Right Thru Me

"Right Thru Me"
Single by Nicki Minaj
from the album Pink Friday
Released September 14, 2010
(see release history)
Format Digital download
Recorded 2010
Genre R&B
Length 3:55
Label Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Motown
Writer(s) Onika Maraj, Andrew Thielk, Joe Satriani
Producer(s) Drew Money[1]
Certification Gold (RIAA)
Nicki Minaj singles chronology
"Check It Out"
(2010)		 "Right Thru Me"
(2010)		 "Monster"
(2010)
Music video
"Right Thru Me" on YouTube

"Right Thru Me" is the second official single from Trinidadian rapper and singer Nicki Minaj's Young Money debut album, Pink Friday. The song was released as a digital download on September 14, 2010 before being serviced to urban and rhythmic Radio on October 5 and then mainstream radio on November 2, 2010. The song charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

"Right Thru Me" is described as being a Electronic, hip hop, R&B, track, compared to her usual rap and features electronic beats and synths. Lyrically, Minaj wonders how a lover can see through her. The song was met with generally positive reviews from critics, commenting on Minaj's lyrical playfulness and accepting the different musical sound.

The music video was shot over the weekend of October 1, 2010 and was directed by Diane Martel and was later premiered on October 27. The concept is a boy-girl relationship drama and features Minaj and her love fighting and arguing, with him threatening to leave her while Minaj tries to apologize. The video was met with positive reviews from critics, with many calling it more natural and deep than her fun and costume-filled videos. Minaj has promoted the song in several live appearances on The Wendy Williams Show, Late Show with David Letterman, Live with Regis and Kelly, Saturday Night Live, and 106 & Park.

Background

While discussing the progress of her debut album with MTV, Minaj discussed a song she described as a "standout" in the entire album.[2] The song "Right Thru Me" is confirmed for the album with Minaj stating, "It's not gonna come right now. It'll come closer to when the album drops, but it's a really, really pretty song. Everyone's gonna like it. It's just really insightful but in a very conversational kind of way."[2] The song was produced and co-written by Andrew "Drew Money" Thielk.[3][4]

In an interview with ET, Minaj commented on the depth and the meaning of the song stating "The song to me is very, very personal. I haven't spoken about an authentic relationship since I've come out. … Not everybody is rich, not everyone likes jewelry, not everybody likes playing dress-up, but everyone has been in a relationship at some point in their lives, so when you hear a relationship song, it's like, you react.""[5][6]

Composition

Styled with pop-rap tones, "Right Thru Me" features an electronic beat, while being influenced by R&B.[7][8][9] The main accompanying melody and chord progression are sampled from the Joe Satriani song "Always with Me, Always with You" from his breakthrough 1987 album Surfing With the Alien. The song has been described as a breezy jam that brandishes a swinging electronic beat, synth melodies, big pop hooks and guitar lines, and triple metre beats.[9][10] Lyrically, the song describes someone who wonders aloud about how a lover can see the real her.[7][9]

The song has been described as a straight-shooting rap, in Minaj's multiple-accent style.[11] It has also been described lyrically as a Katy Perry-esque ballad, with Minaj singing about a lover who stands by her through thick and thin.[11] Paul Cantor of MTV News broke the song down lyrically and instrumentally stating "The song finds Nicki talking to a lover, admitting that she puts up walls and tries to hide behind a front, but despite all that, her feelings are really transparent. No matter what she does, she can't escape how she truly feels. The track is all triple-time drum programming and sprightly synthesizer lead lines. It's a perfect backdrop for her to spit. The hook finds Nicki questioning, almost rhetorically."[12]

Critical reception

Erika Brooks Adickman of Idolator gave the song a positive review stating that, "The Harajuku Barbie doll reveals a more vulnerable side to her in this borderline romantic tune—that is until Nicki busts out the repetitive chorus 'How do you do that shit?'. Musically, 'Right Through Me' is quite a departure from her drum-thumping 'Massive Attack', but it lacks the record-breaking rapper’s signature lyrical playfulness heard in 'Your Love'. Treat your ears to Nicki’s latest and judge for yourself. Every time we hear Nicki sing, “How do you do that shit?”, we can’t help but think of the Insane Clown Posse’s hilarious lyric in 'Miracles'."[13] Chris Ryan of MTV Buzzworthy gave the song a positive review accepting the change of style by stating "Make no mistake, Nicki's solo singles--'Massive Attack,' 'Check It Out' and 'Your Love'--all have distinct qualities, but none of them has truly captured Nicki's blinding charisma the way some of her guest verses have. Maybe that's all going to change with 'Right Thru Me.'"[11] Paul Cantor of MTV News commented on the change in pace for Minaj, stating "One thing that's noticeably absent from the song is the different character voices Nicki's become known for. In the cover story of Complex magazine's October issue, she says the voices are something she's pulling back on."[12]

Music video

A music video for the single was shot over the weekend of October 1, 2010 in Los Angeles and directed by Diane Martel.[5][6][14] Minaj commented on the concept of the music video stating "The concept of the video is boy-and-girl relationship drama, you know, all of the intimate stuff as well as the fighting as well as the self-reflecting type stuff. It's basically just a love story told from the perspective of a very hard girl who doesn't want to give in but she has to."[5][6] A behind-the-scenes video was released on October 4, 2010. The music video was released for digital download on October 28, 2010.[15]

Synopsis

The music video premiered on October 27, 2010 on MTV.[14][16] In the video Willy Monfret, a French Caribbean model & DJ (Originally from France, he is the only child of a French mother and a father from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe), plays opposite of Minaj as her love interest.[14] The opening frame of "Right thru Me" begins with Minaj & Monfret fighting at home after returning from an event. The two argue about whether he's "disrespecting her" by talking behind her back, and he threatens to leave after she breaks a glass in frustration. Then Minaj runs to Monfret before he can leave and apologizes for overreacting and asks him to stay. "You have to trust me, that I did nothing wrong." he whispers to her in a form of comfort. The next scene begins with a title screen saying "Right Thru Me" as the song officially starts. As the song begins, both Minaj and Monfret are seen either in bed touching each other sensually and at the beach walking together. Another fight takes place when Minaj tries to prevent Monfret from driving away by refusing to leave the driver's seat of his car. In between the scenes, frames of Nicki behind a full-length window covered with steam are inserted as she sings the chorus. As the video continues, scenes of Minaj and Monfret are shown in an infinity pool twirling around as Monfret carries Minaj in his arms, embracing each other, while the fight from the opening scene are inserted. The video ends with Minaj continually wiping fog from the glass to sing out the rest of the song.[17]

Reception

On the day of its premier Rap-Up commented on the music video positively stating, "Hip-hop’s Barbie, who trades in her colorful wigs for a more natural look, shows off her acting chops as she argues with her man."[14] James Montgomery of MTV Buzzworthy reviewed the music video during a behind a scenes look, stating "Yes, from her vast collection of neon wigs to her closet full of skintight outfits, Nicki is rarely, if ever, subtle. But in her upcoming video for 'Right Thru Me,' all of that has changed. Gone are the Kool-Aid accoutrements and Harajuku Barbie getups, replaced instead with a side of the rapper most of her fans have never seen before: a sensitive, softer one.[18]

On the day of its actual release, Hillary Crosley of MTV News commented on the change in pace for Minaj in the video stating, "You can take the girl out of Queens, but you can't take the Queens out of the girl. Nicki Minaj premiered her stripped-down video for 'Right Thru Me' on MTV Wednesday (October 27), and it is quite a departure from her boisterous 'Check It Out' video that debuted Tuesday. Instead of blond hair and futuristic outfits, Nicki looks like she's about to walk down Jamaica Avenue in 50 Cent's hometown."[17] An Idolator writer also gave the song a positive review stating "Our favorite thing about Nicki Minaj? Is it the kaleidoscopic fashion? Her obsession with toys? Or her flat-out astounding skills on the mic? While Nicki has blessed us with many things, perhaps our favorite thing about her is that she continues to surprise us. Witness: just two days after laughing it up in a cartoonish clip with will.i.am, she returns with what has to be her heaviest performance ever (yes, more so than Stuck On Broke) — watch her in a rare moment of vulnerability as she plays a disrespected woman in the just-premiered, 'borderline romantic' 'Right Thru Me'. Watch Nicki get personal."[19]

Ed Easton Jr. of 92.3 Now gave the song an extremely positive review, also complimenting Minaj on her change in pace stating, "The flow of the song matches perfectly with the video – even though Nicki wasn’t “Barbied-Up” she still possesses that glow from her we’ve all grown to love. The video may not be filled with her signature random Japanese/Korean culture references or special effects but was still interesting to watch and definitely kept my attention. In all the video was a breath of fresh air for Minaj, bringing her image a little more down to earth for her fans so it deserves a 9 out of 10."[20]

Continuation

Nicki Minaj premiered the movie for her third album "The Pinkprint" on December 19th, 2014. The movie features Willy Monfret reprising his role as Minaj's boyfriend.[21]

Live performances

Minaj performed "Right Thru Me" on The Wendy Williams Show on November 17,[22] on Late Show with David Letterman on November 18, 2010,[23] and again on Live with Regis and Kelly on November 29, 2010. She later performed the track on Saturday Night Live on January 29, 2011.[24] Minaj has also performed the song on her Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour.

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Australian ARIA Urban Singles Chart[25] 38
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[26] 60
UK R&B (Official Charts Company)[27] 11
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[28] 71
US Billboard Hot 100[29] 26
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[30] 4
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[31] 3
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[32] 32
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[33] 7

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
United States (RIAA)[34] Gold 500,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
xunspecified figures based on certification alone

Radio dates and release history

Region Date Format
United States September 24, 2010[35] Digital download
October 5, 2010[36][37] Urban & Rhythmic radio
November 2, 2010[38] Mainstream radio
United Kingdom November 28, 2010[39] Digital download

References

  1. ↑ "Producer Drew Money Talks Creating Minaj's 'Right Through Me': 'Nicki Nailed It'". VIBE. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  2. 1 2 Ziegbe, Mawuse (2010-08-04). "Nicki Minaj Says Pink Friday Is 'Progressing Miraculously' – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  3. ↑ Fresh, Mikey (2010-09-23). "Producer Drew Money Talkes Creating Minaj's 'Right Through Me': 'Nicki Just Nailed It'". Vibe. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  4. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Right Thru Me". The DJ Booth. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  5. 1 2 3 NOW TRENDING: Nicki Minaj Reveals All
  6. 1 2 3 "Behind the Video: Nicki Minaj – ‘Right Thru Me’". Rap-Up. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  7. 1 2 "New Music: Nicki Minaj – 'Right Thru Me'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
  8. ↑ "Nicki Minaj Channels Pop on 'Right Through Me' Single". Artist Direct. Rogue Digital. 2010-09-22. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  9. 1 2 3 Anderson, Sara D. (2010-09-24). "Nicki Minaj – Right Thru Me". AOL Radio Blog. AOL, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  10. ↑ Julianne Escobedo Shepherd. "Nicki Minaj, "Right Through Me" MP3". The FADER. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 "Song You Need To Know: Nicki Minaj, ‘Right Thru Me’". Buzzworthy. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Nicki Minaj’s ‘Right Thru Me’ Leaks". MTV News. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  13. ↑ Brooks Adickman, Erika (2010-09-22). "Nicki Minaj’s "Right Through Me" Asks, "How Do You Do That Sh*t?"". Idolator. Buzzmedia. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Video: Nicki Minaj – ‘Right Thru Me’". Rap-Up. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  15. ↑ "iTunes Store". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  16. ↑ "YouTube". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  17. 1 2 "Nicki Minaj’s ‘Right Thru Me’ Video Premieres". MTV News. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "Nicki Minaj’s ‘Right Thru Me’ Video: Go Behind The Scenes!". MTV News. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  19. ↑ "Nicki Minaj Demands Respect In “Right Thru Me” Video". Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  20. ↑ "Protected Blog". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  21. ↑ "Beats By Dre Presents: The Pinkprint Movie". Nicki Minaj. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  22. ↑ Daw, Robbie (November 17, 2010). "See Right Thru Nicki Minaj On 'The Wendy Williams Show'". Gawker Media. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  23. ↑ Aswad, Jem (November 19, 2010). "Video: Nicki Minaj Performs 'Right Thru Me' on Letterman". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  24. ↑ Mapes, Jillian (January 30, 2011). "Nicki Minaj 'Does the Creep' on 'SNL'". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Pandora Archive" (PDF). Pandora.nla.gov.au. 2006-08-23. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  26. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Nicki Minaj.
  27. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2010-12-04" UK R&B Chart.
  28. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2011-01-30" UK Singles Chart.
  29. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Nicki Minaj.
  30. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Nicki Minaj.
  31. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Billboard Hot Rap Songs for Nicki Minaj.
  32. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Billboard Pop Songs for Nicki Minaj.
  33. ↑ "Nicki Minaj – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Nicki Minaj.
  34. ↑ "American single certifications – Nicki Minaj – Right Through Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 1, 2011. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  35. ↑ "Right Thru Me – Single by Nicki Minaj". iTunes Store. Apple, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  36. ↑ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  37. ↑ "Going for Adds – Urban – October 5, 2010". Going for Adds. Radio & Records, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  38. ↑ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more!". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  39. ↑ "BBC - Radio 1 - Playlist". Radio 1. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
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