"I'm a Slave 4 U" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her third studio album, Britney (2001). The track, written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, was released on September 25, 2001, through Jive Records as the lead single off the album. Heralding a new, sexier image for Spears, "I'm a Slave 4 U" garnered a mixed reception from music critics. Some argued it was the singer's most mature sound at the time, compared to her previous singles, while others noticed the song's attempt to leave behind Spears' girl next door image and said her vocals were unnatural. It achieved commercial success, placing within the top ten in almost every country that it charted in. However, the song peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 85 in Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, both being the lowest chart positions of the single worldwide. As Clear Channel Entertainment (CCE), who handled Spears' previous concert tours and owned most radio stations, was outbid by Concerts West in promoting the tour, it is alleged a radio boycott ensued after Spears chose the latter for promoting the tour, which in turn affected the era's chart success in the US.
In its legacy, "I'm a Slave 4 U" has become one of Spears' signature hits and its VMA performance is considered one of her career highlights. Jocelyn Vena of MTV summarized Spears's performance at the ceremony, saying, "draping herself in a white python and slithering around a steamy garden setting – surrounded by dancers in zebra and tiger outfits – Spears created one of the most striking visuals in the 27-year history of the show."
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