Fly (Nicki Minaj song)

"Fly"
Song

"Fly" is a song by recording artist Nicki Minaj featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna. The track was produced by J.R. Rotem and co-produced by Kevin Hissink. The song is inspired by the emotion of soaring above and overcoming all stereo-types and negativity, only to have come out victorious. The song charted in multiple countries including Canada and the United Kingdom due to strong digital sales following the albums release.

The song garnered positive reviews from critics, most of which complimented the song on its inspirational feeling and a stand-out track of the album.

Background

The song was produced by J.R. Rotem, who has additionally worked with Britney Spears, Rick Ross and Leona Lewis. In an interview with MTV News, producer J.R. Rotem discussed the track, stating that it almost never made the cut for Pink Friday and was the last addition to the album after Minaj heard how inspirational it was. He stated, "Near the tail end of her project, I came into the studio and I had some tracks [for her]. That was one of the ones I was excited about. When I played it for her, she knew instantly: 'Yes, this is the record.' She connected with it immediately. I could just tell she was excited by it, which excited me." The demo version of the song featured a studio-vocalist that would have later been an uncredited vocalist on the track, however Minaj decided to ask Rihanna to do the track. Rotem reminisced on the moment, stating that he told Minaj "'That would be great, but getting Rihanna to do a hook for you is easier said than done.' I think that speaks to Nicki's star power. I said, 'Yeah, she's definitely first choice.'" "It took time because she was promoting her own album and traveling overseas. It happened, and I heard it when Nicki gave me the record and it really was one of those incredible things that was really a blessing. It manifested. She said she wanted it and it happened."

During a Pink Friday Diaries session, Minaj talked more in depth about the song. "FLY is one of my absolute faves. I wanted to work with Rihanna for a long time. I'm very proud of her accomplishments ; especially since she was born on an island like me :). This song is a female empowerment song. But then again, its not specific to just women. It speaks about flying, soaring high in the face of every single solitary adversity that comes your way. I speak about how the media has attempted to box me in and how that has made me feel suffocated. After years of being dragged thru the mud, I've mustered up the courage to re-define myself. I believe that I represent an entire generation. My fans have become my family ; and together we have become a movement. Get ready for it. We came to win."

Critical reception

The song garnered positive reviews from critics, most of which described the song as relaxing. Robbie Daw of Idolator gave the song a positive review stating, "And here on the J.R. Rotem-produced “Fly,” she’s wearing the coat of the down-and-out-but-hopeful fighter striving to overcome her adversaries. Consider this an 'I Believe I Can Fly' for the current generation. If there’s one thing Rihanna has proven, it’s that she’s the go-to chorus girl with a Midas touch. And if Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie” and T.I.’s “Live Your Life” are any indicators, Nicki stands the chance of having her first #1 on the Hot 100 with “Fly”—provided, of course, it gets an official single release." Margaret Wappler of Los Angeles Times complimented the songs collaboration stating, "Even though her roots are elsewhere, Minaj sounds better on the “Pink Friday” tracks that are more squarely in the club R&B vein, which she almost always spikes with enough rap to remind anyone that she isn’t another Beyonce or even Sasha Fierce, not by any stretch. “Fly” makes good work out of its Rihanna cameo — while the dark glamour bird soars, Minaj skitters around her with her vulnerable but choppy rhymes, equal parts tough woman and big softie." Scott Plagenhoef of Pitchfork Media complimented the song and how it made Pink Friday the record it is by stating, "but these tracks-- plus the Rihanna collaboration "Fly" and the solo ballad "Save Me"-- are the best examples of what Pink Friday is rather than what many of us wanted it to be." Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone commented on the genre of choice and the toned-down sexiness, "Minaj aims for a Rihanna-style crossover approach, singing R&B choruses over electro floss and toning down her nasty side." Marc Hogan of Spin complimented the songs inspirational tone and that other cuts from the album, including "Fly", "have her charismatically colorful, larger-than-life personality all over them."

Music video

A music video for the song is set to be shot and directed by Sanaa Hamri. "Fly" is the second music video to be shot in a string of music videos Minaj announced to be shot for promotion, along with "Save Me" and "Girls Fall Like Dominoes". Nicki Minaj and Rihanna both shared behind the scenes photos of the music video on twitter, were Rihanna sported straight red hair and Minaj wore a curly black wig and a barbed pink dress. In an interview with E! Online, Minaj spoke briefly about the concept stating, “We’re going to save the world in more ways than one with the video and that’s all I can say about that.”

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from Pink Friday liner notes.

• Vocals: Nicki Minaj, Rihanna
• Writing: O. Maraj, J. Rotem, K. Hissink, W. Jordan, C. Rishad
• Recording: Ariel Chobaz & Charles Moniz
  • Assisted by: Lyttleton "Cartwheel" Carter
• Mix engineer: Ariel Chobaz & J.R. Totem
  • Assisted by: Lyttleton "Cartwheel" Carter
• Instruments: J.R. Rotem, Kevin Hissink (guitar)
• Instrumental Arrangement: J.R. Rotem
• Producing: J.R. Rotem

Charts

Chart (2010)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	76
UK Singles Chart	182
Canadian Hot 100	87