"Caramel" is a song by American hip hop trio City High, released as the second single from their self-titled debut album (2001). The single, released on September 11, 2001, features American rapper Eve. Produced by Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, "Caramel" is the group's second-highest charting single, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in January 2002. The track interpolates the song "Silent Treatment" by the Roots.
Music video A music video was produced for "Caramel" that begins with the original version and transitions into the Trackmasters remix version. It begins with a shot of Ryan Toby and Robbie Pardlo on a computer that shows the words "Dream Girl 2001". It then cuts to a shot of Claudette Ortiz singing the first verse, and then the trio is dancing at a party as Ortiz sings. The video continues switching from Ortiz singing on a couch, the trio at the party, and Ortiz boxing Zab Judah. As the third verse, the first not sung by Ortiz, begins, it features the guys in a car. The video switches to Eve on a motorcycle and starting her rap. The video ends with Toby and Pardlo still in front of the computer, watching the video.
Track listings US 12-inch single A1. "Caramel" (LP version featuring Eve) – 3:47 A2. "Caramel" (LP version featuring Eve acappella) – 3:22 A3. "Caramel" (LP version instrumental) – 3:55 B1. "Caramel" (Trackmasters Joint) – 3:46 B2. "Caramel" (Trackmasters Joint instrumental) – 3:46 B3. "Caramel" (LP version) – 3:55
UK CD single "Caramel" (video version) "Caramel" (Trackmasters Joint) "Caramel" (LP version) "Caramel" (Saqib remix) "Caramel" (CD-ROM video featuring Eve)
UK 12-inch single A1. "Caramel" (video version) – 3:33 A2. "Caramel" (Trackmasters Joint) – 3:40 B1. "Caramel" (LP version) – 3:30 B2. "Caramel" (Saqib remix) – 4:31
European CD single "Caramel" (LP version) – 3:34 Excerpts from City High – 8:49
Australian CD single "Caramel" (LP version featuring Eve) – 3:34 "Caramel" (Trackmasters Joint) – 3:41 "Caramel" (Saqib remix) – 4:32 Excerpts from City High – 8:49 "Caramel" (video)
Credits and personnel Credits are taken from the City High liner notes and the UK CD single.
Studios Recorded at Trackhouse Recording Studios and Booga Basement Studio (New Jersey, US) Single version recorded at The Hit Factory (New York City) Mixed and mastered at The Hit Factory (New York City)
Personnel
Ryan Toby – writing, production, vocal arrangement and production Giscard Xavier – writing Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis – writing (as Jerry Duplessis), production Robby Pardlo – writing, production (single version) Tarik Collins – writing (single version) Leonard Hubbard – writing (single version) Scott Storch – writing (single version) Ahmir Thompson – writing (single version) Eve – featured vocals Jee Eye Zee – production Andy Grassi – mixing, engineering Joe Yannece – mastering
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2001–2002)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)50Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)5US Billboard Hot 10018US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)9US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)12US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)3
Year-end charts Chart (2001)PositionUS Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)77 Chart (2002)PositionUK Singles (OCC)134UK Urban (Music Week)30US Billboard Hot 10072US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)88US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)49US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)34
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesSeptember 11, 2001November 13, 2001Contemporary hit radioAustraliaFebruary 11, 2002CDUnited KingdomMarch 4, 2002
References