"Say You're Just a Friend" is a song by American singer-songwriter Austin Mahone from his debut extended play, Extended Play. The song was released for a digital download on December 3, 2012, and features vocals from American rapper Flo Rida.
Composition The song was written by Flo Rida, DJ Frank E, Nick Bailey, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur, Ryan Ogren, Ahmad Belvin and produced by DJ Frank E, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur. The song interpolates the chorus of the hit song "Just a Friend" by rapper Biz Markie, which itself interpolates (You) Got What I Need, written by Gamble and Huff and performed by soul singer Freddie Scott. Therefore, Gamble and Huff are credited as songwriters. Mahone spoke about collaborating with Flo Rida in an interview with Hellenic News.
A piano version of the song was released in February 2013. Mahone revealed why he released the piano rendition of the song, explaining "I knew my fans love the original version, but I saw a lot of comments saying that they couldn't really hear my voice, so I wanted to reassure them that I can sing the song. I thought it'd be cool to not only have the original version but also the piano version and change it up."
Music video A music video to accompany the release of "Say You're Just a Friend" premiered via MTV on February 7, 2013. It was later released on YouTube the following day via VEVO. The video was directed by Ray Kay and the girl starring as Mahone's love interest is model Kimberly Schanks.
A second music video was released online on February 27; this time it's the video of the piano version of the song.
Track listing
Credits and personnel Lead vocals – Austin Mahone, Flo Rida Lyrics – Austin Mahone, Gamble and Huff, Flo Rida, DJ Frank E, Nick Bailey, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur, Ryan Ogren, Ahmad Belvin Producers – DJ Frank E, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur Label: Chase, Universal Republic Records, Republic Records
Awards and nominations +Awards and nominations for "Say You're Just a Friend" Year Organization Award Result Ref(s) 2013 Radio Disney Music Awards Best Crush Song
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "Say You're Just a Friend" Chart (2013) Peakposition
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "Say You're Just a Friend" Chart (2013) Position Japan Radio Songs (Billboard Japan) 67
Certifications
Release history + Release dates for "Say You're Just a Friend" Region Date Format Label United States December 3, 2012 Belgium December 7, 2012 Digital download United States January 15, 2013 Mainstream airplay
References
External links Say You're Just a Friend Music Video on MTV