Released January 6, 2006 Length 3:46 | Genre R&B | |
Format CD single, digital download Label Sanctuary, Knockout, Songbook, Reprise, Warner Bros., Asylum Writer(s) LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins | ||
"What I Need" is a song by American recording artist Ray J. It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, and Ray J for his 2005 album Raydiation, while production was handled by the former. Released as the second single from the album following "One Wish", it reached number 58 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
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Release and reception
"What I Need" earned generally positive reviews by critics. Billboard magazine felt that the song "should be enough to momentum. Here, Ray J's vocals once again seem strained as he cops another plea to the woman he has done wrong. Despite its sap factor, "What I Need" will likely lap up radio play."
Music video
There a two videos, one for "What I Need" and another for the remix song "Smokin Trees".
The video for "What I Need" was directed by Little X and is partly black and white. It begins with Ray J taping his girlfriend. Afterwards she is shown watching a video of her and Ray J from 2002 and the two start an argument, which ends with them both kissing and having each other back for good. The video includes a cameo appearance by rapper Shorty Mack and Ananda Lewis.
The video for "Smokin Trees" was directed by Ray J and Shorty Mack. It has no plot and seems like a home video. The video features Snoop Dogg, Shorty Mack, Ray J, Nate Dogg, Slim Thug, a woman and a lot of smoke. The video had no airplay on television and was released to the internet only.
"Smokin Trees (What I Need Remix)"
The remix version with West Coast rappers Nate Dogg, Shorty Mack, Slim Thug and Snoop Dogg became even more popular being watched more than 200,000 times on YouTube. It's called "Smokin Trees (What I Need Remix)" and produced by Ray J for Knockout Entertainment and was expected to be released as "Smokin Smokin Weed" which featured Ray J, Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg only, on Tha Blue Carpet Treatment by Snoop Dogg.