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Don't Know What to Tell Ya

December 15, 2023

"Don't Know What to Tell Ya" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. It was written by Static Major and Timbaland for her eponymous third studio album (2001), and was produced by the latter. However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's August 25, 2001 death. The song was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its second single on February 11, 2003 by Blackground Records and Universal Records.

"Don't Know What to Tell Ya"
Single by Aaliyah
from the album I Care 4 U
B-side
ReleasedFebruary 11, 2003
Recorded2001
StudioManhattan Center (New York City)
Genre
Length5:01
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Timbaland
Aaliyah singles chronology
"Miss You"
(2002) 		"Don't Know What to Tell Ya"
(2003) 		"I Care 4 U"
(2003)
Alternative cover
UK edition cover

Upon its release, "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. With many praising both Aaliyah's voice and production of the song. Due to a limited release, it only peaked at number 70 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales. It fared better internationally, peaking at number 22 in the United Kingdom and within the top 40 in Australia and Switzerland.

Music and lyrics edit

Musically, "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" was described as having a "noir-funk feel that evokes Blade Runner".[1] While, Joseph Patel from Blender labeled the song as a "syncopated dance marvel".[2] The song sample's the Egyptian Arabic song "Batwanes Beek" by Warda. Originally its composer Salah El Sharnouby had not been credited for his work.[3][4][5] Lyrically on the record, Aaliyah discusses a failing relationship.[6] In her book Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah (2021), author–journalist Kathy Iandoli, further explained that the lyrics talks about, "Aaliyah refusing to be tied down by a controlling relationship, as she compares it to incarceration".[7]

Release edit

"Don't Know What to Tell Ya" was released as the second international single from I Care 4 U on February 11, 2003, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.[8] In the United States, it was released as the fourth and final single from the album, as a double A-side single with the remix of "Got to Give It Up", on September 9.[9]

In August 2021, it was reported that Aaliyah's recorded work for Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and, for the first time ever, streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution.[10] I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah, both including "Don't Know What to Tell Ya", were re-released on October 8.[11]

Critical reception edit

While reviewing "I Care 4 U" Nekesa Mumbi Moody from the Associated Press described "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" as "dramatic" and felt that it was the best song out of the new material featured on the album.[12] Bianca Gracie from Fuse stated a similar statement as she felt that the song's "Middle Eastern" inspired production made it more "dramatic".[6] Music Week gave a mixed review the publication felt that the song "sounds a bit like work in progress", but "it is still head and shoulders above most other R&B releases out there".[13] Also, they labeled the production as "edgy" and said that Aaliyah's voice "just serves to remind us all what the world has lost".[13] Arion Berger from Rolling Stone praised Aaliyah's vocals on "Don't Know What to Tell Ya", saying: "Her sweet, strong voice whips around the ambivalence" on the song.[14] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine called the song a "cool midtempo number" and described it as "Aaliyah-lite".[15]

Commercial performance edit

In Europe "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" achieved moderate success, peaking within the top 40 in several countries. In Switzerland the song debuted and peaked at 30 on the Swiss Hitparade chart on May 18, 2003; it remained on the charts for 6 consecutive weeks.[16] In the United Kingdom the song debuted and peaked at number 22 during the week of 9 April 2003 - 25 April 2003.[17] It also peaked at number 5 on the UK Hip Hop/R&B chart.[18] Outside of Europe the song peaked at 34 in Australia on the singles chart.[19] On the Australian Urban chart it peaked at number 14.[20]

Track listings and formats edit

Credits and personnel edit

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of I Care 4 U.[30]

Charts edit

Weekly chart performance for "Don't Know What to Tell Ya"
Chart (2003) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[19] 34
Australian Urban (ARIA)[20] 14
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[31] 75
France (SNEP)[32] 49
Germany (Official German Charts)[33] 57
Ireland (IRMA)[34] 45
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[35] 7
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[36] 57
Scotland (OCC)[37] 49
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[16] 30
UK Singles (OCC)[17] 22
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[18] 5
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales (Billboard)[38] 70

Release history edit

Release dates and formats for "Don't Know What to Tell Ya"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
France February 11, 2003 CD Universal Music
[8]
United Kingdom April 14, 2003
Independiente
[39]
United States September 9, 2003 12-inch vinyl
[9]

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" contains a sample from "Batwannis Beek" by Warda Al-Jazairia. Salah El Sharnouby, who composed the music for "Batwanes Beek", was uncredited prior to the 2021 reissue of I Care 4 U.
  2. ^ a b c d e Thomas Eriksen Remix was titled Handcuff Remix on the UK editions of "Don't Know What to Tell Ya".

References edit

  1. ^ Nichols, Natalie (December 8, 2002). . Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  2. ^ . Blender. Archived from the original on 15 August 2004. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  3. ^ "خاص محمد دياب لـ "في الفن": رئيس شركة مارفل يحب أغنية "الملوك" ويدندن "بتونس بيك"", filfan
  4. ^ Ayman, Menna (August 20, 2017). "These American songs sampled Arabic hits". Step Feed. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Moughni, Noor (September 16, 2020). "When music reflects identity". The Michigan Daily. from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  6. ^ a b . Fuse. August 25, 2016. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2018. click the "next" button to view each song review on the list.
  7. ^ Iandoli 2021, p. 147
  8. ^ a b "Don't know what to tell ya – Aaliyah" (in French). France: Fnac. February 11, 2003. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Don't Know What to Tell Ya/Got to Give It Up (Remix)". United States: Amazon Music. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  10. ^ McIntyre, Hugh (August 5, 2021). "20 Years After Her Passing, Aaliyah's Music Is Finally Coming To Streaming Services". Forbes. from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  11. ^ Legaspi, Althea (October 8, 2021). "Stream Aaliyah's 'I Care 4 U' and 'Ultimate Aaliyah' Compilation Albums". Rolling Stone. from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  12. ^ Mumbi Moody, Nekesa (December 12, 2002). "Houston's Album Ok, Phish's Album Better". Times-Union. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Single Reviews" (PDF). Music Week. April 5, 2003. p. 7. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  14. ^ Berger, Arion (December 30, 2002). . Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  15. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (December 4, 2002). "Aaliyah: I Care 4 U". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  16. ^ a b "Aaliyah – Don't Know What to Tell Ya". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "Aaliyah: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  18. ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  19. ^ a b "Aaliyah – Don't Know What to Tell Ya". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  20. ^ a b "Issue 697" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  21. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya/Got to Give It Up (Remix) (12-inch single). United States: Blackground Records, Universal Records.
  22. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (CD single). United Kingdom: Independiente. ISOM 73MS.
  23. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (12-inch single). United Kingdom: Independiente. ISOM 73T.
  24. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (CD single). Germany: Edel Records. 0148296BGR.
  25. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (maxi CD single). Germany: Edel Records. 0148295BGR.
  26. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (maxi CD single). Australia: Addiction Records. ADICT139CD.
  27. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (CD single). France: Universal Music France. 834511005-5.
  28. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (CD single). Benelux: Unique Corp. UNIQUECORPCD106.
  29. ^ Aaliyah (2003). Don't Know What to Tell Ya (maxi CD single). Benelux: Unique Corp. UNIQUECORPCD107.
  30. ^ Aaliyah (2021). I Care 4 U (CD liner notes). Blackground Records, Empire Distribution. ERE675.
  31. ^ "Euro Chart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media. May 3, 2003. p. 9. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  32. ^ "Aaliyah – Don't Know What to Tell Ya" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  33. ^ "Aaliyah – Don't Know What to Tell Ya" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  34. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Aaliyah". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  35. ^ "week 25 (21 juni 2003)". top40.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  36. ^ "Aaliyah – Don't Know What to Tell Ya" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  37. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  38. ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  39. ^ "New Release Countdown: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. April 12, 2003. p. 17. (PDF) from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.

Bibliography edit

External links edit

  • "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" at Discogs (list of releases)
  • Official website

December 15, 2023
know, what, tell, song, recorded, american, singer, aaliyah, written, static, major, timbaland, eponymous, third, studio, album, 2001, produced, latter, however, make, final, aaliyah, remained, unreleased, until, after, aaliyah, august, 2001, death, song, then. Don t Know What to Tell Ya is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah It was written by Static Major and Timbaland for her eponymous third studio album 2001 and was produced by the latter However it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah s August 25 2001 death The song was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U 2002 and was released as its second single on February 11 2003 by Blackground Records and Universal Records Don t Know What to Tell Ya Single by Aaliyahfrom the album I Care 4 UB side Miss You Got to Give It Up Try Again ReleasedFebruary 11 2003Recorded2001StudioManhattan Center New York City GenreFunkdanceLength5 01LabelBlackgroundUniversalSongwriter s Steve Static GarrettTimothy MosleySalah El Sharnouby a Producer s TimbalandAaliyah singles chronology Miss You 2002 Don t Know What to Tell Ya 2003 I Care 4 U 2003 Alternative coverUK edition coverUpon its release Don t Know What to Tell Ya received generally favorable reviews from music critics With many praising both Aaliyah s voice and production of the song Due to a limited release it only peaked at number 70 on the US Hot R amp B Hip Hop Singles Sales It fared better internationally peaking at number 22 in the United Kingdom and within the top 40 in Australia and Switzerland Contents 1 Music and lyrics 2 Release 3 Critical reception 4 Commercial performance 5 Track listings and formats 6 Credits and personnel 7 Charts 8 Release history 9 Notes 10 References 11 Bibliography 12 External linksMusic and lyrics editMusically Don t Know What to Tell Ya was described as having a noir funk feel that evokes Blade Runner 1 While Joseph Patel from Blender labeled the song as a syncopated dance marvel 2 The song sample s the Egyptian Arabic song Batwanes Beek by Warda Originally its composer Salah El Sharnouby had not been credited for his work 3 4 5 Lyrically on the record Aaliyah discusses a failing relationship 6 In her book Baby Girl Better Known as Aaliyah 2021 author journalist Kathy Iandoli further explained that the lyrics talks about Aaliyah refusing to be tied down by a controlling relationship as she compares it to incarceration 7 Release edit Don t Know What to Tell Ya was released as the second international single from I Care 4 U on February 11 2003 by Blackground Records and Universal Records 8 In the United States it was released as the fourth and final single from the album as a double A side single with the remix of Got to Give It Up on September 9 9 In August 2021 it was reported that Aaliyah s recorded work for Blackground since rebranded as Blackground Records 2 0 would be re released on physical digital and for the first time ever streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution 10 I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah both including Don t Know What to Tell Ya were re released on October 8 11 Critical reception editWhile reviewing I Care 4 U Nekesa Mumbi Moody from the Associated Press described Don t Know What to Tell Ya as dramatic and felt that it was the best song out of the new material featured on the album 12 Bianca Gracie from Fuse stated a similar statement as she felt that the song s Middle Eastern inspired production made it more dramatic 6 Music Week gave a mixed review the publication felt that the song sounds a bit like work in progress but it is still head and shoulders above most other R amp B releases out there 13 Also they labeled the production as edgy and said that Aaliyah s voice just serves to remind us all what the world has lost 13 Arion Berger from Rolling Stone praised Aaliyah s vocals on Don t Know What to Tell Ya saying Her sweet strong voice whips around the ambivalence on the song 14 Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine called the song a cool midtempo number and described it as Aaliyah lite 15 Commercial performance editIn Europe Don t Know What to Tell Ya achieved moderate success peaking within the top 40 in several countries In Switzerland the song debuted and peaked at 30 on the Swiss Hitparade chart on May 18 2003 it remained on the charts for 6 consecutive weeks 16 In the United Kingdom the song debuted and peaked at number 22 during the week of 9 April 2003 25 April 2003 17 It also peaked at number 5 on the UK Hip Hop R amp B chart 18 Outside of Europe the song peaked at 34 in Australia on the singles chart 19 On the Australian Urban chart it peaked at number 14 20 Track listings and formats editUS 12 inch vinyl 21 Don t Know What to Tell Ya album version 5 02 Got to Give It Up remix 3 58UK CD single 22 Don t Know What to Tell Ya edited version 3 03 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Handcuff Remix b 5 18 Miss You music video 4 17UK 12 inch vinyl 23 Don t Know What to Tell Ya album version 5 02 Try Again 4 44 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Handcuff Remix b 5 18European CD single 24 Don t Know What to Tell Ya radio edit 3 35 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Thomas Eriksen Mix b 5 18 European and Australian maxi CD single 25 26 Don t Know What to Tell Ya radio edit 3 35 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Thomas Eriksen Mix b 5 18 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Intenso Project Remix 6 58 Don t Know What to Tell Ya album version 5 02French CD single 27 Don t Know What to Tell Ya album version 5 02 Try Again 4 44Belgian Dutch and Luxembourgish CD single 28 Don t Know What to Tell Ya radio edit 3 35 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Intenso Project Remix 6 58Belgian Dutch and Luxembourgish maxi CD single 29 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Thomas Eriksen Mix b 5 18 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Intenso Project Remix 6 58 Don t Know What to Tell Ya radio edit 3 35Credits and personnel editCredits are adapted from the liner notes of I Care 4 U 30 Aaliyah vocals Jimmy Douglass mixing recording Salah El Sharnobi writing a Static Major writing Timbaland mixing production writingCharts editWeekly chart performance for Don t Know What to Tell Ya Chart 2003 PeakpositionAustralia ARIA 19 34Australian Urban ARIA 20 14Europe European Hot 100 Singles 31 75France SNEP 32 49Germany Official German Charts 33 57Ireland IRMA 34 45Netherlands Dutch Top 40 Tipparade 35 7Netherlands Single Top 100 36 57Scotland OCC 37 49Switzerland Schweizer Hitparade 16 30UK Singles OCC 17 22UK Hip Hop R amp B OCC 18 5US Hot R amp B Hip Hop Singles Sales Billboard 38 70Release history editRelease dates and formats for Don t Know What to Tell Ya Region Date Format s Label s Ref France February 11 2003 CD Universal Music 8 United Kingdom April 14 2003 12 inch vinylmaxi CD Independiente 39 United States September 9 2003 12 inch vinyl BlackgroundUniversal 9 Notes edit a b Don t Know What to Tell Ya contains a sample from Batwannis Beek by Warda Al Jazairia Salah El Sharnouby who composed the music for Batwanes Beek was uncredited prior to the 2021 reissue of I Care 4 U a b c d e Thomas Eriksen Remix was titled Handcuff Remix on the UK editions of Don t Know What to Tell Ya References edit Nichols Natalie December 8 2002 Just Whitney and a whiff of desperation Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on 25 September 2015 Retrieved December 13 2018 Aaliyah I Care 4 U Blender Archived from the original on 15 August 2004 Retrieved June 3 2022 خاص محمد دياب لـ في الفن رئيس شركة مارفل يحب أغنية الملوك ويدندن بتونس بيك filfan Ayman Menna August 20 2017 These American songs sampled Arabic hits Step Feed Retrieved December 13 2018 Moughni Noor September 16 2020 When music reflects identity The Michigan Daily Archived from the original on January 29 2023 Retrieved September 16 2023 a b Aaliyah s 15 Best Deep Cuts amp Album Tracks Fuse August 25 2016 Archived from the original on March 31 2019 Retrieved December 16 2018 click the next button to view each song review on the list Iandoli 2021 p 147 a b Don t know what to tell ya Aaliyah in French France Fnac February 11 2003 Retrieved December 4 2021 a b Don t Know What to Tell Ya Got to Give It Up Remix United States Amazon Music Retrieved April 11 2022 McIntyre Hugh August 5 2021 20 Years After Her Passing Aaliyah s Music Is Finally Coming To Streaming Services Forbes Archived from the original on August 23 2023 Retrieved August 23 2023 Legaspi Althea October 8 2021 Stream Aaliyah s I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah Compilation Albums Rolling Stone Archived from the original on October 8 2021 Retrieved August 23 2023 Mumbi Moody Nekesa December 12 2002 Houston s Album Ok Phish s Album Better Times Union Retrieved August 28 2023 a b Single Reviews PDF Music Week April 5 2003 p 7 Retrieved August 27 2023 Berger Arion December 30 2002 I Care 4 You Rolling Stone Archived from the original on May 10 2007 Retrieved December 13 2018 Cinquemani Sal December 4 2002 Aaliyah I Care 4 U Slant Magazine Retrieved April 11 2022 a b Aaliyah Don t Know What to Tell Ya Swiss Singles Chart Retrieved September 2 2012 a b Aaliyah Artist Chart History Official Charts Company Retrieved November 29 2017 a b Official Hip Hop and R amp B Singles Chart Top 40 Official Charts Company Retrieved March 9 2016 a b Aaliyah Don t Know What to Tell Ya ARIA Top 50 Singles Retrieved September 2 2012 a b Issue 697 ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles National Library of Australia Retrieved July 22 2021 Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya Got to Give It Up Remix 12 inch single United States Blackground Records Universal Records Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya CD single United Kingdom Independiente ISOM 73MS Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya 12 inch single United Kingdom Independiente ISOM 73T Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya CD single Germany Edel Records 0148296BGR Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya maxi CD single Germany Edel Records 0148295BGR Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya maxi CD single Australia Addiction Records ADICT139CD Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya CD single France Universal Music France 834511005 5 Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya CD single Benelux Unique Corp UNIQUECORPCD106 Aaliyah 2003 Don t Know What to Tell Ya maxi CD single Benelux Unique Corp UNIQUECORPCD107 Aaliyah 2021 I Care 4 U CD liner notes Blackground Records Empire Distribution ERE675 Euro Chart Hot 100 PDF Music amp Media May 3 2003 p 9 Retrieved January 1 2018 Aaliyah Don t Know What to Tell Ya in French Les classement single Retrieved September 2 2012 Aaliyah Don t Know What to Tell Ya in German GfK Entertainment charts Retrieved September 2 2012 Irish charts com Discography Aaliyah Irish Singles Chart Retrieved September 2 2012 week 25 21 juni 2003 top40 nl in Dutch Retrieved April 11 2022 Aaliyah Don t Know What to Tell Ya in Dutch Single Top 100 Retrieved September 2 2012 Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 Official Charts Company Aaliyah Chart History Hot R amp B Hip Hop Singles Sales Billboard Retrieved June 22 2021 New Release Countdown Singles PDF Music Week April 12 2003 p 17 Archived PDF from the original on September 4 2021 Retrieved December 4 2021 Bibliography editIandoli Kathy 2021 Baby Girl Better Known as Aaliyah Atria Books ISBN 978 1982156862 External links edit Don t Know What to Tell Ya at Discogs list of releases Official website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Don 27t Know What to Tell Ya amp oldid 1182559051, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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