"Never" is the debut solo single by American singer Keyshia Cole. Co-written by Cole and hip-hop rapper Eve, it was produced by Errol "E-Poppi" McCalla Jr. and Ron Fair. The uptempo track samples from the 1981 hit "Never Too Much" by the late R&B singer Luther Vandross and was first featured on the soundtrack to the sequel comedy film Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004), serving as a single. Reaching number 71 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it was later also included on Cole's debut album The Way It Is (2005).
Background "Never" was written by Cole along with hip-hop rapper Eve. Production on the track was overseen by Errol "E-Poppi" McCalla Jr. and Ron Fair. The uptempo track samples from the 1981 song "Never Too Much," as written and performed by the late R&B singer Luther Vandross. Due to the inclusion of the sample, Vandross is also credited as a songwriter. While Eve and Cole formed a friendship during the production of "Never," an incident caused a rift. An unfamiliar woman grabbed Eve's purse, and Cole slapped the woman. Angry at Cole for interfering with a job best left for security to handle, Eve ended their friendship.
Commercial performance "Never" was first featured on the soundtrack to Don D. Scott-wrote sequel comedy film Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) and later also included on Cole's debut album The Way It Is (2005). One out of three songs from the Barbershop 2: Back in Business soundtrack that were issued as a single, it was released as Cole's debut single in March 2004. "Never" managed to appear on US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number 71.
Track listings
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Way It Is.
Shannon Braxton – recording engineer Keyshia Cole – vocals, writer Ron Fair – producer Tal Hertzberg – recording engineer Eve Jeffers – vocals, writer Errol "E-Poppi" McCalla Jr. – producer Dave Pensado – mixing engineer Luther Vandross – writer (sample)
Charts +Chart performance for "Never" Chart (2004) Peak position
References