Wild Side (Normani song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Wild Side"
WildSideCover.jpg
Single by Normani featuring Cardi B
ReleasedJuly 16, 2021 (2021-07-16)
GenreR&B[1][2]
Length3:29
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Normani Hamilton
  • Brittany Hazzard
  • Belcalis Almanzar
  • Dave Cappa
  • Jonah Christian
  • Jorden Thorpe
  • June Nawakii
  • Keynon Moore
  • Taylor Ross
  • Tyler Rohn
Producer(s)
  • Normani
  • Dave Cappa
  • Starrah
  • Tyler Rohn
  • Jonah Christian
  • Taylor Ross
  • June Nawakii
Normani singles chronology
"Diamonds"
(2020) 		"Wild Side"
(2021)
Cardi B singles chronology
"Up"
(2021) 		"Wild Side"
(2021) 		"Rumors"
(2021)
Music video
"Wild Side" on YouTube

"Wild Side" is a song by American singer Normani, featuring American rapper Cardi B. It was released through Keep Cool and RCA Records on July 16, 2021, as the lead single from Normani's upcoming debut solo album.[3] The song marks her first radio single since 2019's "Motivation".[4][5] It was written by the two artists alongside Keynon Moore, Pardison Fontaine, Starrah, Dave Cappa, Jonah Christian, June Nawakii, Taylor Ross, and Tyler Rohn, and was produced by the latter six and Normani.

The song was released alongside a video directed by Tanu Muino, who also directed Cardi B's "Up".[6] The video was choreographed by Sean Bankhead; he also choreographed Normani's "Motivation".[6] "Wild Side" contains an interpolation of the 1996 Aaliyah single "One in a Million".[7][8]

Background and release[]

Both performers had interacted in the past multiple times, with Normani making a special appearance in the music video for "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in August 2020 alongside other singers and personalities like Kylie Jenner and Rosalía.[9] Normani posted a snippet of "Wild Side" to her social media on February 5, 2021, with the caption, "know it's been awhile".[6] After speculation of a collaboration between the two,[10] Normani archived all but one post on her Instagram page on July 12, 2021, hinting at a possible relevant announcement.[11][12] The following day, Cardi B stated that she had "a little secret" to tell her audience the following day.[13] On July 14, Normani confirmed the title, release date and cover art of the collaborative single on her respective social media pages.[14]

Critical response[]

"Wild Side" received critical acclaim upon its release.[15][16] MTV News praised Normani's vocal performance, stating that she "delivers her silky verses with serenity and precision, sizzling with temptation and allure with every breath. She never leaves a moment unmilked; her voice masterfully floats along the song’s subtle yet thumping production – sampling fellow R&B goddess Aaliyah’s 1996 hit 'One In A Million'", and praised Cardi B's rapping on the song, noting that she "slides in with ease."[17] For Pitchfork, Vrinda Jagota called it "a sultry R&B showstopper", adding, "If 'Motivation' was Normani's jubilant breakthrough, 'Wild Side' is the meticulously crafted showpiece that proves she’s here to stay."[18] For USA Today, Rasha Ali deemed it "a steamy, sensual slow jam."[19]

In 2021, Billboard placed the single on its list of 'The 15 best Aaliyah samples in modern R&B/Hip-Hop'.[20]

Commercial performance[]

In the United States, "Wild Side" debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Normani's third top 20 solo hit, and Cardi B's 16th;[21] while becoming Normani's highest debuting song to date.[22] It was the top-selling R&B release of the week in overall consumption, debuting at number 5 on the US Digital Song Sales chart.[23] The song debuted at number 10 on the US Rolling Stone Top 100, marking the biggest debut of the week on the chart.[24] It also debuted simultaneously atop the R&B Streaming Songs chart, the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, and the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart, while reaching number 3 on the Hot R&B Songs chart.[25][23] In addition, "Wild Side" also debuted at number 27 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.[26]

Music video[]

The official music video, directed by Tanu Muino, was released to YouTube alongside the song on July 16, 2021. The music video was choreographed by Sean Bankhead.[27] The singer wears multiple outfits throughout the four-minute video, including a cutout black lingerie set with matching thigh-high boots, a cropped leather outfit, and a leopard-print bustier. During her verse, Cardi B is featured completely nude wearing floor length hair extensions, while also embracing a nude Normani.[28] Debra Paget in the movie The Indian Tomb, is briefly referenced in a scene from the music video.[29]

The music video accumulated 1.5 million views in its first ten hours on YouTube, and cracked the Top 30 trending searches on Google.[30]

Reception[]

For NPR, LaTesha Harris wrote "The video amplifies the single's debts to the past: dance moves inspired by Janet's "Rhythm Nation"; visuals reminiscent of TLC, Blaque and Missy Elliot; and a direct nod to Golden Hollywood entertainer Debra Paget. And under all the pastiche is the intoxicating charisma of a star performer, a rare find these days, basking in the shadows of her foremothers."[31] For The Los Angeles Times, Christi Carras praised Normani's choreography in the music video, commenting "When it comes to dancing, no one is doing it like Normani in "Wild Side" video".[32] While Brooke Kato for The New York Post praised Cardi B's turn in the music video, stating "It's Cardi B's world and we're all just living in it."[33]

The music video received praise and support from fans and celebrities across social media including Halle Berry, Ariana Grande, Victoria Monet, and Megan Thee Stallion. On Twitter, Lil Nas X deemed it the "best music video" he had ever seen in his entire life, adding "I am in [awe]. I am inspired!"[34][35]

Controversy[]

In July 2021, Rolling Stone published an article titled "Why Queerbaiting Matters More Than Ever", in which music journalist Moises Mendez II accused Normani and Cardi B of queerbaiting in the music video for "Wild Side", noting that the two musicians "are pictured naked and gyrating against one another".[36] The article sparked a response from Cardi B, in which she criticized the journalist for not acknowledging her own bisexuality, after coming out in 2018,[37] stating "I'm married to a man but I have express soo much about my bisexuality and my experiences wit girls . All of a sudden "queer baiting" is the new word & people use it to the ground!" She also added that the reason her and Normani embraced nude in the music video was to conceal her pregnancy, which she had not publicly revealed at the time the music video was shot,[38] commenting "you do know we was trying to hide a whole baby bump right?".[39]

Usage in media[]

In July 2021, a "Wild Side" dance challenge started trending on social media, with the hashtag #WildSideChallenge garnering 15.6 million views on TikTok within a few weeks, with singer Anitta participating in the challenge.[40] Singer FKA Twigs, filmed a pole dancing routine featuring the song, that she posted on TikTok.[41] Rapper Megan Thee Stallion referenced the song in her "Tuned In Freestyle", with the lyrics "I wanna show my wild side, make them doo doo doo."[42][43]

Track listings[]

  • Digital download/streaming[44]
  1. "Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B) – 3:29
  • Digital download/streaming – Extended version[45]
  1. "Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B) – 3:29
  2. "Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B) [Extended version] – 4:08

Credits and personnel[]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[46]

  • Normani – vocals, songwriting, production
  • Cardi B – featured vocals, songwriting
  • Starrah – songwriting, production, vocal production
  • Dave Cappa – songwriting, production
  • Jonah Christian – songwriting, production
  • Pardison Fontaine – songwriting
  • June Nawakii – songwriting, production
  • Taylor Ross – songwriting, production
  • Tyler Rohn – songwriting, production
  • Keynon Moore – songwriting
  • Josie Aiello – backing vocals
  • Jaycen Joshua – mastering, mixing
  • Rachel Blum – mastering
  • Brad Bustamante – engineering, recording, vocal production
  • Jelli Dorman – engineering, recording
  • Kuk Harrell – engineering, recording, vocal production
  • DJ Riggins – assistant engineering
  • Jacob Richards – assistant engineering
  • Mike Seaberg – assistant engineering

Charts[]

Chart performance for "Wild Side"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[47] 59
Global 200 (Billboard)[48] 27
Ireland (IRMA)[49] 77
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[50] 6
UK Singles (OCC)[51] 49
UK R&B (OCC)[52] 16
US Billboard Hot 100[53] 14
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[54] 4
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[55] 28
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[56] 23
US Rolling Stone Top 100[57] 10

Release history[]

Release dates and formats for "Wild Side"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various July 16, 2021
Original
[5]
United States July 20, 2021 Contemporary hit radio RCA [58]
Rhythmic contemporary radio [59]
Urban contemporary radio [60]
Various July 23, 2021
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Extended
  • RCA
  • Keep Cool
 [61]

References[]

  1. ^ Haylock, Zoe (July 16, 2021). "Normani and Cardi B Are Naked and Unafraid in the 'Wild Side' Video". Vulture. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  2. ^ Jagota, Vrinda (July 16, 2021). "Normani - "Wild Side" [ft. Cardi B]". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  3. ^ Normani [@Normani] (July 18, 2021). "✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅" (Tweet). Retrieved July 18, 2021 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ "Normani Recruits Cardi B For Her New Single "Wild Side"". Genius. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b Griffiths, George (July 15, 2021). "Normani announces her first single in two years Wild Side featuring Cardi B". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c Cho, Regina (July 16, 2021). "Normani and Cardi B tap into their "Wild Side" in new single". Revolt. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  7. ^ "Normani's 'Wild Side' Samples Aaliyah". Clash Magazine. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  8. ^ "Aaliyah's Uncle Weighs In On Alleged Sample On Normani & Cardi B's "Wild Side"". Genius. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  9. ^ "All the Cameos in Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion's 'WAP'". Billboard. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  10. ^ "Cardi B Says 'White Twinks' On Social Media Are 'Disrespectful'". www.advocate.com. July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  11. ^ Delgado, Sara (July 13, 2021). "Normani Archives Entire Instagram Account, Prompting Fans to Think New Music Is Coming". Teen Vogue. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  12. ^ wrmf (July 14, 2021). "Normani archives all but two Instagram posts — but fans wonder, where is her new music?". 97.9 WRMF. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  13. ^ "Cardi B Hypes Up "Secret" Announcement". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  14. ^ Betancourt, Bianca (July 15, 2021). "Finally, Normani Is Coming". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  15. ^ Saint-Vil, Sweenie (July 16, 2021). "Cardi B says she made her "Wild Side" verse "nastier" after request from Normani's team". REVOLT. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  16. ^ "Normani Reps Say 'Wild Side' Has No 'One In a Million' Sample After Aaliyah's Uncle Says It Wasn't Cleared - ..::That Grape Juice.net::.. - Thirsty?". thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  17. ^ "Normani And Cardi B's "Wild Side" Is Officially The Only Thing Getting Me Through Lockdown". MTV. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  18. ^ Listen to "Wild Side" [ft. Cardi B] by Normani, retrieved July 26, 2021
  19. ^ Ali, Rasha. "Normani releases first single in over a year with steamy 'Wild Side' video featuring Cardi B". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  20. ^ "The 15 Best Aaliyah Samples in Modern R&B/Hip-Hop". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  21. ^ "Cardi B". Billboard. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  22. ^ Saint-Vil, Sweenie (July 28, 2021). "Normani's "Wild Side" featuring Cardi B debuts on Billboard Hot 100". REVOLT. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b "Normani & Cardi B Debut in Top Five on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart". www.billboard.com. July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  24. ^ Leight, Elias (July 26, 2021). "RS Charts: The Kid Laroi Holds at Number One With 'Stay'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  25. ^ "Normani Kordei". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  26. ^ "Cardi B". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  27. ^ Legaspi, Claire Shaffer,Althea; Shaffer, Claire; Legaspi, Althea (July 16, 2021). "Normani, Cardi B Showcase 'Wild Side' in New Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  28. ^ Betancourt, Bianca (July 16, 2021). "Normani's "Wild Side" Music Video Is a Sensual Ode to the Golden Age of R&B". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  29. ^ "All the best beauty looks from Normani and Cardi B's 'Wild Side' video". Dazed. July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  30. ^ Jr, Keith Nelson. "Normani's "Wild Side" video is a stunning glimpse into her future as the queen of R&B". Mic. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  31. ^ "Normani (Feat. Cardi B), 'Wild Side'". NPR.org. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  32. ^ July 16, Christi CarrasStaff Writer; Pt, 2021 9:13 Am (July 16, 2021). "When it comes to dancing, no one is doing it like Normani in 'Wild Side' video". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  33. ^ Kato, Brooke (July 15, 2021). "Normani and Cardi B get naked for 'Wild Side' video with an Aaliyah sample". New York Post. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  34. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X & More Go 'Wild' for Normani & Cardi B Video: 'I Have Chills'". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  35. ^ "Lil Nas X, Halle Berry, FKA Twigs And Millions More Flock To Normani And Cardi B's New Single "Wild Side"". American Songwriter. July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  36. ^ Mendez II, Moises (July 23, 2021). "Why Queerbaiting Matters More Than Ever". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  37. ^ Holmes, Juwan J. "Cardi B denounces the notion of "queerbaiting" in response to a Rolling Stone article". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  38. ^ Jackson, Vannessa. "Cardi B Went On A Twitter Rant About Her Feelings Toward Queerbaiting, And She Raises Some Interesting Points". BuzzFeed. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  39. ^ Reilly, Nick (July 26, 2021). "Cardi B hits out at "queerbaiting" claims in 'Wild Side' video". NME. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  40. ^ "Anitta Accepts the #WildSideChallenge & Cardi B Approves". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  41. ^ "Normani & Cardi B's 'Wild Side' Inspires Impressive Pole Dance From FKA Twigs: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  42. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Shares New 'Tuned In Freestyle'". Rolling Stone. August 22, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  43. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion's 'Tuned In Freestyle' Address Her Watchful Haters". UPROXX. August 22, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  44. ^ "Wild Side (feat. Cardi B) - Single by Normani on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  45. ^ "Wild Side (feat. Cardi B) - Single by Normani on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  46. ^ "Credits / Wild Side (feat. Cardi B) / Normani - TIDAL". Tidal. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  47. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  48. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  49. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  50. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 26, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  51. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  52. ^ "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  53. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  54. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  55. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  56. ^ "Normani Kordei Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  57. ^ "Top 100 Popular Songs | Rolling Stone Music Charts". Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  58. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". AllAccess. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  59. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". AllAccess. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  60. ^ "Urban/R&B Future Releases". AllAccess. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  61. ^ Nunes, Caian (July 23, 2021). "Normani atende pedidos e lança versão estendida de "Wild Side"" (in Portuguese). POPline. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
Retrieved from ""