"Not Tonight" is a song performed by the American rapper Lil' Kim featuring Jermaine Dupri for her debut studio album Hard Core (1996). A remix was released the following year featuring female rappers Da Brat, Missy "Misdeameanor" Elliott, Angie Martinez, and the late rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes for the Nothing to Lose soundtrack. It was released on June 24, 1997, by Atlantic Records.
The remix became a hit in the U.S., peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Rap Songs chart, and was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards. Internationally, "Not Tonight" peaked at number four in New Zealand and entered the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 11.
Background The original version of "Not Tonight" was featured on Lil' Kim's first album Hard Core. It was produced by Jermaine Dupri, who was also featured on the song. This version samples "Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson. The song is about Lil' Kim feeling blasé about traditional vaginal intercourse and preferring a man perform cunnilingus on her, presumably at least for that evening.
The remix, known as "Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)", was released as a single and was performed by Lil' Kim, Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes". It was featured on the Nothing to Lose soundtrack. This version samples "Ladies' Night" by Kool & the Gang. The remix became a top 40 hit in the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands. It was produced by Rashad "Ringo" Smith.
Music video The video (which uses the remix version) was shot in West Palm Beach, Florida, from June 27 to 28, 1997. The video starts showing the girls on a boat and eventually in a jungle setting. The music video shows clips from the movie Nothing to Lose. It also features guest appearances from other female celebrities including Mary J. Blige, T-Boz, Queen Latifah, SWV, Xscape, Blaque, Changing Faces, Total, Leslie Segar and Maia Campbell.
Formats and track listings U.S. CD/cassette single "Not Tonight" (Remix) "Not Tonight" (Instrumental)
U.S. maxi-single "Not Tonight" (Remix) "Crush On You" (Remix) "Drugs" "Not Tonight" "Crush On You" "Not Tonight" (Remix instrumental) "Drugs" (Instrumental) "Not Tonight" (Original instrumental)
U.S. 12" vinyl "Not Tonight" (Remix) "Not Tonight" (Instrumental remix) "Drugs" "Crush on You" (Remix) "Crush on You" (Remix instrumental) "Drugs" (Instrumental)
Europe CD single "Not Tonight" (Remix) "Not Tonight" (Remix Instrumental) "Drugs" (Album Version) "Drugs" (Instrumental)
UK cassette single "Not Tonight" (Remix) "Drugs" (Album Version)
Credits and personnel Credits from "Not Tonight" are taken from the single's liner notes.
Recording Recorded at Sound-On-Sound, The Hit Factory & Capitol Recording Studio Recorded by Ed Raso, Andy Cardenas & Bill Smith
Personnel Vocals – Lil' Kim, Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Songwriting – K. Jones, M. Elliott, L. Lopes, S. Harris, A. Martinez, R. Bell, G. Brown, M. Muhammed, C. Smith, J. Taylor, D. Thomas, E. Toon Producer – Armando Colon, Rashad Smith Mixing – Rick Travali and L. Lopes
Charts Weekly charts Charts (1997)PeakpositionCanada (Nielsen SoundScan)10Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)76Netherlands (Single Top 100)31New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)4Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)52
Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionNew Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)27UK Urban (Music Week)25US Billboard Hot 10046US Billboard Hot R&B Singles Sales21US Billboard Hot R&B Airplay31US Billboard Hot Rap Singles8US Billboard Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales11
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References