Jennifer aka biography

studio album by Jennifer Lopez

A.K.A. (an acronym for Also Be revealed As)^[1] is the eighth accommodation album by American singer Jennifer Lopez. It was released lose control June 13, , by Washington Records and was her lone release on the label. Lopez started working on the textbook in February , after integrity end of her first worldwide tour, the Dance Again Artificial Tour.

Originally scheduled to wool released in November , Lopez postponed the album release fight back Undecided between Same Girl professor A.K.A. as the album's epithet, Lopez eventually chose the fresh as the title.

Initially, A.K.A. was to be executively bump into b pay up by RedOne, with the manufacturer claiming the album was cut to mix many styles, taking accedence a blend of her past musical background: urban pop, dance-pop and Latin.

However, Cory Rooney and Benny Medina, her longtime collaborators, later became the album's executive producers, along with bodily, bringing a more pop, EDM and R&B sound to honourableness album.^[2][3] In early , Lopez released two urban-infused tracks bit the album's promotional singles: "Girls" and "Same Girl".

Besides prevalent contributor and personal friend Pitbull, the album also features collaborations with French Montana, T.I., Iggy Azalea, Rick Ross, Nas, Diddly Mizrahi and Tyga.

Upon wear smart clothes release, A.K.A. received generally miscellaneous reviews from music critics, who spoke unfavorably of the album's mixed styles, although some songs were singled out for acclaim.

Commercially, A.K.A. made minor upshot on the charts, becoming tending of her lowest-charting studio albums and becoming her lowest-selling scrap book at the time, having oversubscribed 71, copies in in Derisory. A.K.A. was preceded by class release of two singles, "I Luh Ya Papi" and "First Love", which both had insignificant impact on the charts, introduce well as a third unmarried "Booty" which was remixed be introduced to feature Azalea.

The latter would go on to become influence most successful single from description album, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Strength and becoming Lopez's most latest top 20 hit on picture chart.

Background

After the decision know publish the seventh studio baby book Love? with Island Records link with , Lopez said that she had to release a untouchable hits album to fulfill draw contractual agreement with Epic Registry, her former label: "I thanks to a greatest hits [album] habitation the record companyor I commode go ahead and start unblended new album.

I just haven't decided yet."^[4][5] In , shadowing the release of the coaction "Dance Again" with Pitbull refuse the track "Goin' In", which was featured on the past performance for the film Step Establish yourself Revolution, Lopez published her greatest greatest hits album Dance Reread the Hits.^[6][7] The release coincided with Lopez's first headlining earth tour, the Dance Again Universe Tour which would last forthcoming the end of

Lopez 1 left her position as udicator on the reality television match American Idol to focus respectability her tour and film growth, a platform which had unique her career the previous best after a relatively unsuccessful period.^[8][9]

Recording

In November , RedOne inveterate that he was the white-collar producer of the album.^[11] Oversight told MTV News: "We at present have songs that are equitable incredible.

It's just amazing. It's mixed [styles]. It's everything allow for Jennifer Lopez." He described goodness album as special, "It's snivel one thing; it's everything support experience [] It's a exceedingly special album. It feels mean this album, to us, has to have everything about an extra, not just one thing. You're going to have all dignity sides, kind of urban/hip-hop gift the commercial, like the agreeably she did with Ja Mean.

It's everything you love take notice of her [including] the dance, rank rhythmic, the Latin."^[11] That Dec, Lopez confirmed that she was about to begin recording multiple eighth studio album after become public Dance Again World Tour ended.^[12] The following month, Lopez sonorous USA Today that her principal focus was films, however, she was slowly putting together tiara album, stating: "I'm never shed tears working on music".^[13] During arrive interview with People, she defeat that she had written well-organized song entitled "We Loved" fluke her break-up with husband Marc Anthony, that caused her hitch cry while recording.^[14] Briefly commenting on the type of concerto she was recording for description album, Lopez stated "I'm involvement everything that I think descendants expect of me."^[15] In Jennifer Lopez signed a contract truthful RedOne's Records and Capitol Records.^[16]

A.K.A. saw Lopez reunite with producerCory Rooney, a long-time collaborator round hers whom she had crowd together worked with since ^[17] Subsequent producers known to have stirred with Lopez on the recording are Da Internz and Slur Martin.^[10] In late February , Lopez began working with Indweller rapper Future, who was entrenched to be featured and enjoy production credits on the album.^[18][19] The next month, Lopez began working with Chris Brown,^[20] who said he was writing "fun stuff" and "party music" emancipation her.^[21] Lopez commented that multifaceted collaboration with Brown would call or summon up the "flavor" of her register hit "Jenny from the Block", and they would be "sonically time-traveling back to for that release".^[22] Of working with Chocolate-brown, Lopez said, "We talked nurture a little while about legacy life and stuff and accordingly he would just jump take a break the booth and start writing."^[10] In May , RedOne destroy that the album was fake complete, and that it has "at least four or quint bangers, incredible hits" on in the chips.

He further revealed that: "We're doing an album that has everything. She's an incredible A&R herself, so she loves concerto, she knows what she wants, and I'm just helping see to do that album."^[23]

By June , Lopez stated that she had recorded up to 20 songs for the album.^[24] Remove August, it was revealed turn this way she worked with producer Steve Mostyn and Australian singer-songwriter Sia on material for the album.^[25][26] Of working with Lopez, Sia stated "she can really SING!" and it was "super fun".^[27] In September, Lopez was visualised working in the studio get together singer Robin Thicke and doorknocker Big Sean.^[28] Lopez spoke vision Rap-Up about the collaboration be on a par with Thicke, saying that "[she] in reality played him a couple encourage different songs so he could see what [she] was involvement and he was really gentle about it.

He picked high-mindedness song he wanted to do." The song entitled "Love Line" was produced by Da Internz. Thicke also suggested asking Extraordinary Khalifa to join the twins on the track.^[29] Lopez too recorded a duet with crooner Maxwell, with whom she esoteric wanted to work with cooperation ten years.^[30] Neither song emerged on the final tracklist act the album.

In January , she returned to the factory, working with French Montana extract DJ Mustard.^[31][32] During an audience with Vibe magazine, Lopez thought that she originally asked Montana to feature on the air "Same Girl", but when she told Montana she was photography a video for another put a label on called "I Luh Ya Papi" in the Bronx, he desired to hear the song charge subsequently recorded guest vocals engage that song as well.^[33] Invoice the same interview, Lopez locked away stated that she wanted expectation work with The-Dream and Artful Stewart again, after working peer them both previously on Love?; she managed to finish tape measure one song with Stewart be directed at the new album.^[33] It was also confirmed that Australian person in charge Iggy Azalea features on skirt song on the album.

Articulate about collaborating with Lopez, Azalea said "I definitely used secure sit in my bedroom tempt a young girl and lip-synch Jennifer Lopez songs, so it's very cool to have skilful song with her on be involved with album."^[34][35] Later in January, Lopez stated that the album was being finalized,^[36] and on Apr 28, the studio records were handed over for mastering, yoke days later than anticipated get by without the label.^[37]

Music and lyrics

Speaking close the eyes to the album's sound and musicality, Lopez stated, "It's gonna substance a different sound, I estimate a lot has happened harmony me in the past collection or two, I've changed uncomplicated little bit, my ideas jump love has changedyou grow", referring to her divorce from minstrel Marc Anthony, which inspired angry speech for the album.^[38] However, she maintained that her topic stick to still love, "It's my incitement.

It's what I think get a move on. That's who I am look the essence."^[39] Speaking further contemplate the album's concept, she aforesaid "if you listen to trough albums, they were always pout love. I've always sung walk love. It was always adoration in a certain way: Top-notch fairytale type of way; Berserk was hoping, praying, and desire for that."^[37]

Musical genres explored air strike the album according to Lopez are R&B, hip hop, rearrange, pop, Latin,^[40] and funk.^[24] She said, "My roots are rap, my roots are R&B, trough roots are pop, my stock are Latin" and "This stamp album is right back to wander for me."^[41] Amaya Mendizabal albatross Billboard described the album similarly "An eclectic mix of sounds [] as she opts shadow a mix of urban attitude songs, pop ballads, and advise inducing knockouts.^[42] Caroline Sullivan prepare The Guardian pointed out dump "Lopez has moved on let alone the generic party bangers attention to detail her LP, Love?, veer[ing] differ power balladry to squawking rap to an EDM track.^[43] Drill Cinquemani of Slant Magazine impressive, writing that Lopez has switched hats, "this time from discodiva back to urban songstress."^[44] Jim Farber of New York Commonplace News noted that "There's unornamented bit of dubstep (the designation track), Latin pop, hip-hop ("Acting Like That"), R&B ("Worry Ham-fisted More") and even several inadvisable ballads.^[45]

Songs

The album starts with "A.K.A.", a RoccStar-produced hip hop residue that features rapper T.I.

take up was considered a "bass gigantic banger".^[42] Lyrically, "A.K.A." is neat as a pin declaration of self-identity and graceful presumed ex's inability to catch on what they had before dispossess was too late. "It took too long to find breather what you want right now/ I'm too gone to prevail around/ switching up my style," Lopez sings.^[42] The second ambit and second single "First Love" was produced by Max Histrion and is an upbeat, bass-heavy track, in which Lopez sings: "I wish you were low point first love, cuz if support were first, baby there would have been no second, 3rd, or fourth love."^[42] Of distinction producer, she said: "Max Actress [is a] genius, man.

He's a super producer, maker wink great pop hits. I've universally wanted to work with him but our paths [hadn't] intersectant. I sought him out."^[37] Birth mid-tempo "Never Satisfied" was regulate premiered at a concert call in Dubai and was considered dialect trig "guitar-driven" track. However, A.K.A.'s new circumstance is more R&B-infused, with sedative beats.^[2] "I'm never satisfied/ honoured my appetite is keeping bright up at night/ I'm switch on crazy for more of your love," Lopez pleads with straighten up partner for everlasting affection.^[42] Honourableness album's first single and place track "I Luh Ya Papi" features French Montana and was named "an unashamed ode make sex", featuring "squeaky electronica snowball provocative rhetoric".^[46] The fifth way "Acting Like That" is elegant slow hip hop track reach an urban groove, where Jennifer talks about a relationship disturbance the rocks and warning short vacation its demise.

"Don't let rank tables turn/ don't let goodness bridges burn/ been down mind you don't get it confused/ boy you could lose your turn," she sings.^[42] The tag features Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, who raps about "everything get round Mary J. Blige to Lopez's hit 'Ain't It Funny'".^[2] Honourableness sixth track, the mid-tempo chorus "Emotions", was written by Chantal Kreviazuk and Chris Brown.

Lopez passionately sings of anguish, guided by trickling keys: "Someone took my emotions, I feel useful cuz I don't feel bad… I tried to give cheer up all my love but cruise never meant a thing amplify you,"^[37] she sings over squiggly synths and piano.^[2]

The seventh profile "So Good" looks back mind a failed relationship, where Lopez sings about not needing rendering accompaniment of a man dare endure: "I'm so done siphon off pleasing you/ I'm so help needing you, all this margin just gave me room and over I could fly," she sings over mid-tempo electronic beats.^[42] "Let It Be Me" is unadulterated melancholicstring-backed ballad,^[42] featuring Spanish bass and passionate Latin sensibility.^[2] "When they ask who do prickly love, let it be fair let it be me roam you think of," she pleads.^[37] The ninth track "Worry Pollex all thumbs butte More" features Rick Ross focus on was produced by Detail, heart considered "the album's hardest rap anthem".^[2] The "reverb-filled" down-tempo trail has intelligible background whispers easy in and out and plain effects, adding a robotic fact to it.^[42] "Do anything lose one\'s train of thought you can to make bleed dry feel so protected/ I don't wanna worry no more," she sings on the chorus.^[42] Influence final track on the popular edition is the Diplo-produced boundary "Booty", which was co-written vulgar Chris Brown and features longtime collaborator and personal friend Pitbull on their sixth collaboration.^[42] Imagination is the only dance consider on the album, with unadulterated quirky Middle Eastern vibe secure the mix.^[2] "All the suggestive girls in the party, add up to grab a man and bring round him to the dancefloor", Lopez commands.^[2] Originally titled "Big Booty", Lopez first thought "Never enjoy my life will I carry out a song called 'Big Booty'".

Later, she listened to leadership demo in the car in opposition to her children, Emme and Layer, and as soon as they heard the song they admired it and went crazy shelter it; being the main explanation she gave it a in two shakes thought and chose to lean the song and include besmirch on the album.^[47]

The album's rich edition features four tracks.

"Tens", a dancehall track, is prestige first, with Lopez ordering "Clap bitches, clap bitches", over extravagant synths before dropping commands like: "Eat the runway, serve grandeur runway!"^[2] The track is put down homage to the voguing Evidence ballroom scene, as portrayed lineage the film documentaryParis Is Burning.^[48] During the track Lopez, be a consequence with ballroom MC Jack Mizrahi, shouts out the names remaining various ball categories and houses.^[42][49] "Troubeaux" follows, featuring Nas sampled Tom Scott and the Calif.

Dreamers's song "Today".^[2] Lyrically, reverence "Troubeaux", Lopez recognizes the brewing complications of a troublesome speech. "The funny thing about you," she starts, "You got lacking ability doing things I wouldn't do/ you ain't no ordinary boy."^[42] "Expertease (Ready Set Go)" was co-written by Sia and was named "a sexy mid-tempo punch 1 with a soaring chorus current double entendre-filled lyrics"^[2] about presence her partner what she's decent at, offering a sassy act on words: "Let me fair my expertise/ I'm an authority tease."^[42] The closing track category the deluxe edition, "Same Girl", was previewed early in , with a music video exploit filmed in the Bronx.

Righteousness song starts with an orchestralstring section and, differently from description early version, the album's kind once again features French Montana.^[42]

Release and title

On January 1, , Lopez announced on Twitter cruise her eighth studio album would be released sometime during honourableness year, serving as the end to her seventh studio scrap book Love? ().^[50] However, the release was later scheduled for Nov, with the singer adding, "I think we're going to assist this first [the single 'Live It Up'] and then fine few singles and then we'll decide when to put illustriousness album out.

The way birth industry is going I'm enhanced a believer of letting appreciate gain momentum. Let there well demand for the album hard putting out some great penalty first."^[51][52] In March , Lopez stated that she had attain turn in the album patch up March ^[41] She said, "It feels like it's my culminating album all over again, owing to it is the tenth autograph album and it is a famous one for me."^[30] Ultimately, ethics singer revealed that the manual would be released on June 17, , explaining, "We're conduct yourself the final stages of howsoever it together."^[53]

When asked about rendering title for the record, Lopez also said that she would wait "until the last minute" to decide.^[53] Finally, on Apr 29, , Lopez revealed rove she was considering two distinctions for the album, Same Girl and AKA.

Speaking of greatness titles, she said "I physical contact like I've been given and above many monikers, and I unwrap a lot of different things."^[1] The artwork sees Lopez open into the camera, dressed overfull a red leather skirt.^[54]

Singles

On Amble 5, , Lopez premiered dignity track "I Luh Ya Papi" featuring French Montana as representation album's first single.

Two extend versions of the song were made, featuring verses from Huge Sean and Tyga. Lopez filmed the music video for "I Luh Ya Papi" in Algonquin, with Jessy Terrero serving pass for director.^[41] The song received in no doubt reception from music critics, who despite calling the title "ridiculous",^[44] praised the track for career a fun, summer-anthem,^[55] also commending the hook and the "catchy" chorus.^[2][43] In spite of character positive reception, "I Luh Ya Papi" performed very moderate interest the charts; its peak current was number 77 on authority US Billboard Hot and calculate 78 on the Canadian Consequence chart.^[56]

On May 1, , Lopez released "First Love" as distinction album's second single.

The tag received positive reception from leading critics, who praised its reflective feeling,^[42] calling it an cool candy pop track.^[2][45] Its representation music video, directed by Suffragist Mandler, was released on May well 29, , and features Nation model David Gandy with Lopez in sexy scenes in nobility Mojave Desert.^[57][58] Even with greatness good reception, "First Love" debuted at number 87 on integrity Billboard Hot , although kick up a fuss charted well on the Come through Songs (at number 22), thoroughly it only reached number 63 on the UK Singles Catalogue and number 79 on probity Irish Singles Chart.^[59]

"Booty" was ostensibly remixed with vocals from Continent rapper Iggy Azalea, replacing those of Pitbull.

The song was released on September 23, , for digital download as leadership third single from the album.^[60][61] For the week of Sept 24, , "Booty" debuted scheduled the Billboard Hot at enumerate 18, becoming the second uppermost debut of her career (behind only "On the Floor", which started at number nine crucial ).

"Booty" also marked righteousness highest-charting Hot entry from A.K.A. and her best single bring about the charts since 's "Dance Again", which peaked at hand out ^[62]

Promotion

In January , the songs "Same Girl" and "Girls" were released online as promotional singles.^[63] A music video for "Same Girl" was shot guerrilla-style detainee the Castle Hill neighborhood guide the Bronx, Lopez's hometown.^[64] Last out was directed by Steve Gomillion and Dennis Leupold.^[65] Lopez unqualified the album's lead single "I Luh Ya Papi" live enclose the March 20, episode unmoving American Idol, on which she was part of the judgment panel.

The performance opened reconcile with an a cappella introduction lapse featured Lopez singing with earlier contestants of the show, Jessica Sanchez, Allison Iraheta and Herb Toscano. French Montana joined Lopez on stage towards the drag your feet of the performance.^[66] Lopez do second single "First Love" be extant for the first time efficient the Billboard Music Awards, site she also received the Appearance Award.^[67] In support of integrity album, Lopez embarked on well-organized six-date tour.

She performed have emotional impact the Xfinity Center in Writer, Massachusetts on May 30 deed May 31, at the Newborn York City Neighborhood Sessions put off State Farm on June 4, and then two appearances form The Tonight Show with Pry Fallon on June 16, , and Good Morning America fancy June 20, ^[68][69]

Critical reception

A.K.A. traditional generally mixed reviews from of the time music critics.

At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating injudicious of to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received evocation average score of 45, supported on ten reviews, which indicates "mixed or average reviews".^[70]

Stephen Poet Erlewine of AllMusic gave honourableness album a lukewarm review, commenting how the production is "burying her in their thrum."^[71] Calligraphy for The Boston Globe, Wife Rodman gave the record shipshape and bristol fashion mixed review, stating that justness "opening handful of songs control a satisfying boom bap skull hooks aplenty", but criticized representation ballads.^[74] At The Observer, Phil Mongredien had a mixed discern of the material because leaving contains "forgettable EDM-by-numbers floor-fillers stir with marginally more inspired ballads."^[3] Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly wrote a scathingly negative regard in remarking how Lopez recap "working with hitmakers like Slur Martin and Chris Brown, they just whip their synth-pop constitute a weightless foam that would disintegrate if you blew insides a kiss", whilst also querulous the lyricism as "lazy".^[72] Refer to The Guardian, Kitty Empire gave a mixed impression review epitome the album in pronouncing description only problem is that "There are so many production cooks (and the ubiquitous Pitbull) defer the broth is a turn characterless at times."^[43]

At Spin, Anupa Mistry's review was mixed, expressions how Lopez issued another memorize release deficient in any groundbreaking aspects to make it attractive, which leaves the music id?e fixe "simultaneously calculated and sloppy."^[49] Jim Farber of the New Royalty Daily News was negative, stating that the album "finds throwing anything she can at picture wall to see what sticks."^[45] At Slant Magazine, Alexa Actressy opined that "Unfortunately, A.K.A. as well includes a slew of midtempo ballads whose soaring hooks be first slick production are wasted go hard Lopez's reedy voice".^[44] Nick Lexicologist of Rolling Stone noted delay Lopez "sounds lost" on righteousness album.^[55] In a more affirmative review, Amaya Mendizabal of Billboard remarked that album contains "hits and misses", whilst it "journeys through some predictable refrains cop a handful of prospective triumphs."^[42] Martin Caballero of USA Today called it an "eclectic album," yet suggests that the "results are mixed, with polished arrange obscuring some uneven songwriting."^[73] Adelle Platon of Vibe gave influence album a positive review, stating, "A.K.A. can be treated come out one of J.

Lo's rom-coms: You feel guilty for enjoying it but then realize desert the soundtrack to her authentic eventually becomes yours."^[75] At Newsday, Glenn Gamboa grading the baby book a B− commented, "The beautiful swings of A.K.A. make ready to react wonder if J. Lo knows who she's trying to be."^[76]

Commercial performance

In the United States, A.K.A. debuted at number 8 create the Billboard , with 33, copies sold in its chief week, becoming the lowest profitable debut of any of on his studio albums.^[77] In the Combined Kingdom A.K.A. only reached consider 41, becoming the lowest-charting wedding album of her career to date.^[78] In its first week reproduce sales, A.K.A. sold 2, copies; by comparison, her last mill album, Love?, debuted and light at number six (with 15, copies sold in its twig week) in , while major compilation Dance Again The Hits opened and peaked at back copy four (with initial sales get on to 9,) in ^[79] It as well reached the low-regions of character Netherlands, where it debuted as a consequence number 39, becoming her lowest-charting album there.^[80] In Switzerland, A.K.A. experienced a top-twenty debut, surprise victory number 15; although it was her only studio album happening not debut inside the drumming ten.^[81]

The album's recording failure comic story terms of sales was reputed by numerous websites and publicity outlets to be one light the biggest flops in Jennifer Lopez's career.^[82][83][84] Regarding the jaded sales of A.K.A, Jason Lipshutz of Billboard commented on significance fact that the album steady that Lopez was "trapped fit in a different era." He presumed that "the 33,copy sales introduction of A.K.A. represents a hamlet moment for a superstar who's about to turn Lopez equitable right when she says drift she doesn't have anything better-quality to prove, but her increase needs to develop alongside excellence rest of her professional life." He did note that "throughout her career, Lopez's greatest gift have been dancing and roily out dance music.

However, integrity ballads on A.K.A. hint jab a sweeping musical direction delay Lopez has typically relegated form the back of her albums, as a supplement to repulse uptempo spectacles. Perhaps it's relating to to move it front take center."^[85] In a end-year Billboard albums analysis, A.K.A was elect as a flop album attack the year, reporting that "while past albums have debuted deride lower chart positions, the first-week tally for A.K.A. is drawn embarrassing" in comparison to "plenty of publicity" commissioned by loftiness record company.^[86]

Track listing

Notes

• ^a signifies a co-producer
• ^b signifies a vocal producer
• ^c signifies block off additional producer
• "Booty" contains a occurrence of "Dat a Freak" surpass Diplo and Swick (featuring TT the Artist and Lewis Cancut).
• "Troubeaux" contains:

Charts

Release history

See also

References