Luv U Better
| "Luv U Better" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by LL Cool J | ||||
| from the album 10 | ||||
| B-side | "Fa Ha" | |||
| Released | August 13, 2002 | |||
| Studio | Master Sound Recordings (Virginia Beach, Virginia) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:47 (album version) 3:26 (single mix) | |||
| Label | Def Jam | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | The Neptunes | |||
| LL Cool J singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Luv U Better" is a song by LL Cool J, released as the lead single from his ninth studio album, 10 (2002). Released on August 13, 2002, by Def Jam Recordings, it was produced by The Neptunes and features additional vocals from Marc Dorsey and Pharrell Williams. "Luv U Better" was a huge success in the United States, reaching the top five of three major Billboard charts: It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Hot Rap Tracks, and number one the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Background
"Luv U Better" was composed by LL Cool J, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo for the former's ninth studio album, 10 (2002), with production overseen by Williams and Hugo under their production moniker The Neptunes.[1] Williams originally approached Case to appear as a guest vocalist on the song and although Case came to New York and recorded his vocals, he was ultimately removed from the song after a Def Jam executive expressed disapproval of his involvement.[1] He was eventually replaced by Marc Dorsey, who remained uncredited for his appearance on the song.[1]
Commercial performance
A major commercial return for LL Cool J, "Luv U Better" became his highest-charting single since 1996's "Loungin," peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.[2] It also marked his second single after "I Need Love" (1987) to top Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and reached number two on the US Hot Rap Tracks chart.[3][4] Elsewhere, "Luv U Better" peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart.[5] while also reaching number three on the UK Hip Hop/R&B chart.[6]
Music video
A video for "Luv U Better" was directed by Benny Boom and filmed in Los Angeles, California, including Veteran Avenue. The visuals were inspired by the 1990 American romantic comedy film Pretty Woman.[7] The leading lady in the video was Playboy Playmate and American model Nicole Narain.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Luv U Better" (album version) | 4:50 | ||
| 2. | "Luv U Better" (instrumental) |
|
| 4:50 |
| 3. | "Fa Ha" |
| DJ S&S | 4:57 |
| 4. | "Luv U Better" (video) | 5:03 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Luv U Better" (radio edit) |
|
| 3:26 |
| 2. | "Luv U Better" (LP version) |
|
| 4:47 |
| 3. | "Luv U Better" (instrumental) |
|
| 4:47 |
| 4. | "Luv U Better" (video) | 5:03 |
Sample credits
- "Fa Ha" contains a sample from "Rich Girl", written by Daryl Hall, performed by Hall & Oates.
Credits and personnel
Credits lifted from the liner notes of 10.[10]
- Andrew Coleman – recording engineer
- Marc Dorsey – additional vocals
- LL Cool J – vocalist, writer
- Chad Hugo – producer, writer
- Pharrell Williams – producer, writer
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
References
- ^ a b c "THE KENNY BURNS SHOW — EP. 167: A CONVERSATION WITH CASE". The Kenny Burns Show. January 2, 2026. Retrieved January 24, 2026 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "LL Cool J Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "LL Cool J Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "LL Cool J Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart on 20/10/2002 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart on 20/10/2002 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "LL Cool J: A Career Timeline: See why Uncle L is a hip hop G.O.A.T." BET.com. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ^ "LL Cool J – Luv U Better (European maxi-single, enhanced)". Discogs. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ "LL Cool J – Luv U Better (UK maxi-single, enhanced)". Discogs. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ 10 (booklet). LL Cool J. Def Jam Recordings. 2002.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 20/10/2002 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "LL Cool J – Luv U Better". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "LL Cool J Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "UK Year-End Charts 2002" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ "Top 40 Urban Tracks Of 2002" (PDF). Music Week. January 18, 2003. p. 32. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 2002". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2003". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2021.