Knock You Out

2018 single by Mya
"Knock You Out"
Single by Mya
from the album T.K.O. (The Knock Out)
ReleasedApril 13, 2018 (2018-04-13)
GenreAlternative R&B
Length3:51
Label
  • Planet 9
  • MGM
Songwriter(s)
  • Mya Harrison
  • Marsha Ambrosius
Producer(s)MyGuyMars
Mya singles chronology
"Damage"
(2018) 		"Knock You Out"
(2018) 		"G.M.O. (Got My Own)"
(2018)

"Knock You Out" is a song recorded by American singer Mya. A collaborative effort, it was written and conceptualized by Mýa and Marsha Ambrosius utilizing boxing references as metaphors throughout the entire song, while production duties was handled by frequent collaborator Lamar "MyGuyMars" Edwards. Musically, a spacey neo soul song, "Knock You Out" is described as an Isley Brothers-indebted bedroom jam with guitar licks and spaced-out vocal harmonies.[1][2] Released April 13, 2018, "Knock You Out" served as the fifth single from T.K.O. (The Knock Out) (2018).

Background

As tradition, on February 14, 2016, Mýa released her seventh studio album Smoove Jones (2016) to commemorate the release of her debut single "It's All About Me" and eighteenth anniversary in the entertainment industry. The release paid homage to R&B/soul/hip-hop with old school elements from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and was released exclusively through Apple Music.[3][4] Critically, Smoove Jones received "generally favourable" reviews from music critics. In 2017, Smoove Jones received a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, which were held on February 12, 2017.[5] Two days later, as a gift to her fans and commemorating her nineteenth anniversary, Mýa released a music video for the fan favorite "Coolin'." Filmed in Sydney, Australia, director Matt Sharp captures the singer's unmistakable beauty while she lets her vocals do the rest on a sandy beach.[6]

In late 2017, Mýa released the first single from the forthcoming studio album, Ready for Whatever on September 22, 2017.[7][8] A music video for "Ready for Whatever" was produced and directed by Mýa co-starring R&B singer Kevin McCall as her love interest.[9] Less than two months, its follow up single and sequel, Ready, Part II was released on November 24, 2017. The song paid homage to R.Kelly's It Seems Like You're Ready.[10][11] A third single, "You Got Me" was released on February 14, 2018 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of her debut single "It's All About Me."[12]

Composition

A "spacey neo soul" song, "Knock You Out" was written by Harrison and Marsha Ambrosius with production helmed by frequent collaborator MyGuyMars. Inspired by the vocal work of The Isley Brothers, "Knock You Out" is described as an indebted bedroom jam with guitar licks and spaced-out vocal harmonies.[1][2] "Knock You Out" is performed in the key of A Minor and set at a moderate beat at 70 beats per minute in common time.[13]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Qobuz.[14]

  • Mýa – vocals, songwriting
  • Marsha Ambrosius – songwriting
  • Lamar "Mars" Edwards – composer

Release history

Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various April 13, 2018
  • Planet 9
  • The Orchard
 [15]

References

  1. ^ a b Love Michael, Michael (April 20, 2018). "Bops Only: 10 Songs You Need To Start Your Weekend Right". Paper. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "The Ticket: What's happening in the local arts world". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2018-05-20.
  3. ^ "Mýa Is Fearless". Heroic. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  4. ^ "Resurgence of R&B: A Conversation Between Two Music Lovers". Essence. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
  5. ^ "Here Is the Complete List of Nominees for the 2017 Grammys". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-12-22.
  6. ^ "Premiere: Watch Mya's Romantic Beach Excursion, "Coolin"". Vibe. Retrieved 2017-02-14.
  7. ^ Samuels, Keithan (2017). "Mya Teases New Single 'Ready for Whatever'". Rated R&B. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  8. ^ "Ready for Whatever - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 2017-09-18.
  9. ^ Miller, Jordan (October 10, 2017). "I'm Pregnant. Mya Drops Racy "Ready For Whatever" Video". Breathe Heavy. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  10. ^ "Mya – Ready, Part II (Bedroom Mix)". Singeroom. Retrieved 2017-11-26.
  11. ^ "Ready, Part II (Bedroom Mix)". Amazon. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  12. ^ "Global Icon Mýa Returns with Brand New Single Celebrating 20th Year Anniversary". PR. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  13. ^ "Knock You Out". Tune Bat. Retrieved 2019-06-06.
  14. ^ "Knock You Out". Qobuz. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  15. ^ "Knock You Out (Single) by Mya". Napster. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
  • v
  • t
  • e
Mya songs
MyaFear of Flying
MoodringLiberation
Sugar & Spice
  • "Paradise"
K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple)
Smoove Jones
TKO (The Knock Out)
  • "Ready for Whatever"
  • "Ready, Part II"
  • "You Got Me"
  • "Damage"
  • "Knock You Out"
  • "Down"
  • "Open"
As featured artist
Other songs