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For the German film, see Back Then (film).
"Back Then"
Single by Mike Jones
from the album Who Is Mike Jones?
ReleasedFebruary 15, 2005 (2005-02-15)
Recorded2004
GenreHip hop
Length4:05
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Mike Jones
  • Salih Williams
Producer(s)Salih Williams
Mike Jones singles chronology
"Still Tippin'"
(2004) 		"Back Then"
(2005) 		"Cutty Buddy'"
(2006)
Music video
"Back Then" on YouTube

"Back Then" is a song by American rapper Mike Jones, released in February 15, 2005 as the second single from his debut studio album Who Is Mike Jones?. Peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single gave him his first and only top 40 hit on that chart as a solo artist, as well as success on the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts at numbers 6 and 15 respectively. The music video was directed by Dr. Teeth was made for the single.

Song information

The song deals with the popularity and sexual attention rappers receive because of their money, contrasts, and the way Jones was treated before achieving success. The song is sometimes seen as a critique of effects of fame or hypergamy[1]; conversely, it is often considered to present a misogynistic or chauvinistic attitude toward women. The following line, which is repeated many times during the song, sums up the general attitude of the lyrics: "Back then hoes didn't want me / Now I'm hot hoes all on me." The song talks about Jones' life before fame, getting constant rejection from women he wanted to get attention from and giving them the same treatment now that he's a successful rapper.

The song is featured in the 2007 Xbox 360 video game Def Jam: Icon. Mike Jones is a playable character in the video game and provides his own voice and likeness.

Commercial performance

The single became Jones' most successful single to date, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single became a success on both the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts where it peaked at #6 and 15 respectively, while becoming a moderate hit on the Pop 100 chart where it peaked at number 45. The song was also a moderate success on the Hot Digital Songs chart, where it peaked at number 26 and eventually went Platinum, becoming Jones' second platinum single.

Music video

Directed by Dr. Teeth (who directed most of Mike Jones' videos),[2] the video looks at Mike Jones's life before he was famous, getting shut down by every woman he met and tried to get attention from, and how he reacts to those same women who passed him up only for them to be given the same treatment they gave to him. The video is bookended with a club concert that has fans saying his catchphrase, "Who? Mike Jones!" DJ Michael "5000" Watts makes a cameo appearance.

Track listing

UK 12"[3]
  1. "Back Then" (Radio Version) – 4:05
  2. "Back Then" (Instrumental) – 4:05
  3. "Back Then" (Album Version) – 4:04
US 12"[4]
  1. "Back Then" (Radio Version) – 4:05
  2. "Back Then" (Instrumental) – 4:05
  3. "Back Then" (Album Version) – 4:04

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[12] Platinum 1,000,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ French, Kenneth. "Geography of American rap: rap diffusion and rap centers." GeoJournal 82.2 (2017): 259-272.
  2. ^ "Dr. Teeth". mvdbase.com. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  3. ^ "Mike Jones - Back Then (Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  4. ^ "Mike Jones - Back Then (Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  5. ^ "Mike Jones Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  6. ^ "Mike Jones Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  7. ^ "Mike Jones Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  8. ^ "Who Is Mike Jones? - Mike Jones - Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  9. ^ "Mike Jones Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  10. ^ "Year-End Charts: The Hot 100." Billboard 2005 Year In Music. Billboard. 2005.
  11. ^ "Year-End Charts: R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - 2005". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  12. ^ "American single certifications – Mike Jones – Back Then". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
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