Let the Beat Hit 'Em
"Let the Beat Hit 'Em" is the title of a number-one R&B single by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam from their 1991 album Straight Outta Hell's Kitchen. The song spent one week at number-one on the US R&B chart the week of September 14, 1991, reaching No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] On the US dance charts, the song was the third and final number one for the group.[2]
"Let the Beat Hit 'Em" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam | ||||
from the album Straight Outta Hell's Kitchen | ||||
Released | 1991 | |||
Recorded | 1991 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 4:38 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) | Robert Clivillés | |||
Producer(s) | David Cole & Robert Clivillés | |||
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Let the Beat Hit 'Em" on YouTube |
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the trio "ends a two-year recording silence with an insinuating pop/hip-hopper. Trademark production style of Robert Clivilles and David Cole is a fine complement to Lisa's appealing vocals. Pumped house version has already begun to jam in the clubs, while top 40 and urban radio should be joining the party any second now."[4] Music & Media commented that the song is "produced by the hottest team around lately, Robert Clivilles and David Cole of C&C Music Factory fame, for whom nothing can stop these beats anymore. Just like on C&C's records, the main line of the chorus will remain in the listener's head for weeks."[5] In 2012, Porcys listed the song at number 68 in their ranking of "100 Singles 1990-1999".[6] Al Walentis from Reading Eagle said the song "serves up the trio's most irresistible hook since "Head to Toe"."[7] Stewart Walker from Toledo Blade noted that "Let The Beat Hit 'Em" exemplified the "high-energy club feel" of the first half of the Straight Outta Hell's Kitchen album".[8]
Music video
The music video was directed by Marcus Nispel and is in black/white.
Track listings
- 7" single
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (radio mix 1) — 4:38
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (5 minute house version) — 5:02
- US 12" Original Release (656950-5)
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (The Brand New Super Pumped-Up C&C Vocal Club Mix) - 7:28
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (Radio Mix 1) - 4:38
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (5 Minute House Version) - 5:02
- US 12" #2 (657393-6)
- "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (Paradise Garage Club Mix) - 7:03
- "Let The Beat Hit 'Em" (5 Minute House Mix) - 5:02
- "Let The Beat Hit 'Em" (The Pop Radio Edit) - 4:00
Charts
Chart (1991) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) | 72 |
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders) | 42 |
Canada Dance (RPM)[9] | 1 |
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[10] | 33 |
Ireland (IRMA)[11] | 27 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[12] | 35 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[13] | 30 |
France (SNEP)[14] | 36 |
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company) | 17 |
US Billboard Hot 100 | 37 |
US Billboard Hot R&B Singles | 1 |
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | 1 |
US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | 1 |
Popular culture
There is also an unrelated song with the same title which has appeared in Konami's various Bemani music games.
See also
- Number-one dance hits of 1991 (USA)
- List of number-one R&B singles of 1991 (U.S.)
References
- Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 354.
- Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 157.
- "Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam: Let the Beat Hit 'Em". genius.com.
- "Billboard: Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. 1991-06-15. p. 65. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
- "Music & Media: New Releases" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- "100 Singli 1990-1999". Porcys (in Polish). 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
- "RECORDINGS". Reading Eagle. 1991-09-06. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- "Classics of British rock". Toledo Blade. 1991-12-01. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- Canadian dance peak
- "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Let the Beat Hit". Irish Singles Chart.
- "Nederlandse Top 40 – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
- "Dutchcharts.nl – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam – Let the Beat Hit 'Em" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- "Let The Beat Hit 'Em", Dutch and French Singles Charts Lescharts.com (Retrieved February 8, 2008)