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Make Me Better
View on Wikipedia| "Make Me Better" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo | ||||
| from the album From Nothin' to Somethin' | ||||
| Released | May 15, 2007 (global) | |||
| Recorded | 2007 | |||
| Studio | Brooklyn, New York, United States and Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States | |||
| Genre | East Coast hip hop, R&B | |||
| Length | 4:13 | |||
| Label | Desert Storm, Def Jam | |||
| Songwriters | John Jackson, Timothy Mosley, Shaffer Smith | |||
| Producer | Timbaland | |||
| Fabolous singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Make Me Better" is a song by American rapper Fabolous featuring American singer Ne-Yo, released by Def Jam Recordings on May 15, 2007 as the third single from the former's fourth album, From Nothin' to Somethin' (2007). Both performers co-wrote the song with American record producer Timbaland, who produced it.
"Make Me Better" peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains Fabolous' second-highest charting song as a lead artist.
Background
[edit]Timbaland is quoted as saying that:
- "the beat is unique sounding and the strings are so good that they will have to be used on future songs".
The strings are sampled from Sherine's "Al Sa'ban Aleh". As for the lyrics, Fabolous and Ne-Yo tell ladies they are forces to be reckoned with on their own — but with their ladies upgrading them, they're that much better.
- "You want a girl that completes you and makes you better," he explained. "You don't want a girl who brings more arguments and more bills. ... You want a girl who, when you're walking around with your tie crooked, she fixes your tie. .... That's the kind of [woman] I'm looking for. Whether she's a celebrity or non-celebrity don't really matter. You just need somebody you can connect with. "It touches so many places," Fab added of the song. "It's a sexy record, plus a swagger record, an anthem record all in one. ... I played it for a couple of dudes a week ago, and they was like, 'I'mma tell my shorty that: "Yo, shorty, you make me better. I'm cool, I'm fly and sh--, but us together, we make a great pair." "Dudes can take it — it's giving them some game. I felt it could work on all levels."
The full song was leaked to the internet on April 9, 2007.
The beat was originally created for rapper Eve and featured Timbaland over a song called "Nothing to Say." On April 5, 2019, Eve revealed on The Talk (which she co-hosts) when working on Here I Am she revealed that beats originally intended for her album were sold to other artists by her label without her consent including "Nothing to Say" which became "Make Me Better."[1]
Music video
[edit]An accompanying music video was released online on May 23, 2007, and premiered on BET two days later. The video features Roselyn Sánchez as appears as Fabolous's love interest, as well as cameos from rapper Red Café and actor Dwight Freeney, the latter of whom is seen getting challenged by a drunken man.
Accolades
[edit]In its January 2008 issue, VIBE Magazine named "Make Me Better" the best song of 2007 on its list of the top 44.[2]
Remixes
[edit]The official remix was produced by Drumma Boy and Atlanta DJ Greg Street, under the title "Greg Street Remix". There are 2 official versions of the remix, the main official remix features the group Jagged Edge and the second remix features Lil' Mo. The remix samples The Isley Brothers' "Between the Sheets".
Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon did an official remix to the song, the remix samples his 1995 track "Rainy Dayz" on Raekwon's verses.
Track listings
[edit]- 1. Make Me Better (Explicit Version) - 4:13
- 2. Make Me Better (Clean Version) - 4:13
- 3. Make Me Better (Greg Street Remix) - 5:26
- 4. Make Me Better (Demo Edit) - 2:50
Charts
[edit]On the issue date of June 9, 2007 the single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 96 and has peaked at number 8.[3] The song spent 14 weeks at number 1 in the magazine's Hot Rap Songs chart. This is a record for 2006 and 2007 on this chart.
Weekly charts
[edit]| Chart (2007) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[4] | 79 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[5] | 8 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] | 2 |
| US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[7] | 1 |
| US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[8] | 14 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)[9] | 1 |
Year-end charts
[edit]| Chart (2007) | position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[10] | 44 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] | 16 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard)[12] | 5 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[13] | Platinum | 1,000,000* |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "S9 E135 Apr 05, 2019". CBS. April 5, 2019.
- ^ The 44 Best Songs of 2007 Archived 2009-04-14 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Fabolous f Ne-Yo Make Me Better global chart positions and trajectories". aCharts.us. Retrieved June 30, 2007.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2007". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2007". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2007". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ "American ringtone certifications – Fabolous – Make Me Better". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
External links
[edit]Make Me Better
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and Production
Background
"Make Me Better" was developed as a key track for American rapper Fabolous's fourth studio album, From Nothin' to Somethin', which was released on June 12, 2007, by Def Jam Recordings.[7] The album represented Fabolous's first project under the Def Jam label following a label switch from Elektra and Atlantic Records, where he had released his prior works including Ghetto Fabolous (2001) and Street Dreams (2003).[8] Initially, the track was intended for rapper Eve, who had been given the beat as a potential cut for her own album. Fabolous revealed in interviews that Eve ultimately passed on the song, after which Jay-Z passed it to him.[9][6] This reassignment aligned with the song's eventual collaboration with singer Ne-Yo and producer Timbaland. A demo version of "Make Me Better" leaked to the internet in early April 2007, sparking widespread online discussion and building anticipation ahead of the album's release.[10] The leak highlighted the track's potential as a crossover hit, contributing to early buzz within hip-hop and R&B circles. The inclusion of "Make Me Better" on From Nothin' to Somethin' reflected Fabolous's evolving approach, shifting from the harder-edged street rap of his earlier albums toward more melodic hip-hop infused with R&B collaborations to broaden his commercial appeal.[11] This transition emphasized diverse guest features and smoother production styles, helping Fabolous mature his sound while maintaining his signature witty lyricism.Writing and Recording
The song "Make Me Better" was co-written by rapper Fabolous (real name John David Jackson), singer Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith), and producer Timbaland (Timothy Z. Mosley), who also handled production duties for Timbaland Productions.[12][13] Recording sessions took place in 2007 at Sony Music Studios and Legacy Recording Studios in New York City, where the track was engineered by Jordan "DJ Swivel" Young and mixed by Supa Engineer Duro at The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, Florida.[12] Ne-Yo contributed the melodic R&B hooks and chorus vocals, which were recorded to complement the track's rhythmic foundation and add a smooth, contemporary edge to the collaboration.[14] The beat's construction prominently features a sample from Egyptian singer Sherine's 2006 song "Al Sa'ban Aleh," which Timbaland looped and layered to create an exotic, string-driven backdrop.[3] Although the instrumental was initially produced for rapper Eve, Fabolous provided key input during sessions to tailor the final version, infusing his verses with East Coast hip-hop flows while integrating the R&B sensibilities from Ne-Yo's contributions for a balanced hybrid sound.[6]Music and Lyrics
Musical Composition
"Make Me Better" blends East Coast hip-hop with contemporary R&B, reflecting Fabolous's Brooklyn roots and Ne-Yo's smooth vocal delivery.[15] This fusion creates a polished urban sound that bridges rap verses with melodic hooks.[16] Timbaland's production defines the track's sonic identity, employing a mid-tempo beat clocking in at 86 beats per minute, which supports the laid-back yet engaging flow.[17] Layered synths gradually intensify alongside crisp percussion elements, adding depth and momentum without overpowering the vocals.[18] These production choices contribute to the song's sleek, modern aesthetic, characteristic of Timbaland's mid-2000s style.[6] The composition follows a conventional structure: an instrumental intro sets the mood, followed by two verses from Fabolous that alternate with Ne-Yo's soaring chorus, a bridge for transition, and a fading outro that reinforces the hook.[1] The main version runs for 4:13, allowing space for the interplay between rap and R&B components.[19] At its core, the instrumental draws from a sample of Sherine's "Al Sa'ban Aleh," infusing exotic gliding strings that establish a rhythmic, culturally textured foundation, as well as elements from Pharrell Williams feat. Kanye West's "Number One."[6][20][3]Lyrical Themes
The song "Make Me Better" centers on the theme of mutual improvement within a romantic relationship, portraying partnership as a catalyst for personal and collective elevation. Fabolous's verses emphasize how his partner contributes to his growth, blending boasts of independence with acknowledgments of complementarity, as seen in lines like "You plus me, it equals better math" and "Your boy a good look but she my better half." This narrative underscores personal development through emotional support, where the relationship enhances one's existing strengths rather than defining them.[1][21] Ne-Yo's chorus reinforces this elevation motif, declaring, "I'm a movement by myself, but I'm a force when we're together," which highlights the transformative power of unity while affirming individual capability. The lyrics draw inspiration from high-profile couples like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, as Ne-Yo revealed in an interview, framing the partnership as a source of amplified success and motivation. Fabolous extends this in his contributions, rapping about the partner as an "improve" to his life, such as providing reason to pause amid triumphs: "And when I feel like I'm on top, she give me reason then I stop."[22][1] The track introduces a narrative of vulnerability rare in hip-hop, contrasting Fabolous's typical street-wise persona with introspective romance that exposes reliance on a partner for deeper fulfillment. This duality is evident in key lines like "Mami I'm good all by myself, but baby you make me better," which balance self-sufficiency with the enriching role of love, positioning the song as a bridge between bravado and emotional openness. Such themes align with Ne-Yo's R&B sensibilities, adding a layer of smooth introspection to the collaboration.[21][1]Release and Promotion
Single Release
"Make Me Better" was released on May 15, 2007, as the third single from Fabolous's fourth studio album, From Nothin' to Somethin'.[23] The single was distributed in multiple formats, including digital download and CD single, along with various promotional versions.[14] Both explicit and clean edits were made available to accommodate different radio and retail preferences.[16] Track listings for the single included the primary version, clocking in at 4:13, a remix version at 4:32, and a demo leak variant lasting 5:26.[13][24] On the album's standard tracklist, "Make Me Better" appears as the fourth song.[25]Marketing
Following the leak of "Make Me Better" to the internet in early April 2007, Def Jam Recordings initiated promotional efforts centered on urban radio airplay to capitalize on the growing buzz and build anticipation for the single's official rollout. The track quickly gained traction on urban and rhythmic radio stations, appearing on key airplay charts by late May 2007 with significant spins reported across formats.[26] Def Jam's marketing strategy emphasized crossover appeal by highlighting the collaboration with Ne-Yo, a rising R&B artist on the label, to draw in both hip-hop listeners familiar with Fabolous and Ne-Yo's broader R&B fanbase. This approach was integrated with promotional tie-ins to Fabolous's From Nothin' to Somethin' album rollout, including live performances and media appearances that amplified the single's reach. Early endorsements came through features in hip-hop outlets, such as album previews spotlighting the track's Timbaland production. The campaign extended to television platforms, with Fabolous and Ne-Yo delivering a live performance of "Make Me Better" on BET's 106 & Park in July 2007, providing a high-visibility showcase for urban audiences.[27] These efforts, combined with MTV previews of the single, helped position the track as a genre-blending hit amid Def Jam's broader push for the album.Critical Reception
Reviews
Upon its release in 2007, "Make Me Better" received widespread praise from critics for the seamless chemistry between Fabolous and Ne-Yo, with Ne-Yo's co-writing and soulful chorus elevating Fabolous's delivery to create a standout collaboration.[28] HipHopDX described the track as a "bonafide hit" where "production, delivery… everything" clicked, crediting Ne-Yo for making Fabolous "better" through their interplay.[28] Similarly, The New York Times highlighted the song's charm, calling it a love song with one of the "sweetest and silliest pick-up lines of the summer" over Timbaland's sleek beat.[29] Critics lauded the track's smooth production and its effective R&B-rap blend, positioning it as a highlight of 2007's hip-hop landscape. Slant Magazine noted Ne-Yo's "poignant hook and bridge" paired with Timbaland's "sorrowful string sample," marking it as a rare moment of synergy on the album.[30] RapReviews predicted it would be a "chart topper," praising its crossover appeal amid Fabolous's matured artistry that balanced street elements with pop sensibilities.[31] The parent album From Nothin' to Somethin' garnered mixed reviews overall, with an aggregated score of 61/100 on review sites based on 2007 critiques, reflecting appreciation for hits like "Make Me Better" amid criticisms of inconsistency.[32] AllMusic rated it 3 out of 5 stars, commending its radio-friendly tracks while noting Fabolous's reliance on guests.[2]Accolades
"Make Me Better" earned recognition for its impact in the hip-hop and R&B genres, receiving nominations at major awards ceremonies. The song was nominated for Best Hip Hop Collabo at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards.[33] At the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, it received a nomination in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category, competing against tracks like Rihanna featuring Jay-Z's "Umbrella" and Akon featuring Snoop Dogg's "I Wanna Love You," though it did not win.[34][35] Billboard honored the track as the number-one rap song of 2007 on its year-end Hot Rap Songs chart, where it had spent 14 weeks at the top position during the year.[5]Commercial Performance
Chart Performance
"Make Me Better" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 96 during the week ending June 9, 2007, following its release as a single earlier that month. The track gradually ascended the chart, entering the top 10 at number 10 on July 7, 2007, and ultimately peaking at number 8 on August 25, 2007. It maintained a presence in the top 10 for 12 consecutive weeks before descending, with a total chart run of 20 weeks. On the year-end Billboard Hot 100 for 2007, the song placed at number 44, reflecting its sustained popularity throughout the year.[36] On the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, "Make Me Better" entered at number 25 on May 12, 2007, and quickly rose to the top spot on July 28, 2007. It held the number 1 position for 14 consecutive weeks, marking one of the longest-running rap chart-toppers of the year, and accumulated 32 weeks on the chart in total.[5][37] Internationally, the single achieved moderate success, reaching number 15 on the Canadian Hot 100 during its run.| Chart | Peak Position | Weeks at Peak | Total Weeks | Year-End Position (2007) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | 8 | 3 | 20 | 44 |
| Billboard Hot Rap Songs | 1 | 14 | 32 | 1 (Rap Songs) |
| Canadian Hot 100 | 15 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
