It's All About Me

It's All About Me is the first single from Mya's self-titled debut album. The song features R&B singer Sisqo.

The single was released on February 14, 1998 and was written & composed by Darryl Pearson & Mark Andrews.

The song samples an interpolation of Art of Noise's song “Moments in Love."

The song received generally mixed to positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who compared Mya to her contemporary peers Brandy and Monica.

It became a Top Ten hit on Billboard's Hot 100 for the week of May 16, 1998; peaking and spending three consecutive weeks at number six.

It fared better on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, reaching number two.

Internationally, the single was a modest success. It reached the Top 20 in New Zealand and the Top 40 in Canada.

Song Background
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Mya described the concept behind the song:

"It's not a conceited thing. Basically, I'm speaking for people who are in relationships but aren't getting their fifty percent. The song is about taking control. Personally, I'm not trying to get into relationships right now. But when I do, it's fifty-fifty."

Music Video
The song’s accompanying music video was filmed by director G. Thomas Ferguson and University Music CEO Haqq Islam.

Mya choreographed the dance routines and designed her own outfit a red Japanese traditional kimono.

The music video features Mya performing a striptease and fencing with Sisqo after they meet following a concert from Sisqo's group, Dru Hill.

In an interview with MTV News, Mýa talked about the concept behind the video for "It's All About Me" on which Sisqo reprises his smooth-talkin', ladies man role.

She said:

"Sisqo pulls me out of the crowd because I guess I look uninterested, and that's not common, y'know to have people uninterested in such big stars. So, he pulls me out thinking he's gonna make me his lady of the night."

She continued:

"Through the dance and the whole video, I tease him and say, 'No, I'm not that kind of girl and if you wanna be with me, you have to make it all about me."

Chart Performance
In the United States, "It’s All About Me" debuted at number eighty-two on Billboard Hot 100 chart for the issue dated week of March 14, 1998.

It ascended from 82 to 62 in its second week for the issue dated week of March 21, 1998.

The song reached its peak at number six for issue dated week of May 16, 1998.

From the issue dated weeks of May 16–30, 1998; it spent 3 consecutive weeks at number six.

It spent a total of 20 consecutive week on the chart.

The single became Mya's first consecutive Top Ten hit (solo) on the chart and was certified gold by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 4, 1998 selling 800,000 copies.

It became a Top Five hit on Billboard’s component chart Hot R&B Singles chart. It debuted at number sixty-one for the issue dated week of March 14, 1998.

It rose from 61-31 in its second week for the issue dated week of March 21, 1998.

The song entered the coveted Top Ten at number eight for issue dated week of April 18, 1998.

It reached its peak at number two the issue dated week of May 9, 1998.

The song spent a total of 27 consecutive weeks on the chart. It remains Mya's biggest and highest charting single to date on the Hot R&B Singles chart.

In Canada, the song reached its peak at number thirty-nine for the issue dated week of April 25, 1998.

It spent a total of 6 consecutive weeks on the chart. The song debuted at number twenty-seven during the week of June 21, 1998 in New Zealand.

It reached its peak at number thirteen during the week of July 19, 1998. It spent a total of 15 consecutive weeks on the chart.

Critical Reception
Billboard magazine gave the song a positive review:

"Although It's All About Me can be too repetitive and thus unnecessarily tiring at times, it does have an interesting, catchy rhythm that's hard to miss. Undoubtedly, R&B listeners will find this highly appealing. The vocals have a great range, as well as a smooth, angelic tone. It's worth giving it a try."

Personnel

 * Produced by: Darryl "DAY" Pearson
 * Vocal Arrangements: Sisqo
 * Recording Studio: Silent Sound Studios
 * Recording Engineer: Mike Alvord
 * Assistant Recording Engineer: Kevin Lively
 * Mix Studio: Studio 56
 * Mixing Engineer: Tom Kidd