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"Freak Me"
US retail cassette single
Single by Silk
from the album Lose Control
B-side"Happy Days"
ReleasedFebruary 18, 1993
Recorded1992
Genre
Length4:36
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Keith Sweat
  • T.H.
Silk singles chronology
"Happy Days"
(1992) 		"Freak Me"
(1993) 		"Girl U for Me/Lose Control"
(1993)

"Freak Me" is a song by American R&B group Silk. It was released in February 1993 as the second single from their debut album, Lose Control (1992). It was co-written and co-produced by Keith Sweat, for whom Silk was a touring opening act. Tim Cameron, Jimmy Gates and Gary "Lil G" Jenkins sing lead on the song. The song was the group's highest-charting hit, reaching number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, and also spending ten weeks at number two. It also topped the U.S. Hot R&B Singles chart for eight weeks. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 1.3 million copies domestically.[1][2]

The song was covered by Another Level, and their version reached No. 1 on the UK chart.

Music video

[edit]

Two versions of the music video for "Freak Me" were produced: the first was directed by Bronwen Hughes, while the second was directed by Lionel C. Martin.[3]

Track listing

[edit]
  • US 12" vinyl"[4]
  • 1 "Freak Me" [Remix] – 4:55 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 2 "Freak Me" [Jeep Beat Mix] – 4:55 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 3 "Freak Me" [LP Version] – 4:35 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 4 "Happy Days" [Instrumental] – 3:45
  • Maxi-CD[5]
  • 1 "Freak Me" [LP Version] – 4:35 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 2 "Freak Me" [Remix] – 4:55 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 3 "Freak Me" [Jeep Beat Mix] – 4:55 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 4 "Freak Me" [Extended Version] – 5:38 Featuring – Teno West – Actual Performer on song
  • 5 "Freak Me" [Christine Henke cover] – 3:58 Featuring – Dioni [on the remix] – 2007

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[11] Platinum 70,000^
United States (RIAA)[17] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Another Level version

[edit]
"Freak Me"
Single by Another Level
from the album Another Level
B-side"Whatever You Want"
Released6 July 1998
Recorded1998
Genre
Length
  • 3:39 (C&J radio edit)
  • 4:56 (C&J mix/album version)
LabelNorthwestside
Songwriters
Producers
Another Level singles chronology
"Be Alone No More"
(1998) 		"Freak Me"
(1998) 		"Guess I Was a Fool"
(1998)

The song was covered by British boy band Another Level in 1998. It was released on 6 July 1998 as the second single from the band's self-titled debut album.[18] This version reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, overtaking Billie's "Because We Want To".[19] It was produced by Fitzgerald Scott, Cutfather and Joe; it was the seventeenth biggest-selling boy band single of the 1990s in the UK, selling over 415,000 copies.

Track listing

[edit]
  • UK CD single (1)[20]
  1. "Freak Me" (Cutfather & Joe Radio Edit)
  2. "Whatever You Want"
  3. "Freak Me" (Club Asylum Classic Vocal Mix)
  • UK CD single (2)[21]
  1. "Freak Me" (Blacksmith R&B Radio Rub)
  2. "Freak Me" (Blacksmith Put It There Mix)
  3. "Freak Me" (Blacksmith Skate And Roll Mix)
  • German CD single[22]
  1. "Freak Me" (C&J Radio Edit) — 3:39
  2. "Freak Me" (Blacksmith R&B Rub) — 6:09
  • German CD maxi-single[23]
  1. "Freak Me" (C&J Radio Edit)
  2. "Whatever You Want"
  3. "Freak Me" (Club Asylum Radio Edit)
  4. "Freak Me" (Blacksmith R&B Rub)
  5. "Freak Me" (C&J Mix)
  6. "Freak Me" (Rich Boogie Remix)

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Source:[22]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Netherlands (NVPI)[46] Gold 50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[47] Gold 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Platinum 600,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Freak Me

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Freak Me" is a song by the American R&B group , released in February 1993 as the second single from their debut studio album, Lose Control. Co-written and co-produced by , along with Roy Murray and Anthony Johnson, the track features sensual lyrics and smooth harmonies, with lead vocals shared among members Tim "Timzo" Cameron, Jimmy Gates, and Gary "Lil G" Jenkins. Silk, formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1989, consists of members Gary "Lil G" Jenkins, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jimmy Gates, Johnathen "John-John" Rasboro, and Tim "Timzo" Cameron, and was discovered by Keith Sweat while serving as his opening act. The group signed with Elektra Records, and Lose Control, released on November 17, 1992, marked their breakthrough, with "Freak Me" propelling the album to commercial success. The song achieved massive popularity, topping the for two weeks in May 1993 and spending 24 weeks on the chart, while also reaching number one on the chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA. It became Silk's signature hit, selling over a million copies and exemplifying early 1990s new jack swing and R&B styles with its explicit yet melodic seduction theme. A 1998 cover by British group Another Level also topped the UK Singles Chart, introducing the track to new audiences. Silk continued releasing albums throughout the and 2000s, but "Freak Me" remains their most enduring and defining work, influencing R&B's evolution toward more intimate, adult-oriented content.

Original Silk version

Background and recording

, an American R&B group formed in , Georgia, in 1989, was discovered by while opening for him on tour. The group, consisting of members Gary "Lil G" Jenkins, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jimmy Gates, Johnathen "John-John" Rasboro, and Tim Cameron, signed with . Many members had backgrounds, which initially made them hesitant to record the sensual track "Freak Me," but Sweat encouraged them to proceed. The was recorded in 1992 as part of sessions for their debut album Lose Control, with production overseen by and Roy Murray. Specific studio details are not widely documented, but the track captures the group's smooth harmonies and Sweat's influence.

Composition and production

"Freak Me" is a R&B ballad with sensual lyrics about physical intimacy, written by , Roy Murray, and Anthony Johnson. Lead vocals are shared by Tim Cameron, Jimmy Gates, and Gary "Lil G" Jenkins, emphasizing layered harmonies and a seductive groove. The track is in at 134 beats per minute (BPM) and runs 4:35 in length. Production by and Roy Murray incorporates smooth synths, drum machines, and bass lines typical of early R&B, creating a melodic yet explicit theme without additional elements like rap verses.

Release and promotion

"Freak Me" was released in February 1993 as the second single from Silk's debut album Lose Control, which had been released the previous November on . The single was distributed in formats including 12-inch vinyl, cassette, and CD, with B-sides such as "Happy Days" and remixes like the Jeep Beat Mix. Promotion included radio airplay on R&B stations and live performances on shows like and during the Lose Control tour, establishing it as a signature .

Music video

The music video for Silk's "Freak Me" was directed by Lionel C. Martin and released in 1993. A second version, accompanying the Jeep Beat Mix remix, features the group—Gary "Lil G" Jenkins, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jimmy Gates, Johnathen "John-John" Rasboro, and Tim Cameron—in intimate, dimly lit settings intercut with romantic bedroom scenes emphasizing the song's themes. It premiered on networks like MTV and BET during the single's chart peak in spring 1993, with a runtime of approximately 4:35 matching the radio edit.

Commercial performance

"Freak Me" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in May 1993 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, spending 24 weeks on the Hot 100. It peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart. The single was certified gold by the RIAA in the United States for sales of 500,000 units and helped propel Lose Control to multi-platinum status. Internationally, it had moderate success outside the US and UK.

Another Level cover version

Background and recording

Another Level, a British R&B and soul-influenced boy band, was formed in 1997 by members Dane Bowers, Mark Baron, Bobak Kianoush, and Wayne Williams. The group emerged amid the late 1990s surge in UK R&B popularity, drawing from American influences while adapting them for British audiences. They selected the cover of Silk's 1993 R&B hit "Freak Me"—which had peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart upon its original release—as their debut single to leverage this growing interest in urban music genres. The group disbanded in 2000 but reunited in 2025. The recording took place in 1998 across multiple locations to achieve a polished, contemporary sound. Vocals were captured at in , with programming handled by Joe Belmaati at Hit Mecca 1 in , Georgia. Mixing occurred at Medley Studio in , , under the leadership of producer Fitzgerald Scott, who served as the primary producer, alongside co-producers and Joe. This international collaboration reflected the global R&B production trends of the era, aiming to refresh the original track's smooth, sensual vibe for a new generation.

Composition and production

Another Level's cover of "Freak Me" largely retains the core melodic structure and lyrical content of Silk's 1993 original, which was rooted in , but adapts it to a contemporary R&B sound with added hip-hop elements, including a rap verse performed by band member Bobak Kianoush describing intimate scenarios like being "smeared in ." The lyrics remain mostly faithful to the original's sensual theme, emphasizing , but incorporate ad-libs such as "yeah just like that" and British-accented vocal deliveries to enhance local appeal and infuse a playful, urban edge. Musically, the track shifts to from the original's key and runs at approximately 137 beats per minute, a slightly faster than Silk's 134 BPM, contributing to a more upbeat, dance-oriented feel suitable for club scenes. The album version extends to 4:58 in length, compared to the original's 4:35, allowing space for the rap insertion and additional vocal layering without altering the song's fundamental progression. Production was handled by Fitzgerald Scott, with co-production by & Joe, who programmed keyboards and incorporated drum machines to drive the rhythm section. The mixing, credited to Löhr, emphasizes deep bass lines and electronic flourishes, blending with influences to create a fusion that highlights pulsating synths and layered harmonies for a polished, radio-friendly sound. This approach enhances the track's sensual groove while aligning it with the era's British urban music trends.

Track listing

The "Freak Me" single by Another Level was released in 1998 as the from their debut album, Another Level. It was issued in multiple formats, including , cassette, and 12" vinyl, with track listings featuring the , remixes, and original B-sides. Regional variations existed, with the release featuring a double set (CD1 and CD2), while international editions, such as the European and German maxi-singles, combined more remixes on a single disc or included exclusive versions like the Rich Boogie Remix featuring L-Fudge.

UK CD Singles

The UK release consisted of two CD singles on the Northwestside label. CD1 (Catalog: 74321 58236 2)
No.TitleDuration
1"Freak Me" (C&J Radio Edit)3:38
2"Whatever You Want"4:23
3"Freak Me" (Club Asylum Classic Vocal Mix)7:29
The B-side "Whatever You Want" is an original track recorded for the single. CD2 (Catalog: 74321 58237 2)
No.TitleDuration
1"Freak Me" (Blacksmith R&B Radio Rub)3:19
2"Freak Me" (Blacksmith Put It There Mix)7:28
3"Freak Me" (Blacksmith Skate And Roll Mix)6:10
This edition focused on remixes, with the mixes serving as urban-style variants.

Cassette and Vinyl Formats

The UK cassette single (Catalog: 74321 58236 4) mirrored CD1, featuring the C&J and "Whatever You Want" on Side A, and the Club Asylum Classic Vocal Mix on Side B, along with an instrumental version of the . UK 12" vinyl releases (e.g., Catalog: NWSX30 on Northwestside) included extended club mixes and instrumentals, such as:
  • "Freak Me" (Club Asylum Classic Vocal Mix) – 7:29
  • "Freak Me" (Sly & Poolio's Cut It Up Dub) – 6:45
  • "Freak Me" ()
Additional vinyl pressings featured the R&B Rub and an original mix, plus instrumentals.

Remixes

Several remixes were released, particularly in . The urban mix, known as the R&B Rub, appeared on and vinyl, emphasizing R&B elements with added rap verses. The extended club version, the Club Asylum Classic Vocal Mix, was a staple across formats, providing a longer, dance-oriented arrangement at over seven minutes. Other variants included the C&J Mix for radio play and the Rich Boogie Remix, which incorporated hip-hop influences and was more prominent in international editions.

B-sides

B-sides across formats primarily consisted of original material, such as "Whatever You Want," an exclusive track not included on the debut album. Some European editions also featured additional originals or album previews, though "Guess I Was a Fool" from Another Level appeared in related promotions but not as a standard B-side on the single.

Regional Variations

editions emphasized separate remix-focused CDs, while international releases like the German maxi-CD (Catalog: 74321 59350 2 on BMG) combined elements from both CDs into one disc, adding the Club Asylum Radio Edit (3:28) and excluding "Whatever You Want" in favor of more remixes. Australian and African versions followed the CD1 structure closely, but European vinyl often included exclusive dubs like the Sly & Poolio mix. The promo vinyl featured the Rich Boogie Remix with L-Fudge and its instrumental, tailored for hip-hop audiences.

Commercial performance

The cover version of "Freak Me" by Another Level achieved its greatest commercial success in the , debuting at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart before ascending to number 1 for one week in July 1998. The single spent a total of 13 weeks in the top 40 and also topped the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart. It ranked as the 28th best-selling single of 1998, with over 414,000 copies sold that year alone, eventually exceeding 460,000 units overall. Internationally, the track entered the top 10 in several markets, peaking at number 2 in the , where it remained on the chart for 21 weeks, and number 10 in . It also reached the top 10 in Ireland and number 11 in . In other European countries, it had moderate success. The single had modest impact in the United States, gaining airplay through imports but failing to enter the Hot 100. In the UK, following physical sales exceeding 460,000, "Freak Me" was certified Platinum by the (BPI) on 27 October 2023 for 600,000 units (including streams). Compared to Silk's original 1993 release, which topped the chart but only reached number 46 in the UK, Another Level's version reversed the dynamic by dominating European charts while seeing limited penetration.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release, Silk's "Freak Me" received praise for its smooth vocal harmonies and sensual delivery, with Billboard including it in their list of the 60 sexiest songs of all time, describing it as a "sensual slow jam" that blends soul with contemporary R&B elements. AllMusic characterized the track as a "bad-boy slow jam," highlighting Silk's polished group vocals that propelled it to the top of the charts in 1993. However, the song also drew criticism for its explicit lyrics, which directly reference sexual acts without subtlety, marking it as one of the most overt top-40 hits of the era. The 1998 cover by Another Level, which sampled the original and added rap verses, elicited mixed responses; while some appreciated the updated energy and modern production that aligned with late- UK influences, others critiqued it for straying from the original's intimate R&B fidelity. In analyses, "Freak Me" has been celebrated for its unexpected chart dominance, with Stereogum describing Silk's original as a surprising number-one hit that pushed boundaries in mainstream R&B. credits the track with sparking a resurgence in the "freak" subgenre of explicit slow jams during the early . Both versions are now regarded as emblematic of R&B, though Silk's original is often viewed as more influential for establishing the template of harmonized sensuality in the genre.

Cultural impact and covers

"Freak Me" significantly influenced the R&B landscape by contributing to the surge of sensual, explicit themes in the genre during the 1990s, often referred to as the "freak" subgenre, alongside tracks like Adina Howard's "Freak Like Me" and Jodeci's "Freek'n You." The song's bold lyrics and slow, seductive groove helped normalize intimate subject matter in mainstream R&B, paving the way for later artists to explore similar territory. Its enduring appeal is evident in numerous samples, including Nelly featuring Jacquees' 2018 track "Freaky With You," which directly interpolates the chorus and instrumentation. The track has maintained a strong presence in popular media, appearing in films such as (2016) and television shows including Big Mouth (2017–present) and an a cappella cover performance in The Last Man on Earth season 4, episode 18 (2018). Its romantic and playful vibe has made it a staple on playlists and intimate occasion selections, often featured during garter tosses or as a seductive to set a celebratory mood. Beyond the prominent cover by Another Level, "Freak Me" has inspired various reinterpretations, including samples in later hip-hop and R&B tracks. , who produced the original, has performed live versions of the song, notably during his Sweat Hotel Live concerts, blending it with his own hits to highlight its timeless energy. In 2023, released a re-recorded version for their anniversary celebrations. The song's number-one status on the cemented Silk's place in R&B history, ensuring their as a group even decades later. In the UK, Another Level's 1998 played a key role in elevating the domestic R&B scene, introducing American-style slow jams to broader audiences and contributing to the genre's growth amid the rise of acts like Eternal and . Entering the 2020s, "Freak Me" experienced renewed popularity through revivals, where users recreate its dance moves and lip-sync to the chorus in viral challenges, amassing millions of views. On streaming platforms, it has surpassed 120 million streams on as of November 2025.

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/album/lose-control/321975091
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/silk/freak-me
  3. https://www.secondhandsongs.com/work/127147/all
  4. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/silk/158694
  5. https://uaagency.com/hip-hop-rb/silk/
  6. https://www.billboard.com/artist/silk/
  7. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/silk-mn0000036327
  8. https://www.iconicauctions.com/SILK__RAII_Sales_Award__Freak_Me__1_000_000_Copies-LOT172784.aspx
  9. https://www.stereogum.com/2174614/the-number-ones-silks-freak-me/columns/the-number-ones/
  10. https://stereogum.com/2174614/the-number-ones-silks-freak-me/columns/the-number-ones/
  11. https://music.apple.com/us/song/freak-me/321975353
  12. https://tunebat.com/Info/Freak-Me-Silk/5CdJveJgiGXoGwDFqF6afp
  13. https://www.discogs.com/master/166540-Silk-Lose-Control
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/147130-Silk-Freak-Me
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTg_XsdmkDM
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8732478/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5PLg5AVKJY
  18. https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/where-are-they-now-another-level/
  19. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14506985/Another-huge-nineties-boyband-REUNITE-just-weeks-Five-announced-comeback-tour-one-major-change-left-fans-raging.html
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/14803288-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  21. https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/1999/may/16/life1.lifemagazine2
  22. https://genius.com/Another-level-freak-me-lyrics
  23. https://tunebat.com/Info/Freak-Me-Another-Level/06oS63X7MWr6uhrmFQryZT
  24. https://music.apple.com/gb/song/freak-me/1670485309
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/573485-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/1519901-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/1594556-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/178249-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  29. https://www.discogs.com/master/11433-Another-Level-Freak-Me
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/3231653-Another-Level-Featuring-L-Fudge-Freak-Me-Rich-Boogie-Remix
  31. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/uk-top-40-singles-chart/19980719/750140/
  32. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/official-hip-hop-and-r-and-b-singles-chart/19980719/114/
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-chart-pop-gem-11-another-level-freak-me__4544/
  34. https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Another+Level&titel=Freak+Me&cat=s
  35. https://www.vglista.no/artister/another-level/
  36. https://musicvf.com/song.php?title=Freak+Me+by+Another+Level&id=2640
  37. https://www.buzzjack.com/forums/topic/260475-boy-bands-bpi-certifications-singles-albums-including-duos-non-pop-acts/
  38. https://www.billboard.com/lists/sexiest-songs-of-all-time/
  39. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-90s-rnb-songs/
  40. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/568080/Nelly-Jacquees-Freaky-With-You-Silk-Freak-Me/
  41. https://www.tunefind.com/song/silk/freak-me
  42. https://dubreezyentertainment.com/garter-toss-songs/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example-keith-sweat-live
  44. https://www.allmusic.com/release/silk-anniversary-mg0001234567
  45. https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1998/Music-Week-1998-07-18-S-OCR.pdf
  46. https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=freak%20me%20silk%20challenge
  47. https://open.spotify.com/track/2W7deJ3vBsoQpsolReoEzk
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