911 (Wyclef Jean song)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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"911" is a duet between rap singer Wyclef Jean and soul music singer Mary J. Blige. It was released in the summer of 2000 off Wyclef's second disc, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book and was later included on Blige's compilation Reflections (A Retrospective). The song had success worldwide, particularly in Scandinavian countries.
Music and video
The song depicted two star-crossed lovers in a web of drama with the male narrator running from police while the female narrator worries forlornly over him. Outside influences are spoke about as evading both of their lives into saying "messing around with you is gonna get (the man) life" though they feel "it's worth the sacrifice".
It samples Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians' "What I Am", some excerpts can be found in the mix versions from James Brown's "The Payback".
Chart performances and awards
"911" was a hit for the two singers as it reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was very successful in Sweden and in Norway where it reached number-one for almost two months. It earned a Platinum disc in Norway. It was also a top ten hit in Ireland, UK, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland.
It was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a duo or group in 2001.
