The Block Party (Lisa Lopes song)

"The Block Party"
Single by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes
from the album Supernova
B-side	"Tampered With" "Friends"
Released	July 8, 2001 (2001-07-08) (US) October 15, 2001 (2001-10-15) (UK)
Format	CD single (worldwide) DVD single (US) 7" single (UK)
Recorded	2000 Sony Music Studios (New York City, New York)
Genre	Hip hop
Length	4:32
Label	Arista
Writer(s)	Salaam Remi, Lisa Lopes, M. White, Tracey Horton
Producer(s)	Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Antonio "LA" Reid and Mark Pitts
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes singles chronology
"Never Be the Same Again" (2000) "The Block Party" (2001) "Let's Just Do It" (2009)

"The Block Party" is the first solo single by rapper and singer-songwriter, Lisa Lopes, and was the first and final single from her internationally-released debut album Supernova. It was written and produced by Lopes. The song did not do well in the U.S. but was released in other countries where it enjoyed a fair reception, on Allmusic praised the song making it their track pick. "The Block Party" contains a sample of Earth, Wind & Fire's "Drum Song" throughout the entire song.

Track listing

1. "The Block Party" (Radio Mix) – 4:32
2. "The Block Party" (Dallas Austin Remix) – 3:57
3. "Tampered With" (featuring Wanya Morris and Shamari Fears)written by DaKarai Grover – 4:24
4. "Friends" (featuring Cassandra Lucas [uncredited]) – 4:42
5. "The Block Party" (music video - enhanced interactive element^[1])

Music video

The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Lopes in May 2001. Lopes said of the video, "We are in the wonderful world of Left Eye and it's in my galaxy, Supernova." Her adopted daughter Snow appeared in the video.^[2]

Charts

The 2001 single failed to generate much success in the US, coming in at #121 on the R&B charts, and missing the Hot 100 altogether. However, it did chart in the UK, as well as Australia and other countries in Europe.

2009 version

"Block Party" is the second posthumous single by the late rapper, singer, and songwriter Lisa Lopes and is the second single from her first posthumous album, Eye Legacy and her third solo single.

History

The song was originally recorded for Lopes' solo debut Supernova and was released as the album's first and only single. The song was reworked and remixed for her first posthumous album, Eye Legacy, and features Lil Mama and Clyde McKnight. After the first single "Let's Just Do It" failed to chart in the United States, "Block Party" was announced to be released as the second single after its positive critical reception.^[6] The song was not released as a single, but rather as a ringtone, along with all the songs of Eye Legacy, with "Block Party" charting highest, Going to number one on the Jamster "What's New" Ringtones chart. It was knocked off the top by "Too Many Rappers" by Beastie Boys featuring Nas. It also went to 10 at Jamster Hip Hop & Rap Ringtones chart.

Critical reception

Most critics praised the song, with Allmusic naming it one of their track picks and The Phoenix saying: "'Block Party', featuring an appearance by the always welcome Lil Mama, works up some energy worthy of the song's title." However, a negative review came from a blog on Blogger.com, which stated "Lil' Mama helps out on a reworked version of 'Block Party', which was Supernova‍ '​s first single back in the day. Nothing against Lil' Mama, as I liked her offering, but I wish they had left this one alone." Jamster made the ringtone one of their "Editors' Picks".

References

External links

• LeftEyeLegacy