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"Boyfriend" is a song recorded by Big Time Rush for their debut album BTR (2010), later remixed and re-released as a single featuring the rapper Snoop Dogg. The song was written by Wayne Hector and Lucas Secon as a hip-hop song intended for rapper Lupe Fiasco in 2006, before its genre was modified to pop and pitched to BTR. The remixed version featuring Snoop Dogg was released as the album’s second single on February 8, 2011. Musically, "Boyfriend" is a R&B and teen-pop track about striving to be an ideal boyfriend for someone.

"Boyfriend" was the first of BTR's songs to be released to mainstream radio. Debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at #79 the week of March 12, it spent eleven weeks on the chart, peaking at #72 the week of May 7.[1][2] On April 19, 2011, another remix featuring group New Boyz was released.

An accompanying music video was directed by Petro. In it, BTR is walking through Los Angeles when Snoop Dogg appears before them via a time portal, and invites them to a party in the year 2099. As part of promotion for the single, they performed on ABC’s The View on February 21.[3] They later performed it with Snoop at the 2011 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. The song prominently featured in the Big Time Rush episodes "Big Time Girlfriends" and "Big Time Beach Party", from the show's second season.

"Boyfriend" won an Argentinian Kids Choice Award for Favorite Song in 2011, and was nominated for a Mexican Premios Oye! Award in 2013. It remains the group's highest-charting single to date. In March 2012, the song earned a gold RIAA certification in the US for selling over 500,000 digital copies. Ten years later, in November 2022, it was awarded a platinum certification for over 1,000,000 sales.[4] The song is ranked #47 on Rolling Stone's list of greatest boy band songs of all time.[5]

Background[]

"Boyfriend" was written by Lucas Secon and Wayne Anthony Hector. The instrumental was originally created to serve as American rapper Lupe Fiasco's first single.[6] Fiasco's label commissioned more than forty different hooks to be written, but when Secon and Hector agreed none "hit the spot," they wrote a new one themselves and eventually pitched the track to BTR.[6][7] In May 2010,[8] the band recorded vocals for "Boyfriend" with engineer Rob Kinelski at Westlake Recording Studios, in Los Angeles, California.[9] The song was one of eight that the band recorded in a single week, as some of the first devoted sessions for their self-titled debut album.[10] "Boyfriend" was always intended to be the band's breakthrough single.[8]

Anonymous edits made to Secon's Wikipedia article in June 2010 suggest the song was planned as a collaboration with New Boyz very early in production.[citation needed] Initial press releases from September 2010, issued by Columbia Records to announce the track listing and album artwork for BTR, reported that New Boyz would feature on the album track.[11] However, the final track listing included BTR's solo version instead. On September 29, the final track was made available to preview on nick.com.[12] It was included as the second track on the group's self-titled debut album, released October 11, 2010.

According to BTR member Logan Henderson, Snoop Dogg approached them about appearing on one of their songs, as his daughter was a fan of both the band and television show.[13][14] Snoop agreed to appear on "Boyfriend," writing and recording his own verses with Travis "Shaggy" Marshall at DSR in Hollywood, CA.[15] On January 24, 2011, the remix featuring Snoop Dogg was made available to stream in full ahead of its release, on BTR's official Facebook page.[16] The single was digitally released on February 8, and serviced to mainstream radio one week later.

Composition[]

"Boyfriend" was written by English songwriters Wayne Anthony Hector and Lucas Secon. Snoop Dogg's lyrics in the single version were written by Broadus himself.[15] Lyrically, the song entails "a guy trying to snare a girl's attentions," as described by The New York Post's Maxine Shen.[17] The first verse, sung by Kendall Schmidt, references love at first sight, opening "Have you ever had the feeling you're drawn to someone yeah / And it isn't anything they could have said or done."[9] The song's chorus sees the male narrator striving to perfect themselves and become the ideal boyfriend for this person, through unwavering persistence: "I don't care at all what you done before / All I really want is to be your boyfriend".

The song has been labeled as pop, dance-pop, teen pop, and contemporary R&B.[18]

According to musicnotes.com, "Boyfriend" is written in the key of E major with a moderate tempo of 80 beats per minute (BPM). BTR's vocals span from E3 to B5, and the song follows a key progression of A-E-F#m-E–F#m-G#m-C#m.[18]

Critical reception[]

The song received mixed reviews from critics. Jessica Dawson of Common Sense Media called the song a "catchy single" that "lingers in your head,"[19] while Alistair McGeorge of Female First described it as a "safe, by-the-numbers pop track that heavily relies on over-production and autotune".[20]

In 2018, Billboard ranked "Boyfriend" #97 on its list of the top 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs.[21] It is ranked #47 on Rolling Stone Australias list of the 75 greatest boy band songs of all time.[5]

Music videos[]

In August 2010, the band filmed a music video segment for the third episode of Big Time Rush's second season, "Big Time Girlfriends". From August 4-6, the production crew blocked off the parking lot outside Paramount Studios, where Nickelodeon rented and brought in an authentic carnival.[22][23] Carlos PenaVega described it as "probably the start of the epic music videos for the TV show," saying the studio "really put some money behind it".[23]

An official music video, directed by Petro and produced by Christopher Salzgeber,[15] was filmed on January 9, 2011.[24] Carlos PenaVega said working with Snoop was "just as awesome as anyone might think," saying he "met all of our expectations and more" and was "just as cool and relaxed as he appears."[14] Snoop brought his daughter to the video set.[25] The video premiered on February 4, 2011, on nick.com.[26] It sees Big Time Rush being invited to the future by Snoop Dogg, where they attend a party. In the days leading up to the video premiere, the band posted "leaked" behind-the-scenes stills to their social media accounts.[27][28][29][30] On February 10, the band released a behind-the-scenes special via 'Entertainment Weekly.[31] It was uploaded to the band's VEVO page one month later.[32]

Live performances[]

To promote the single's release, BTR performed "Boyfriend" on ABC's The View on February 21, 2011.[3] They performed it at the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards, with a surprise guest appearance by Snoop. Following BTR's 2021 reunion, they performed "Boyfriend" at the 2022 Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico in Mexico City, on August 27, 2022.[33]

Remixes and parodies[]

The New Boyz remix was issued to radio in early April 2011, and digitally released on iTunes on April 19.[34][35]

Mashups and remixes[]

Three different versions, remixed by the Jump Smokers, were issued on a Remixes EP in the UK. All three were later included on the Ultimate Fan Edition compilation, a box set released in Italy in 2016.

  • "Boyfriend" feat. Snoop Dogg (Jump Smokers Remix Radio Edit)
  • "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix)
  • "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix Extended Version)

An officially commissioned mashup, which combined all three single versions of the track, was included on the promo CD S.I.N. Rhythm & Pop #08, the eighth iteration of the S.I.N. New Music Program compilation series, managed by executive producer Vince Pellegrino.[36][37] Internally issued on February 23, 2011, the CD includes the mashup as well as a unique intro recorded by the band.[38]

Parodies[]

In 2018, the song featured in a viral YouTube video titled "When the music video doesn't match the song". The video humorously contrasts the song with the visuals, which draw from common tropes of rap and hip-hop music videos. As of May 2023, the video has over 16,000,000 views.[39]

Track listings[]

  • US digital download
  1. "Boyfriend" (featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:35
  2. "Boyfriend" (Album Version) — 3:21
  3. "Boyfriend" (Video) — 3:41
  • EU digital download
  1. "Boyfriend" (featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:35
  2. "Boyfriend" (Album Version) — 3:21
  • US CD single
  1. "Boyfriend" (featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:35
  2. "Boyfriend" (Album Version) — 3:21
  • UK maxi single
  1. "Boyfriend" (Album Version) — 3:21
  2. "Boyfriend" (featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:35
  3. "Boyfriend" (Remix featuring New Boyz) — 3:34
  4. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Radio Mix)
  5. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Radio Remix) — 3:07
  • EU CD single
  1. "Boyfriend" (featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:35
  2. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix Radio Edit featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:07
  3. "Boyfriend" (Album Version) — 3:21
  4. "Boyfriend" (Video) — 3:41
  • UK Remixes EP (Digital download)
  1. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix Radio Edit featuring Snoop Dogg) — 3:07
  2. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix Radio Edit)" — 2:52
  3. "Boyfriend" (Jump Smokers Remix Extended Version) — 3:33

Credits and personnel[]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of BTR.[9]

  • Written by: Lucas Secon, Wayne Anthony Hector
  • Produced, Programmed and Arranged by Lucas Secon for Mux Music Ltd.
  • Recorded by Rob Kinelski at Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles CA and Pete Hoffman and Lucas Secon at Mux Music Studios, London
  • Protools Editing by Pete Hoffman
  • Mixed by Pete Hoffman for interfaceyourmusic.com and Lucas Secon for Mux Music Ltd.
  • Drums and Synths: Lucas Secon
  • Additional Guitar, Bass, and Keys: Mintman
  • Recorded at Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Certifications[]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[4] Platinum 1,000,000

Release history[]

Release dates for "Boyfriend"
Country / region Date Format Label Notes Ref.
United States February 8, 2011 Digital download Nickelodeon, Columbia Remix ft. Snoop Dogg [1]
March 10, 2011 CD single [2]
Germany April 1, 2011 Digital download [3]
United Kingdom April 8, 2011 CD maxi single [4]
April 15, 2011 Digital download [5]
Remixes EP [6]
April 17, 2011 Original [7]
United States April 19, 2011 Digital download Remix ft. New Boyz [8]

Gallery[]

Photos[]

Logo

Videos[]

Lyrics[]

Lyrics adapted from the liner notes of BTR.[9]

Your boyfriend
Have you ever had the feeling you're drawn to someone yeah
And it isn't anything they could have said or done
And every day I see you on your own
And I can't believe that you're alone
But I overheard your girls and this is what they said

Chorus:
That you're looking for a boyfriend
I see that
Gimme time you know I'm gonna be that
Don't be scared to come put your trust in me
Can't you see all I really wanna be is your boyfriend
Can't fight that
Knock me down you know I'm coming right back
I don't care at all what you done before
All I really want is to be your boyfriend

Let me take a little moment to find the right words
So when I kick it to you, it ain't somethin' that you heard
I don't know what kinda guy that you prefer
But I know I gotta put myself forward
See I think I got the kinda love that you deserve
And I heard that

Chorus

If you tell me yeah I'm waiting here
Every day like Slumdog Millionaire
Bigger than the Twilight love affair
I'll be here girl I swear

Chorus

References[]

  1. "Billboard Hot 100 - Week of March 12, 2011". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  2. "Big Time Rush Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Big Time Rush [@bigtimerush] (February 20, 2011). "We're going to be on ABC's @theviewtv tomorrow morning (11am EST/10am PCT) where we'll be performing "Boyfriend"! We hope you'll watch!". Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Gold & Platinum: Big Time Rush - Boyfriend". RIAA. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Spanos, Britney (July 27, 2020). "75 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Secon, Lucas [@lucas.secon] (September 28, 2021 (edited November 17, 2022)). "@bigtimerush ‘Boyfriend’ feat @snoopdogg was a US Platinum hit single and charted globally and took their US top 3 álbum from 200k to 3M+ worldwide. I produced it and co-wrote it with Wayne Hector aka @chestadoors1616". Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  7. "Wayne Hector - Your Boyfriend [Big Time Rush Demo]" on YouTube. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Maslow, James [@jamesmaslow] (May 27, 2010). "In the studio making what I think could be our first radio single. ;)". Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 BTR (liner notes). Big Time Rush. Nick Records, Columbia Records. 2010.
  10. PenaVega, Carlos [@TheCarlosPena] (May 24, 2010). "in the studio.. James just went in. sounding sick and its only the 1st song of the week! 7 more to go!!!". Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  11. "September 1st, 2010". Tommy2.net (September 1, 2010). Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  12. Big Time Rush [@bigtimerush] (September 29, 2010). "Have you listened to our brand new song, "Boyfriend", off our debut album?! Go here to find out how you can hear it:". Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  13. Wedel, Mark (September 8, 2011). ""Boy band Big Time Rush enjoying the ride: Quartet from popular Nickelodean show discusses their 'dream come true'"". Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "Big Time Rush Q&A". Kidzworld (April 11, 2011). Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Boyfriend" (Media notes). Big Time Rush. Nickelodeon Records, Columbia Records. 2011.
  16. Big Time Rush [@bigtimerush] (January 24, 2011). "Have you heard the new version of our song Boyfriend ft. Snoop Dogg? Check it out here Let us know what you think!". Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  17. Shen, Maxine (February 7, 2011). "Snoop Dogg meets Big Time Rush (again)". New York Post. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Big Time Rush - Boyfriend Sheet Music – Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  19. Dawson, Jessica. ""Boyfriend" (CD Single) – Music Review". Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media Inc.. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  20. McGeorge, Alistair (July 14, 2011). "Album Review: Big Time Rush - BTR". Female First. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  21. "The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard (April 23, 2018). Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  22. Chisholm, Tanya [@TanyaChisholm] (August 4, 2010). "15 he day completed an tomorrow is the carnival scene! Thanks so much 4 ll the love guys!!!". Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  23. 23.0 23.1 Weatherby, Taylor (August 25, 2022). "Big Time Rush Share Favorite Memories From Their Biggest Hits, New Songs And One Unexpected Fan Favorite". Grammys. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  24. Maslow, James [@jamesmaslow] (January 9, 2011). "Filming the music video for Boyfriend today featuring the one and only @snoopdogg this is awesome :)". Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  25. "remember when Snoop Dogg was on Big Time Rush?! #shorts" on YouTube. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  26. Big Time Rush [@bigtimerush] (May 19, 2023). "We can't wait for you guys to see the video for "Boyfriend" tonight on Nick.com! Who would your #BTRboyfriend be? Retweet!!". Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  27. Big Time Rush (February 1, 2011). "Our brand new music video for "Boyfriend" ft. Snoop Dogg premieres this FRIDAY on Nick.com! Check out this exclusive photo from the set while you wait!". Facebook. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  28. Big Time Rush (February 2, 2011). "Thank you to everyone who chatted with us! Here's another exclusive pic from the set of our brand new music video for "Boyfriend" ft. Snoop Dogg. It premieres FRIDAY on nick.com!". Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  29. Big Time Rush (February 3, 2011). "Our video for "Boyfriend" ft. Snoop Dogg premieres TOMORROW on nick.com! Who's excited? Check out this exclusive pic from the set!". Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  30. Big Time Rush (February 4, 2011). "Our music video for "Boyfriend" premieres TONIGHT on nick.com! Check out one more exclusive pic from the set!!". Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  31. Stransky, Tanner (February 10, 2010). "Big Time Rush: Behind the scenes of the boy band's 'Boyfriend' video collaboration with Snoop Dogg -- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO". Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  32. "Big Time Rush - Boyfriend (Behind the Scenes)" on YouTube. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  33. MC (August 28, 2022). "Big Time Rush Performs at the Kids' Choice Awards Mexico". BeautifulBallad. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  34. Big Time Rush [@bigtimerush] (April 19, 2011). "You've heard it on the radio...now it's on iTunes!! Check out "Boyfriend" ft. New Boyz!". Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  35. "Boyfriend (feat. New Boyz) [Radio Edit] - Single by Big Time Rush on iTunes". music.apple.com (April 19, 2011). Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  36. "S.I.N. Rhythym & Pop #08 (2011, February 23, 2011, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  37. "Remembering Vince Pellegrino: 'A Cheerleader for Artists, Radio and the Record Industry'". Billboard (February 6, 2015). Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  38. "S.I.N. Volume #8 2011". Internet Archive. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  39. "When the music video doesn't match the song" on YouTube. Retrieved May 28, 2023.

Navigation

Navigation

V·T·E Songs in Big Time Rush
Season 1 "Big Time Rush" · "Famous" · "City Is Ours" · "Any Kind of Guy" · "This Is Our Someday" · "Halfway There" · "Stuck" · "A Shot in the Dark" · "Count on You"
Season 2 "Til I Forget About You" · "Boyfriend" · "I Know You Know" · "Big Night" · "Nothing Even Matters" · "Make a Beautiful Christmas" · "All I Want for Christmas" · "Yardsquirrel's Christmas" · "Oh Yeah" · "Dance, Dance, Dance" · "The Mom Song" · "Worldwide" · "Paralyzed" · "Superstar" · "If I Ruled the World" · "Blow Your Speakers" · "All Over Again"
Season 3 "Love Me Love Me" · "Time of Our Life" · "Cover Girl" · "Elevate" · "Movin' Up to Bel Air" · "Windows Down" · "No Idea"
Season 4 "Like Nobody's Around" · "With Ur Love" · "Picture This" · "You Dumped Me for Her" · "24/seven" · "Confetti Falling" · "My Friends" · "Song for You" · "Run Wild" · "Untouchable" · "Get Up" · "Crazy for U" · "We Are"
Big Time Movie "Can't Buy Me Love" · "Help" · "A Hard Day's Night" · "We Can Work It Out" · "Revolution" · "Music Sounds Better with U"
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