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"Post to Be"
Single by Omarion featuring Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko
from the album Sex Playlist
ReleasedNovember 11, 2014
Recorded2014
Genre
Length3:47
Label
Songwriters
ProducerDJ Mustard
Omarion singles chronology
"You Like It"
(2014)
"Post to Be"
(2014)
"I'm Up"
(2015)
Chris Brown singles chronology
"Only"
(2014)
"Post to Be"
(2014)
"Waves (Robin Schulz Remix)"
(2014)
Jhené Aiko singles chronology
"The Pressure"
(2014)
"Post to Be"
(2014)
"Spotless Mind"
(2014)
Music video
"Post to Be" on YouTube

"Post to Be" is a song by American singer Omarion featuring fellow American singers Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko from the former's fourth studio album, Sex Playlist (2014). Each of the artists featured co-wrote the song alongside Ty Dolla $ign and producer DJ Mustard. The track was released as the album's second single on November 11, 2014.[1] Musically, the song is a hip hop club track that is built over a clap-heavy West Coast production.[2] The song contains a "bouncy" production and samples Chaka Demus & Pliers' 1993 song "Murder She Wrote".[3] The word "post" is a sensational spelling of the word "supposed."

Commercially, the song peaked at number thirteen on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track also made appearances on charts in Canada, Belgium and the UK. The song was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

An accompanying music video was filmed in Los Angeles and was co-directed by Omarion along with Jay Ahn and Taz. The video premiered on February 17, 2015, and depicts the three musicians dancing on an all-white backdrop.

Background

[edit]

Omarion sent the song to Aiko asking if she would make an appearance on the track; Aiko agreed due to her friendship with Omarion and began "playing with the rhyme scheme". While writing with longtime collaborator Micah Powell, the lyric "Post To Be" reminded Aiko of rapper Kevin Gates, and she told Powell; 'Whatever we say, I really want to say something about eating the booty.' He keeps saying in the Vines—'You 'posed to eat the booty.'"[4] Prior to the release of the song, Omarion released snippets. The song was later leaked on November 11, 2014, by the LA Leakers.[2] The song was released as the album's second single on November 11, 2014, through Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records.[1]

Composition

[edit]

"Post to Be" is composed in the key of D major with a tempo of 97 beats per minute.[5] The song follows a chord progression of Bm–A–D–G.[citation needed]

Music video

[edit]

On January 22, 2015, Omarion revealed via his official Instagram account that he was filming the song's accompanying video in Los Angeles. Via the Instagram account Omarion posted photos of himself, Brown, and Aiko alongside a white Ferrari and standing onset by an all-white backdrop.[6] Later on February 16, Omarion posted two clips of the video on Instagram along with a caption saying "It's coming.... #Posttobevideo", the clips depicting the three singers performing synchronized moves on an all-white set.[7]

The video was co-directed by Omarion along with Jay Ahn and Taz,[8] and was released the following day on February 17. The video featured Omarion moonwalking in front of a white Ferrari, accompanied by Brown dancing.[9] Naomi Zeichner of The Fader praised the video comparing it to a home abs workout stating it "is four pure minutes of perfectly crisp mirror-dancing that doubles as a home abs workout."[8] As of July 2025, the video has 903 million views.

Remix

[edit]

On May 8, 2015, an official remix of the song was released featuring new verses from DeJ Loaf, Trey Songz, Ty Dolla Sign and Rick Ross.[10] Verses performed by Omarion, Brown, and Aiko were still present, though Aiko only had one line sampled into the final version.[11]

Credits

[edit]

Credits adapted from AllMusic.[12]

  • Omarion - primary artist, composer
  • Jhené Aiko - featured artist, composer
  • Chris Brown - featured artist, composer
  • Tyrone Griffin - composer
  • Samuel Sam Hook Jean - composer
  • Dijon McFarlane - composer, producer
  • Mikely Adam - composer
  • Bobby Turner - composer

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[29] Gold 45,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[30] 3× Platinum 90,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[31] Platinum 600,000
United States (RIAA)[33] 6× Platinum 998,000[32]

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Country Date Format Label
United States[1] November 11, 2014 Digital download

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Post to Be" is a song by American R&B singer , featuring and . Released on November 11, 2014, as the lead single from his fourth studio album , the track blends with West Coast hip-hop elements, produced by DJ Mustard and . The song's lyrics revolve around themes of seduction and intimacy, with a notable chorus emphasizing playful possessiveness in romantic encounters. It marked Omarion's debut release under and served as a comeback single following a four-year hiatus from full-length projects. Commercially, "Post to Be" achieved significant success, debuting at number 72 on the US and eventually peaking at number 13, while topping the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for six weeks. The track was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA, denoting three million units sold or streamed in the United States as of 2025. An official music video, directed by Jay Ahn, was released on February 17, 2015, and features choreography inspired by , including moonwalking sequences set in a luxurious mansion. The video has amassed over 900 million views on as of November 2025. "Post to Be" received positive reception for its infectious production and collaborative chemistry, contributing to the album 's release on December 2, 2014, via and . The single helped reestablish Omarion's presence in the R&B scene, peaking at number 13 on the Hot 100.

Creation and Production

Background

Following his signing to in 2012, Omarion shifted focus toward developing a more intimate, concept-driven project tailored for romantic audiences, which evolved into his fourth studio album, . This period marked a creative resurgence for the artist, building on his independent release from 2010 and emphasizing sensual themes to reconnect with listeners. During the album's development sessions, Omarion specifically invited Jhené Aiko to contribute to a track, drawing on their shared R&B roots from the early 2000s to foster a sense of genre camaraderie. The collaboration quickly took shape, with the core of the song already outlined when Aiko joined, allowing her to craft her verse independently. Co-writer Ty Dolla $ign, alongside Omarion and others, contributed to the initial lyrics during these 2014 sessions, establishing the track's playful, explicit tone. Aiko's verse drew direct inspiration from viral Vine videos featuring Kevin Gates discussing explicit acts, particularly his line about being "supposed to eat the booty," which echoed the song's title and prompted her memorable lyric. She developed this with frequent collaborator Micah Powell, aiming for a bold, humorous edge that aligned with the album's seductive vibe. These elements solidified the track's origins as a lighthearted yet provocative R&B collaboration.

Composition

"Post to Be" is classified as a hip hop and R&B club track with prominent trap influences, blending smooth vocal deliveries over rhythmic beats suited for settings. The song's structure emphasizes a verse-chorus format that builds tension through layered vocals and instrumental drops, creating an infectious, danceable groove characteristic of mid-2010s . Musically, it is composed in the key of at a moderate of 97 beats per minute, employing a repeating of B♭m–A♭–D♭–G♭ that provides harmonic stability while allowing space for melodic hooks. A key element is its interpolation of the 1992 reggae hit "" by , particularly in the chorus melody and rhythmic phrasing, which infuses the track with a nostalgic, island-inflected bounce adapted to a modern trap framework. The production, handled by DJ Mustard and , adopts a minimalistic approach centered on deep synth bass lines, rapid hi-hats, and sparse percussion to maintain focus on the vocals and lyrical interplay. This arrangement highlights Mustard's signature style of stripped-back beats that prioritize groove and atmosphere over dense instrumentation, enabling the featured artists' performances to shine. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of casual relationships and explicit intimacy, with lines that playfully reference sexual positions through a on "post" as both "supposed to be" and a bodily stance. It also conveys post-breakup attitudes of indifference and , portraying scenarios where former partners observe new encounters without emotional recourse, underscoring a carefree, hedonistic .

Recording and Personnel

"Post to Be" was recorded during sessions for Omarion's fourth studio album, , in 2014. The track features lead vocals by , with featured vocals provided by and . The song was produced by DJ Mustard and . It was written by a team of contributors including (Omari Grandberry), (Christopher Brown), (Jhené Chilombo), Ty Dolla $ign (Tyrone Griffin Jr.), DJ Mustard (Dijon McFarlane), , Chrishan (Chrishan Siggamoney Buck), and Choyce Cincere.
RolePersonnel
Lead Vocals
Featured Vocals,
ProducersDJ Mustard,
Songwriters, , , Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Mustard, , Chrishan, Choyce Cincere

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"Post to Be," featuring and , was premiered by the LA Leakers on November 11, 2014. The song was released for digital download on the same date through and . As the from Omarion's fourth studio album Sex Playlist, it received promotional support including a targeted push to rhythmic and urban radio stations to generate buzz ahead of the album's December release. Initial marketing efforts also aligned with Omarion's broader album rollout, coinciding with announcements for his promotional appearances and live performances.

Music Video

The music video for "Post to Be" was co-directed by , Jay Ahn, and Taz, and premiered on February 17, 2015, via . It incorporates scenes set against a white Ferrari and group dance sequences in sleek, modern backdrops with an all-white production design. The visuals highlight luxury through the prominent Ferrari and high-end aesthetics, sensuality via form-fitting attire and intimate dance moves by , and energetic vibes in the dance sequences, all reflecting the song's themes of carefree, explicit encounters. Omarion opens with smooth moonwalking beside the white Ferrari, dressed in a varsity jacket and black pants, before transitioning to synchronized group performances with , who showcases intricate footwork. The all-white production design creates a minimalist, bright atmosphere that amplifies the artists' energy and the track's upbeat tempo. As of November 2025, the video has accumulated 912 million views on . Critics commended the directorial approach for its crisp, sparse style—described as "perfectly crisp mirror-dancing" that evokes a workout-like intensity—while praising the performers' charismatic displays and seamless synergy. The clip's fun, unpretentious execution was noted for enhancing the song's playful sensuality without overwhelming its core appeal.

Remix Versions

The official remix of "Post to Be" was released on May 8, 2015, featuring new verses from , , Ty Dolla $ign, and . This version replaced the original verses by and while retaining the chorus structure, including Jhené Aiko's signature lines from the hook. Additionally, 's verse samples Aiko's explicit line "But he gotta eat the booty like groceries" from the original composition, integrating it into the new for continuity. Produced over DJ Mustard's original bouncy beat, the remix included subtle adjustments to accommodate the additional artists, such as extended sequencing for the verses. It served as a promotional extension for Omarion's album Sex Playlist, which had been released in December 2014, aiming to sustain the single's momentum through high-profile collaborations under . No other official variants or international mixes were released, with the remix standing as the primary extension of the track.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

"Post to Be" achieved significant success on the US , driven by strong radio and streaming numbers. The song debuted on the at number 98 in the issue dated January 24, 2015, before climbing to its peak position of number 13 in the issue dated , 2015, where it remained for 28 weeks. On the chart, it reached number 5 and charted for 34 weeks, bolstered by contributions from both and sales/streaming metrics. The track topped the Rhythmic Airplay chart for one week on July 4, 2015, marking Omarion's first number-one hit on that ranking, while peaking at number 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for one week in the , 2015, issue, and number 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for six weeks beginning , 2015. Internationally, the single had more modest showings but still registered on several key charts. In Canada, it peaked at number 49 on the Canadian Hot 100 and charted for 20 weeks. In the United Kingdom, "Post to Be" reached number 74 on the Official Singles Chart, spending 16 weeks in the top 100, and number 11 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart for 47 weeks. In Belgium (Flanders), the song peaked at Tip 70 on the Ultratip chart for 1 week, while in New Zealand, it peaked at number 40 on the Recorded Music NZ Top 40 Singles Chart for 37 weeks. The song's global performance was particularly supported by rhythmic and urban radio formats, reflecting its crossover appeal in R&B and hip-hop markets. It also reached number 79 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia.
Chart (2015)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Hot 1001328
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs534
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay229
US Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay130
US Rhythmic Airplay132
4920
7416
1147
701
4037
791

Certifications and Sales

In the United States, "Post to Be" has been certified 6× Platinum by the (RIAA) as of December 2, 2024, representing 6 million units sold or streamed, where 1,500 on-demand audio and video streams count as one unit equivalent. The song has also achieved notable certifications internationally. In the , it received a from the (BPI) on July 23, 2021, denoting 600,000 units including sales and streams. In , (RMNZ) awarded it 3× Platinum status on October 30, 2025, equivalent to 90,000 units. In , the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry () certified it Gold on April 15, 2025, for 45,000 units.
CountryCertifying BodyCertificationUnits (as of date)Source
RIAA6× Platinum6,000,000 (Dec 2024)RIAA
United KingdomBPIPlatinum600,000 (Jul 2021)BPI
RMNZ3× Platinum90,000 (Oct 2025)RMNZ
DenmarkIFPI DanmarkGold45,000 (Apr 2025)IFPI Danmark
Beyond initial 2016 sales, which were predominantly digital downloads exceeding 1 million units in the alone, the track's performance has been driven by streaming growth. As of November 2025, it has amassed over 545 million streams on and more than 912 million views on , contributing to estimated global consumption exceeding 1.5 billion stream equivalents across platforms. Physical sales remain minimal, with no significant vinyl or releases tracked post-2016.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Accolades and Usage

"Post to Be" received the ASCAP Award for Most Performed Songs at the ceremony, recognizing its widespread performance across radio, live events, and media. The track was also nominated for Best Collaboration at the 2015 , highlighting its impact in the R&B and hip-hop genres. The song has been celebrated for its production and creative elements, earning inclusion in Billboard's list of the 50 Best Song Interpolations of the for its effective use of the melody from ' "." It has further been recognized in compilations of standout productions by DJ Mustard, such as Revolt's ranking among his 19 best songs, underscoring the track's role in elevating his signature sound in R&B and hip-hop. In digital media, "Post to Be" has fueled numerous viral trends on , including dance challenges and sped-up remixes that have amassed millions of views and encouraged since its release. By 2025, the song continued to inspire ongoing challenges, with creators adapting its for contemporary dances and memes, contributing to renewed streams and . Additionally, has prominently featured the track in live performances during his , including the 2025 iteration, where it serves as a high-energy staple that connects with audiences through its and sing-along appeal.

Covers and Sampling

"Post to Be" prominently interpolates the vocals and lyrics from ' 1992 reggae hit "," particularly in the pre-chorus where the melody and rhythm are replayed to evoke a sense of playful seduction. This interpolation has been recognized in music analysis platforms for bridging generational sounds, connecting 1990s influences to and highlighting the song's role in 's enduring DNA within hip-hop and R&B lineages. The track has inspired numerous covers, ranging from studio reinterpretations to user-generated content on social platforms. Notable examples include Alice Vicious' acoustic cover released in 2015, which strips the production to emphasize vocal harmonies, and Devvon Terrell's soulful rendition that same year, capturing the song's sensual vibe through layered ad-libs. On , overlapped vocal versions have proliferated, such as audio mashups blending and Chris Brown's original parts for duet challenges, amassing millions of views and encouraging creators to harmonize the explicit chorus lines. Live performances have also extended its reach, with delivering renditions alongside his son in 2025 shows and full collaborations during featuring the original artists, maintaining the track's high-energy stage presence. "Post to Be" has been sampled in subsequent hip-hop and R&B productions, particularly in the , where its and beat are repurposed for modern trap-infused tracks. For instance, steej's 2023 song "all i wanna do is ditch them" incorporates elements of the chorus to underscore themes of casual relationships, reflecting the original's laid-back explicitness in underground R&B scenes. Similarly, aoki2's "(partynomore)" from 2023 draws on the groove for a lo-fi hip-hop vibe, extending the song's influence into niche digital releases. The song's legacy includes its contribution to the normalization of explicit, body-positive in post-2014 R&B, with Jhené Aiko's iconic line "he gotta eat the booty like groceries" becoming a cultural for unapologetic sensuality. This playful yet approach influenced a wave of similar candid expressions in tracks by artists like and , shifting R&B toward more overt sexual empowerment and away from veiled metaphors prevalent in earlier decades.

References

  1. https://www.[allmusic](/page/AllMusic).com/artist/omarion-mn0000468938
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