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For other uses, see The Ex-Factor (disambiguation). Not to be confused with The X Factor.

"Ex-Factor"
A woman crouching down with the white short-skirted dress, bracelets, and necklaces.
Single by Lauryn Hill
from the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
B-side
Written1997
ReleasedDecember 14, 1998
Recorded1997–1998
Studio
Genre
Length5:27
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill singles chronology
"Doo Wop (That Thing)"
(1998) 		"Ex-Factor"
(1998) 		"Everything Is Everything"
(1999)

"Ex-Factor" is a song by American recording artist Lauryn Hill for her debut solo studio album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). Written and produced by Hill herself, it incorporates elements of R&B, neo soul and hip hop soul. The song features a sample of "Can It Be All So Simple" by Wu-Tang Clan, hence its songwriters are also credited.[1] It has been claimed to be about Hill's former Fugees groupmate Wyclef Jean.[2] The song was released as the second single from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on December 14, 1998, by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records.

Upon its release, "Ex-Factor" received widespread critical acclaim.[3] The song peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number seven on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Internationally, it peaked within the top five in Iceland and the United Kingdom. It won the Best R&B/Soul Single - Female award at the 2000 Soul Train Music Awards.[4] Spin named it the third best single of 1999.[5] In 2020, The Ringer ranked it as the 18th greatest breakup song of all time.[6] Since its release, the song has been sampled and covered by numerous artists.

Music and lyrics

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"Ex-Factor" was written and produced by Lauryn Hill. It features replayed elements of "Can It Be All So Simple" by Wu-Tang Clan,[7] which itself samples Gladys Knight & the Pips' cover of Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were", written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch.[8] Consequently, Wu-Tang Clan, the Bergmans, and Hamlisch are also credited as songwriters of "Ex-Factor".[a]

"Ex-Factor" is a soul number which serves as a painful dissection of a failing relationship.[10][11] The accompaniment is driven by two-chord progressions all throughout its melodic variations.[10] Its refrain contains soaring harmonies.[12]

Commercial performance

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"Ex-Factor", although not as successful as Hill's previous single "Doo Wop (That Thing)", still entered several international charts. It spent 22 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 21 on the chart dated April 10, 1999. The song peaked atop the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.[13] It also charted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, spending 31 weeks and peaking at number seven on March 13, 1999. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and spent 16 weeks on the chart, remaining Hill's biggest hit in the United Kingdom to date.

Cultural Impact

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Cover versions and samples

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Over the years, the song has been sampled in rapper Lil B's "Money Over Suckas" (2012), singer Kehlani's "Till the Morning" (2014), and Omarion's "Show Me" (2014) featuring Jeremih. In 2018, "Ex-Factor" gained renewed interest when Drake sampled it on his chart topping single "Nice for What". Cardi B also interpolated the song's lyrics for her single "Be Careful", which reached number one on the Billboard Rhythmic Songs chart, that same year.[8]

The song has been performed in live covers by artists including Kelly Clarkson,[14] John Legend,[15] and H.E.R.[16] Beyoncé has frequently included the song in her concert setlists, particularly during her On the Run II Tour.[17] Comedian Dave Chappelle criticized the music industry's handling of Hill's catalog, expressing disappointment that Hill herself could not legally perform in the same arrangement as Beyoncé’s version.[18] Hill publicly praised the singer's rendition in a Twitter post.

A stripped down rendition of the song was featured in a medley performed by Justin Timberlake's background vocalists, during his 2018 The Man of the Woods Tour.[19]

Inspiration for artists, tributes and playlists

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Filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood has stated that she listened to "Ex-Factor" when writing the climax of Love & Basketball (2000) and also cited it as an inspiration for her film The Woman King (2022).[20] Actor Jonathan Majors used the song in his character preparation playlist for his portrayal of Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).[21] Hailee Steinfeld and Michael B. Jordan also used the song to build the emotional development of their characters in Sinners (2025),[22] with the film's director Ryan Coogler praising the song as one of his favorites.[23] In an interview with Nardwuar, Timothée Chalamet praised a 2023 live performance of the song as "one of the most beautiful things [he'd] ever seen".[24] Actor Jussie Smollett said that he performed the song during his audition for the television series Empire.[25]

The song has been selected for numerous curated playlists. In a 2009 appearance on BBC Radio 2's Tracks of My Years, Beyoncé selected "Ex-Factor" as one of her all-time favorite songs, describing it as "so passionate" and "infectious", adding "I could listen to it over and over again".[26] Adele also included the song at the top of her ITunes playlist, writing, "I love the lyrics in this song, and I think her voice is incredible! The Miseducation album is my favourite album ever".[27]

Christina Aguilera included it in her Women's History Month playlist honoring female artists.[28] Jay-Z named it as one of the songs that inspired his 2017 album 4:44.[29] Khalid included "Ex-Factor" in a playlist for Billboard highlighting Black music innovators who influenced his career.[30] Alicia Keys selected the song for her Teen Vogue "Playlist of My Life", describing it as a formative influence and commented "Ex-Factor has super, super good memories for me… I feel like Lauryn really was a mentor to me, and a woman who was just in her power".[31] Rapper Tierra Whack recalled hearing "Ex-Factor" in her youth and being introduced to the word "reciprocity".[32]

Chika, Brent Faiyaz, American skateboarderBeatrice Domond, and model Kendall Jenner have each included the track in personal playlists or cited it as a favorite.[33][34][35][36] It also appeared in an Apple Music commercial starring Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson, and Kerry Washington, where Washington selected the song as her go-to heartbreak anthem.[37]

Fashion and beauty

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In 2018, Hill collaborated with American clothing brand Woolrich on a capsule collection. Hill was featured in a promotional video performing "Ex-Factor" at the Apollo Theater while wearing outerwear printed with her image.[38] She also performed "Ex-Factor" during the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2021 menswear show. The song was included in a set that was pre-recorded and directed by Naima Ramos-Chapman.[39]

In 2021, make-up artist AJ Crimson launched a lipstick line inspired by the 1990s, and named one of the deepest brown shades after "Ex-Factor". In an interview with Essence, Crimson credited Lauryn Hill with popularizing rich brown lipstick, calling her a "trendsetter" who made the shade "sexy, neutral and empowering".[40]

Track listings and formats

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Credits and personnel

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Credits are adapted from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill liner notes.[7]

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications and sales for "Ex-Factor"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[68] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[69] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Release dates and formats for "Ex-Factor"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States December 14, 1998 Urban contemporary radio
[70]
Japan December 23, 1998 Maxi CD Sony Music Japan
[71]
United States January 19, 1999 7-inch vinyl
  • Ruffhouse
  • Columbia
[72]
Germany January 25, 1999 Maxi CD Sony Music
[51]
United Kingdom February 15, 1999
Columbia
[73]
France March 1, 1999 12-inch vinyl Small
[74]
April 20, 1999 CD
[75]

Notes

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  1. ^ Original liner notes of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill credit solely Hill.[7] Songwriters of sampled recordings would later be credited on the album's digital editions.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Tardio, Andres (April 3, 2018). "5 Takeaways From Cardi B's New Single 'Be Careful'". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  2. ^ Rush, George; Molly, Joanna; Ogunnake, Lola (July 26, 2000). "Wyclef Says 'Ex' Marks His Spot". Daily News. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  3. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. December 5, 1998.
  4. ^ "TLC Wins 2 At Soul Train Awards". www.cbsnews.com. March 5, 2000. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  5. ^ "Spin Magazine End Of Year Lists". www.rocklistmusic.co.uk. Archived from the original on November 5, 2005. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  6. ^ Staff, The Ringer (February 14, 2020). "The 50 Greatest Breakup Songs of All Time". The Ringer. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Hill, Lauryn (1998). The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (CD). Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. CK 69035.
  8. ^ a b Peters, Mitchell (April 7, 2018). "The 'Ex-Factor': How Drake, Cardi B & More Sampled Lauryn Hill's 'Miseducation' Single". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  9. ^ "Ex-Factor". Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. Retrieved January 27, 2025 – via Spotify.
  10. ^ a b Bush, John. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 4, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  11. ^ Mulvey, John (September 23, 1998). "Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". NME. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  12. ^ Lieberman, Neil. "Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on February 19, 2003. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  13. ^ "Lauryn Hill". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  14. ^ "Watch Kelly Clarkson Mash-Up Post Malone, Lauryn Hill and Cardi B". Billboard. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  15. ^ "When Adam Lambert paid tribute to George Michael with a flawless cover of 'Faith'". Smooth. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  16. ^ H.E.R. - Ex Factor (Lauryn Hill Cover) - Lollapalooza Chicago 2019, August 2, 2019, retrieved April 14, 2021
  17. ^ "Beyonce Covers Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" Live In New Orleans". Okayplayer. July 29, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  18. ^ Haglund, David (November 18, 2014). "Dave Chappelle Talks About Buying Weed From Idris Elba and Guest-Starring on Every TV Show". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  19. ^ "Justin Timberlake Shines in Arena Performance". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  20. ^ "The Treat: Gina Prince-Bythewood on "Ex-Factor"". KCRW. October 8, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  21. ^ "Jonathan Majors on Playing Kang". Marvel. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  22. ^ "Michael B. Jordan had 2 songs 'on repeat' during Sinners scenes". Today. April 19, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  23. ^ Hasan, Sadiba (May 5, 2025). "Met Gala 2025 Highlights: Kamala Harris Returns (Sort of) and Rihanna Is Fashionably Late (With News)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  24. ^ "Timothée Chalamet praises Lauryn Hill performance". HipHopHero. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  25. ^ "Jussie Smollett on Getting Cast in Empire". Collider. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  26. ^ "Tracks of My Years - Beyoncé". BBC Radio.
  27. ^ "Adele ITunes playlist". Itunes. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012.
  28. ^ "Christina Aguilera Shares Women's History Month Playlist". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  29. ^ "Songs That Inspired Jay-Z's 4:44 Album". XXL. June 30, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  30. ^ Gracie, Bianca (June 4, 2019). "Black Music Innovators: Khalid Shares a Playlist Of Artists That Inspire Him". Billboard. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  31. ^ "Playlist of My Life: Alicia Keys". Teen Vogue. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  32. ^ Ani, Ivie (March 10, 2020). "How Tierra Whack Is Stepping Into Rap Greatness". Teen Vogue. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  33. ^ "Offerings: Beatrice Domond". Slam City Skates. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  34. ^ "CHIKA's "Add to Queue" Playlist". Interview Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  35. ^ "Brent Faiyaz Playlist Interview". Interview Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  36. ^ "Kendall Jenner Shares Guilty Pleasure Playlist". Teen Vogue. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  37. ^ "Kerry Washington Picks "Ex-Factor" in Apple Music Ad". Elle. February 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  38. ^ "Lauryn Hill Sings Your Favorite Breakup Song in Her Woolrich Ad Campaign". ELLE. July 30, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  39. ^ Kaufman, Gil (August 24, 2020). "Watch Lauryn Hill Perform a Six-Pack of Songs at Louis Vuitton Menswear Show". Billboard. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  40. ^ "AJ Crimson Creates '90s-Inspired Lipsticks That Are A Serious Dose Of Nostalgia". Essence. October 1, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  41. ^ Ex-Factor (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1998. 38 79077.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  42. ^ Ex-Factor (UK CD1 liner notes). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. 666945 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  43. ^ Ex-Factor (UK CD2 liner notes). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. 666945 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  44. ^ Ex-Factor (UK cassette single sleeve). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. 666945 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  45. ^ Ex-Factor (European CD1 liner notes). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. COL 666797 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  46. ^ Ex-Factor (European CD2 liner notes). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. COL 666797 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  47. ^ Ex-Factor (Japanese CD single liner notes). Lauryn Hill. Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. 1999. SRCS 8805.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  48. ^ "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  49. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 16, no. 10. March 6, 1999. p. 10. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  50. ^ "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  51. ^ a b "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  52. ^ "Íslenski Listinn (26.2–5.3. 1999)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). February 26, 1999. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  53. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Ex-Factor". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  54. ^ "Major Market Airplay: Italy" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 16, no. 10. March 6, 1999. p. 23.
  55. ^ "week 16 (17 april 1999)" (in Dutch). top40.nl.
  56. ^ "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  57. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  58. ^ "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor". Singles Top 100. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  59. ^ "Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  60. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  61. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  62. ^ "Lauryn Hill Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  63. ^ "Lauryn Hill Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  64. ^ "Lauryn Hill Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  65. ^ "Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 1999" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on January 22, 2005. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  66. ^ "1999 The Year in Music: Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. December 25, 1999. p. YE-50. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  67. ^ "1999 The Year in Music: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 52. December 25, 1999. p. YE-57. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  68. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Lauryn Hill – Ex Factor". Radioscope. Retrieved April 3, 2025. Type Ex Factor in the "Search:" field.
  69. ^ "British single certifications – Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  70. ^ "ADDvance Notice" (PDF). Radio & Records. December 11, 1998. p. 69. Retrieved October 30, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  71. ^ "エックス-ファクター" [X-Factor] (in Japanese). Japan: Oricon. December 23, 1998. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  72. ^ "Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill". Ruffhouse Records, Columbia Records. January 19, 1999. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  73. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting 15 February, 1999: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. February 15, 1999. p. 27. Retrieved October 30, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  74. ^ "X-factor – Lauryn Hill – Maxi vinyle" (in French). France: Fnac. March 1, 1999. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  75. ^ "X-factor – Lauryn Hill – CD single" (in French). France: Fnac. April 20, 1999. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
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