A.K.A. (album)
Untitled | |
---|---|
A.K.A. (an acronym for Also Known As)[1] is the upcoming eighth studio album by American entertainer Jennifer Lopez. It is scheduled to be released on June 13, 2014 by Capitol Records.
Background
Following the release of Lopez's single "Dance Again" in April 2012, she stated that she wasn't sure whether or not it was the lead single of a greatest hits album, or a new studio album. That May, she released the track "Goin' In" which was featured on the soundtrack for the film Step Up Revolution; she still was unsure. She said that she had to release a greatest hits album to fulfill her contractual agreement with Epic Records, her former label: "I owe a greatest hits [album] to the record company...or I can go ahead and start a new album. I just haven't decided yet."[2] Ultimately, she released her first greatest hits album Dance Again... the Hits on July 24, 2012.[3] The release coincided with Lopez's first headlining world tour, the Dance Again World Tour which would last until the end of 2012.[3] Lopez subsequently left her position as judge on the reality television competition American Idol to focus on her tour and film career; a platform which had rejuvenated her career the previous year after a relatively unsuccessful period.[4][5]
Recording
"I really love the process of making an album, this one in particular because it took me so long. I came off tour last year, probably in January, and I got right back into the studio and I started working on it and I just took my time with it for the first time. Usually I do an album in a few months, but this one’s taking me a year to really put together and little by little I’ve been letting little pieces of it out and now we’re ready to let it go."
—Lopez on the process of recording the album (March 2014)[6]
In November 2012, RedOne confirmed that he was the executive producer of the album.[7] He told MTV News: "We already have songs that are just incredible. It's just amazing. It's mixed [styles]. It's everything about Jennifer Lopez." He described the album as special, "It's not one thing; it's everything you experience [...] It's a very special album. It feels like this album, to us, has to have everything about her, not just one thing. You're going to have all the sides, kind of urban/hip-hop and the commercial, like the way she did with Ja Rule. It's everything you love about her [including] the dance, the rhythmic, the Latin."[7] That December, Lopez confirmed that she was about to begin recording her eight studio album after her Dance Again World Tour ended.[8] The following month, Lopez told USA Today that her primary focus was films, however, she was slowly putting together her album, stating: "I'm never not working on music".[9] During an interview with People, she revealed that she had written a song entitled "We Loved" about her break-up with husband Marc Anthony, that caused her to cry while recording.[10] Briefly commenting on the type of music she was recording for the album, Lopez stated "I'm doing everything that I think people expect of me."[11]
This album saw Lopez reunite with producer Cory Rooney, a long-time collaborator of hers who she hadn't worked with since 2007.[12] Other producers known to have worked with Lopez on the album are Da Internz and Max Martin.[6] In late February 2013, Lopez began working with American rapper Future, who was confirmed to be featured and have production credits on the album.[13][14] The next month, Lopez began working with Chris Brown,[15] who said he was writing "fun stuff" and "party music" for her.[16] Lopez commented that her collaboration with Brown would evoke the "flavor" of her signature hit "Jenny from the Block", and they would be "sonically time-traveling back to 2002 for this release".[17] Of working with Brown, Lopez said, "We talked for a little while about just life and stuff and then he would just jump into the booth and start writing."[6] In May 2013, RedOne revealed that the album was almost complete, and that it has "has at least four or five bangers, incredible hits" on it. He further revealed that: "We’re doing an album that has everything. She’s an incredible A&R herself, so she loves music, she knows what she wants, and I’m just helping her to do that album."[18]
By June 2013, Lopez stated that she had recorded up to 20 songs for the album.[19] In August, it was revealed that she worked with producer Steve Mostyn and Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler on material for the album.[20][21] Of working with Lopez, Furler stated "she can really SING!" and it was "super fun".[22] In September, Lopez was pictured working in the studio with singer Robin Thicke and rapper Big Sean.[23] Lopez has also recorded a duet with singer Maxwell, with whom she has wanted to work with for ten years.[24] In January 2014, she returned to the studio, working with French Montana and DJ Mustard.[25][26] During an interview with Vibe magazine, Lopez said that she originally asked Montana to feature on the song "Same Girl", but when she told Montana she was filming a video for another song called "I Luh Ya Papi" in the Bronx, he wanted to hear the song and subsequently recorded guest vocals for that song as well.[27] In the same interview, Lopez had stated that she wanted to work with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart again, after working with them both previously on Love?; she managed to finish recording one song with Stewart for the new album.[27] It was also confirmed that Australian artist Iggy Azalea features on one song on the album. Speaking about collaborating with Lopez, Azalea said "I definitely used to sit in my bedroom as a young girl and lip-sync Jennifer Lopez songs, so it's very cool to have a song with her on her album."[28][29] Later in January, Lopez stated that the album was being finalized,[30] and on April 28, the studio records were handed over for mastering, two days later than anticipated by the label.[31]
Music and lyrics
Speaking of album's sound and lyricism, Lopez stated, "It's gonna be a different sound, I think a lot has happened to me in the past year or two, I’ve changed a little bit, my ideas about love has changed...you grow", referring to her divorce from singer Marc Anthony, which inspired lyrics for the album.[32] However, she maintained that her topic is still love, "It's my motivation. It's what I think about. That's who I am at the essence."[33] Describing her approach for this album, Lopez stated that "there was just a lot that I had to say" and, "My goal was to just be as honest as I could. You know, I'd gone through a lot in my life right at that point when I went on tour. I'd been through a divorce. A lot of things had happened. I really felt like it was a turning point in my life."[34]
Musical genres being explored on the album according to Lopez are R&B/hip hop, dance, pop, Latin,[35] and funk.[19] She said, "My roots are hip-hop, my roots are R&B, my roots are pop, my roots are Latin" and "This album is right back to that for me."[36]
Singles
In January 2014, the songs "Same Girl" and "Girls" were released online as promotional singles.[37] A music video for "Same Girl" was shot guerrilla-style in the Castle Hill neighborhood of The Bronx, Lopez's hometown.[38] It was directed by Steve Gomillion and Dennis Leupold.[39] On March 5, 2014, Lopez premiered the track "I Luh Ya Papi" featuring French Montana as a single. Two additional versions of the song were made, featuring verses from Big Sean and Tyga. Lopez filmed the music video for "I Luh Ya Papi" in Miami, with Jessy Terrero serving as director. The second single was "First Love", released on May 1, 2014.[36]
Release
On January 1, 2013, Lopez announced on Twitter that her eighth studio album would be released sometime during the year, serving as the follow-up to her seventh studio album Love? (2011).[40] The album is slated for an early 2014 release.[41] In March 2014, Lopez stated that she had to turn in the album on March 17.[36] She said, "It feels like it’s my first album all over again, because it is the tenth album and it is a special one for me."[24]
Lopez revealed on April 29, 2014 that she was considering two titles for the album, Same Girl and AKA. Speaking of the titles, she said "I feel like I've been given so many monikers, and I do a lot of different things."[1] Speaking about the album's concept, she said "if you listen to my albums, they were always about love. I've always sung about love. It was always love in a certain way: A fairytale type of way; I was hoping, praying, and wishing for that."[31] The artwork sees Lopez staring into the camera, dressed in a red leather skirt.[42]
Promotion
Lopez performed "I Luh Ya Papi" live on the March 20, 2014 episode of American Idol, where she is a part of the judging panel. The performance opened with an a cappella introduction that featured Lopez singing with former contestants of the show, Jessica Sanchez, Allison Iraheta and Pia Toscano. French Montana joined Lopez on stage towards the end of the performance.[43] Lopez performed second single "First Love" live for the first time at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, where she also received the "Icon Award".[44] In support of the album, Lopez will embark on a six-date tour. She will be performing at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on May 30 and May 31, at the New York City Neighborhood Sessions at State Farm on June 4, and then two appearances on the The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on June 16, 2014 and Good Morning America on June 20, 2014.[45][46]
Tour dates
Date | City | Country | Venue | Opening act |
---|---|---|---|---|
North America[47][48][49][50] | ||||
May 30, 2014 | Mansfield | United States | Xfinity Center | Pia Toscano |
May 31, 2014 | ||||
June 4, 2014 | New York City | State Farm Neighborhood Sessions | ||
June 16, 2014 | Orlando | The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon | ||
June 20, 2014 | New York City | Good Morning America | ||
June 21, 2014 | Ledyard | Foxwoods Casino |
Track listing
Track listing, writing credits, and song lengths via Tower Records.[51]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "A.K.A." (featuring T.I.) |
| RoccStar[52] | 3:48 |
2. | "First Love" | 3:35 | ||
3. | "Never Satisfied" |
| 3:13 | |
4. | "I Luh Ya Papi" (featuring French Montana) |
| Detail[53] | 3:27 |
5. | "Acting Like That" (featuring Iggy Azalea) |
| RoccStar[52] | 3:17 |
6. | "Emotions" |
| 4:13 | |
7. | "So Good" | RoccStar[52] | 3:45 | |
8. | "Let It Be Me" |
| Samuels[34] | 3:46 |
9. | "Worry No More" (featuring Rick Ross) | Lopez | Detail[53] | 3:49 |
10. | "Booty" (featuring Pitbull) |
| Diplo[55] | 3:23 |
Total length: | 36:16 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
11. | "Tens" (featuring Jack Mizrahi) |
| 3:55 | |
12. | "Troubeaux" (featuring Nas) |
| Mostyn[56] | 4:05 |
13. | "Expertease (Ready Set Go)" |
| Mostyn[56] | 4:04 |
14. | "Same Girl" (featuring French Montana) |
|
| 4:06 |
Total length: | 52:26 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
15. | "Charades" |
| RoccStar[52] | 2:52 |
16. | "Girls" (featuring Tyga) |
| DJ Mustard | 4:39 |
Total length: | 60:06 |
Release history
Country | Date | Edition(s) | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Germany[57] | June 13, 2014 |
|
Universal |
United Kingdom[58] | June 16, 2014 | Standard | Capitol |
Canada[59] | June 17, 2014 |
|
Universal |
United States[60] | Capitol | ||
Japan[61] | June 18, 2014 | Standard | Universal |
Australia[62] | June 20, 2014 |
|
References
- ^ a b "J.Lo Talks Potential Album Titles & 'Big Booty' on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'". Rap-Up.com. April 29, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Celani, Andrew (May 28, 2012). "Jennifer Lopez Talks About Her New Single "Goin' In"". 925maxima. CBS. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ a b Corner, Lewis (June 20, 2012). "Jennifer Lopez to release 'Dance Again: The Hits' next month?". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ Bullock, Monica (July 16, 2012). "Jennifer Lopez leaves American Idol behind". Yahoo!. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason (July 27, 2012). "Jennifer Lopez And Her 'American Idol' Rejuvenation: An Appreciation". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Exclusive: Jennifer Lopez Talks Chris Brown, Maxwell Duet & Christmas Album". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
- ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (November 2, 2012). "J.Lo, Jennifer Hudson Enlist RedOne For New Music". MTV News. Viacom International, Inc. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ Executive producer: John Choueifate (December 7, 2012). Today Tonight. Season 16. Seven Network.
{{cite episode}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|episodelink=
and|serieslink=
(help) - ^ Freydkin, Donna (January 22, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez: 'My whole world fell apart'". USA Today. Gannett Company. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ Ogier, Tim (January 18, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez to Release 3D Concert Movie, Says She Cried While Recording Song About Divorce". ABC News Radio. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ Joszor, Njai (April 30, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez Talks 'American Idol' Rumors and New Album". Singersroom. MLE Group Company. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ Hutch, Eleanore (March 21, 2013). "Chris Brown & Jennifer Lopez Making Hot Music In Studio". HollywoodLife. PMC. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez And Future Get Busy In The Studio". RapFix. Viacom International Inc. February 27, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
- ^ "Future Hits the Studio with Jennifer Lopez". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Williott, Carl (March 21, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez & Chris Brown Hit The Studio (Maybe "Hit" Isn't The Right Word?)". Idolator. Buzzmedia. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ Marquina, Sierra (March 26, 2013). "Chris Brown Is "Eternally Grateful" Rihanna Forgave Him". Ryanseacrest.com. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 29, 2013). "Chris Brown Taking Jennifer Lopez Back To The Block For Her Next Album". MTV News. Viacom Media Networks. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ "Rap-Up TV: RedOne talks Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Hudson". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. May 27, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ a b Gorman, Jordon (June 10, 2013). "Jordan Radio Show Interview — Jennifer Lopez" (Audio File). WKSC-FM. Clear Channel Communications. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ "Lopez working on music with Sia". The Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. August 9, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
- ^ Lansky, Sam (August 7, 2013). "Now Jennifer Lopez Is In The Studio With Sia, Too". Idolator. SpinMedia. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ Corner, Lewis (August 9, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez records with Sia: "She can really sing"". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ Ross, Raquelle (September 16, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez in the studio with Robin Thicke and Big Sean". The AMAs. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
- ^ a b "Jennifer Lopez Talks New Album, 'Idol' & Her Big New Collabos". Hot937. March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez and French Montana Hit the Studio". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. January 20, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
- ^ "New Music: Jennifer Lopez & DJ Mustard – 'Girls'". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
- ^ a b "Interview: JLo On Her New Album, Working With Rappers Again, And Her Favorite Thing To Eat In NYC". Vibe. March 26, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ "Iggy Azalea confirms J-Lo collaboration – RTÉ Ten". Rte.ie. May 10, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- ^ Wass, Mike (May 6, 2014). "Iggy Azalea Will Feature On Jennifer Lopez's 'A.K.A.'". Idolator. Spin. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ Marquina, Sierra (January 15, 2014). "Jennifer Lopez Says 'Same Girl' Is About Getting Back To Your Roots". Ryanseacrest.com. Ryan Seacrest Productions. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ a b "Jennifer Lopez Previews New Album in Malibu: First Listen". Billboard. April 25, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez Talks Upcoming Album, Working With Mary J. Blige, Taking Risk, More". Singersroom News. MLE Group Company. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez: divorce from Marc Anthony inspired album". Hello. March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Iasimone, Ashley (March 21, 2014). "Jennifer Lopez Interview: Star Opens Up About a 'Turning Point' in Her Life". PopCrush. PopCrush Network. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ "She's still 'real'". Bangkok Post. Post Publishing Public Co. Ltd. July 9, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
- ^ a b c "New Music: Jennifer Lopez f/ French Montana — 'I Luh Ya Papi'". Rap-Up. SpinMedia. March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (March 6, 2014). "Jennifer Lopez premieres new single 'I Luh Ya Papi' – listen". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ "Jennifer Lopez Goes Back to the Block in 'Same Girl' Video". Rap-Up. December 30, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez films music video for new single 'Same Girl'". Digital Spy. December 29, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (January 4, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez confirms new album for 2013: 'The year is mine'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
- ^ Lee, Christina (June 1, 2013). "Jennifer Lopez's Next Album Out In November". Idolator. SpinMedia. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez Shares Flirty Artwork, Title for New Album". Billboard. June 1, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Maharana, Kabita (March 21, 2014). "American Idol Season 13 Result Show: Jennifer Lopez Performs 'I Luh Ya Papi' [Video]". International Business Times. IBT Media Inc. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez Icon Award at Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-pia-toscano-707824
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6106204/pia-toscano-joining-jennifer-lopez-on-tour
- ^ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-pia-toscano-707824
- ^ http://www.idolator.com/7520242/jennifer-lopez-pia-toscano-tour
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6106204/pia-toscano-joining-jennifer-lopez-on-tour
- ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jennifer-lopez-returns-to-the-bronx-for-state-farm-neighborhood-sessions-259226461.html
- ^ http://tower.jp/item/3582853/A-K-A-
- ^ a b c d http://instagram.com/p/oWzVLShQSN
- ^ a b c "Exclusive: Jennifer Lopez Talks Chris Brown, Maxwell Duet, & Christmas Album". Rap-Up.com. March 25, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez releases lyric video for new single "First Love"". hamadamania.com. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
- ^ "Jennifer Lopez Previews New Album in Malibu: First Listen". Billboard. April 25, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ a b http://instagram.com/p/oVXeMumTiS
- ^ A.K.A. Germany release:
- "A.K.A." (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
- "A.K.A. (Deluxe)" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
- ^ "A.K.A." Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
- ^ A.K.A. Canada release:
- "A.K.A." Amazon.ca. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
- "A.K.A. (Deluxe)". Amazon.ca. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
- ^ A.K.A. United States release:
- "A.K.A." Amazon.com. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- "A.K.A. (Deluxe)". Amazon.com. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- ^ "A.K.A." Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- ^ A.K.A. Australia release:
- "A.K.A." Sanity.com.au. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
- "A.K.A. (Deluxe Edition)". Sanity.com.au. Retrieved June 3, 2014.