Format Digital download Genre R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop Label RCA | Recorded 2013 Length 4:24 | |
Released December 19, 2013 (2013-12-19) (East and West Coast versions)
March 24, 2014 (2014-03-24) (album version) | ||
"Loyal" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, released as the fourth single from his sixth studio album X (2014). The song was produced by Nic Nac and features a guest appearance from fellow rapper Lil Wayne and another rapper depending on the version. French Montana and Too Short feature on the East and West Coast version while Tyga features on the video and album version. "Loyal" peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. It stayed on the chart for 36 weeks.The song was promoted with performances by Brown and Lil Wayne at the BET Awards 2014, Summer Jam, 2014 Soul Train Music Awards, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This also marks the fifth Chris Brown and Lil Wayne collaboration and the second Chris Brown and Tyga collaboration.
Contents
Background
On December 16, 2013, the audio to the song was premiered online. The song was originally released in two versions, an East Coast version and a West Coast version. Both versions feature Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, while the East Coast version features French Montana and the West Coast version features Too Short. Then on December 19, both versions of the song were released as digital downloads. It would be the fourth single released from his sixth studio album X.
The overall theme of the song is about unfaithful women. It was reported that Brown makes references at ex-girlfriend Rihanna, whom he dated, in the song, as he sings about a girl not being loyal in a relationship, a theme that he also rapped about on DJ Khaled's "I'm Still", which was also thought to be aimed at Rihanna.
Commercial performance
As of December 2014, the song has sold 1.2 million copies in the United States.
Music video
In February 2014, the music video for "Loyal" was shot at Universal City Walk with Lil Wayne and Tyga. On March 21, 2014, Brown announced that the music video would be released on March 24, 2014. Then as planned, it was released that day with a verse from rapper Tyga replacing French Montana or Too Short on the song. Singers Usher, Trey Songz and Ty Dolla Sign make cameo appearances in the video.
Live performances
Lil Wayne sang the song with Drake at Summer Jam 2014. Brown performed it live at the BET Awards 2014.
Remixes
On January 8, 2014, Keyshia Cole released a remix of the song also featuring Sean Kingston, leaving Lil Wayne's original vocals on the song. Also on January 8, Tyga previewed his verse that he recorded for the official remix of the song. Then on March 24, 2014, the remix featuring Tyga and Lil Wayne was released to mainstream urban radio in the United States. A release for digital download followed two days later.
Track listing
Digital single
- "Loyal" (East Coast Version) (featuring Lil Wayne and French Montana) – 4:24
- "Loyal" (West Coast Version) (featuring Lil Wayne and Too Short) – 4:24
- "Loyal" (Album Version) (featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga) – 4:24