| "Work That" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single byMary J. Blige | ||||
| from the albumGrowing Pains | ||||
| Released | December 18, 2007 | |||
| Length | 3:27 | |||
| Label | Geffen | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Mary J. Blige singles chronology | ||||
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"Work That" is a song by American singerMary J. Blige. It was written by Blige,Sean Garrett, andTheron "Neff-U" Feemster for her eighth studio album,Growing Pains (2007), while production was overseen by the latter, with Garrett also credited as a co-producer. A self-love promotingrap pop track, which draw from Blige's own journey to towards self-acceptance, "Work That" has the singer stressing to young women everywhere to embrace their individuality and love who they are.
The song was released byGeffen Records as the album's second single and sent to USurban radio stations on December 18, 2007. A remix featuring rapperBusta Rhymes was also released to radio.[1] The song peaked at number 65 on the USBillboardHot 100 and became a top 20 hit on theHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching number 16. In 2019 and 2020, "Work That" received additional exposure afterUnited States senatorKamala Harris selected it as the campaign song forher presidential campaign.
"Work That" was written by Blige along withSean Garrett, andTheron "Neff-U" Feemster for her eighth studio album,Growing Pains (2007).[2] Production on the song was overseen by Feemster, while Garrett was credited as a co-producer.[2] On August 7, 2008, it was revealed that Blige was facing a US$2 million federal suit claiming that while Feemster wrote the music for "Work That", it was actually owned by Dream Family Entertainment since Feemster had created the music while he was under contract with the company.[3] The filing claimed that Dream Family never gave rights to use the song to Blige, Feemster or her labelGeffen Records.[3]
In 2007, "Work That" was featured in anApple Inc. commercial, promoting both the company's portable media playeriPod as well as their media playeriTunes.[4] In 2019 and 2020, "Work That" received additional exposure afterUnited States senatorKamala Harris selected it as the campaign song forher presidential campaign. Harris frequently used it as a walkout song, including her victory speech after being elected vice president in the2020 United States presidential election.[5] Blige commented on the usage of her song: "I was buggin', I was so surprised because people was calling me, I didn't know what the hell was going on [...] It was a song that I wrote from my heart. I didn’t know she was a fan. She didn’t even pick "Just Fine," she picked "Work That" [...] which only the fans know. So, I would say, thank you, Kamala."[6]
"Work That" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Brennan Carley, writing forSpin called the song a "factory-made rap-pop track,"[7] while Aldin VaziriSan Francisco Chronicle noted that "Work That" was "not just a catchyiPod jingle but an earnest feminist anthem."[8] In a review ofGrowing Pains, Talia Kraines fromBBC Music wrote: "While nothing quite lives up to the dancefloor groove of 2001's "Family Affair", "Work That" shows she's lost none of her empowering emotion when creating a dance beat."[9] In another review of the song's parent album, Peter Hayward frommusicOMH noted that "Work That" was "a fine opening track. 'Making the most of what she’s got,' Mary sounds assured and confident stridently empowered song."[10]BET.com wrote of the song: "AnotherOprah-style affirmation anthem fromGrowing Pains, this triumpant song features an updated Mary sound, complete with aG-Unit-esque, piano-driven beat and a surprisingly painless incorporation ofAuto-Tune."[11]
"Work That" was the top debut on the USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the week of December 13, 2007, coming in at number 43.[12] It marked Blige's 50th appearance on the tally and her best debut in four years.[12] It eventually peaked at mumber 16 on the chart.[13] Elsewhere, "Work That" reached number 65 on theBillboard Hot 100 as well as number ten on theDance Singles Sales chart.[14][15]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Work That" |
|
| 3:27 |
| 2. | "Work That" (featuringBusta Rhymes) |
|
| 3:49 |
Notes
Credits adapted from theGrowing Pains liner notes.[2]
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