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Man Down (song)

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"Man Down"
Song

"Man Down" is a song performed by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from her fifth studio album Loud (2010). The song was sent to US rhythmic and urban radios on May 3, 2011 and was released as the album's fifth overall single in the United States as well as in certain countries internationally on July 11, 2011. The song was written by Shama "Sham" Joseph, Timothy & Theron Thomas, and Shontelle Layne, with production completed by Joseph.

"Man Down" received positive reviews from music critics, with many calling it a comeback of Rihanna's Caribbean-tinged rhythm. In the US, despite only being released to rhythmic and urban radios, the song peaked at number fifty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In France, the song went number one, whilst reaching the top twenty in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and on the UK R&B Chart. The music video, directed by long time collaborator Anthony Mandler, sees Rihanna shooting a man after being attacked, singing how she regrets her actions. Due to the violent nature of the video, The Parents Television Council criticized the singer and attempted to ban the video with no success. The song is included on the set-list of Rihanna's 2011 Loud Tour.

Background

At the beginning of March 2011, Rihanna asked fans to help her select her next single. Via Twitter, fans were asked to choose from "Cheers (Drink to That)", "Man Down", "California King Bed" or "Fading". The most popular choice would have its video filmed at the end of March 2011.[1] On March 12, 2011 it was confirmed that fans had selected "California King Bed" as the next single from the album.[2] In the US, "Man Down" was released to US rhythmic and urban radios on May 3, 2011.[3][4] However internationally, "California King Bed" served as the fourth single.[5] "Man Down" was released to digital outlets in Denmark, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland on July 11, 2011 as the fifth international single from Loud.[6][7][8][9] Rihanna spoke about the song in November 2010 in an interview with MTV News:

Man Down is gangsta mixed with raggae. It comes from me trying to achieve that [vibe]," Rihanna told about the saucy song. "I'm super inspired by reggae music [and it] has been a part of me since I was born, and I grew up listening to it. I grew up loving it. My favorite artists are all reggae artists. The special thing in that song is the fact that it's a female singing those lyrics, then you have that reggae thing and the chant; the overall energy in that song is so gangsta." She added later "It's got a lot of swagger. I really enjoy it.[10]

Composition and critical reception

The song was written by Shama "Sham" Joseph, Timothy & Theron Thomas, and Shontelle Layne, with production completed by Joseph. The song draws heavily on the music genre of reggae.[11] "Man Down" received generally positive reviews from critics, with Jon Pareles of The New York Times commenting that Rihanna plays up her West Indian accent in the reggae of “Man Down” about shooting a man in Central Station.[12] August Brown of Los Angeles Times commented, “Man Down reasserts her Caribbean lilt with a swaggering murder ballad that one can’t help but hear as a warning shot across the radio dial to Chris Brown’s Deuces.[13] Entertainment Weekly writer Leah Greenblatt said that "the rum-pa-pum ragga "Man Down" burrows neck-deep in island rhythms."[14] Emily Mackay of NME commented that the album's experiments feel more organic, its tone better paced because of the Caribbean-tinged anthem for doomed youth of "Man Down".[15] James Skinner of BBC Online viewed "Man Down" as a Caribbean rhythm, where Rihanna relays a break-up as murder metaphor in thick Barbadian patois.[16] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine named the song the album's biggest highlight, a full-fledged reggae tune about a woman who shoots a man. He praised the song saying that Rihanna is surprisingly agile in this genre and is one of her finest, most confident vocal performances to date.[17]

Chart performance

Before becoming a single, "Man Down" debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart at number eighty-four[18] for the week of April 9, 2011 and finally reached a top ten peak of number nine.[19] For the week of June 11, 2011 the song debuted at number ninety-four on the US Billboard Hot 100[20] and peaked at number fifty-nine.[19] The single also managed to reach sixty-three on the Canadian Hot 100.[21]

"Man Down" also charted in other countries, due to its release in certain European territories in July 2011. Having debuted on the French Singles Chart at number sixty-five on the issue dated June 4, 2011, the single was released digitally and reached a peak of number one on July 25, 2011.[22] It marks only Rihanna's eighth single to reach the top five in the country, following other singles from "Loud", "Only Girl (In the World)" and "S&M".[23] In Switzerland, it has gradually risen into the top twenty, reaching eighteen.[24] The single debuted within the top ten on the Netherlands Singles Chart on July 6, 2011, at number five.[25]

With the release of the video, the song managed to reach number fifty-four on the UK Singles Chart[26] and inside the top twenty on the UK R&B Chart at number fifteen, despite the song not receiving an official release in the country.[27] The song also reached the top twenty in Norway at number seventeen[28] and Belgium (Wallonia) at nineteen, both with no official releases in each territory.[29]

Music video

Background

The music video for "Man Down" was shot in Jamaica in April 2011,[30] and was directed by Anthony Mandler,[30] who worked with Rihanna for most of her music videos, including "Take a Bow" and "Rehab".[31][32] On May 1, 2011, Rihanna posted three images from the shoot via Twitter.[33] One of the images showed her on a beach wearing a white Dolce & Gabbana dress, while another image showed her riding a bike in Portland Parish.[33] In an interview with MTV News on May 16, 2011, Mandler discussed the music video more in depth:

We shot the video last month in Jamaica and it's my favorite song she's ever recorded, so I was really excited to get involved. And it's just one of those songs that demands a strong narrative and visual, and let's just say she let me go all the way. So I think you can expect something that's dramatic and shocking and intense and emotional and uplifting and enlightening.[34]

The video premiered on 106 & Park on May 31, 2011.[30]

Synopsis

The video begins when Rihanna shoots a man making his way through a busy train station. After committing the crime, the camera focuses on the shot man and later Rihanna flees the scene. To create a timeline of events leading up to the crime, the video travels back in time to the previous day, when the singer is seen riding her bike and meeting with people in Kingston, Jamaica. There are also scenes of Rihanna alone inside a bedroom at dusk. Then at a nightclub, Rihanna begins to dance and flirt with another club-goer, who's actually the man that she shoots at the beginning. After she leaves the club, the singer's dance-floor partner follows her outside and begins to get violent. The video then cuts straight to the scene of a disheveled Rihanna crying in the street, after what appears to have been a sexual assault. The video concludes with the singer running to her home where she grabs a gun hidden in a dresser drawer, then that's when they replay the beginning when she shoots him.[35]

Controversy

The Parents Television Council (PTC), a non-profit organization that advocates responsible entertainment, criticized Rihanna for "cold, calculated execution of murder" in the video. The council disagreed with Rihanna's suggestion that killing a rapist is a proper form of justice and her rationale that it "sends a very strong underlying message 4 [sic] girls like me." They also stated "If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. Rihanna should not get a pass." PTC also criticized BET for airing the video.[36] In response to the PTC, Rihanna stated:

I'm a 23 year old singer who doesn't have kids. What's up with everybody wanting me to be a parent [to their children]? I'm just a girl, I can only be our voice. We all know it's difficult and embarrassing to communicate touchy subject matters to anyone, especially our parents. The music industry isn't "Parent's 'R Us." We have the freedom to make art; let us! It's your job to make sure your children don't turn out like us. You can't hide your kids from society, or they'll never learn how to adapt. This is the real world!"[37]

The director of the video, Anthony Mandler, also responded to the news in an interview with Hollywood Reporter, stating that:

It's (the video) doing exactly what Rihanna and I hoped it would do, which is shine a light on the very dark subject matter... This medium used to be a great medium of messages... I grew up in an era of Madonna releasing videos and sparking controversy. I think most people are wasting this medium... The fact that there's an argument to ban this because this will make girls retaliate from abuse with murder is skipping over the point. We obviously have a huge issue to deal with as a country.[38]

Credits and personnel

Source:[39]

Charts

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[40] 6
Belgium (Ultratop 40 Wallonia)[41] 19
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[42] 63
France (SNEP)[22] 1
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)[43] 5
Norway (VG-lista)[44] 17
South Korea (Gaon Chart)[45] 54
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[46] 46
Switzerland (Media Control AG)[47] 9
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[48] 15
UK Singles (OCC)[49] 54
US Billboard Hot 100[50] 59
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[51] 9

Radio and release history

Country Date Format Label
United States[52][53] May 3, 2011 Rhythmic, Urban Def Jam Recordings
Denmark[9] July 11, 2011 Digital download Universal Music
France[6]
Netherlands[8]
Switzerland[7]
Italy[54] August 5, 2011 Radio

References

  1. ^ MTV Reporter (2011-03-01). "Rihanna Asks Fans To Help Choose Her Next Single". MTV (UK and Ireland). MTV Networks. Retrieved 2011-04-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  2. ^ Copsey, Robert (2011-03-12). "Rihanna announces next single". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-04-02.
  3. ^ "Impacting Songs – Urban Radio". Webcitation. Allaccess Music Group. {{cite web}}: |archive-url= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  4. ^ "Impacting Songs – Rhythmic Radio". Webcitation. Allaccess Music Group. {{cite web}}: |archive-url= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ^ "Singles Release Diary". Digital Spy. 2011-05-05. Retrieved 2011-05-05. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Man Down – Single". iTunes (in French). Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  7. ^ a b "Man Down – Single". iTunes (in German). Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  8. ^ a b "Man Down – Single". iTunes (in Dutch). Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  9. ^ a b "Man Down – Single". iTunes (in Danish). Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  10. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (2011-05-05). "Rihanna Preps Videos For 'Man Down,' 'California King Bed'". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved 2011-05-11. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  11. ^ "Rihanna, 'Man Down' – New Song". AOL Music. 2011-04-25. Retrieved 2011-04-26.
  12. ^ Pareles, Jon (2011-11-15). "Critics' Choice: New CDs". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
  13. ^ Brown, August (2011-11-16). "Critics' Choice: New CDs". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
  14. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (2010-11-10). "Review: Loud". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-06-30. {{cite web}}: Text "publisherTime division of Time Warner" ignored (help)
  15. ^ Mackay, Emily (2010-11-12). "Review: Loud". NME. IPC Media (Time Inc.). Retrieved 2011-06-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  16. ^ Skinner, James (2010-11-15). "Review: Loud". BBC Online. The Crown. Retrieved 2011-06-30. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  17. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (2010-11-12). "Review: Loud". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2011-15-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  18. ^ "Man Down debuts on R&B charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011-04-09. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  19. ^ a b "Man Down Billboard". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  20. ^ "'Idols' Scotty McCreery & Lauren Alaina Top Hot 100 Debuts, Adele Still No. 1". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011-06-11. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  21. ^ "Canadian Hot 100 Chart History". Billboard. 2011-08-8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ a b "Rihanna - Man Down". Pure Charts (in French). Charts in France. 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-08-07. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  23. ^ "Man Down France". Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-15-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ^ "Man Down Swiss". Hit Parade (in German). Swiss Music Charts. 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  25. ^ "Man Down Netherlands". dutchcharts.nl. 2011-08-06. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  26. ^ "Man Down UK". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-9-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  27. ^ "Man Down UK R&B". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-2-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  28. ^ "Man Down Norway". norwegiancharts.com.
  29. ^ "Man Down Belgium Wallonia". ultratop.be. Retrieved 2011-8-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  30. ^ a b c "Rihanna Sends Strong Message in 'Man Down' Video". Rap-Up. 2011-05-30. Retrieved 2011-05-31.
  31. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (2009-10-20). "Rihanna's New Album, Rated R, Drops November 23". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved 2011-01-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  32. ^ "Director Anthony Mandler Discusses Rihanna's Music Video Evolution". Rap Up. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  33. ^ a b "Rihanna Shoots 'Man Down' Video in Haiti". Rap-Up. 2011-05-01. Retrieved 2011-05-31.
  34. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (2011-05-16). "Rihanna Director Talks Upcoming 'Man Down' Video". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2011-05-31. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  35. ^ "Rihanna Pulls The Trigger In 'Man Down' Video". MTV.com. May 31, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
  36. ^ "Rihanna's 'Man Down' Video Draws Fire from Parents Advocacy Group". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2011-06-25.
  37. ^ Thursday, June 2 2011, 20:57 BST (2011-06-02). "Rihanna: 'Man Down murder video is the real world' – Music News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-06-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ Rutter, CJ (2011-06-08). "Rihanna's 'Man Down' Video Director Responds To Controversy". Hollywood Reporter. Tale Tela. Retrieved 2011-06-08. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  39. ^ (Media notes). {{cite AV media notes}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |Format= ignored (|format= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Publisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Type= ignored (|type= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Year= ignored (|year= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ "Man Down Belgium Flanders". Ultratop. Retrieved 2011-06-11.
  41. ^ "Man Down Belgium Wallonia". Ultratop. Retrieved 2011-07-22.
  42. ^ "Rihanna Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  43. ^ "Dutch Charts". Dutch Top 40. 2011-08-06. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  44. ^ "Rihanna – Man Down". VG-lista. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  45. ^ "Man Down – South Korea GAON" (in Korean). Gaon Chart.
  46. ^ "MAN Down Sweden". Swedish Recording Industry Association.
  47. ^ "MAN Down SWIT" (in German). Swiss Music Charts.
  48. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  49. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  50. ^ "Rihanna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  51. ^ "Man Down Rihanna". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011-07-28. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
  52. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  53. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on May 4, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  54. ^ "Rihanna - Man Down (Radio date: 05 agosto 2011)" (in Italian). Earone. 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
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