Muni Long has carved a unique space in the music industry, not just as a celebrated artist known for her chart-topping hits like “Hrs & Hrs” and “Made For Me,” but also as a prolific songwriter behind some of your favorite songs. Born Priscilla Renea Hamilton, her journey in music began behind the scenes, penning hits across genres before stepping into the spotlight as Muni Long. This multi-faceted talent has made her an invaluable asset to the industry, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and contributing to numerous chart-topping records. Let’s delve into 15 incredible songs that showcase Muni Long’s exceptional songwriting partnerships and the breadth of her musical influence.
1. Rihanna’s “California King Bed”: Composed in Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhBorPm6JjQ
The power ballad “California King Bed,” a Rihanna classic, was penned by Muni Long in a mere ten minutes. As she revealed to Complex, the song came together while she was furniture shopping for her move to Los Angeles. This heartfelt track, exploring themes of love and longing, resonated deeply with audiences, spending over ten weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying a strong creative partnership between Muni Long and Rihanna.
2. Chris Brown’s “Don’t Wake Me Up”: A Dreamy Collaboration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOowQeKyNkQ
Muni Long’s contribution to Chris Brown’s “Don’t Wake Me Up” extends beyond songwriting. She also lends her voice to the intro, setting the stage for the song’s emotional landscape. Her spoken words, “Dearly beloved, if this love only exists in my dreams, don’t wake me up,” perfectly encapsulate the song’s theme of dreamlike love. Featured on Brown’s Fortune album, this track showcases Muni Long’s ability to enhance a song’s atmosphere from its very beginning.
3. Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It”: Injecting Expertise into Pop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBHQbu5rbdQ
Fifth Harmony’s global hit “Worth It,” boasting over two billion views on YouTube and a remarkable 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, owes part of its success to Muni Long’s songwriting expertise. She masterfully crafted captivating lyrics that complemented the song’s infectious Balkan-inspired beat, contributing to its widespread appeal and making it one of Fifth Harmony’s most enduring anthems.
4. Pitbull ft. KeSha’s “Timber”: Fueling 2010s Dance Floors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHUbLv4ThOo
“Timber,” the chart-topping collaboration between Pitbull and KeSha, became a defining dance and alternative song of the 2010s. Muni Long’s songwriting played a key role in its success, contributing to the song’s catchy lyrics and distinct melodies. “Timber” dominated the charts, holding the No. 1 spot for three weeks and further establishing Muni Long’s versatility across genres.
5. Mariah Carey’s “Infinity”: Turning Heartbreak into Strength
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO1CQhwCiG0
In “Infinity,” Muni Long partnered with the iconic Mariah Carey to create a powerful anthem about overcoming heartbreak and discovering self-worth. The song’s lyrics resonate with themes of moving on and finding strength after disappointment. This collaboration marked a significant highlight in both artists’ discographies, showcasing their combined musical prowess.
6. Rihanna’s “Watch n’ Learn”: A Reggae-Infused Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7mVL78-3j8
Featured on Rihanna’s Talk That Talk album, “Watch n’ Learn” is a standout track distinguished by its reggae influences and engaging lyrical content. Muni Long’s songwriting shines through in the playful and instructive lyrics, guiding a partner on understanding desires and preferences. This memorable track underscores Muni Long’s ability to craft unique and catchy songs within diverse musical styles.
7. K. Michelle’s “V.S.O.P.”: Crafting R&B Magic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5y9Q5CmWYg
Muni Long’s talent for writing mesmerizing R&B love songs is perfectly exemplified in K. Michelle’s “V.S.O.P.” By combining her songwriting skills with K. Michelle’s vocal talent, they created a significant hit in 2013. Sampling Debra Laws’ “Very Special,” the song evokes anticipation for a romantic evening, further cementing Muni Long’s reputation in the R&B genre.
8. Mary J. Blige’s “Don’t Mind”: An Anthem of Unashamed Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIkAyGMrx2g
Collaborating with the “Queen of R&B,” Mary J. Blige, on “Don’t Mind” was a major milestone in Muni Long’s songwriting career. This upbeat track, released in 2011, celebrates the joy of being in love without reservation. Muni Long’s contribution helped create an empowering and relatable song for Blige, further solidifying her impact on the R&B landscape.
9. Ariana Grande’s “imagine”: Dreaming of Perfect Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRcXOnLkM7A
“imagine,” the opening track on Ariana Grande’s critically acclaimed and best-selling album Thank U, Next, is a dreamy exploration of ideal love. Muni Long contributed to crafting this song that fantasizes about an effortless and perfect relationship. This collaboration highlights the artistic synergy between Muni Long and Ariana Grande, resulting in a standout track.
10. Madonna’s “Gang Bang”: Delivering Gritty Revenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DQ7WFtFHTA
For Madonna’s “Gang Bang,” Muni Long ventured into darker, more aggressive territory. She helped craft lyrics that matched the song’s intense beat, conveying a powerful message of revenge against a deceitful lover. This collaboration with the iconic Madonna showcases Muni Long’s range and ability to adapt her songwriting to diverse artistic visions.
11. Chris Brown’s “Beg For It”: Crafting Seductive Slow Jams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmMn4amATts
Adding to Chris Brown’s repertoire of seductive tracks, Muni Long co-wrote “Beg For It.” Released in 2011, this slow jam is filled with promises of intimacy and desire. Muni Long’s songwriting contributed to the song’s sensual atmosphere, ensuring its place on playlists for intimate moments.
12. Disclosure ft. Lorde’s “Magnets”: Exploring Temptation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_KfnGBtVeA
Muni Long collaborated with Disclosure and Lorde on “Magnets,” a track delving into themes of attraction and temptation. Her input helped shape the song’s narrative and emotional depth, contributing to its positive reception and widespread appeal. “Magnets” exemplifies how Muni Long’s songwriting elevates collaborations across genres.
13. CurrenSy ft. August Alsina & Lil Wayne’s “Bottom Of The Bottle”: Rap and Riches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKWciCRC1X0
Muni Long’s songwriting credits extend beyond R&B and pop into the realm of rap with CurrenSy’s “Bottom Of The Bottle.” This track, featuring August Alsina and Lil Wayne, explores the lavish lifestyle associated with fame, including partying and luxury. This demonstrates Muni Long’s versatility in adapting her songwriting to different themes and genres.
14. Nick Jonas ft. Ty Dolla Sign’s “Bacon”: Celebrating Single Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPUB97ilIqE
“Bacon” by Nick Jonas, featuring Ty Dolla Sign, is an upbeat anthem celebrating the joys of single life. Muni Long contributed to the lyrics that emphasize contentment in solitude and the freedom of independence. Her songwriting helped create a carefree and celebratory vibe for this pop track.
15. Selena Gomez & The Scene’s “Who Says”: Empowering a Generation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzE1mX4Px0I
“Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene is a powerful song of self-love and empowerment. Muni Long’s songwriting helped craft lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace themselves despite negativity. Its feature on Disney Channel and performance on “Sonny With A Chance” amplified its positive message to young audiences globally, showcasing Muni Long’s ability to write songs with impactful messages.
Muni Long’s journey from behind-the-scenes songwriter to celebrated performing artist is a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility. Her songwriting partnerships have resulted in a diverse catalog of hits across genres, solidifying her place as a significant force in the music industry. As she continues to evolve as both an artist and a songwriter, her contributions to music remain undeniable and deeply impactful.
