CiCi is the first extended play (EP) by American singer Ciara, released on August 18, 2023.[1][2] It was promoted with the release of two singles: "How We Roll", and "Forever", which featured Chris Brown and Lil Baby respectively.
| CiCi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | August 18, 2023 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 21:26 | |||
| Label | Beauty Marks | |||
| Ciara chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from CiCi | ||||
| ||||
Background
editCiara's seventh studio album, Beauty Marks, was released on May 10, 2019, through her independent record label, Beauty Marks Entertainment. In July 2022, it was announced that Ciara had signed a new partnership between Beauty Marks Entertainment and major labels, Republic Records and Uptown Records, under which she would release her eighth studio album. Through the joint venture, Ciara released the singles, "Jump" (featuring Coast Contra) and "Better Thangs" (featuring Summer Walker), in July and September 2022. However, her next single, "Da Girls", was released solely through her label in March 2023.[3]
On August 2, 2023, Ciara announced the release of the single, "How We Roll" (with Chris Brown); on August 4, 2023, Ciara announced that she would be releasing the EP CiCi on August 18, with "How We Roll" as its first track.[4] She premiered the tracklist on August 11, 2023, revealing that Lil Baby and Big Freedia would also feature on the EP.[5]
Composition
editIn an interview with Rated R&B, Ciara shared: "There's always an intentional tone of empowerment in my music [...] I always want to uplift my Queens and take them on my journey with me. There's no better platform to be able to accomplish that than through my music."[6] The album's opening track, "How We Roll", is a collaboration with Chris Brown and "finds the pair expressing their affection for each other over a laidback and groovy beat." The second track, "BRB", is a "nod to Jersey club bounce", featuring "fast-paced rhythm and kick drums"; the song finds Ciara singing about missing her significant other. Apple Music described "Type a Party", "Forever" and "2 in Luv" as traditional R&B and "Low Key" and "Winning" as uptempo.[7]
Singles
editOn August 4, 2023, Ciara released the single "How We Roll", in collaboration with Chris Brown.[8] A remix, featuring rapper Lil Wayne, was released on November 3, 2023.[9][10]
On August 18, 2023, Ciara released a music video for "Forever", the EP's second single, featuring Lil Baby.[11] The video was directed by Taj and Dre.[12]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "How We Roll" (featuring Chris Brown) |
|
| 3:19 |
| 2. | "BRB" |
|
| 2:27 |
| 3. | "Low Key" |
|
| 3:29 |
| 4. | "Type a Party" |
|
| 3:45 |
| 5. | "Forever" (featuring Lil Baby) |
|
| 2:55 |
| 6. | "2 in Luv" |
|
| 2:58 |
| 7. | "Winning" (featuring Big Freedia) |
|
| 2:30 |
| Total length: | 21:23 | |||
Notes
- "2 in Luv" contains a sample from "I'm a Thug", as written by Maurice Young, Adam Duggins and Rafe Van Hoy, and as performed by Trick Daddy.
Charts
edit| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[13] | 42 |
| US Top Current Album Sales (Billboard)[14] | 90 |
References
edit- ^ "CiCi by Ciara". Apple Music. August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ Samuels, Keithan (August 4, 2023). "Ciara Announces New EP CiCi". Rated R&B. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ Oatman, Alexis (August 18, 2023). "Ciara Drops Off New "CiCi" EP". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ Denis, Kyle (August 7, 2023). "Ciara Reflects on 20 Years of 'Goodies,' New Chris Brown Collab 'How We Roll' & K-Pop: 'I Feel Blessed'". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Powell, Jon (August 18, 2023). "Ciara keeps the party going with 'CiCi' EP". Revolt. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Samuels, Keithan (August 18, 2023). "Ciara on 'CiCi' EP: Interview". Rated R&B. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ "CiCi by Ciara". Apple Music. August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ Horvath, Zachary (August 4, 2023). "Ciara And Chris Brown Party Together On "How We Roll"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Samuels, Keithan (November 3, 2023). "Lil Wayne Joins Ciara and Chris Brown on 'How We Roll (Remix)'". Rated R&B. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "How We Roll (Remix)". Spotify. November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ Grant, Shawn (August 17, 2023). "Ciara Announces New Single "Forever" Feat. Lil Baby". The Source. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ Inman, DeMicia (August 18, 2023). "Ciara, Lil Baby Take Over A Wedding In "Forever" Music Video". VIBE. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/ciara/chart-history/hca/