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In My City
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| "In My City" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Priyanka Chopra featuring will.i.am | ||||
| Released | 14 September 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2012 | |||
| Genre | Dance-pop | |||
| Length | 3:40 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Priyanka Chopra singles chronology | ||||
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| will.i.am singles chronology | ||||
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"In My City" is the debut single by Indian recording artist and actress Priyanka Chopra, featuring American rapper will.i.am. The song was produced by RedOne, Rush and Brian Kennedy, and was co-written by Ester Dean, who provides additional vocals. The demo version of "In My City" was first played by will.i.am to Chopra, who was impressed with the track and decided to record it. The song is a homage to Chopra's nomadic childhood and journey from being a small-town girl to being a successful actor. "In My City" premiered on 13 September 2012, at the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football. The next day, the song was released for digital downloads to Nokia Music Store along with CD single.
"In My City" received mixed reviews from music critics; some complimented Chopra's vocals, while some criticised the generic sound of the song. In India, "In My City" was a commercial success. It sold 130,000 copies in its first week and was certified triple platinum by Indian Music Industry (IMI). The accompanying video for "In My City" was directed by Joseph Kahn and was released in January 2013.
Writing and production
[edit]
"In My City" was written by Brian Kennedy, Ester Dean, RedOne, Rush, Brett James, Dante Jones and will.i.am. RedOne also produced the track with producer Rush, and worked on the instrumentation and programming.[1][2] American rapper will.i.am played Chopra a demo of "In My City" and advised her to record it. Chopra liked the song and decided to proceed with the recording.[3][4][5]
Brian Kennedy assisted with the production, while Trevor Muzzy, will.i.am and Aubrey "Juice" Delaine engineered the track.[2] The song was recorded at Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, and mixed by Muzzy (mixing engineer) under RedOne Productions Ltd.[2] Chopra and will.i.am were in the studios for two days while recording; Chopra said she poured her "blood and soul" into it.[4] Gene Grimaldi mastered the track at Oasis Mastering Studios in Burbank, California. "In My City" also features background vocals from Dean, RedOne, Rush and Muzzy.[2]
"In My City" talks about resonating with the party culture of urban cities.[1] Chopra said that the song was not inspired by one city, since her father was an army doctor, and her family travelled all over India to cities like Jamshedpur, Lucknow, Delhi, Pune, Bareily, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Ladakh.[1][6] Chopra told the Hindustan Times that the song was "about being proud of where I come from. It's inviting the world to my city and my city could be anywhere."[7] The song pays homage to her nomadic childhood and her journey from being a small-town girl to being a successful actor.[6]
Release
[edit]
"In My City" was released in India 12 hours before its US NFL launch because Chopra wanted her fans in India to hear it before the American release. A press release said that "Priyanka has always been very clear that India would hear her music first. So all plans have been worked out to ensure that. She will be in India for the launch when the song and special video will air during the TV telecast of NFL."[8] The song was showcased in an event on 13 September in Mumbai, which was transmitted live on the YouTube and Bollywood Hungama websites.[9][10]
"In My City" debuted on 13 September 2012, on the NFL Network's sports programme Thursday Night Football .[11] Chopra filmed a video that aired every Thursday night before and after Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network.[11] The day after the NFL launch, the song was released on CD single as well as for digital download in India.[12][13][14]
Nokia provided exclusive downloads of the song and was chosen as a key feature for Blenders Pride Fashion Tour.[8][12] "In My City" was released to the iTunes Store of the United States on 2 October 2012, for digital downloads.[15] In an interview with The Economic Times, the singer expressed her nervousness about the single release, describing it as the culmination of a two-year journey which "has been the toughest yet most enriching experience of my life while also marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter."[12]
Critical reception
[edit]Hindustan Times writer Robin Bansal was impressed with the song, and called it "eclectic, peppy, and electrifying from the start... The song explodes after a point in its massiveness and stays in the head. The impeccable notes and pitch makes one wonder if it's really Priyanka." He added that the song had a high tempo and pitch, making it more like a track by The Black Eyed Peas.[7] Chopra refuted the claims that her voice was digitally modulated, and said she has a high range in her voice, and that she always had an accent while speaking English.[7] Perdy Mohindru from The Times of India described the lyrics as simple and beautiful, and complemented Chopra's accent and voice.[16]
Neha Mujumdar of The Hindu was extremely disappointed with the track, calling it "musically generic" and "lyrically filled with platitudes".[17] She gave a negative review of the production, and panned Chopra's "auto-tuned" vocals. Mujumdar wrote that will.I.am's rapping "does little to relieve the monotony; indeed, it manages to increase it, because of how predictable his exhortations are",[17] and that apart fulfilling a desire for "the sort of over-produced music that typically fills up a fast-food chain store", the song is indistinguishable "from the large body of repetitive, unoriginal dance-pop".[17] Writing for the US online news portal GlobalPost, Jason Overdorf did not agree with early reviews that said "In My City" sounded like the music of The Black Eyed Peas.[18]
Commercial performance
[edit]"In My City" was a commercial success in India, and reached number-one on the International downloads chart of Nokia Music Store India. The CD single debuted at the top of the pan-India Planet M and Music World retail chain charts.[19] According to the Los Angeles Times, the single broke records by selling more than 130,000 copies within the first week of its release.[20] The single was certified triple platinum by the Indian Music Industry (IMI).[21] In the United States the single was unsuccessful, with 5,000 digital downloads in its first week on iTunes according to Nielsen SoundScan, and did not receive radio play.[20][22]
Chopra expressed her amazement at the single's success in India. She said, "I am so overwhelmed! I can't even begin to explain what I'm feeling... it's so amazing that it's been just a few days since launch and my debut single is now number one on the charts. Thank you so much for the support and appreciation. This means the world to me."[19] At the fourth Nokia Music Connect video conference, Chopra said that the commercial numbers for "In My City" were all the more surprising, since the music sales in the Indian market is not that much.[23] Universal Music MD, India, Saarc Devraj Sanyal said that the label was surprised with the instant sales of the song. "We have been in the non-film music business for a while and I must admit to mounting engines across all platforms that have been fired like never before on Priyanka's global single debut. But to see these results so quickly is beyond gratifying," Sanyal said, before saying that the single debut would be followed by many promotional campaigns targeting different multimedia facets.[19]
Promotions
[edit]"In My City" was first promoted during a TV spot for the NFL Network's "Thursday Night Football" show, where the single was the music bed.[24] The single was played every Thursday in pre-game shows and began on 13 September.[11] A different promo aired every week with Chopra wearing jerseys of each of the two teams playing that week.[25] Chopra also said that 33 different looks were designed for the commercial based on the teams.[26]
The single was also promoted at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in cities across India, and was used as the anthem for the tour.[27] On 26 October 2012, Chopra promoted "In My City" by DJing in four clubs in the National Capital Region, including Hard Rock Cafe and Buzz in Delhi, and Striker and Seven Degrees in Gurgaon. Chopra mingled with the crowd as she MCed and DJed, followed by playing her single.[1] In Bangalore, Chopra visited several clubs with DJ Nash to promote "In My City".[28] At a Reliance Digital store in Mumbai, Chopra spent time with autistic children and played her song to them. The event was broadcast live on YouTube and on screens in Reliance Digital stores across India.[29]
Music video
[edit]A promotional video documenting the recording of "In My City" debuted during an NFL game on 13 September 2012.[24] Later, Chopra posted on her Twitter account that she was in Los Angeles to shoot an official music video for the track.[30] The video, directed by Joseph Kahn, was released on 29 January 2013.[31]
The video begins with Chopra coming out of a BMW and sending a message with her cellphone to her friends. They all get it, and join her in dancing the song. In the middle, there is an Indian-African influenced drum beat with elaborate choreography. The song continues with more dancing, until it ends with Chopra and all her friends laughing.
In popular culture
[edit]- "In My City" was played on 8 May 2013 broadcast of American Idol during a clip when the Top 3 visit their home towns.[32]
- "In My City" was selected as the theme song for 2013 season of the NFL' network Thursday Night Football.[33]
- "In My City" was selected as the theme song for the 2016 Centennial Cup America.
Track listings and formats
[edit]- "In My City" (feat. will.i.am) – 3:40
- Digital Remixes EP[35]
- "In My City" (R3hab and ZROQ remix) – 3:54
- "In My City" (Maestro remix) – 5:57
- "In My City" (LA Riots remix) – 5:28
- "In My City" (Mr. Morris remix) – 3:12
- "In My City" (Wideboys remix) – 6:34
- "In My City" (ANSOL remix) – 5:32
- "In My City" (DesiHits Rishi Rich remix) – 3:58
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits are adapted from the liner notes of the CD single.[2][36]
|
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Certifications
[edit]| Country | Provider | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| India | Indian Music Industry (IMI) | 3× Platinum[21] |
Release history
[edit]| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 14 September 2012 | Digital download[13] | Universal Music India |
| CD single[13] | |||
| United States | 2 October 2012 | Digital download[34] | Interscope Records |
| 11 December 2012 | Digital download – Remixes[35] |
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Mirchi Music Awards | Indie Pop Song of the Year | - | Nominated | [37] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Bhalla, Radhika (27 October 2012). "Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra promotes her debut single In My City". India Today. Aroon Purie. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f In My City Inlay and Backpage (CD single). Priyanka Chopra. St. Andrews Road, Bandra, Mumbai: Interscope Records. 2012. p. 6. 06025-371-7837.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Chattopadhay, Molly (27 October 2012). "The Reluctant Singer". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- ^ a b Singh, Prashant (14 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra's singing debut releases". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ Priyanka Launches Her First Single 'In My City' (Transcript). Bollywood Hungama (website). Mumbai. 2012. Event occurs at 2:47–3:12. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ a b Basu, Dibyajyoti Ltd (7 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra first single inspired by her life". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ a b c Bansal, Robin (13 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra, the new rockstar in town". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ a b Singh, Prashant (8 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra to release debut song for Indian fans first Ltd". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
- ^ Schering, Brittney (13 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra rocks her press conference". DesiHits. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ "Live Webcast of Priyanka Chopra's debut music single In My City". Bollywood Hungama. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ a b c Nyay Bhushan (25 August 2012). "Priyanka Chopra's First Single to Debut on NFL's 'Thursday Night Kickoff'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 27 August 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
- ^ a b c Raghavendra, Nandini (12 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra releases single 'In my City', trends to number one position on Twitter". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
- ^ a b c "Priyanka Chopra makes international music debut". The Tribune. Tribune Trust. 14 September 2012. Archived from the original on 31 October 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ Joshi, Priya (14 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra single released: 'The beginning of my musical journey'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ Schering, Brittney (2 October 2012). "Priyanka Chopra's 'In My City' hits iTunes today!". DesiHits. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
- ^ Mohindru, Perdy (25 September 2012). "'In my city' rocks". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ^ a b c Majumdar, Neha (14 October 2012). "Beat Street: In My City (single)". The Hindu. The Hindu Group. Archived from the original on 5 August 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ Overdorf, Jason (14 September 2012). "India's Priyanka Chopra rocks Thursday night football — Video". GlobalPost. Charles M. Sennott and Philip S. Balboni. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ a b c Raghavendra, Nandini (21 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra's debut album 'In My City', a hit across the country". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ a b Kennedy, Gerrick D. (20 November 2012). "Bollywood's Priyanka Chopra as pioneering pop act in U.S." Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ a b Headbanger, Bobbyi (23 April 2014). "Priyanka Chopra's new dance track: 'I can't make you love me". circles cercles. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
- ^ Trust, Gary (11 October 2012). "Bubbling Under: Wonder Girls Ride K-pop Wave". Billboard. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "Priyanka Chopra amazed with 'In My City' response". IBN Live. 8 November 2012. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ a b Costello, Carly (4 October 2012). "Priyanka Chopra Releases Debut U.S. Single In My City". Artistdirect. The Rogue Network. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ Sharyar, Faridoon (2012). 'My Music...My Biography, My Diary'": Priyanka Chopra. Bollywood Hungama (website). Mumbai. Event occurs at 3:54–6:12. Archived from the original (Transcript) on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ Malach, Maggie (30 November 2012). "Priyanka Chopra, 'NFL Commerical [sic] Shoot' Premiere: Inside the Bollywood Star's Commercial". AOL Music. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ Mallick, Amlan (17 September 2012). "Spotted: Priyanka Chopra – 'In My City' Multi-City Tour!". Business of Cinema. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ "Priyanka Chopra Visits Bengalore". The Times of India. 3 November 2012. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "Priyanka Chopra on a mission to spread happiness". The Times of India. 2 November 2012. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ Chopra, Tinu (21 September 2012). "Priyanka Chopra wants desi touch to her debut international song's video". India Today. Aroon Purie. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ^ "Priyanka Chopra's In My City music video out". The Indian Express. 8 February 2013. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
- ^ "Priyanka Chopra's In My City features on American Idol". 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 17 March 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- ^ Chandel, Natasha (12 September 2013). "Priyanka Chopra To Kick Off Thursday Night Football: Get Your First Look!". MTV. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- ^ a b "In My City (feat. will.i.am) – Single". iTunes Store. 2 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
- ^ a b "In My City (feat. will.i.am)". iTunes Store. 11 December 2012. Archived from the original on 14 December 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ^ "allmusic ((( In My City > Liner Notes )))". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "Nominations - Mirchi Music Award Hindi 2012". www.radiomirchi.com. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
External links
[edit]In My City
View on GrokipediaBackground
Inspiration and development
Priyanka Chopra entered the music industry at the peak of her Bollywood acting career, which had established her as one of India's leading actresses with multiple award-winning performances. In August 2011, she signed a global recording agreement with Universal Music Group, marking her transition into international pop music under the Desi Hits! imprint through Interscope Records in North America. This deal positioned "In My City" as her debut single, fulfilling her long-held aspiration to blend her acting fame with musical expression, influenced by her classical vocal training and personal passion for song.[13] The song serves as an homage to Chopra's nomadic childhood, shaped by her family's frequent relocations due to her parents' military medical service, which took them across various Indian cities including Bareilly, Pune, Delhi, Lucknow, and Ladakh. Growing up in these diverse locales, Chopra experienced a peripatetic life that instilled a sense of pride in her roots, from small-town simplicity to urban vibrancy, themes she sought to capture in her music to reflect her journey from a provincial upbringing to global stardom. In interviews, she described the track as a celebration of originating from multiple "cities" that formed her identity, emphasizing authenticity over commercial fabrication.[14][15][16] Following her signing, Chopra initiated collaboration discussions with American rapper and producer will.i.am in 2012, to co-feature on the track and infuse it with urban pop energy. The partnership aimed to bridge her Indian heritage with Western production styles, with will.i.am contributing verses that complemented her vision. The song's premiere was announced in August 2012, tied to the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football pre-game show, debuting on September 13, 2012, to reach a broad American audience and underscore its high-energy, city-pride anthem quality.[17][18]Writing process
The writing process for "In My City" was a collaborative endeavor involving Priyanka Chopra as a co-writer alongside producer RedOne (Nadir Khayat) and songwriter Ester Dean.[19] Will.i.am also contributed to the songwriting, adding rap verses that complemented the track's energetic vibe.[19] Additional writers included Brian Kennedy, Rush, Brett James, and Dante Jones.[4] The collaboration focused on infusing themes of urban empowerment and global city pride, blending mainstream pop elements with subtle cultural nods to Chopra's Indian roots to ensure broad appeal.[19] Chopra drew from her personal experiences to craft a narrative of resilience and self-assuredness in urban environments. These contributions emphasized a sense of belonging and triumph over challenges, transforming the song into an anthem celebrating city life worldwide while highlighting her journey from small-town origins to international stardom. The process, influenced by her early inspirations from diverse cultural settings, culminated in the finalization of the track's structure as a dance-pop anthem by mid-2012, ahead of its September release.[19][15]Production
Recording sessions
The recording sessions for "In My City" primarily took place at Chalice Recording Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where Priyanka Chopra worked under the guidance of producer RedOne to capture her vocals.[19] Chopra prepared extensively for her vocal performance by training with two coaches—one in India and one in the United States—describing the initial sessions as nerve-wracking but progressively more comfortable, as she treated her voice like muscles needing exercise under producer direction.[20] will.i.am conceived the track and invited Chopra to contribute, ensuring a collaborative integration of their parts.[21] This enabled the song's premiere as the theme for NFL Network's Thursday Night Football on September 13, 2012.[18]Key contributors
The production of "In My City" was led by RedOne, Rush, and Brian Kennedy, who shaped its core sound as a high-energy dance-pop track.[22] RedOne, a prominent producer credited with hits for artists like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, took a primary role in crafting the song's infectious beats and hooks, while also co-writing the track alongside Rush (Rachid Aziz) and Kennedy.[23][2] Rush contributed programming and instrumentation, enhancing the electronic elements, and Kennedy collaborated on the overall production framework.[2][22] Interscope Records played a pivotal role in the creative decisions, signing Priyanka Chopra as the first South Asian artist to a major U.S. label via its DesiHits imprint in 2011 to target global audiences with a crossover appeal blending pop and international influences.[24] The label's involvement ensured a professional polish suited for worldwide distribution through its partnership with DesiHits.[24]Composition
Musical style
"In My City" is classified as a dance-pop track incorporating electronic and hip-hop elements, reflecting the signature sound of its producer RedOne.[25] The song runs for 3:41, delivering a concise, energetic listening experience designed for club and radio play. At an upbeat tempo of 124 beats per minute, the track emphasizes synth-heavy production with layered electronic effects that create a peppy, groove-inducing atmosphere.[26][27] This arrangement builds to dynamic choruses that enhance its danceable quality, supported by pulsating basslines and rhythmic synth lines typical of contemporary pop structures.[28] The instrumentation features prominent synthesizers and electronic beats, complemented by will.i.am's rhythmic rap verses that integrate hip-hop flair into the pop framework.[27][9] These elements blend seamlessly, with auto-tuned vocals adding to the modern, infectious appeal.[9] RedOne's production draws parallels to his work on Rihanna's dance tracks, such as "Only Girl (In the World)," where synth-driven hooks and electronic pulses define a high-energy, club-oriented style.[25] This approach underscores the song's position within early 2010s dance-pop, prioritizing catchy, anthemic builds over intricate lyrical depth.[27]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "In My City" center on themes of urban empowerment and nostalgia for city life, portraying the city as a vibrant, inclusive space that shaped the singer's identity. Priyanka Chopra has described the song as a homage to her nomadic childhood, celebrating the various Indian cities—such as Jamshedpur, Delhi, Pune, and others—where she lived due to her father's military career, transforming her from a small-town girl into a global star.[29] Lines like "I know there's no place like home / But I know you gonna like it in my city" evoke a sense of enduring vibrancy and belonging, inviting listeners to join in the energy of these formative places.[3] Chopra's verses emphasize celebration of her Indian roots and global ambition, with welcoming imagery such as "Come on make some new friends / And tell me what you drinkin'" that highlight hospitality and personal growth across borders. In contrast, will.i.am's rap verse adopts a more street-level urban tone, focusing on movement and community through lines like "Driving down to boulevard / Coming out inside my car" and "Come on let's go, Let's hit the road," adding a dynamic, exploratory edge to the track's empowerment narrative.[3] This interplay underscores resilience amid life's transitions, subtly nodding to Chopra's own journey of overcoming challenges in pursuit of success.[29] The song employs a mix of straightforward English lyrics designed for crossover appeal, blending universal party motifs—"Everybody's welcome here / We ain't got no worries here"—with inflections that reflect Chopra's multicultural background, fostering a sense of shared joy and freedom in urban settings.[30] Overall, these elements create an anthem of invitation and self-assurance, where the city symbolizes both personal heritage and boundless opportunity.[30]Release and promotion
Release formats and dates
"In My City," the debut single by Indian singer and actress Priyanka Chopra featuring will.i.am, premiered on September 13, 2012, during the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football pre-game show, Thursday Night Kickoff.[18][31] The track served as the official theme for the 2012-2013 season of the program, with a promotional video featuring Chopra airing before each of the 13 Thursday night games.[18] The song was released digitally in India on September 14, 2012, through Universal Music India, marking Chopra's entry into international music.[32][33] Initially, downloads were exclusive to the Nokia Music Store for the first 14 days, allowing international access while prioritizing the Indian market.[11][34] A physical CD single followed in India via Interscope Records.[4] In the United States, the digital release occurred on October 2, 2012, via iTunes, expanding availability following the NFL premiere.[35] This staggered rollout highlighted the single's targeted strategy to build global momentum.[32]Promotional campaigns
The promotional campaign for "In My City" leveraged strategic partnerships to maximize exposure across the United States and India. A key element was the tie-in with the National Football League (NFL), where the track served as the theme song for the 2012 Thursday Night Football season, debuting during the pregame show on September 13, 2012.[36] This integration included TV spots on NFL Network and stadium announcements.[37] The NFL collaboration provided significant U.S. visibility, aligning the single's urban, energetic vibe with the league's primetime broadcasts.[38] In India, promotions centered on the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2012, a multi-city event sponsored by Seagram's Blenders Pride, where Chopra performed and DJed remixes of the track at fashion shows and club events.[39] She hosted club crawls in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, spinning the song to engage urban audiences and tie it to the tour's glamorous theme.[40] These events featured interactive elements, such as fan meet-and-greets, to build grassroots buzz.[41] Chopra drove the social media rollout personally, announcing the single's release on Twitter to her nearly 3 million followers at the time, which propelled "#InMyCity" to trend at number one globally within minutes.[24] This organic push generated early streams and shares, amplifying the track's reach before its official digital launch on September 14, 2012. Radio play was prioritized in Asia, with stations in India and neighboring markets adding the song to playlists, contributing to its chart success in the region.[11]Visuals
Music video
The official music video for "In My City" was directed by Joseph Kahn, known for his work with artists like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.[42] Filming took place in Los Angeles over a grueling 24-hour schedule, capturing the song's urban party vibe through a blend of international pop aesthetics and Indian cultural elements.[33] The video premiered on January 29, 2013, via Priyanka Chopra's official VEVO channel on YouTube, aligning visually with the track's themes of city empowerment and welcoming newcomers to one's urban world.[33] As of November 2025, it has amassed 71 million views.[6] The narrative opens with Chopra leaning against a black BMW in an urban street setting, holding a Nokia Lumia smartphone as she texts her friends, symbolizing connectivity in a modern cityscape.[43] Her friends soon arrive, joining her in high-energy dance sequences inside a studio with a group of backing dancers, incorporating vibrant thumkas and other Indian-inspired moves to evoke a sense of communal celebration.[33] NFL-inspired elements are woven in subtly, reflecting the song's role as the anthem for the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football pregame show, with dynamic shots emphasizing empowerment and team spirit.[19] Chopra appears in edgy, colorful outfits that highlight her confident persona, transitioning from street-ready looks to more stylized attire during the choreography.[33] will.i.am makes a cameo during his rap verse, rapping directly to the camera amid the energetic visuals. The choreography, handled by Richard 'Richy' Jackson, features elaborate group formations that fuse contemporary dance with Bollywood flair, enhancing the video's cross-cultural appeal.[42]Live performances
The debut live performance of "In My City" took place at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Mumbai on October 26, 2012, where Priyanka Chopra performed the song alongside a dance troupe, marking her first major stage rendition of the track as part of promotional efforts for the event.[44] This appearance highlighted the song's energetic pop-dance vibe, with Chopra engaging the audience through synchronized choreography that emphasized the track's urban theme.[40] Chopra continued to showcase "In My City" at Indian award shows, including a rendition at the Colors Screen Awards in Mumbai on January 12, 2013.[45] Internationally, she adapted the song for events tied to her global outreach, such as its use as the theme for the NFL's Thursday Night Football season kickoff on September 13, 2013, blending it with American football-themed visuals to appeal to a U.S. audience.[46] For television appearances, Chopra often presented shortened versions of "In My City" to fit time constraints, as seen in promotional segments on shows like Radio Mirchi Studios in October 2012 and various Indian music programs, focusing on the chorus and rap sections for brevity while maintaining the song's high-energy hook.[47] Early live shows received enthusiastic audience reception for their vibrant energy and dance elements, with crowds at events like the Blenders Pride Tour and award ceremonies responding positively to the performance's spectacle, though some critics noted vocal challenges in live settings amid Chopra's relative inexperience as a singer.[48][49]Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release, "In My City" garnered mixed critical reception, with reviewers praising its energetic vibe while critiquing its musical originality and production choices. Hindustan Times critic Robin Bansal lauded the track as "eclectic, peppy, and electrifying from the start," highlighting its chartbuster potential through vibrant beats and Priyanka Chopra's confident delivery.[50] Other outlets were less enthusiastic, pointing to shortcomings in composition and vocal execution. In The Hindu, Neha Mujumdar described the song as "musically generic" and laden with "platitudes" in its lyrics, noting that excessive auto-tuning rendered Chopra's voice "unrecognizable" and disconnected from her personal background.[51] The Indian Express echoed this sentiment, reporting that domestic critics slammed it as a "dull number," accusing Chopra of "trying too hard" without achieving authentic international appeal.[52] Overall, reviews acknowledged Chopra's bold foray into international pop music as a pioneering move for a Bollywood star, but frequently identified her vocal delivery—marred by heavy processing—as a persistent weak point amid the track's formulaic electro-pop framework.[51][52] No major aggregate scores were compiled, reflecting the single's niche coverage beyond Indian media.Commercial performance
"In My City" achieved significant commercial success in India upon its release, selling over 130,000 copies in its first week, topping the international download chart on the Nokia Music Store, and was certified triple platinum by the Indian Music Industry (IMI). The single also reached number one on the Hindi pop chart, marking a strong debut for Priyanka Chopra in the music industry.[19][11][53][54][8] In contrast, the song's performance in the United States was modest, with only 5,000 downloads recorded on iTunes during its initial week, according to Nielsen SoundScan data, and it failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100. Globally, "In My City" garnered limited traction on iTunes in markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia, though it did not secure any major chart positions. Factors contributing to this uneven international success included restricted radio airplay outside India, as the track had not yet been serviced to U.S. radio stations at the time of its early sales tracking.[19]Legacy
Accolades
"In My City" achieved triple platinum certification from the Indian Music Industry (IMI), recognizing its strong sales performance in India.[55] The song earned Priyanka Chopra her first music award at the 2012 People's Choice Awards India, where it won Favorite International Music Debut.[56] It received three nominations at the 2013 World Music Awards: Best Debut, Best Song, and Best Video. While "In My City" marked a breakthrough in Chopra's discography as her international music debut, it did not secure major global accolades such as Grammy Awards.[57]Cultural impact
"In My City" marked a pivotal moment in Priyanka Chopra's transition from Bollywood stardom to international entertainment, serving as her debut English-language single and establishing her presence in the Western music industry. Released in 2012 through Interscope Records and Desi Hits!, the track's collaboration with will.i.am and production by RedOne positioned Chopra as a trailblazing figure for South Asian artists seeking global crossover, with its NFL tie-in amplifying her visibility in the U.S. market. This success directly paved the way for her follow-up single "Exotic" in 2013, featuring Pitbull, which further solidified her efforts to blend Indian influences with pop sensibilities and enhanced her global image as a multifaceted performer.[19][58][59] The song has been frequently referenced in analyses of Indian diaspora artists navigating Western markets, highlighting Chopra's role as a pioneer in challenging the insularity of the U.S. pop landscape. As the first Bollywood star signed by Creative Artists Agency in 2012, her venture with "In My City" exemplified strategic efforts by Universal Music Group to promote South Asian talent internationally, influencing subsequent cross-cultural collaborations. While commercial traction in the U.S. was modest, its rapid success in India—topping Hindi pop charts and selling over 130,000 copies in the first week—underscored its cultural resonance and inspired discussions on empowering diaspora musicians to fuse heritage with global sounds.[19][54] "In My City" gained prominent media exposure as the official anthem for NFL Network's Thursday Night Football in 2012 and 2013, integrating Chopra into American sports culture and broadening her appeal beyond entertainment circles. However, its use as the theme song also drew racist backlash from some U.S. audiences, who criticized her involvement and sent hate mail, prompting Chopra to address the xenophobia she faced in interviews. This incident underscored the challenges South Asian artists encounter in Western markets and highlighted themes of cultural acceptance in her career narrative.[19][60] In the 2020s, the track's legacy has been revisited in retrospectives on her early music phase, particularly following her 2018 marriage to Nick Jonas, where Chopra has reflected on the intensity of her brief music pursuits in contrast to her husband's enduring career, framing it as a foundational step in her global journey. These reflections, shared in interviews amid her continued Hollywood success, emphasize the song's enduring role in her narrative of cultural bridging and personal evolution.[61][62]Formats and credits
Track listings
The standard digital release of "In My City" features the original version of the song, clocking in at 3:40 and featuring will.i.am.[4][63] The CD single, released in India in 2012, contains solely the original track "In My City" at 3:40.[2] A digital remix package was issued in 2012, compiling seven remixes of the track, each featuring will.i.am and tailored for electronic and pop club play. These include:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In My City (R3hab & ZROQ Remix) | 3:54 |
| 2 | In My City (Maestro Harrell Remix) | 5:57 |
| 3 | In My City (LA Riots Remix) | 5:28 |
| 4 | In My City (Mr. Morris Remix) | 3:12 |
| 5 | In My City (Wideboys Remix) | 6:34 |
| 6 | In My City (ANSOL Remix) | 5:32 |
| 7 | In My City (Desi Hits! Rishi Rich Remix) | 5:58 |
Personnel
- will.i.am – engineer[65]
Vocals
- Priyanka Chopra – lead vocals[66]
- will.i.am – guest vocals[66]
- Ester Dean – background vocals[3]
Songwriters
- Ester Dean[65]
- Brett James[65]
- RedOne (Nadir Khayat)[65]
- Rush (Rachid Aziz)[65]
- Brian Kennedy Seals[65]
- Dante Jones[65]
- will.i.am (William Adams)[65]
Producers
- RedOne[65]
- Rush[65]
- Brian Kennedy Seals[65]
