Lil Star
Encyclopedia
"Lil Star" is the second international single
from Kelis
' Grammy Award
-nominated fourth studio album, Kelis Was Here
(2006). Released outside US (where "Blindfold Me" served as the second single), the single features Cee-Lo, who is known for being a half of the duo Gnarls Barkley
. Following the moderate success of "Bossy", the single has proven to be a return to form for Kelis; it debuted at number two in Ireland and was also a huge hit in the United Kingdom reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart
. The track was hailed by many music fans and critics as Kelis' "comeback" single, despite the fact "Bossy" was written specifically for Kelis' return to music.
The single sold 125,000 copies in the United Kingdom, going on to become the sixty-first biggest-selling single of 2007.
The song was tentatively set to be released on January 8, 2007, but to allow time for promotion the release date was pushed back to February 19. However, on January 8, the song was added to the C List of BBC Radio 1
Playlist, and has since been promoted to their A List, guaranteeing at least twenty plays a week.
The video
for "Lil Star" was filmed by Marc Klasfeld
, and has been on rotation since January 13, 2007 when it was added to British urban music channel MTV Base
's videos roster.
Surprisingly, "Lil Star" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-seven on January 28, 2007. This was three weeks before the track received an official physical release, indicating that the songs had a good chance of a high chart position upon official release. The following week high download sales enabled an eighteen-position jump to number nineteen. On February 12, 2007 "Lil Star" moved into the UK top fifteen at the number-thirteen position. During its fourth week in the top forty, the song slid down two places to number fifteen. However, on February 26, 2007, in the fifth week on the UK chart it moved from number fifteen to the top three. The success of "Lil Star" was undoubtedly certified when it landed at number three on the UK Singles Chart in the week of its physical release; sales to date have totalled 125,000 copies.
at number eighty-four on January 21, 2007 based on downloads alone five weeks before its release and climbed the charts rapidly to number thirty-seven within a matter of weeks due to strong download sales. Several weeks later it managed to make its initial peak at number thirteen based on downloads sales. After is official release it peaked at number three, becoming the first single from Kelis Was Here to reach the top three in the UK, and became Kelis' highest-charting single since 2004's "Millionaire
". "Lil Star" also entered several other UK charts including the UK R&B Singles Chart
where it peaked at number one, the UK Airplay Chart where it peaked at number three, the UK Official Download Chart
where it reached number nine, and the UK iTunes
Top 100 countdown where it peaked at number eleven. To date, "Lil Star" remains one of Kelis' best-selling singles in the UK where it sold over 118,000 copies. "Lil Star" also peaked at number eight in Ireland, her highest-peaking single since "Milkshake
" back in 2003. "Lil Star" found similar success in Eastern Europe; it peaked at number four in Slovenia, number seven in Hungary, and number eighteen in Slovakia. Although "Lil Star" performed well in European countries such as the UK and Ireland, it became a commercial failure in Germany, peaking at number ninety-nine, Kelis' lowest-charting single there to date. "Lil Star" was to be released in Australia as the second single from Kelis Was Here, with its video having been aired on music programs around Australia, but for unknown reasons it did not happen and instead "I Don't Think So
" was released.
for "Lil Star" was filmed in Los Angeles
in December 2006 and directed by Marc Klasfeld
, who had previously worked with Kelis on "Bossy" and "Blindfold Me
" earlier in 2006. In the video Kelis is walking down a street in a large space suit
-style coat, then singing to the stars. The stars take the formation of Cee-Lo and Kelis as they both sing, all wrapped up in a very mellow and calm atmosphere, relating to the song's theme. It premiered on MTV UK on January 13, 2007.
UK CD 2
12" single
Promo remixes CD
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
from Kelis
Kelis
Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1971 is an American musical artist. She is a BRIT Award, Q Award and NME Award winner and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. She has had nine top 10 singles on the UK Singles Chart...
' Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominated fourth studio album, Kelis Was Here
Kelis Was Here
Kelis Was Here is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Kelis, released in the United States on August 22, 2006 by LaFace Records and Jive Records...
(2006). Released outside US (where "Blindfold Me" served as the second single), the single features Cee-Lo, who is known for being a half of the duo Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley is an American soul duo comprising Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green. Their first studio album St. Elsewhere was released in 2006; along with its first single "Crazy". Both single and album were a major commercial success and have been noted for their large sales by download...
. Following the moderate success of "Bossy", the single has proven to be a return to form for Kelis; it debuted at number two in Ireland and was also a huge hit in the United Kingdom reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. The track was hailed by many music fans and critics as Kelis' "comeback" single, despite the fact "Bossy" was written specifically for Kelis' return to music.
The single sold 125,000 copies in the United Kingdom, going on to become the sixty-first biggest-selling single of 2007.
Song information
As for the song, the soulful and pensive "Lil Star" features Kelis singing about the time when she has self-doubt, giving fans a look at her vulnerable side. "I can't be confident and bold and obnoxious all the time", Kelis says. "What kind of person would I be? I'm a human being and I have other sides, too. I'm not always secure and I'm not always confident. I have moments where I get self-conscious."The song was tentatively set to be released on January 8, 2007, but to allow time for promotion the release date was pushed back to February 19. However, on January 8, the song was added to the C List of BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
Playlist, and has since been promoted to their A List, guaranteeing at least twenty plays a week.
The video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "Lil Star" was filmed by Marc Klasfeld
Marc Klasfeld
Marc Klasfeld is an American music video director. He has directed over two hundred music videos for artists such as Katy Perry, Jay-Z, Kid Rock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nelly, Foo Fighters, Jewel, Sum 41, Avril Lavigne and many others with multiple MTV award wins and nominations...
, and has been on rotation since January 13, 2007 when it was added to British urban music channel MTV Base
MTV Base
MTV Base is a 24-hour music and general entertainment channel from MTV Networks International. The channel focuses primarily on music from the world of R'n'B, hiphop, reggae, soul and urban. The MTV Base brand first launched in the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland on July 1, 1999,...
's videos roster.
Surprisingly, "Lil Star" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-seven on January 28, 2007. This was three weeks before the track received an official physical release, indicating that the songs had a good chance of a high chart position upon official release. The following week high download sales enabled an eighteen-position jump to number nineteen. On February 12, 2007 "Lil Star" moved into the UK top fifteen at the number-thirteen position. During its fourth week in the top forty, the song slid down two places to number fifteen. However, on February 26, 2007, in the fifth week on the UK chart it moved from number fifteen to the top three. The success of "Lil Star" was undoubtedly certified when it landed at number three on the UK Singles Chart in the week of its physical release; sales to date have totalled 125,000 copies.
Chart performance
"Lil Star" made its debut on the UK Singles ChartUK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
at number eighty-four on January 21, 2007 based on downloads alone five weeks before its release and climbed the charts rapidly to number thirty-seven within a matter of weeks due to strong download sales. Several weeks later it managed to make its initial peak at number thirteen based on downloads sales. After is official release it peaked at number three, becoming the first single from Kelis Was Here to reach the top three in the UK, and became Kelis' highest-charting single since 2004's "Millionaire
Millionaire (song)
"Millionaire" is a song by American R&B singer–songwriter Kelis, featuring American singer–rapper André 3000—half of the hip hop duo OutKast. Written by Kelis and André 3000 who also served as the producer, the song was released in October 2004 as the third single from Kelis' third studio album,...
". "Lil Star" also entered several other UK charts including the UK R&B Singles Chart
UK R&B Chart
The Official UK R&B Chart is a forty-position R&B/Hip-Hop chart compiled by The Official UK Charts Company. Although the chart does not receive any airplay, its compilation is viewed on BBC Radio 1's website and publications such as ChartsPlus and Music Week...
where it peaked at number one, the UK Airplay Chart where it peaked at number three, the UK Official Download Chart
UK Official Download Chart
The UK Official Download Chart is compiled by The Official UK Charts Company on behalf of the music industry. The chart week runs from Sunday to Saturday, with the chart being published on a Wednesday afternoon, so as to not to clash with the release of the main UK Singles Chart...
where it reached number nine, and the UK iTunes
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
Top 100 countdown where it peaked at number eleven. To date, "Lil Star" remains one of Kelis' best-selling singles in the UK where it sold over 118,000 copies. "Lil Star" also peaked at number eight in Ireland, her highest-peaking single since "Milkshake
Milkshake (song)
"Milkshake" is a song by American recording artist Kelis and the lead single from her third studio album, Tasty. The song was released in the United States on August 25, 2003, by Star Trak and Arista Records, and internationally on November 24. It was written and produced by The Neptunes, a duo...
" back in 2003. "Lil Star" found similar success in Eastern Europe; it peaked at number four in Slovenia, number seven in Hungary, and number eighteen in Slovakia. Although "Lil Star" performed well in European countries such as the UK and Ireland, it became a commercial failure in Germany, peaking at number ninety-nine, Kelis' lowest-charting single there to date. "Lil Star" was to be released in Australia as the second single from Kelis Was Here, with its video having been aired on music programs around Australia, but for unknown reasons it did not happen and instead "I Don't Think So
I Don't Think So
"I Don't Think So" is a song by American recording artist Kelis from her fourth studio album, Kelis Was Here . Written by Kelis, Max Martin, and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald and produced by Martin and Gottwald, the song became popular with Australian audiences when it was used in advertisements for...
" was released.
Music video
The videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "Lil Star" was filmed in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in December 2006 and directed by Marc Klasfeld
Marc Klasfeld
Marc Klasfeld is an American music video director. He has directed over two hundred music videos for artists such as Katy Perry, Jay-Z, Kid Rock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nelly, Foo Fighters, Jewel, Sum 41, Avril Lavigne and many others with multiple MTV award wins and nominations...
, who had previously worked with Kelis on "Bossy" and "Blindfold Me
Blindfold Me
"Blindfold Me" is the second US single from Kelis' fourth studio album, Kelis Was Here . The single, released in October 2006, features American rapper Nas...
" earlier in 2006. In the video Kelis is walking down a street in a large space suit
Space suit
A space suit is a garment worn to keep an astronaut alive in the harsh environment of outer space. Space suits are often worn inside spacecraft as a safety precaution in case of loss of cabin pressure, and are necessary for extra-vehicular activity , work done outside spacecraft...
-style coat, then singing to the stars. The stars take the formation of Cee-Lo and Kelis as they both sing, all wrapped up in a very mellow and calm atmosphere, relating to the song's theme. It premiered on MTV UK on January 13, 2007.
Track listings
UK CD 1- "Lil Star" (Radio Edit)
- "80's Joint"
UK CD 2
- "Lil Star" (Album Version)
- "Lil Star" (Linus Loves Remix)
- "Lil Star" (Soundboy Remix)
- "Lil Star" (Future Cut Throw Back Mix)
- "Lil Star" (Video)
12" single
- Side A:
- "Lil Star" (Main)
- "Lil Star" (Instrumental)
- Side B:
- "Lil Star" (Main)
- "Lil Star" (A Capella)
Promo remixes CD
- "Lil Star" (Linus Loves Remix featuring Cee-Lo)
- "Lil Star" (Linus Loves Dub featuring Cee-Lo)
- "Lil Star" (Future Cut Remix featuring Cee-Lo)
- "Lil Star" (Soundbwoy Remix featuring Cee-Lo)
- "Lil Star" (Soundbwoy Instrumental)
- "Lil Star" (Al Usher 12" Mix featuring Cee-Lo)
Charts
| Chart (2007) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Czech Airplay Chart Rádio Top 100 Oficiální Rádio Top 100 Oficiální is the name of the Czech national airplay chart published by the IFPI Czech Republic on a weekly basis.Besides the main Top 100 record chart, also two component charts are effective. While the Rádio CZ 50 Oficiální features songs released exclusively by Czech and/or Slovak... |
69 |
| European Hot 100 Singles | 12 |
| German Singles Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
99 |
| Hungarian Airplay Chart Mahasz Mahasz is the Hungarian music industry association, founded in 1992. Mahasz hands out the Hungarian Music Awards and maintains the music charts for Hungary.... |
7 |
| Irish Singles Chart Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... |
8 |
| Slovak Airplay Chart Rádio Top 100 Oficiálna Rádio Top 100 Oficiálna is the name of the Slovakian national airplay chart published by the IFPI Czech Republic on a weekly basis since the cancellation of the Slovakian national section on December 31, 2009.... |
18 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
3 |
| UK R&B Singles Chart UK R&B Chart The Official UK R&B Chart is a forty-position R&B/Hip-Hop chart compiled by The Official UK Charts Company. Although the chart does not receive any airplay, its compilation is viewed on BBC Radio 1's website and publications such as ChartsPlus and Music Week... |
1 |