"XO" is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her fifth studio album, Beyoncé (2013). Columbia Records released the song as the lead contemporary hit radio single. The Hollywood Reporter is your source for breaking news about Hollywood and entertainment, including movies, TV, reviews and industry blogs. Shaniasupersite.com NEWS & NOTES ARCHIVES: December 31, 2014 - January 1, 2008. News & Notes Archives 2 December 31, 2007 - January 1, 2003. News & Notes Archives 3. Ken Page, Actor: The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ken Page was born on January 20, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. He is an actor, known for The Nightmare Before.

XO (song) - Wikipedia"XO" is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her fifth studio album, Beyoncé (2. Columbia Records released the song as the lead contemporary hit radio single from the album in the US and Italy on December 1. Ryan Tedder co- wrote and co- produced "XO" with Terius "The- Dream" Nash and Beyoncé, with additional production handled by Chauncey "Hit- Boy" Hollis and Haze. Banga Music. A pure midtempo pop, electropop and R& B love song, "XO" is complete with electronic musical instrumentation, synthesizers and drums. Musically, it was compared to Beyoncé's own song "Halo" and was noted for having several music hooks including its call and response chorus.

The critically-acclaimed FX original comedy series Louie is filtered through the observational humor of Emmy Award-winning comedian Louis C.K. From the inventive. "Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United. The 70 Most Memorable Characters of 'Mad Men,' Ranked.

Watch The Ladies Man Online Hitfix Movies

The usage of an audio sample from Space Shuttle Challenger disaster at the beginning of the song was criticized by the families of the lost crew, NASA, and some media. Beyoncé released a statement saying that the song was intended to help people who have lost loved people in their lives and that the sample was included as a tribute to the Challenger crew. XO" managed to appear on many music charts across Europe and Oceania and it peaked at number 4. US Billboard Hot 1.

A music video for the song directed by Terry Richardson was filmed in Coney Island in late August 2. It was made available on i.

Tunes with the release of the album on December 1. Beyoncé performed the song during the last stops of the North American leg of The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in December 2. European leg in early 2.

To further promote "XO", she performed it at the 2. BRIT Awards and later at the 2.

MTV Video Music Awards. Haim and John Mayer covered the song in 2. Production and release[edit]"XO" was written by Beyoncé, Terius "The- Dream" Nash and Ryan Tedder while the production was helmed by the aforementioned group as well as Chauncey "Hit- Boy" Hollis and Haze. Banga. Ramon Rivas engineered the song, with assistance from Justin Hergett.

Beyoncé's vocals were recorded by Stuart White and Bart Schoudel while all instrumentation and programming was carried out by Tedder. The song was finally mixed by Andrew Scheps. XO" was recorded in four studios: Jungle City Studios and Oven Studios, both in New York City, Trackdown Studios in Sydney and Tritonus Studios in Berlin.[1]During an interview with Australian radio station Nova in November 2. Tedder revealed that he had collaborated with Beyoncé on a song for her then- upcoming album along with The- Dream, further saying, "Personally the song we did I like more than 'Halo'. I think it's a bigger, better song". However, he acknowledged that he did not know when the singer planned to release new material for her fifth album.[2] The previous month, it was reported by a source to the Daily News that Beyoncé planned to release a new single and video on December 3, 2. The publication further speculated that the single was expected to be the song whose music video was filmed in August of the same year – "XO".[3] Later, when Beyoncé was released, Billboard reported that "Blow" would be released as the contemporary hit radio single both in the US and worldwide, and "Drunk in Love" would be sent to urban radio in the US only; "XO" was scheduled to be released as the second worldwide radio single in 2.

However, radio programmers reportedly pushed back against the release of "Blow" to mainstream stations, finding its lyrics to be very explicit for the format and proposing that "XO" be released in its place.[5][6] The release of "Blow" was therefore scrapped and "XO" impacted contemporary hit radio in Italy and adult contemporary radio in the US on December 1. It was also sent to US mainstream,[8] urban[9] and rhythmic radio on December 1. Composition[edit]"XO" is a midtempopop, electropop and R& B love power ballad that bears resemblance to Beyoncé's own 2. Halo", which was also produced by Tedder.[1. Influences of electronic rock and reggaeton genres were also found in the song.[1.

XO" was composed using common time in the key of C major, with a tempo of 8. It carries a "celebratory, bumping Caribbean" groove and a marching- drumbeat with shuffling dancehall influences.[1. The instrumentation includes jittery keyboards, synthesizers, percussion and electronic musical instruments.[1. The song also consists of electronic flourishes and loopedriff patterns brought about by an organ instrument.[2. XO" was also noted for being a departure from the minimalistic sexual nature of the album, due to its pure pop sound.[2.

Jordan Sargent of Complex magazine wrote that "XO" contains influences of Jamaican singer Tanya Stephens.[1. Chris Bosman from Consequence of Sound described the song as a blend of "cinematic reach of modern Top 4. Heartbreaks [sic] hip- hop."[2. Kevin Fallon from The Daily Beast compared the song's stadium sound to tracks by the band U2.[2. Beyoncé uses "subtly exhausted" vocals[1. Baby love me, lights out", as noted by music critics.[1.

The song gives the impression to have been recorded in a stadium full of fans due to its celebratory groove and call and response chorus lines.[1. Problems playing this file? See media help. Beyoncé's vocals in the song span from the note of A3 to the note of A4.[1. When asked about her raw vocals in the song previously unheard on her material and the song's less polished sound, Beyoncé revealed that "XO" was recorded when she had a bad sinus infection. She further revealed it was recorded as a demo in several minutes.

The original demo vocals were kept for a year without being rerecorded as the singer "really loved the imperfections" and wanted to focus on the album's music instead of the vocals.[2. The lyrics of "XO" express a cheerful celebration of love and life as Beyoncé attempts "to create light from darkness".[2. It has been described as a universal love song which talks about different types of relationships.[2. The singer lays emphasis on the importance of living the present with a person's loved one as life is unpredictable.[2. She further sings about the tragedy and magnificence that life can hold.[2. Throughout the song, the singer adopts a hopeful attitude and seems to have gone in trance with love,[3.

Caitlin White from the website The 4. In the darkest night of hate and intolerance we see impossible love stories conquering what our governments and societies declare is legally 'allowed' to be love.. It is for love that transcends the romantic conception of man and woman and stretches out into the impossibilities of the cosmos. It leaves room for failure but hopes for success.[2.

The opening lines of "XO" are echo- laden[3. Beyoncé, the ballad contains several hooks.[1. Beyoncé starts the song by asking a loved one to kiss her.[1.

Some of the ascending chorus lines are call and response; [1. Beyoncé is backed by a sing- along crowd as she sings about how her "darkest nights" are enlightened by the lover's face: "In the darkest night hour / I search through the crowd / Your face is all that I see / I give you everything".[2. The chorus ends with the singer adding, "Baby love me, lights out", with a croak in her voice.[1. Sampling controversy[edit]The song begins with a six second- long sample of former NASA public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt, recorded moments after Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 2. Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction."[3.

These were the last words spoken before the disintegrating vehicle fell into the sea.[3. The use of the sample has been criticized in the media, including Hardeep Phull of the New York Post, who described its presence in the song as "tasteless".[2.

Former NASA astronauts and families were also dismayed and labeled the use of the sample as "insensitive".[3. Keith Cowing of NASA Watch suggested that the use of the clip ranged from negligence to repugnance.[3.

On December 3. 0, 2. NASA criticized the use of the sample, stating: "The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized.

Pour It Up - Wikipedia"Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2. It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United States on January 8, 2. US single, and third overall single from the album. It was later also sent to contemporary hit radio radios in the country. Pour It Up" was co- written by Rock City and co- written and produced by Michael Williams and co- produced by J- Bo.

It is a club and trap song with a minimal hip hop beat. Rihanna brags about her wealth, which serves as both a strip club anthem and a declaration of independence."Pour It Up" received a mixed response from critics, some of whom cited it as a highlight on Unapologetic, whilst others felt it was out of place. Upon its release as a single in the US, "Pour It Up" debuted at number 9. Billboard Hot 1. 00 chart, on which it ultimately peaked at number 1. It also became Rihanna's second number one single on the Hot R& B/Hip- Hop Airplay chart and reached number six on the Hot R& B/Hip- Hop Songs chart. Rihanna performed the song on her fifth and sixth headlining tour, the Diamonds World Tour and Anti World Tour. The song's official remix was released on March 2.

Young Jeezy, T. I., Rick Ross and Juicy J. Rihanna took pole- dancing lessons from Nicole Williams before the shooting of the music video.[1]Background and release[edit]"Pour It Up" was written by Rihanna herself with assistance from Michael Williams, Justin Garner and Theron Thomas and Timothy Thomas (Planet VI).[2] It was produced by Williams under his stage name Mike Wi.

LL Made It, while being co- produced by J- Bo of Eardrummer Ent.[2] Williams stated in an interview with MTV News that he had produced multiple records for Rihanna for Unapologetic. He submitted three tracks in total, with "Pour It Up" making the track list.[3] "Pour It Up" was released to urban radio in the United States on January 8, 2.

Unapologetic's lead single, "Diamonds".[4] Over three months later, following the success of the song on the format, it was sent to contemporary hit radio on April 9.[5]Composition[edit]"Pour It Up" is a club and trap song,[6][7] with a minimal hip hop beat.[8] Lyrically, it finds Rihanna turning a strip- club anthem into a declaration of independence,[9] pulling out her dollar bills at the strip club, getting drunk, and bragging loudly.[8] A part of the song hears Rihanna bragging about how she is rich and can pay for a $1. All I see is signs, all I see is dollar signs", she declares.[8] "Throw it up / throw it up / watch it all fall out / Pour it up / Pour it up / That's how we ball out", she chants over an "hypnotic" beat and "handclaps".[1. Rihanna's vocals span from the low note of F♯3 to the high note of A4.[1. Critical reception[edit]"Pour It Up" received mixed reviews from music critics. Andy Kellman of All.

Music called it "convincing", writing that "she's at her best when she's flaunting".[1. Kellman also noted that "Pour It Up" is "a characteristically chilly and booming Mike Will collaboration", also praising "Rihanna's trash talk", writing that "it's something else".[1. Jon Caramanica of New York Times commented that, "it sounds like a track the ambient- goth outfit Salem might make for a strip club."[1.

Alex Macpherson of Fact wrote that on 'Pour It Up', "Rihanna goes through mere scornful contempt and terrifies with her blank, relentless focus."[1. Caryn Ganz of Spin called it "moody and murky".[1. Andrew Hampp of Billboard named it "an irresistible, Mike Wi. LL- produced banger for the ladies."[1.

Jessica Hopper of Pitchfork Media was also mixed, writing that on 'Pour It Up,' "she sounds alternately robotic and narcotized."[1. Dan Martin of NME criticized the song for "killing the mood", calling it a "In Da Club guff".[1. Philip Matusavage of Music. OMH was negative, commenting that the "sense of emotional trauma displays itself in a different way on the album", calling it "obnoxious",[1. Randall Roberts of Los Angeles Times named it "a nausea- inducing track".[1. Sarah H. Grant of Consequence of Sound reflected that, "the effervescence of her breakthrough Good Girl Gone Bad is lost to some hopeless place", citing "Pour It Up" as an example.[2.

However, cultural critic Camille Paglia praised the song highly, saying in an interview in August 2. Rihanna’s eerie “Pour It Up,” which uses a strip club as a hallucinatory metaphor for an identity crisis about sex and materialism."[2. Commercial performance[edit]Upon the release of Unapologetic, "Pour It Up" debuted at number 1. Blood Redd Full Movie Part 1.

French Singles Chart. Over three months later, the song re- entered the chart at 1. March 2. 3, 2. 01. It debuted at number 9. Billboard. Hot 1. January 1. 9, 2. 01. For the issue dated March 2, 2.

Pour It Up" reached number one on the US Hot R& B/Hip- Hop Airplay chart, becoming Rihanna's second number one on the chart from 3. It has remained atop the chart for five consecutive weeks.[2. It has subsequently charted at number six on the US Hot R& B/Hip- Hop Songs chart.[2.

As of May 2. 01. 3, the song has sold more than one million copies in the United States.[2. In its ninth week on the chart, "Pour It Up" entered the UK R& B Chart at number 4. March 3. 0, 2. 01. It climbed to number 2. Music video[edit]The official music video for "Pour It Up" was filmed in May 2.

In September 2. 01. Vincent Haycock, tweeted that he was no longer involved with the project due to "creative differences", Rihanna later replied to him by stating: "Just take your name off the check while u at it! Whatever your issue is leave my fans out of it". That same month, Rihanna posted new behind the scenes pictures from the shoot and stated that the video would be released in October 2. The video was released on her official You.

Tube channel October 2, 2. It was later uploaded on Rihanna's official VEVO account. Rolling Stone said the video which is not of "high art certainly matches the lavish strip- club exploits referenced in the song."[3.

Hit. Fix gave the video a D grade, "it' s a dimly lit video equivalent of a Playboy photo spread that is meant to serve the very same purpose for the boys and men who view it. And we're all supposed to scrape and bow and talk about how 'artfully' it's shot and pretend that it’s so very empowering for her to show off her body this way."[3. Live performances[edit]"Pour It Up" was included in the set list as part of Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour.[3. On February 2. 5, 2. Rihanna performed the song during Drake's sold- out concert at Palais Omnisports de Paris- Bercy in Paris, France as part of his Would You like a Tour? She also performed the song at the 2.

MTV Video Music Awards.[3. Remixes and covers[edit]On January 2. Pour It Up" was released by rapper Trina.[3. On February 4, 2. American rapper Lil' Kim covered "Pour it Up" featuring her boyfriend "Mr. Papers".[4. 0] On March 6, 2. French Montana and Chinx Drugz released a cover of the single.[4.

Redlight and Seb Chew also remixed the song in the form of a bootleg titled "Pour It Zero's".[4. Watch The Abcs Of Death Instanmovie. Nigerian Hiphop/Pop duo Young Paperboyz also released their remix of "Pour It Up".[4. Italian rapper Jesto featuring Briga and Killa Cali remixed the song making the Italian version called Fatti l'uno x l'altra.[4.

Credits and personnel[edit]Recording. Recorded at Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California. Mixed at Larabee Studios, Burbank, California. Personnel. Lead vocals – Rihanna. Songwriting – Robyn Fenty, Michael Williams, Justin Garner, Theron Thomas, Timothy Thomas. Production – Michael Williams, Justin Garner. Music Recording – Alejandro Barajas.

Vocal production – Kuk Harrell. Vocal recording – Kuk Harrell, Marcos Tovar. Mixing – Manny Marroquin. All instruments and programming – Michael Williams, Justin Garner. Credits adapted from the liner notes of Unapologetic, Def Jam Recordings, SRP Records.[4.

Weekly charts[edit]Year- end charts[edit]Chart (2. Position. US Billboard Hot 1.