Need Me (J.I the Prince of N.Y song)
| "Need Me" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by J.I the Prince of N.Y | ||||
| from the album Hood Life Krisis, Vol. 1 | ||||
| Released | August 26, 2019 | |||
| Recorded | August 2019 | |||
| Length | 2:31 | |||
| Label | G*Starr | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| J.I the Prince of N.Y singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Need Me" on YouTube | ||||
"Need Me" is a song by American rapper J.I the Prince of N.Y, released on August 26, 2019 as the second single from his debut mixtape Hood Life Krisis, Vol. 1 (2019). It went viral upon release, becoming his breakout hit. The song was contains a sample of "Best of Me, Part 2" by Mýa featuring Jay-Z.
Background
J.I. worked on the song in August 2019. In an interview with Genius, he stated that he had a sample of "Best of Me, Part 2" and played it for his producer DocOnDaBeat in the studio. Doc pulled out a piano and started coming up with a melody. At J.I's request, the drums were changed and reggae elements were added to the song to reflect the feel of summertime. J.I did not record as they composed the beat because he wanted to write to it at home, but two weeks later he returned to the studio and freestyled it anyway.[1]
In an interview with DJBooth, J.I revealed that he did not like the song when he made it, thinking it was "wack", and was surprised that it became successful.[2]
Composition
"Need Me" is a melodic song[2] that incorporates reggae and dancehall influences. The mood contrasts the upbeat instrumental as J.I details his pain and sorrow.[3] J.I also interpolates "Turn Me On" by Kevin Lyttle in the bridge.[4][5]
Critical reception
DJBooth gave a positive review, writing "As much as music writers love the phrase 'earworm,' there are few other words to describe J.I.'s 'Need Me.' His raps are pristine, and his melodies are fluid. The keys twinkle, and the kicks are crispy. 'Need Me' is a perfectly made hip-hop single for 2020, sure, but it's not the end of J.I.'s ability."[2] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork called it a "bright-but-macho love song".[6]
Charts
| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 95 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[8] | 44 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[9] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
- ^ "J.I "Need Me" Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified". YouTube. October 31, 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Chesman, Donna-Claire (April 10, 2020). "Brooklyn's J.I. Hopes You're Proud of Him". DJBooth. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ A., Aron (July 15, 2020). "J.I The Prince Of N.Y Is Ready To Pop: From Drake & Roddy Ricch Co-Signs To "Welcome To GStarr Vol. 1"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ Lamarre, Carl (April 15, 2020). "Meet J.I., the Melodic Romantic Who Believes in Real Love". Billboard. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ Gunay, Jake (November 27, 2020). "J.I The Prince of NY Is On His Way To Becoming A King". Notion. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ Pierre, Alphonse (July 23, 2020). "Welcome to GStarr Vol. 1 EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100: Week of July 4, 2020". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of July 4, 2020". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ "American single certifications – J.I the Prince of N.Y – Need Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 9, 2025.