Jay-Z recorded rap verses for the song and hence appears as a featured guest. He became involved at a late stage, when Beyoncé saw him trying to sing along to a recorded version of the track, and asked him to contribute. 'Déjà Vu' also has lyrical contributions from songwriters Delisha Thomas and Keli Nicole Price, and Beyoncé's husband (then-boyfriend) Jay-Z.

They presented the demo to Beyoncé, who later approved of it and added melodies and handled the production alongside Jerkins and 808-Ray. Riddick’s demo version has the same lyrics as the final song. Jerkins recorded a demo version of the song with vocals by American songwriter Makeba Riddick, who is credited as co-writer. Production took place in Jerkins' New Jersey-based studio, and Sony Music Studios in New York City. Traxx with Jerkins, first recorded the bass sections, onto which the percussion, horns and vocals were layered. In 2005, American record producer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins and producer Jon Jon Traxx 'came up with the concept of doing an old-school track, a throwback with real bass and horns', to which the song's title is partly attributed. About 5,000 fans petitioned online for a re-shoot of the video, complaining about, amongst other factors, the lack of theme, the wardrobe choice, and the allegedly sexual interactions between Beyoncé and Jay-Z.īackground and production Jay-Z ( pictured) joined the production at a late stage The song's accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller. 'Déjà Vu' peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top ten in over fifteen countries. The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart, the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart, and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was recognized as the Best Song of 2006 at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.Ĭommercially, 'Déjà Vu' peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. 'Déjà Vu' and its Freemasons club remix version received three nominations at the 2007 Grammy Awards. Critics commended the assertiveness and the sensuality with which Beyoncé sings the lyrics and compared her vocal delivery to that of Tina Turner in the late 1980s. Many critics noted the similarities of 'Déjà Vu' with Beyoncé's own 2003 song ' Crazy in Love'. The song received generally mixed critical reviews. 'Déjà Vu' was released as the album's lead single to US radio stations on June 24, 2006. The song's title and lyrics refer to a woman being constantly reminded of a past lover. Its music is largely based on live instrumentation, including bass guitar, hi-hat and horns, except the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which is a non-live instrument. 'Déjà Vu' is an R&B song, which incorporates elements of 1970s funk and soul music. It was produced by Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins, 808-Ray and Beyoncé for her second solo album, B'Day (2006). ' Déjà Vu' is a song by American singer Beyoncé, featuring rapper Jay-Z.

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