Paper, Scissors, Rock (song)

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"Paper, Scissors, Rock"
Song by Chris Brown featuring Timbaland and Big Sean
from the album F.A.M.E.
ReleasedMarch 18, 2011
Genre
Length3:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Audio video
"Paper, Scissors, Rock" on YouTube

"Paper, Scissors, Rock" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, taken from the deluxe edition of his fourth studio album F.A.M.E. (2011). The song features American rappers Timbaland and Big Sean. It was written by Timbaland, James Fauntleroy II and Big Sean, while its production was handled by Timbaland and Jerome Harmon. Musically, "Paper, Scissors, Rock" incorporates elements of hip hop, R&B, rock and electronic music. The song contains lyrics lamenting about a woman who doesn't know what she's got. "Paper, Scissors, Rock" garnered positive reviews from music critics, praising the song's production and performances.

Development and composition[edit]

"Paper, Scissors, Rock" was written by Timbaland, James Fauntleroy II and Big Sean, and produced by Timbaland and Jerome Harmon. The song leaked on the internet ten days prior to F.A.M.E.'s release.[1] Musically, "Paper, Scissors, Rock" mixes hip hop, R&B, rock and electronic music. The song's verses are performed by Timbaland and Big Sean, while Chris Brown performs the chorus, with his vocal performance being noted for its harmonization and Auto-Tuned vocals.[1][2][3] The song's lyrics are "aimed at girls who play games", seeing each artist "trying to understand why their girls would throw away a good thing", lamenting about a woman who doesn't know what she's got.[1][3][4] Timbaland handles vocals on the majority of the song, while Big Sean's verse was described as "trippy" and "stuttering".[5] According to PopCrush, Brown on the chorus responds to "the charges being brought against [his] alleged heartbreaker".[5] The song's production features a "heavy bassline",[6] "plenty of whirring, beeping high-end electronic sounds bouncing around", and a "stomping piano" that provides "a heavy, rhythmic foundation" for it.[5]

Critical reception[edit]

Brown's performance on the track was praised by critics.

"Paper, Scissors, Rock" garnered positive reviews from music critics. Joanne Dorken of MTV said that the track showcases Timbaland's "recognisable beats", praising its "catchy chorus" with "Chris bringing something different to your normal Timbaland produced tune", stating that it's "definitely worth checking out".[6] HotNewHipHop wrote that "Paper, Scissors, Rock will undoubtedly improve [Chris Brown's] chances of winning".[7] The Idolator claimed that it "sounds like a typical Timbaland track teased out a little bit", stating that the song is better than the "dance-friendly tunes" contained in Brown's previous album Graffiti.[4]

Live performances[edit]

"Paper, Scissors, Rock" was performed live by Chris Brown at the BET Awards 2011.[8]

Chart performance[edit]

Prior to the release of F.A.M.E., "Paper, Scissors, Rock" leaked on the internet, on March 8, 2011,[1] making it debut at number 23 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles.[9]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2011) Peak
position
US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles[9] 23

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Chris Brown Drops "Paper, Scissors, Rock" Featuring Big Sean, Samples SWV In "She Ain't You" And Taps Ludacris For "Wet The Bed" (New Music)". Global Grind. 8 March 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  2. ^ "Listen: Chris Brown f/ Timbaland & Big Sean "Paper, Scissors, Rock"". Complex. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "New Music: Chris Brown f/ Timbaland & Big Sean - 'Paper, Scissors, Rock'". rap-up.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Chris Brown, Timbaland And Big Sean Play "Paper, Scissors, Rock" On New Track - Idolator". idolator.com. 7 March 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Matthew Wilkening (March 11, 2011). "Chris Brown, 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' Feat. Big Sean, Timbaland – Song Spotlight". popcrush.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Chris Brown 'F.a.M.E' - Track By Track Review | Chris Brown | News | MTV UK". mtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on March 18, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  7. ^ "Paper, Scissors, Rock". hotnewhiphop.com. 8 March 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  8. ^ THR Staff (26 June 2011). "BET Awards 2011: Watch Chris Brown Perform 'She Ain't You,' 'Look at Me Now' (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles – Issue Date: 2011-09-03". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
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