When I See U

Infobox Single
Name = When I See U


Artist = Fantasia
from Album = Fantasia
B-side =
Released = April 17, 2007 (U.S.)
Format = Digital download
Recorded =
Genre = R&B
Length = 3:37
Label = J
Writer = Sam Watters, Louis Biancaniello, Kevin Risto, Waynne Nugent, Janet Sewell, Erika Nuri
Producer = Midi Mafia, Mzmeriq
Certification =
Last single = "Hood Boy"
(2006)
This single = "When I See U"
(2007)
Next single = "Only One U"
(2007)

"When I See U" is a Grammy-nominated R&B song recorded by Fantasia, written by Sam Watters, Louis Biancaniello, Kevin Risto, Waynne Nugent, Janet Sewell and Erika Nuri, and produced by Midi Mafia and Mzmeriq. It is the second single from Fantasia's second album, "Fantasia" (2006).

Chart performance

The single debuted at number ninety-nine on the "Billboard" Hot 100 in April 2007 (see 2007 in music), becoming Fantasia's first charting single since "Free Yourself" in 2005. "When I See U" peaked at number thirty-two on the Hot 100, becoming more successful than the first single from "Fantasia", "Hood Boy", which failed to chart, and becoming her third top forty Hot 100 hit. The song reached number one for eight weeks on "Billboard"'s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her first single to reach the top ten on the chart since "Free Yourself" in 2005, and her first single to top the chart. [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.vnuArtistId=593784&model.vnuAlbumId=817759 "Fantasia Barrino - Artist Chart History - Singles"] . "Billboard".] The song is one of only 14 songs to ever spend over a year on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and is currently tied as the eighth longest running song in the chart's history, in its 57th week. [http://billboard.com/bbcom/chart_beat/bonus.jsp "'U' 2"] . "Billboard".] It is also credited with re-energizing sales of "Fantasia", causing the album to re-enter the top 100 of the "Billboard" 200 chart.

In September 2007, "When I See U" hit #1 on The Billboard Hot 100 Recurrent Airplay chart, making it Fantasia’s 5th chart topping recurrent hit on the Hot 100 section (single and airplay). [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+100+Recurrent+Airplay]

Music video and remixes

The video was shot by director Lenny Bass on March 26. It premiered on BET's "Access Granted" April 25, 2007 and on Yahoo! Music on April 26. The music video debuted on BET's top ten video countdown show "106 & Park" on May 9 at number nine; it has peaked at number one, and is her first music video to do so.

The video begins with Fantasia singing on a rooftop, with scenes of her taking a bath in a tub interceding. After that, she walks to meet her love interest (played by Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson). At the end of the music video, she finally meets him and they embrace and, eventually, kiss. The video fades out on a shot of the stars and moon. Throughout the video, people in love are shown, ranging from children in their "puppy love" stages to elderly couples who have been married a long time.

There are several remixes of "When I See U", three of which feature rappers Remy Ma, Young Jeezy, Lumidee, B.G. and Polow da Don. An official remix that features Polow da Don & Young Jeezy, and is produced by Polow da Don, has become very popular in urban markets.

Reception

On December 6 2007 When I See U was announced to have earned two 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations: for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

Charts

Notes

References