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Hot Tottie
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| "Hot Tottie" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Usher featuring Jay-Z | ||||
| from the EP Versus EP | ||||
| Released | August 9, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2010 | |||
| Studio | No Excuses Studio (Santa Monica, California) Studio at the Palms (Paradise, Nevada) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:59 (album version) 4:39 (radio edit) | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | Polow da Don | |||
| Usher singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Jay-Z singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Hot Tottie" is a song by recording artist Usher. It was written by Usher, Ester Dean, Jay-Z and Polow da Don, with the latter producing it. The song features guest vocals from rapper Jay-Z and background vocals by Ester Dean. It is the second single in the United States and Canada from his EP, Versus EP, which is an extension of his sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond. The song was sent to rhythmic and urban airplay on August 9, 2010. "Hot Tottie" samples Big Tymers's "Big Ballin'" off their 1998 album How You Luv That Vol. 2.
"Hot Tottie" is an R&B song with hip hop tones, accompanied by strobing, electronic beats. It peaked at number twenty-one on the US Billboard Hot 100, and was a top ten hit on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Usher performed the song on The Early Show and on his OMG Tour.
Background and composition
[edit]
The song was leaked onto the internet during late July 2010 along with the track "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love."[1] It was originally reported to feature R&B singer Ciara.[2] However, when the official mix of the song appeared online, Ester Dean, who sung vocals on the demo of the track, was singing the female vocal interludes.[2] The song was released from Versus as the EP's urban single, whereas the latter track was released as the mainstream single.[3] "Hot Tottie" is an R&B song that includes hip hop, which is over "strobing, electronic beats" with Usher's vocals Auto-Tuned in parts.[1] In an interview with MTV News at his World Leadership Awards in Atlanta, Usher called the song, which was already receiving rotation on radio due to a leak, "incredible," and confirmed that the song would be on his upcoming release of Versus.[4] On August 31, 2010 a remix of the song, which features Lil' Kim, was released online.[5] Usher performed the song on an untelevised portion of his appearance on The Early Show on September 3, 2010, and is performing it on his OMG Tour.[6] The original version of "Hot Tottie" with Ciara was leaked on July 15, 2011, with Jay-Z's verse omitted.[7]
Critical reception
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Coining the track as "sleazed-up," Andy Kellman of AllMusic noted the track as a standout from Versus.[8] Sarah Rodman of the Boston Globe called "Hot Tottie" the essential track on the EP, and said that Jay-Z "bumps up the fun factor" on the "burbling" track.[9] Mark Edward Nero of About.com gave the song a positive review, saying that it was "a rock-solid tour de force featuring Usher vocalizing how smooth he is."[10] Nero also commended Jay-Z's verse but said the only negative to the song was Ester Dean's vocals which were similar to those of Rihanna.[10] Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly stated that the song is "nasty in all the right ways."[11] Jeff Weiss of the Los Angeles Times says that Usher remains on the "R&B's A-list" with tracks like the song, calling it "as intoxicating as its namesake."[12]
Chart performance
[edit]Based on airplay only, the song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 100.[13] In its second week it rose to number eighty-eight.[13] In its third week, due to the release of Versus, the song's sales elevated to number twenty-five after selling 52,000 digital downloads, and collected greatest gainer recognitions.[14] It later peaked at number twenty-one on the chart, while reaching number seventeen on the Hot 100 Airplay and twenty-one on the Hot Digital Songs chart.[13] The song reached number nine on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[15] and number twenty-seven on the US Pop Songs chart.[16] Internationally, "Hot Tottie" peaked at number sixty-two on the Canadian Hot 100.[17] Although it was not released officially as a single in the UK, the song reached number 104 on the UK Singles Chart and number twenty-seven on the UK R&B Chart due to sales after the release of Versus only.[18]
Credits and personnel
[edit]Recording locations
- Vocal recording – Studio at the Palms, Paradise, Nevada
- Mixing – No Excuses Studio, Santa Monica, California
Personnel
- Songwriting – Usher Raymond IV, Ester Dean, Shawn Corey Carter, Polow da Don
- Production – Polow da Don
- Recording – Jeremy "Jay" Stevenson
- Mixing – Jeremy "Jay" Stevenson
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Versus.[19]
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[23] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States[1][24] | August 9, 2010 | Rhythmic and Urban airplay | LaFace Records |
| Australia[25] | November 1, 2010 | Contemporary hit radio | Jive Records |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Anderson, Sara (July 30, 2010). "Usher, 'Hot Tottie' Feat. Jay-Z -- New Song". AOL Radio. AOL. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2010.
- ^ a b "New Music: Ciara f/ Usher – 'Turn It Up'". Rap-Up. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
- ^ "Usher's 'Versus' Cover and Tracklisting Revealed". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (August 18, 2010). "Usher Calls 'Hot Tottie,' Featuring Jay-Z, 'Incredible'". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Archived from the original on August 21, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
- ^ "New Music: Usher f/ Lil' Kim & Jay-Z – 'Hot Tottie (Remix)'". Rap-Up. August 30, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ "'Superstar' Usher wants fans to leave shows saying 'OMG'". The Macomb Daily. Journal Register MI. November 27, 2010. Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
- ^ Jackie (July 15, 2011). "Usher – 'Hot Tottie' (Feat. Ciara) | HipHop-N-More". Hiphop-n-more.com. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ "Usher – Versus". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Rodman, Sarah (August 30, 2010). "Usher extends, hits the bull's-eye". Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Nero, Mark Edward. "EP Review: Usher – Versus". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Wood, Mikael (August 11, 2010). "Versus – Music". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 15, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Weiss, Jeff (August 23, 2010). "Album review: Usher's 'Versus'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Usher Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (September 2, 2010). "Eminem and Rihanna Still No. 1 on Hot 100, Cee Lo's 'F**k You' Debuts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
- ^ a b "Usher Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b "Usher Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b "Usher Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2010.
- ^ a b "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update". Zobbel. Retrieved November 20, 2010.
- ^ Usher Versus Liner notes. LaFace Records (2010)
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Usher Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. January 2, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "American single certifications – Usher – Hot Tottie". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ Concepcion, Mariel (July 8, 2010). "Usher Announces New 'Versus' Album, Deluxe Edition". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
- ^ "Usher ft. Jay-Z – Hot Tottie – Issue 811". The Music Network. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
Hot Tottie
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Production
Background and Development
"Hot Tottie" originated as part of the production sessions for Usher's sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, released in 2010, and was ultimately included on the accompanying EP Versus. The track was produced by Polow da Don. Production began during an intensive week-long session in Las Vegas, which Polow da Don later described as a pivotal moment in his career from a business perspective.[7][8] The song's writing credits include Usher Raymond IV, Ester Dean, Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), Jamal Jones (Polow da Don), and Paul Dawson. Ester Dean, a key songwriter for the project, developed the core lyrics and melody during a casual group trip to Jamaica. She provided background vocals spontaneously, though she did not initially recall the session or anticipate her contributions making the final cut.[9] An early iteration of "Hot Tottie" featured guest vocals from Ciara, recorded as the intended collaboration, but contractual issues prevented its official release. Producer Polow da Don later leaked this version in July 2011, omitting Jay-Z's verse. The released single instead incorporated Jay-Z's rap verse, which he co-wrote, enhancing the track's hip-hop edge and aligning with promotional efforts for urban audiences. Dean expressed enthusiasm for the finished product upon first hearing it, calling it a "banger" while realizing her uncredited role.[10][9]Composition and Style
"Hot Tottie" is classified as an R&B song with hip hop influences, as evidenced by its placement on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[11] The track features a rap verse by Jay-Z, blending R&B vocals with hip hop lyricism.[12] The song was written by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), Paul Dawson, Ester Dean, Usher Raymond IV, and Jamal Jones (Polow da Don).[13] It was produced by Polow da Don, who crafted a sound centered around Usher's smooth delivery and Jay-Z's boastful bars.[12] Ester Dean, a key songwriter, also contributes female interludes with her vocals.[12] Lyrically, "Hot Tottie" employs playful flirtation, using the title as slang for an attractive woman, derived from the hot toddy cocktail.[12] Jay-Z's verse includes references to luxury and status, such as "Big ballin' is my hobby," enhancing the song's themes of desire and indulgence.[12] Critics have described the track as "intoxicating as its namesake," highlighting its seductive and engaging vibe.[14]Recording and Personnel
"Hot Tottie" was primarily produced by Polow da Don (Jamal Jones), who began working on the track with Usher in Las Vegas, spending about a week there to lay down initial ideas.[8] The sessions continued at additional studios, including the Studio at the Palms in Paradise, Nevada, and No Excuses Studio in Santa Monica, California.[15] These locations facilitated the collaboration between Usher and Polow da Don, with Jay-Z contributing his verse remotely or during later stages, as the track evolved into a club-oriented R&B-hip-hop blend. The recording process emphasized layered vocals and rhythmic production, aligning with Polow da Don's signature style of heavy bass and synth-driven beats. Usher handled lead vocals and co-writing, while Ester Dean provided additional background vocals and lyrical input. Engineering duties were led by Jeremy "Jay" Stevenson, who managed both recording and mixing to ensure a polished, radio-ready sound.[1] Mastering was completed by Tom Coyne, giving the track its final sonic clarity.[15]Key Personnel
| Role | Personnel | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Producer | Polow da Don (Jamal Jones) | Primary production and beat creation.[12] |
| Recording Engineer | Jeremy "Jay" Stevenson | Handled tracking at multiple studios.[1] |
| Mixing Engineer | Jeremy "Jay" Stevenson | Final mix balancing vocals and instrumentation.[15] |
| Mastering Engineer | Tom Coyne | Post-production mastering.[16] |
| Executive Producer | Mark Pitts | Oversaw overall project.[1] |
| Lead Vocals | Usher Raymond IV | Performed main vocals.[17] |
| Featured Vocals | Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) | Rap verse.[17] |
| Background Vocals | Ester Dean | Additional vocal layers.[15] |
| Songwriters | Usher Raymond IV, Ester Dean, Shawn Carter, Jamal Jones, Paul Dawson | Collective writing credits.[17] |
Release and Promotion
Single Release
"Hot Tottie" was released as the second single from Usher's extended play Versus by LaFace Records. The track was serviced to rhythmic and urban contemporary radio in the United States on August 9, 2010.[18] A remix featuring Lil' Kim was released on August 30, 2010, to further promote the single to urban audiences. The single was available as a digital download starting September 17, 2010, ahead of the EP's release on September 20, 2010, as part of the deluxe edition of Raymond v. Raymond. To promote the single, Usher performed "Hot Tottie" live on CBS's The Early Show on August 20, 2010.[19] The song became a staple in his setlist during the OMG Tour, which launched in November 2010 and ran through 2011.Music Video
No official music video was produced or released for "Hot Tottie," despite the song serving as the second single from Usher's Versus EP.[20] Promotion instead relied on the official audio track uploaded to YouTube on August 6, 2010, by the artist's label, LaFace Records, which has garnered over 4.5 million views as of 2025.[20] Fan-uploaded clips and live performance footage circulated online, but no visual component directed by a professional filmmaker, such as those for the EP's lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" (directed by Erik White), was ever announced or distributed through official channels.[21] This absence aligned with the EP's rapid release strategy, prioritizing audio singles and tour integrations over extensive visual production for follow-up tracks.Live Performances
Usher prominently featured "Hot Tottie" in the setlist of his OMG Tour, a concert series launched in late 2010 to promote his albums Raymond v. Raymond and the Versus EP. The tour commenced on November 10, 2010, in Seattle and extended through July 2011, encompassing over 90 dates across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with opening acts including Trey Songz, Miguel, and later Dev and the Cataracs. During performances, the song was typically positioned midway through the show, following "Lil Freak" and preceding "There Goes My Baby," showcasing Usher's signature blend of R&B vocals and dance routines amid high-energy production elements like pyrotechnics and interactive stage designs.[22][23][24] The OMG Tour's success underscored the live appeal of tracks from Raymond v. Raymond, with "Hot Tottie" contributing to the high-octane segments that highlighted Usher's athletic choreography and audience engagement. Grossing nearly $75 million from 73 reported shows by the end of 2011, the tour ranked seventh on Billboard's Top 25 Tours list for that year, reflecting strong fan turnout for performances of newer singles like "Hot Tottie" alongside Usher's established hits.[25][26] A definitive recording of the "Hot Tottie" performance was included in the official concert film OMG Tour: Live from London, filmed in high definition at London's O2 Arena on March 31, 2011, and released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 1, 2011, by Eagle Rock Entertainment. In this version, Usher delivers the track with Jay-Z's featured verse integrated via pre-recorded elements or live emulation, emphasizing the song's club-infused rhythm and collaborative energy within the tour's elaborate staging. The release captured the tour's visual spectacle, including dynamic lighting and Usher's roller-skating sequences, preserving "Hot Tottie" as a staple of his live repertoire during this era.[27]Reception
Critical Reception
Upon its release as part of Usher's Versus EP in 2010, "Hot Tottie" received positive notices from music critics, who praised its seductive R&B-hip-hop blend and the chemistry between Usher and featured artist Jay-Z. Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly highlighted the track's appeal in his A− review of the EP, describing it as "nasty in all the right ways."[28] Similarly, Jeff Weiss of the Los Angeles Times commended the song's vibe in his 2.5-out-of-4-star assessment of Versus, calling "Hot Tottie" "intoxicating as its namesake" while noting Jay-Z's effective contribution to the track's energy.[14] The Versus EP, which included "Hot Tottie" as its second single, earned a Metacritic score of 65 out of 100 based on six reviews, indicating generally favorable reception overall.[29]Commercial Performance
"Hot Tottie" achieved moderate commercial success as a single from Usher's 2010 album Raymond v. Raymond and the accompanying Versus EP. The track was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 9, 2024, recognizing 500,000 equivalent units in the United States, comprising sales and on-demand streaming activity.[30][31] The song's digital performance contributed to its certification, reflecting sustained popularity in the R&B genre over the years, though specific breakdown of sales versus streams prior to 2016 RIAA updates remains unreported in primary sources.[30]Charts
Weekly Charts
"Hot Tottie" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 100 for the chart dated August 28, 2010. The song climbed the chart over the following weeks, reaching its peak position of number 21 for the chart dated October 30, 2010. By the chart dated November 20, 2010, it had spent 13 weeks on the Hot 100, descending to number 30 that week. On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, "Hot Tottie" showed stronger performance, attaining a peak of number 9 for the chart dated October 23, 2010, and logging 15 weeks on the tally by November 20, 2010, when it stood at number 18.[32][3][33][34][35] Internationally, the track had limited chart impact. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 27 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart for the week ending October 2, 2010, spending one week in the top 40 of that listing. It also briefly appeared on the broader UK Singles Chart at number 104. In Canada, it reached a peak of number 62 on the Canadian Hot 100.[11][36]| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Canadian Hot 100 | 62 |
| UK Hip Hop and R&B (OCC) | 27 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 104 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 21 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 9 |
Certifications
Certifications
"Hot Tottie" earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 9, 2024, recognizing 500,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents in the United States.[30][31] No certifications have been awarded by international bodies such as Music Canada or the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).[30]Release History
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | July 20, 2010 | Digital download (EP) | LaFace Records |
| United States | August 9, 2010 | Rhythmic and urban airplay | LaFace Records |
| Australia | November 1, 2010 | Contemporary hit radio | Jive Records |