WOO! | 3BOPS

1.Rihanna, “Woo”

Anti •   Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation •   2016

In 2016, Rihanna released one of the best albums of the 2010s with Anti. Unfortunately, Anti didn’t get the level of recognition it fully deserved.  Furthermore, as of publication, it marks the last studio album the Barbadian Grammy winner has released.  Filled with hits, even the non-singles are ear catching and worthwhile.  A prime example is “Woo.”

“Tell me ‘bout your perfect love
Tell me how you think without the drugs
Maybe you just need to send for me.”

“Woo” is a R&B record that thrives off vibe more than lyricism or an incredible melody.  Nonetheless, it’s awesome. What makes this joint the ‘sugar honey iced tea’? Well, the dark, distorted production work ( Hit-Boy, Travis Scott, and Kuk Harrell) is a huge selling point.  Furthermore, Rihanna’s vocals ‘get the job done too,’ also distorted matching the backdrop.  Also, the fact that “Woo” sounds like a bad-, drug-infused dream certainly builds its case for being distinct. 

2. Pop Smoke, “The Woo”

Ft. 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch

Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon • Victor Victor Worldwide / Republic • 2020

“She said she love Woo niggas / Them niggas who gon’ pull triggers.” You can’t have a Pop Smoke (R.I.P.) album without “The Woo,” period! Likewise, you can’t have a woo-centric list and not feature Pop Smoke.  If it’s not been made crystal clear, all things ‘woo’ are associated with the late, drill rapper.

“The Woo,” which appears on Smoke’s posthumous debut album, Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon, features 50 Cent and Roddy Ricch.  Before either featured guest performs, the listeners hear the catchy chorus by Smoke (“She wanna fuck with the Woo”).  Ricch and 50 Cent then perform the first and second verses respectively.  As for Smoke, he goes on to pay ode to Fiddy on the third and final verse, referencing the rappers massive hits “Candy Shop” and   “Hate it or Love it”.

3. Anthony Hamilton, “Woo”

Back to Love • RCA • 2011

“She was so fine / Could not keep my eyes off her / It was critical, even Biblical, like / Just like Delilah say.” “Woo” indeed Anthony Hamilton! On the single from his 2011 album, Back to Love, the temptation is too much for the neo-soul stand out.  Prior to those excerpted lyrics, Mr. Hamilton informs us she’s distracted him with “Those thick thangs and a round about.” Hmm, not too hard to figure out what he’s referencing. Of course, with his gritty, nuanced voice, Anthony sells it to the audience incredibly convincingly with conviction.

“Woo” has a talented team of writers making it the superb highlight it is – one of the best of Anthony’s career.  Writing alongside Hamilton is Brandon Coleman, Antonio Dixon, Kenny Edmonds, and Patrick “J Que” Smith.  Besides the stellar writing where Anthony “Ain’t never seen a girl so bad,” “Woo” has marvelous production work.  As usual, Hamilton hearkens back to the old days with a backdrop featuring organ and horns.  It’s retro mind you, yet, also refreshing.  Honestly, “Woo” will totally make you say WOOOOO! Okay, corny, but I had to do it!