Format 12"CD maxi Length 3:35 | Genre R&Bpop | |
Released September 17, 2002 (2002-09-17) Writer(s) Whitney HoustonMichael Andre LewisTammie HarrisJerry Muhammad | ||
"Whatchulookinat" is a 2002 single released by American R&B/pop singer Whitney Houston. The song serves as the initial single from Houston's fifth studio album, Just Whitney. "Whatchulookinat" has several remixes from Thunderpuss, Full Intention, Junior Vasquez, Peter Rauhofer, Razor 'N Guido and P. Diddy.
Contents
The song received mixed to unfavorable reviews from critics. It was seen as an attack on the media for the negative attention it gave to her life.
Composition
"Whatchulookinat" was produced by Bobby Brown and Muhammad 2G and written by Whitney Houston, Andre Lewis, Tammie Harris, Jerry Muhammad. The song was Houston's response to what she felt was intense and sometimes unfair and inaccurate media criticism at the time. "My following is real strong/ Try so hard to show the whole world what I do/ Now I'm turnin' the cameras back on you/ Same spotlights that once gave me fame/ Tryin' to dirty up Whitney's name," Houston scoffs on the track. She then laments about people who've been "messing with [her] reputation" and "concentration" and don't "even have no education" on the chorus, singing, "I feel your eyes on me/ You been telling lies on me".
Critical reception
Released as the lead single of the album, the song failed to capture critics' favorable reviews. Billboard magazine gave a negative comment on the song saying, "This song co-produced by Bobby Brown and co-authored by Houston herself - comes across like a poor little rich girl whining. That's just boring.." Rolling Stone said that the song was "creaky and unconvincing." The Guardian wrote that on the song Houston "puts on in a bravura performance" while "sounding feisty".
Chart performance
The single became a moderate success worldwide, peaking inside the top forty in most countries. The single performed strongly in some international markets; reaching number 3 in Canada, number 6 in Belgium, number 7 in Italy and number 13 in the United Kingdom. In the US, it became her tenth Hot Dance Club Play topper. The single peaked at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Music video
The corresponding music video directed by Kevin Bray was also considered as Houston's answer to the media for getting too deep into her personal life. The video showed a white set with cameras all over, following Houston's every move. The set was also full with old movie cameras and people dressed as reporters and photographers. Houston is shown dancing in front of them. Actor and comedian Mike Epps makes an appearance as one of the overzealous paparazzi photographers.