Ayo!

Ayo! is a song by Mya that served as a promotional single for her fourth studio album "Liberation." The song featured DJ\rapper DJ Kool.

It was initially released as the first intended single from the "Liberation" album, but it failed to pick up due to Mya transitioning from her former record label Interscope Records to her current record label Universal Motown.

The single was released on September 26, 2006.

The song was written and composed by Mya, Christopher “Deep” Henderson and Charlie Smalls & produced by Chris Henderson.

The song received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics comparing the song’s production to TLC’s classic ‘90s album "CrazySexyCool."

It became a minor hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart peaking at number seventy.

There was no music video was released due to the song not being picked up as a single.

Song Background
"Ayo!" samples an interpolation of "He's The Wizard" by Thelma Carpenter from the soundtrack to the movie "The Wiz" which was originally written by Charlie Smalls for the film & musical (which is why he is credited for the sample recording).

Critical Reception
Billboard magazine gave the song a positive review:

"Mya has become the new captain of sexy, single ladies as she struts her way back into the spotlight. New single, "AYO" (pronounced "ee-yo"), featuring hip-hop veteran DJ Kool, is a party anthem that finds the sultry singer just "tryin' to enjoy herself," while hating on the men who can't keep her interest, satisfy or keep it real day-to-da. From the start, the beat takes charge, complemented by loud brassy horns and tight percussion; the hook is fresh, catchy and simplistic. "AYO" brings back a bit of old school, reminiscent of TLC's classic '90s "CrazySexyCool," and leads independent women straight to the doors of the party. Look for her fourth full-length set, "Liberation" Nov. 14."