Released 25 June 2010 Genre Electrohop, pop | Recorded 2009 Label Virgin | |
Format CD single, digital download Length 3:14 (clean version)
3:24 (explicit version) | ||
"Just Be Good to Green" is a reworked cover of "Dub Be Good to Me" by British recording artist Professor Green from his debut studio album, Alive Till I'm Dead. Featuring pop singer Lily Allen, the song was released as the second single by Virgin Records in Australia on 25 June 2010, and in the UK on 11 July 2010.
Contents
Background and composition
The track was originally made back in 2007, when Professor Green was signed to The Beats. The song was composed and produced by Semothy Jones and, at the time, featured Neon Hitch on the chorus. Though when The Beats folded the track was put on hold.
In 2009, Professor Green stated that the collaboration between him and Allen started after a conversation on Facebook:
"We got chatting on Facebook and I mentioned the track, which turned out to be one of her favourite songs. She suggested her singing the chorus. I didn't take much persuading! Lily's wicked. She's straightforward and honest, you always know where you're at with her."
As in song Dub Be Good to Me, the vocal melody comes from the original song by The SOS Band, "Just Be Good to Me" (from the album On the Rise, 1983, Tabu Records). The bass line originally comes from the famous song by The Clash "The Guns of Brixton". The vocal part of "Just Be Good To Green" has been since covered many times in different house tracks, such as Kandy Wesley (Airplay Records, 1999) and Dr Kucho! (Spinnin' Record, 2009).
Critical reception
Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song three out of five stars, stating "[Green's] rhymes aren't as ear-snagging as they were last time out, but Allen certainly does justice to that melody".
Music video
The music video premiered on 21 May 2010 on Professor Green's official YouTube account. He commented,
"Lily is wicked. She's looking iconic, as she always does.[...] And there are girls everywhere who are not wearing much. Girls is the theme. There is also a conveyor belt which was nicked from The Price is Right set next door. The video has been great fun."
Live performances
On Allen's tour, Green used to join her on stage to perform the song together. Green also performed it live on Big Brother. On 23 June 2010, Camden Venue Proud Gallery celebrated its second birthday with Professor Green performing on the night. Though as he went through his set, Amy Winehouse unexpectedly joined him live on stage to sing Allen's part on "Just Be Good to Green". The track was also supposed to be promoted on Scott Mills' Radio 1 Show and Alan Carr: Chatty Man, but Allen cancelled due to illness. Alan Carr responded by calling the singer "a fucking bitch" for pulling out two hours before the filming of the show, but it was unclear as to whether his comments were sarcastic or not.