Tempo (Lizzo song)

2019 promotional single by Lizzo featuring Missy Elliott

"Tempo"

Promotional single by Lizzo featuring Missy Elliott
from the album  Cuz I Love You
B-side|

* "Juice"
* "Cuz I Love You"

Released| July 26, 2019 (2019-07-26)
Genre|

* R&B
* trap[1]
* pop-funk[2]

Length| 2:55
Label|

* Nice Life
* Atlantic

Songwriter(s)|

* Melissa Jefferson
* Melissa Elliott
* Theron Thomas
* Raymond Scott
* Dan Farber
* Eric Frederic
* Antonio Cuna
* Tobias Wincorn

Producer(s)|

* Lizzo
* Ricky Reed
* Sweater Beats
* Dan Farber
* Nate Mercureau
* Tobias Wincorn

Music video
"Tempo" on YouTube

"Tempo" is a song by American singer and rapper Lizzo featuring American rapper Missy Elliott for her third studio album and major-label debut Cuz I Love You (2019). The song was released as a promotional single on March 20, 2019, and its music video was released on July 26, 2019.

The single was written by the two artists with contributions from Antonio Cuna (a.k.a. Sweater Beats), Tobias Wincorn, Theron Thomas, Dan Farber, and Eric Frederic (a.k.a. Ricky Reed). The recording uses a sample from an electronic recording/composition entitled "Nescafé" by Raymond Scott (from his album Manhattan Research, Inc.), who is credited as a co-writer.[3] Lizzo and Reed co-produced the track with Farber, Wincorn, Sweater Beats, and Nate Mercereau. Musically, "Tempo" is an R&B and trap song composed of a bass-heavy, woodwind-inspired beat. It contains lyrics about body positivity, and has been described by one music critic as an "ode to curvaceous women".[4]

"Tempo" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the artists' performances and deemed it a club track. Commercially, it entered several component charts in Belgium and the United States. The song was promoted by an accompanying music video, directed by Andy Hines. It was released on July 26, 2019.[5]

## Composition

[edit]

"Tempo" is a "nostalgia-filled"[6] R&B, trap,[1] and funk-pop[2] song with a length of two minutes and fifty five seconds. The song begins with a powerful guitar riff, before breaking into the song's chorus: "Slow songs, they for skinny hoes. Can't move all of this here to one of those".[7] It contains a "bass-heavy" and woodwind-inspired beat, before closing with a flute solo.[8][9] Elliott's verse was added to the track after Lizzo had heard the song's completed instrumental.[10] Described as "fiery twerk-team anthem" by NPR,[8] "Tempo" is an "ode to curvaceous women"[6] containing "self-assured" and "feel good" lyrics,[7][11] followed by Elliott's "curve-celebrating" verse in the bridge.[11]

## Critical reception

[edit]

"Tempo" received positive reviews from music critics. Will Lavin, writing for NME, called the track "fierce" and "up-tempo".[10] Brendan Wetmore of Paper praised the song as "the kind of track that you don't even have to try to dance to". He also labelled it "a song for the club".[9] Joshua Bote, writing for NPR, reacted positively to the song, calling it "a track that flows freely with their combined confidence and mic skills".[8] Mike Wass of Idolator called the song "an unrepentant banger".[7] Ben Kaye, writing for Consequence of Sound, praised Elliott's verse, writing "the slapping '90s beat is perfect for Missy [Elliott]".[12]

### Accolades

[edit]

Year  | Ceremony  | Category  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2019  | BET Hip Hop Awards | Impact Track  | Nominated  | [13]
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Power Anthem  | Nominated  | [14]

## Music video

[edit]

Lizzo announced the song's music video on July 25, 2019.[15] The video, directed by Andy Hines, was released on July 26, 2019.[10] It features Lizzo, dressed in a blue coat and red cowboy hat,[9] partying in a diner parking lot with several dancers and cars in the background.[16][17] Missy Elliott jumps out of a car in a tracksuit to perform her verse.[1][9] David Renshaw of The Fader called the video "joy-filled".[5]

## Track listing

[edit]

Tempo[18][19]No.| Title| Length

|
|

1.| "Tempo" (featuring Missy Elliott)| 2:55
2.| "Juice"| 3:15
3.| "Cuz I Love You"| 2:59
Total length:| 9:09

## Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from Tidal.[19]

* Lizzo – lead artist, songwriter, producer, programmer
* Missy Elliott – featured artist, songwriter, additional vocals
* Ricky Reed – songwriter, producer, instruments, programmer
* Shelbeniece Swain – additional vocals
* Theron Thomas – songwriter, additional vocals
* Dan Farber – songwriter, co-producer, programmer
* Nate Mercereau – co-producer, programmer
* Sweater Beats – co-producer, programmer
* Antonio Cuna – songwriter
* Raymond Scott – songwriter, recorded sample
* Tobias Wincorn – songwriter, co-producer, programmer
* Ethan Shumaker – additional vocals, engineer
* Chris Gehringer – masterer
* Manny Marroquin – mixer
* Robin Florent – mixer
* Scott Desmarais – mixer

## Charts

[edit]

Chart (2019)  | Peak
position

|

Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[20] | 38
Belgium Urban (Ultratop Flanders)[21] | 29
Belgium Urban (Ultratop Wallonia)[22] | 30
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[23] | 8
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[24] | 53
US Digital Songs (Billboard)[25] | 21
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[26] | 48

### Year-end charts

[edit]

Chart (2019)  | Position

|

US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[27] | 44

## Certifications

[edit]

Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

Canada (Music Canada)[28] | Gold  | 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[29] | Gold  | 15,000‡
United States (RIAA)[30] | Platinum  | 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

[edit]

Region  | Date  | Format  | Label  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

Various  | March 20, 2019[a] |

* Digital download
* streaming

* Atlantic
* Nice Life

July 26, 2019  | [18][19]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Release as a promotional single.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Damshenas, Sam. "Lizzo and Missy Elliott star in fierce video for body-positive anthem Tempo". Gay Times. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
2. ^ a b "The 100 Best Albums of the 2010s". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
3. ^ Raymond Scott historical timeline at RaymondScott.net
4. ^ Battle, Marquaysa (March 21, 2019). "Lizzo And Missy Elliott Dropped A Body-Positive Song Everyone Should Hear Today". RaveList. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
5. ^ a b Renshaw, David. "Lizzo and Missy Elliott party in a parking lot in the "Tempo" video". The Fader. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
6. ^ a b Saponara, Michael. "Lizzo Rocks a Giant Blue Fur Cape, Serves Serious Moves in 'Tempo' Video Featuring Missy Elliott: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
7. ^ a b c Nied, Mike. "Turn It Up! Lizzo & Missy Elliott's "Tempo" Is A Ferocious Banger". Idolator. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
8. ^ a b c Bote, Joshua. "Lizzo And Missy Elliott Trade Off On The Scorching-Hot 'Tempo'". NPR. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
9. ^ a b c d Wetmore, Brendan. "Lizzo's 'Tempo' Video Has Diners, Drive-Ins and Ass Claps". Paper. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
10. ^ a b c Lavin, Will. "Watch as Lizzo and Missy Elliott take it back to the golden era of hip-hop videos with 'Tempo'". NME. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
11. ^ a b Shaffer, Claire. "Lizzo, Missy Elliott Take Over the Parking Lot in 'Tempo' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
12. ^ Kaye, Ben. "Missy Elliott joins Lizzo on new track "Tempo": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
13. ^ "Cardi B Leads 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards With 10 Nominations: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
14. ^ "Here Are All the Winners From the 2019 MTV VMAs". Billboard. August 26, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
15. ^ @lizzo (July 25, 2019). "#TEMPO VIDEO DROPS TOMORROW Lizzo.lnk.to/INeedTempo LOVE YA @MissyElliott" (Tweet). Retrieved July 28, 2019 - via Twitter.
16. ^ Bloom, Madison. "Lizzo and Missy Elliot Drop New Video for "Tempo": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
17. ^ Rettig, James. "Lizzo – "Tempo" (Feat. Missy Elliott) Video". Stereogum. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
18. ^ a b "Tempo on Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
19. ^ a b c "Tempo on TIDAL". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
20. ^ "Lizzo Feat. Missy Elliott – Tempo" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
21. ^ "Lizzo Feat. Missy Elliott – Tempo" (in Dutch). Ultratop Urban. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
22. ^ "Ultratop.be – Lizzo Feat. Missy Elliott – Tempo". Ultratop (in French). Retrieved July 28, 2019.
23. ^ "Lizzo Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
24. ^ "Dance Club Songs Chart Search". Billboard. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
25. ^ "Lizzo – Tempo – Digital Songs Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
26. ^ "Lizzo Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
27. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales – Year-End 2019". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
28. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Lizzo – Tempo Feat. Missy Elliot". Music Canada. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
29. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott – Tempo". Radioscope. Retrieved January 16, 2025. Type Tempo  in the "Search:" field.
30. ^ "American single certifications – Lizzo – Tempo Feat. Missy Elliot". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 1, 2019.

* v
* t
* e

Lizzo

* Discography
* Awards and nominations

Studio albums|

* Lizzobangers
* Big Grrrl Small World
* Cuz I Love You
* Special

Extended plays|

* Coconut Oil

Singles|

* "Good as Hell"
* "Water Me"
* "Truth Hurts"
* "Boys"
* "Juice"
* "Tempo"
* "Cuz I Love You"
* "Rumors"
* "About Damn Time"
* "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)"
* "Special"

Featured singles|

* "Blame It on Your Love"

Promotional singles|

* "Someday at Christmas"

Other songs|

* "Pink"

Tours|

* Cuz I Love You Too Tour
* The Special Tour

Television|

* Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls

Filmography|

* Love, Lizzo

* v
* t
* e

Missy Elliott

* Discography
* Production discography
* Awards and nominations

Studio albums|

* Supa Dupa Fly
* Da Real World
* Miss E... So Addictive
* Under Construction
* This Is Not a Test!
* The Cookbook

Compilations|

* Respect M.E.

Extended plays|

* Iconology

Singles|

* "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)"
* "Sock It 2 Me"
* "Beep Me 911"
* "Hit Em wit da Hee"
* "She's a Bitch"
* "All n My Grill"
* "Hot Boyz"
* "Get Ur Freak On"
* "Lick Shots"
* "One Minute Man"
* "Take Away"
* "4 My People"
* "Work It"
* "Gossip Folks"
* "Fighting Temptation"
* "Pass That Dutch"
* "I'm Really Hot"
* "Lose Control"
* "Teary Eyed"
* "We Run This"
* "Ching-a-Ling"
* "Shake Your Pom Pom"
* "WTF (Where They From)"
* "I'm Better"
* "Throw It Back"

Featured singles|

* "That's What Little Girls Are Made Of"
* "Brand New"
* "Ooh, Ooh Baby"
* "The Things That You Do"(Bad Boy Remix)
* "Steelo"
* "Do Thangz" (Main Pass Remix)
* "You Don't Have to Worry" (Remix)
* "Cold Rock a Party"
* "Can We"
* "Not Tonight" (Remix)
* "Up Jumps Da Boogie"
* "What About Us?"
* "Make It Hot"
* "5 Minutes"
* "Trippin'"
* "I Want You Back"
* "Here We Come"
* "I Like Control"
* "Ya Di Ya"
* "Take That"
* "Is That Yo Chick"
* "Son of a Gun"
* "Bootylicious" (Rockwilder Remix)
* "Oops (Oh My)"
* "The Knoc"
* "Burnin' Up" (Remix)
* "Crew Deep"
* "Honk Your Horn"
* "Cop That Shit"
* "Party to Damascus"
* "Tush"
* "Turn da Lights Off"
* "1, 2 Step"
* "Car Wash"
* "Touch It" (Remix)
* "Love Me or Hate Me" (Remix)
* "Let It Go"
* "Do It" (Remix)
* "Bad Girl"
* "Need U Bad"
* "Whatcha Think About That"
* "Let's Just Do It"
* "Work"
* "Fakin' It"
* "Get Involved"
* "Nobody's Perfect"
* "Bad Girls" (N.A.R.S & Switch Remixes)
* "How Ya Doin'?"
* "Without Me"
* "Niliria"
* "I Deserve It"
* "Ghostbusters (I'm Not Afraid)"
* "Tempo"
* "Levitating"
* "Fly Girl"

Promotional singles|

* "Back in the Day"
* "Best, Best"
* "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" (Remix)
* "9th Inning"
* "Triple Threat"
* "Burnitup!"
* "Pep Rally"

Related articles|

* 4 All the Sistas Around da World
* Verizon Ladies First Tour
* The Goldmind Inc.
* "Boulevard of Broken Songs"

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