"You Be Killin Em" is a song by American rapper Fabolous, released as the first single from his debut extended play There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music EP (2010). Recorded at Tainted Blue Studio, NYC,[1] the song was produced by American musician Ryan Leslie, with an unknown extent of involvement from American rapper Kid Cudi.[2] The song was released to radio on November 23, 2010.
| "You Be Killin Em" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Fabolous | ||||
| from the album There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music EP | ||||
| Released | November 23, 2010 | |||
| Studio | Tainted Blue Studio, New York City | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 3:29 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Fabolous singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Background
editThe production for "You Be Killin Em" was originally composed by Ryan Leslie for singer Adrienne Bailon, after music executive Lenny Santiago – Bailon's boyfriend at the time – managed to arrange them recording sessions together. She had intended to use it for a song on her debut album Unapologetic; however, the album was ultimately never released. During a 2019 episode of talk show The Real, Bailon claimed she had taken too long to find suitable ghostwriters for her vocals and that as a result, Santiago decided to offer the production to Fabolous instead.[3]
Rapper Kid Cudi also claims to have been involved in the creation of "You Be Killin Em"; his name is not listed in the official production credits.[2] In an appearance on the podcast Drink Champs, Fabolous alleged that Kid Cudi had contacted him to insist he unofficially assisted Leslie in creating the song's production, whilst also demanding payment for his work. Unaware of any problem, Fabolous suggested to Kid Cudi that he raise the issue with Leslie directly.[2]
Music video
editThe music video was filmed in November 2010; directed by Aristotle (By Any Means LLC).[4] Model Amber Rose makes an appearance in the video as well as Ryan Leslie.[5] The video was shot in black-and-white. The video shows with a gunshot view of a woman surrounding two black men.
Remix
editThe song was officially remixed, titled "Look at Her (Killin 'Em Pt. 2)". The remix features a new verse from Fabolous, as well as new vocals from American singers Ne-Yo and Ryan Leslie, the latter of whom also contributed new production to the song. The remix is listed as the fourteenth and final track of Fabolous's fifth mixtape The S.O.U.L. Tape (2011).
Charts
edit
Weekly chartsedit
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Year-end chartsedit
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Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[11] | Gold | 500,000* |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | November 23, 2010 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | Desert Storm, Def Jam, IDJMG | [12] |
References
edit- ^ "Available for Airplay". FMQB. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
- ^ a b c Marie, Erika (November 11, 2019). "Fabolous Claims Kid Cudi Was Upset He Wasn't Credited On "You Be Killin Em"". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022.
- ^ Pinillos, Ebbony (November 14, 2019). "Adrienne Bailon-Houghton Confirms Fabolous 'You Be Killin Em' Beat Was Made For Her". The Source. The NorthStar Group. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Video: Fabolous – You Be Killin' Em (Behind The Scenes)". HerFection. November 21, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
- ^ "New Video: Fabolous "You Be Killin Em"". Rap Radar. December 13, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ "Fabolous Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "American single certifications – Fabolous – You Be Killin Em". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "CHR – Format Rooms". FMQB. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
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