You Already Know
by Fergie (featuring Nicki Minaj)

Album: Double Dutchess (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Fergie returning to her 2000s brand of rap-singing as she spits cocky, rapid-fire verses. She is joined by Nicki Minaj, who sends some subliminal shots at her haters. Fergie told Entertainment Weekly:

    "This is about us standing together as Girl Bosses. We have both worked very hard for what we have, and still continue to do so. I'm a fighter! And so is she! We have the same goal. I'm all about women not being pitted against each other. I'm about, 'Let's stand strong.'"
  • The upbeat rap song was produced by Fergie's Black Eye Peas-mate will.i.am. He samples "It Takes Two" by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, which in turn borrows from the Lyn Collins 1972 song "Think (About It)."

    "It Takes Two" has been frequently sampled and will.i.am previously borrowed from the tune for the Black Eyed Peas' 2010 hit single "Rock That Body."
  • Fergie first teased the track in a radio interview in late 2014 and the original version was recorded before Nicki Minaj parted ways with fellow rapper Meek Mill. A leaked version featured the Queens MC spitting the line, "Damn, I ain't seen Meek Mill-y in a week." By the time Fergie released the official version on August 25, 2017, Minaj had changed the lyric to, "Damn, they ain't seen young Nicki in a week."
  • Fergie performed "You Already Know" for the first time during her Rock in Rio Lisboa performance on May 20, 2016.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.