U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)

Template:Use mdy dates Template:Template otherTemplate:Main other "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written by Isaac Phillips, Paris Davis, Sean Bryant, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Norwood for her second studio album Never Say Never (1998). Production was handled by Jerkins, with additional production from Norwood.

The song was released as the album's fifth US single and sixth overall single from Never Say Never in September 1999. The track peaked at number 79 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 25 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, also reaching the top 20 of the UK Dance and UK R&B charts. A remix version of the track featuring female rappers Shaunta and Da Brat was accompanied by a remix EP entitled U Don't Know Me... Like U Used to – The Remix EP and a second music video, directed by Martin Weisz, featuring alternative visuals.

Critical reception

Billboard editor Chuck Taylor called "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)" a "summery, you-can-sing-along-with-the-hook record." He compared the favorably to Norwood's debut single "I Wanna Be Down," citing it "hypnotic," and found that her "rougher-than-usual vocals styles at times even sound like Mary J. Blige." Da’Shan Smith from Revolt declared the song one of Never Say NeverTemplate:'s "outstanding cuts" and found that it recalls "the '94 days of Brandy, but elevated it for the '98 present and subsequent future."

Music video

A music video for "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)" was filmed by German director Martin Weisz. A Matrix-themed clip, it begins with people walking in front of a building and later on a sidewalk. They pause periodically and speed up as Norwood sings. Weisz also directed a video for the remix version of the song, featuring Norwood, Shaunta, and Da Brat singing as people walk by on a pedestrian walk.

Credits and personnel

Credits lifted from the album's liner notes.

• Brandy Norwood – writing, lead vocals, additional production
• Rodney Jerkins – writing, all music, production
• Sean Bryant – writing
• Paris Davis – writing
• Isaac Phillips – writing

• LaShawn Daniels – recording
• Brad Gilderman – recording
• Victor McCoy – recording
• Dexter Simmons – mixing

Charts

Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart

Chart (1999)	Peak position
UK Singles (OCC)	180

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label	Ref.
United States	September 14, 1999	Template:Hlist	Atlantic
United Kingdom	November 14, 1999	Template:Hlist