1. "Lighters Up" (Album Version) 4:22
  2. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Radio Version) – 3:44
  1. "Lighters Up" (Album Version) – 4:22
  2. "Lighters Up" (Edit) – 3:30
  1. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (featuring Tego Calderon) – 3:44
  1. "Lighters Up" (Radio Edit) (Explicit Version) – 3:28
  2. "Lighters Up" (Remix) (Explicit Version) – 3:44
  3. "Lighters Up" (Instrumental) – 3:28
  4. "Came Back For You" (Non Album Track) – 4:20
  5. Enhanced Video

Credits and personnel

Credits for "Lighters Up" are taken from the singles liner notes.[11]

Original

Recording

Personnel

Remix

Recording

Personnel

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2005)Position
UK Urban (Music Week)[12] 28
US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 69

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2005-08-28.

    Lil' Kim ::

    . 2019-09-13.
  2. Web site: Rap-Up . Jay Z, Lil' Kim Go Head To Head In Brooklyn Anthems Poll: See Who Won! . https://web.archive.org/web/20130826060130/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1712882/lil-kim-jay-z-brooklyn-anthem-lighters-up.jhtml . dead . August 26, 2013 . MTV . 2013-08-23 . 2013-10-18.
  3. Web site: Rap-Up . Lil' Kim Gets in 'Kanye West Mode,' Dishes on Drake and 50 Cent . Rap-Up . 2012-03-08 . 2012-07-05.
  4. Web site: Lighters Up UK Promo CD. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  5. Web site: Lighters Up Europe CD single. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  6. Web site: Lighters Up Remix Promo CD. CD&LP.com. 2012-07-02.
  7. Web site: Lighters Up Europe CD single. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  8. Web site: Lighters Up UK CD single. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  9. Web site: Lighters Up US Remix CD single. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  10. Web site: Lighters Up Maxi CD single. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  11. Web site: Lighters Up Credits. Discogs. 2012-07-02.
  12. 2005 Urban Top 40. Music Week. 22. January 14, 2006. August 5, 2023.
  13. Year End 2005 – R&B/Hip-Hop Songs . Billboard . May 8, 2014.

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