Tempo

Missy Elliott, Lizzo

About Tempo

"Tempo" is a song by American singer and rapper Lizzo featuring American recording artist Missy Elliott for her third studio album and major-label debut Cuz I Love You (2019). The song was originally released as a promotional single on March 20, 2019, before being released as the album's second single on July 26, 2019. The single was written by the two artists with contributions from Antonio Cuna, Tobias Wincorn, Theron Thomas, Dan Farber, and Eric Frederic. The recording uses a sample from an electronic recording/composition entitled "Nescafé" by Raymond Scott (from his album Manhattan Research, Inc. ), who is credited as a co-writer. Lizzo, Reed, and Wincorn co-produced the track with Sweater Beats and Nate Mercereau. Musically, "Tempo" is an R&B and trap composed of a bass-heavy, woodwind-inspired beat. It contains lyrics about body positivity, and has been described by one music critic as an "ode to curvaceous women"."Tempo" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the artists' performances and deemed it a club track. Commercially, it entered several component charts in Belgium and the United States. The song was promoted by an accompanying music video, directed by Andy Hines. It was released on July 26, 2019, the same day as the single's official release. 


2:55
#1

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I've been waitin' for this one
Turn it up

Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
Can't move all of this here to one of those
I'm a thick bitch, I need tempo (tempo)
F*ck it up to the tempo

Pitty-pat, pitty-pat, pitty-pitty-pat (pat)
Look at my ass, it's fitty-fitty-fat (fat)
Kitty cat, kitty cat, kitty-kitty cat (cat)
Prrr me a glass, boy, I like my water wet (wet)
Throw it back (throw it back, threw it back)
Catch that (catch that, catch that)
I need a jack (woo)
For all of this ass, but it won't go flat (wait a minute)
Baby, baby (baby)
Come eat some of this cakey (cake)
He look like he could gain a little weight (a little weight)
Lick the icing off, put the rest in your face (face)

Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
Can't move all of this here to one of those (hey)
I'm a thick bitch, I need tempo (need it)
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
F*ck it up to the tempo (tempo)

F*ck it up, f*ck it up
Boyfriend watchin', oh now he wanna knuckle up
Get on this ride, baby, you gon' have to buckle up
Thick thighs save lives, call me little buttercup
All means necessary (ayy)
My ass is not an accessorary (what?)
Nigga, I said it, accessorary (what?)
Twerk skills up on legendary

Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
Can't move all of this here to one of those (hey)
I'm a thick bitch, I need tempo (need it)
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
F*ck it up to the tempo

Missy!
Let's go (let's go), let's go (let's go)
All the fly girls head to the dance floor
Kitty cat, kitty cat, prrr
All the thick girls down on the flrrr (on the floor)
Ice on my neck like brrr (like brrr)
I'm big-boned with nice curves (nice curves)
Look at me, I know I look grrrd (good)
Look good, look good, look grrrd (look good)
I'ma show y'all chicks how to drrr it
Your nigga, he wish he could
Thick girl (thick girl), split (split)
Get a bag (get a bag), get rich (get rich)
Hair done (hair done), fixed (fixed)
If you see a hater, tell him quit (stop)
Get your own dough (own dough)
Get your bread, own dough (own dough)
Go head ladies, head to the floor (floor)
F*ck up the tempo, thick girls get low (woo)

Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
Can't move all of this here to one of those (hey)
I'm a thick bitch, I need tempo (need it)
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
F*ck it up to the tempo
Slow songs, they for skinny hoes
F*ck it up to the tempo

Girl, run that shit back

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Missy Elliott

Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1, 1971) is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actress. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over thirty million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one double platinum for her 2002 album Under Construction.. Elliott is known for a series of hits and diverse music videos, including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hot Boyz", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "4 My People", "Work It", "Pass That Dutch", and "Lose Control". In addition, she has worked extensively as a songwriter and producer for other artists, both alone and with her fellow producer and childhood friend Timbaland, with whom … more »

2 fans

Written by: Melissa Arnette Elliott, Melissa Jefferson, Theron Thomas, Daniel Farber, Eric Frederic, Antonio Cuna, Tobias Wincorn

Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, GATEWAY MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ACUM Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Collaboration
"Tempo" is a collaborative work between Lizzo and legendary rapper Missy Elliott. The track was released on March 20, 2019, as a part of Lizzo's album "Cuz I Love You".
Genre
The song blends various music styles such as hip-hop, funk, and electronic dance, popularly recognized for its twerk-inducing beats. It is an empowering anthem that speaks to body positivity and self-love.
Charts
"Tempo" peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in the United States. It also made appearances on charts in other regions such as Canada, where it reached number 96.
Music Video
The music video for "Tempo" was released on July 26, 2019. Directed by Andy Hines, it features Lizzo and Missy Elliott in a parking lot dancing and celebrating with a group of people.
Artistry
Lizzo pays homage to Missy Elliott in "Tempo". Missy Elliott has been an inspiration for Lizzo, with the line in the song, "I'm a thick bitch, I need tempo", reflecting Missy's career-long promotion of body positivity.
Live Performances
Lizzo performed "Tempo" live for the first time with Missy Elliott at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Their dynamic and energetic performance was one of the highlights of the night.
Songwriting Process
The song was initially written for Lizzo's album "Cuz I Love You", but when she heard an instrumental by producer Ricky Reed, she knew instantly that it would be perfect for a collaboration with Missy Elliott.
Song Structure
"Tempo" is unique for its structure, with Lizzo rapping the first two verses before transitioning into a chorus. Missy Elliott then raps the third verse, and both artists join for the final chorus.
Influences
"Tempo" contains references and themes that have been frequently used in Missy Elliott's work, such as confident self-expression and unabashed sexiness.
Awards
While "Tempo" itself didn't win any awards, it contributed to the success of "Cuz I Love You", which won Urban Music Album at the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

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