C U When U Get There
1997 single by Coolio
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"C U When U Get There" is a song by American rapper Coolio featuring 40 Thevz. It was released in June 1997, by Tommy Boy Records, as the first single from Coolio's third studio album, My Soul (1997). The track was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1997 comedy film Nothing to Lose. It heavily interpolates Johann Pachelbel's Baroque "Canon in D Major."[2]
| "C U When U Get There" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Coolio featuring 40 Thevz | ||||
| from the album My Soul and Nothing to Lose: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture | ||||
| B-side | "Hit 'Em" | |||
| Released | June 17, 1997[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 5:10 | |||
| Label | Tommy Boy | |||
| Composer | Johann Pachelbel | |||
| Lyricists |
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| Producer | Dominic Aldridge | |||
| Coolio singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "C U When U Get There" on YouTube | ||||
Released on June 17, 1997, the single peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart; it was Coolio's last top-40 hit in the US. It was also an international success, reaching the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. The accompanying music video was directed by Francis Lawrence.[3] The first live performance of the song was before its actual release during the free concert at Paramount Canada's Wonderland put on by MuchMusic's Electric Circus in August 1997.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard magazine called "C U When U Get There" an "inspiring hip-hop anthem". He added, "The song's "keep pushin' on" message is direct and delivered in street-savvy language that will connect with its desired youth audience. The strong verses give way to a choir-belted chorus that adds a proper splash of emotional intensity. Factor in the track's easy-paced electro beat and a rush of stately strings, and you have the makings of a massive hit."[4] Scottish newspaper Daily Record described it as a "superb R&B ballad".[5]
A reviewer from Music Week gave it a score of four out of five, noting that "Coolio goes all laid-back on this comforting, torch-like song which comes complete with an uplifting, harmony chorus."[6] The magazine's Alan Jones commented, "Those who thought Coolio's massive hit 'Gangsta's Paradise' was a one-off should think again: his latest single 'C U When U Get There' is an absolute smash. Lifted from the hip-hop heavy soundtrack to the movie Nothing To Lose, it weaves a strong rap into a tapestry that also comprises Pachelbel's 'Canon' and a sweetly singing gospel ensemble. The end result is magic and a substantial hit."[7]
Track listings
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Charts
Weekly charts |
Year-end charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[65] | Gold | 35,000^ |
| Belgium (BRMA)[66] | Gold | 25,000* |
| Germany (BVMI)[67] | Gold | 250,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[68] | Platinum | 10,000* |
| Sweden (GLF)[69] | Platinum | 30,000^ |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[70] | Gold | 25,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[71] | Silver | 200,000^ |
| United States (RIAA)[72] | Gold | 700,000[73] |
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* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||