Lock U Down

"Lock U Down" is a song by American singer Mýa on her fourth studio album Liberation (2007). It was written by Harrison along with Jason Boyd, Dwayne Carter, and Scott Storch, with production handled by the latter, and featured Young Money rapper Lil Wayne. The song was released as the album's official leading single after "Ayo!" failed to find success on the charts or at radio and eventually deemed as a promotional single only.[1] The lyrics of the R&B-collaboration speak of a woman locking her man down when she has found the right one.

"Lock U Down"
Single by Mýa featuring Lil Wayne
from the album Liberation
ReleasedMarch 27, 2007
Recorded2006
GenreHip hop soul
Length3:34
LabelUniversal Motown
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Scott Storch
Mýa singles chronology
"Ayo!"
(2006)		 "Lock U Down"
(2007)		 "Ridin'"
(2007)
Lil Wayne singles chronology
"You Ain't Know"
(2007)		 "Lock U Down"
(2007)		 "Speaker/9mm"
(2007)

The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, who found that "Lock U Down" sounded dated and a poor choice as a single. The song was a commercial disappointment, it failed to chart on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart; peaking below the chart at number one hundred and number one on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart only. The song’s accompanying music video was filmed by director Benny Boom. It featured Harrison and Lil Wayne in abandon warehouse. The video made its world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park on April 25, 2007.[2]

Background and composition

Following the commercial disappointment of "Ayo!," Universal Motown delayed Liberation's release. Initially, "Lock U Down" leaked in late December 2006.[3] Previewed by back in July 2006, the Miami Herald praised "Lock U Down," and described the song as "genius" while commenting,"a rippling rhythm that shows off the rich tones of the underrated singer's voice, with a Middle Eastern counter melody."[4] "Lock U Down" was officially released as the first single in March 2007.

Co-written by Mýa and produced by Scott Storch, "Lock U Down" featuring Lil' Wayne mixes a prominent Eastern harp sample with a guitar riff. A street-but-sweet hip-hop soul jam,[5] it exposes what kind of man a woman wants and needs.[6]

Critical reception

Upon release "Lock U Down" garnered "mixed" reviews from music critics. Writing for Sentinel, editor Brandon Brooks gave "Lock U Down" a favorable review. Brooks deemed "Lock U Down" a sure fire hit; while complimenting on Harrison's vocal performance noting, "She has grown up over the years and sound rejuvenated than ever before."[7] The Guardian's Rosie Swash dismissed Lock U Down as a "basic but generally likeable song."[8]

Music video

On April 24, 2007, a day prior to the video's official release, Universal Motown uploaded a 27-minute video teaser.[9] The Benny Boom-directed music video for the track was premiered on 106 & Park on April 25, 2007.[2] The heavy dance-laid video includes Mýa dancing in a seemingly abandoned warehouse. Mýa performs a dance routine with a few back-up dancers during the video. Lil Wayne stands next to Mýa when rapping his verses, and Mýa is sometimes seen mouthing the words to his rap. Towards the end of the video, Mýa is seen partying with a couple of friends.[10]

Track listing
US 12" single[11]
A1. "Lock U Down" (clean) – 3:34
A2. "Lock U Down" (instrumental) – 3:34
B1. "Lock U Down" (main) – 3:34
B2. "Lock U Down" (a cappella) – 3:28

Charts

Weekly
Charts (2007) Peak
position
Germany (German Black Chart)[12] 9
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[13] 1

Year-end charts
Chart (2007) Position
Germany (German Black Chart)[12] 64

Release history
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States March 6, 2007 Rhythmic/Crossover Universal Motown [14]
March 27, 2007 Digital download [15]
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References
  1. "New Music: Mya feat. Lil Wayne - "Lock U Down"". About.com. Retrieved 2012-04-19.
  2. "Mya Video Walk-On - 106 & Park: Top 10". TV Guide. Retrieved 2012-04-19.
  3. "New Music: Mya f/ Lil' Wayne". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
  4. "Scott Storch Previews New Music". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
  5. Arnold, Chuck; Novak, Ralph (2007-04-30). "Picks and Pans Review: Hot Downloads". People. Retrieved 2015-12-19.
  6. "Mya Album Preview: Liberation". Rap-Up. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2015-12-19.
  7. "Bump It Or Dump It". HighBeam Research. Archived from the original on 2017-10-01. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  8. "What's a girl to do with Bat For Lashes' new single? Play it". The Guardian. Retrieved 2017-07-13.
  9. "VIDEO: MYA – "LOCK U DOWN" TEASER". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2017-07-13.
  10. "Director Videography". MVD Base. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  11. "Mýa* Feat. Lil Wayne – Lock U Down(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  12. "DIE JAHRESCHARTS 2007". djcharts.de. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  13. "Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (2007-05-12)". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  14. "Available For Airplay". FMQB. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
  15. "Lock U Down (feat. Lil Wayne) – Single". iTunes. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
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