Long Way 2 Go

Cassie was spotted frequently in late 2002 at clubs and parties by music producer Ryan Leslie.{{cite web |url=http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/women/singer_300/343_cassie.html |title=Cassie - AskMen |accessdate=2013-03-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720060651/http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/women/singer_300/343_cassie.html |archivedate=July 20, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/Cassie|title = Cassie music, videos, stats, and photos| date=January 15, 2023 }} The two worked together and wrote a duet called "Kiss Me", and after recording the track, Leslie played the song for music executive Tommy Mottola.

After hearing "Kiss Me" Mottola offered Cassie a management deal, and Leslie also signed her to NextSelection Lifestyle Group, his music-media company he founded with online marketing partner Rasheed Richmond.[http://randb.about.com/od/artistinterviews/a/RyanLeslie.htm Ryan Leslie Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020142203/http://randb.about.com/od/artistinterviews/a/RyanLeslie.htm |date=October 20, 2011 }}. Randb.about.com. Retrieved on February 8, 2012.[http://www.nextselection.com An Interactive Design Agency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803192445/http://www.nextselection.com/ |date=August 3, 2011 }}. NextSelection. Retrieved on February 8, 2012. Leslie wrote and produced Cassie's first single, "Me & U", in 2005. The song became a successful club song in Germany.{{cite web |title=Cassie |url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/singer_300/343_cassie.html |publisher=AskMen.com |accessdate=October 2, 2009}} During this time, Diddy heard "Me & U", and Leslie convinced him to partner his Bad Boy Records with Leslie's NextSelection imprint for the release of Cassie's debut album.

In different fashion to previous single "Me & U", Cassie raps on "Long Way 2 Go". Speaking to MTV News, she explained what the song was about: "The song is about a guy who's trying to get with me but he's got a long way to go."

The song is performed in the key of C minor{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} with a tempo of 105 beats per minute.{{Cite web|url=http://www.spotontrack.com/track/long-way-2-go/260706|title=Long Way 2 Go - Cassie - Spot On Track|website=www.spotontrack.com|language=en|access-date=2017-03-19}}

Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine positively reviewed "Long Way 2 Go", deeming it a "sassy smash-in-the-make that should prove popular with fans of Nelly Furtado's 'Promiscuous'." Cinquemani went on to praise Cassie's rapping in the song's verses, saying: "Cassie raps the verses in a nonchalant, dispassionate tone, as if she's dismissing the advances of a poor boy while simultaneously blowing on freshly painted fingernails". The Slant Magazine reviewer mentioned the lines "I love it when they try to get intimate/Even though they know I really ain't into it" as a highlight.{{cite news|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/cassie-cassie/917|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=August 8, 2006|title=Cassie: Cassie Music Review|publisher=Slant Magazine|accessdate=August 20, 2010}} AllMusic's Andy Kellman said that "the snapping and swirling 'Long Way 2 Go' is just as irresistible in its flippant playfulness [as 'Me & U']." Kellman elaborated: "Cassie scolds a hopeless suitor with such cutting nonchalance -- she's basically swatting a fly-- that you can see her delivering the lines by cellphone as she eyes a display of designer shoes."{{cite news|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r847369|pure_url=yes}} allmusic|last=Kellman|first=Andy|date=August 8, 2006|title=Cassie > Overview|publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=August 20, 2010}} Doriah Lynskey from Blender said that "Long Way 2 Go" is as coolly imperious as "Me & U". Lynskey positively described its lyrical conception saying that in the song Cassie is "brushing away a would-be lover like dirt off her shoulder."{{cite news|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/new/54217/cassie.html |last=Lynskey |first=Doriah |date=August 8, 2006 |title=Cassie - Blender |publisher=Blender |accessdate=August 20, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} While Daily Mirror reviewed the track saying it shows that Cassie is no one-trick pony, further describing the song as "blending cute and clever mating rituals".{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/daily-mirror-the-london-uk/mi_8006/is_20060825/albums/ai_n40875092/|date=August 25, 2006|title=New Albums|publisher=Daily Mirror|accessdate=August 24, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}

In Ireland, "Long Way 2 Go" debuted at number forty-nine on October 19, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/ireland_singles_top_50/2006/42|title=Ireland Singles Top 50 (October 19, 2006) - Music Charts|date=October 19, 2006|publisher=Irish Recorded Music Association|work=acharts.us}} The single went on to peak at number fourteen and spend a total of ten weeks on the chart.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/11224|title=Cassie - Long Way 2 Go - Music Charts|accessdate=August 26, 2010|work=acharts.us}}

Also on October 19, the single peaked and debuted at number twenty-eight in Sweden.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/sweden_singles_top_60/2006/42|title=Sweden Singles Top 60 (October 19, 2006) - Music Charts|date=October 19, 2006|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|work=acharts.us|accessdate=August 26, 2010}} "Long Way 2 Go" also achieved chart success in mainland Europe where it peaked at number forty-three in Germany and number forty-seven on European Hot 100 Singles.{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=cassie|chart=all}}|title=Long Way 2 Go - Cassie|date=November 18, 2006|publisher=Billboard|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=August 27, 2010}} In France, despite peaking at a lower position (number twenty-one) than "Me & U" (number eight), "Long Way 2 Go" had a significantly longer charting length than it, spending a total of twenty-two weeks on the chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cassie |title=Discographie Cassie |language=French |publisher=Hung Medien |work=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique |accessdate=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025232538/http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cassie |archivedate=October 25, 2012 }}

On October 22, 2006 "Long Way 2 Go" debuted at number thirty-eight on the UK Singles Chart. The single's chart debut brought about Cassie holding the record of being the only artist to have two singles in the top forty (the other being "Me & U" which was at number thirty-one that week) in the same week for week forty-three of 2006.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2006/43|title=UK Singles Top 75 (October 22, 2006) - Music Charts|date=October 22, 2006|publisher=The Official Charts Company|work=acharts.us|accessdate=August 25, 2010}} The following week, "Long Way 2 Go" climbed twenty-six places to number twelve becoming the second greatest gainer for week forty-four of 2006 on the chart.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2006/44|title=UK Singles Top 75 (October 29, 2006) - Music Charts|date=October 29, 2006|publisher=The Official Charts Company|work=acharts.us|accessdate=August 25, 2010}} The single peaked at twelve and spent a total of twelve weeks on the chart. It subsequently became Cassie's second top twenty hit and second most successful single to-date in the United Kingdom behind "Me & U".{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |title=The Official Charts Company - Cassie |accessdate=August 25, 2010 |work=Official Charts Company |df=mdy }}

On December 18, 2006 "Long Way 2 Go" debuted at number eighteen in New Zealand as the third highest new entry for the week.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/nz_singles_top_40/2006/51|title=New Zealand Top 40 (December 18, 2006) - Music Charts|date=December 18, 2006|publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|work=acharts.us|accessdate=August 27, 2010}} In its fifth week on the chart the single held the record for the greatest gainer of the week; climbing seventeen places from thirty-four to peak at number seventeen.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/nz_singles_top_40/2007/03|title=New Zealand Top 40 (January 15, 2007) - Music Charts|date=January 15, 2007|publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|work=acharts.us|accessdate=August 27, 2010}} In Australia, the single debuted at number twenty-four before peaking at number twenty-three for two consecutive weeks.

In the United States, "Long Way 2 Go" had minor chart success due to limited radio play. It spent two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number ninety-seven. It also peaked at number eighty-six on Billboard Pop 100 and at number twenty-nine on Billboard Rhythmic Top 40.{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p781381|pure_url=yes}} |title=Cassie > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles |publisher=Billboard |work=Allmusic |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230141535/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/cassie-mn0000193305/awards |archivedate=December 30, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}

File:CassieLongWay2Go.gif

On July 17, 2006, Cassie told MTV News about her preparing a music video for "Long Way 2 Go". She said: "We're probably doing the video in the next two or three weeks, so look out for it."{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/071706/ |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=July 17, 2006 |title=Mixtape Monday: Diddy 'Gets Off,' Cassie Raps; Alicia Keys, Cham Revisit 'Ghetto' |publisher=MTV News |work=MTVNews.com |accessdate=August 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402194607/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/071706/ |archivedate=April 2, 2010 |df=mdy }} It was filmed on August 17, 2006 with American music video director, Erik White.{{cite news|url=http://www.videostatic.com/vs/fm_rocks/page/2/ |last=Gottlieb |first=Steven |date=August 17, 2006 |title=Music Video News: F.M. Rocks |publisher=Video Static |work=videostatic.com |accessdate=August 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115130850/http://www.videostatic.com/vs/fm_rocks/page/2/ |archivedate=November 15, 2010 |df=mdy }} White's previous work includes "Leave (Get Out)" for American pop and R&B singer JoJo, and Chris Brown's "Run It!"{{cite web|url=http://www.mvdbase.com/tech.php?last=White&first=Erik|title=Erik White Videography|accessdate=August 30, 2010|work=mvdbase.com|archive-date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010064653/http://www.mvdbase.com/tech.php?last=White&first=Erik|url-status=dead}}

The video premiered worldwide on MTV's Total Request Live on September 12, 2006 and stayed on the countdown for 13 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticrecords.com/news/article/?articleId=atlnewsarticle35400124 |title=Cassie Premieres 'Long Way 2 Go' |date=September 11, 2006 |publisher=Atlantic Records |work=atlanticrecords.com |accessdate=August 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205011726/http://www.atlanticrecords.com/news/article/?articleId=atlnewsarticle35400124 |archivedate=December 5, 2008 |df=mdy }} Baby G, a member of Brooklyn rock band Shinobi Ninja appeared in the video.

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• US 12"{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Cassie-Long-Way-2-Go-Me-U-Remix/release/775837|title=Cassie (2) - Long Way 2 Go (Vinyl) at Discogs|publisher=Discogs|accessdate=August 23, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "Me & U" (remix) (featuring Diddy and Yung Joc) – 4:47
3. "Me & U" (Ryan Leslie Remix) – 3:14
4. "Long Way 2 Go" (instrumental) – 3:40

• EU digital EP{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/long-way-2-go/201228335?i=201228375|title=Long Way 2 Go - EP|work=iTunes Store United Kingdom|date=October 23, 2006|access-date=August 23, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "Long Way 2 Go" (instrumental) – 3:40
3. "Long Way 2 Go" (a cappella) – 3:10
4. "Can't Do It Without You" – 3:55

• EU CD single{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Cassie-Long-Way-2-Go/release/1391995|title=Cassie (2) - Long Way 2 Go (CD) at Discogs|publisher=Discogs|accessdate=August 23, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "Long Way 2 Go" (instrumental) – 3:40

• AUS / CAN / NZ digital EP{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/long-way-2-go/212031232?i=212031237&ign-mpt=uo%3D4|title=Long Way 2 Go - EP|work=iTunes Store Australia| date=January 27, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/long-way-2-go/212031232?i=212031237&ign-mpt=uo%3D4|title=Long Way 2 Go - EP|work=iTunes Store New Zealand| date=January 27, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://ca.7digital.com/artists/cassie/long-way-2-go/ |title=Cassie - Long Way 2 Go |publisher=7digital Canada |date=January 27, 2007 |accessdate=August 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707071234/http://ca.7digital.com/artists/cassie/long-way-2-go/ |archivedate=July 7, 2011 |df=mdy }}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "When Your Body Is Talking" – 3:43
3. "Can't Do It Without You" – 3:55

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• UK CD1{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d.html?pd=1&l=Product%20Details&a=B000INAV4E|title=Long Way 2 Go CD 1:Amazon:Music|website=Amazon.co.uk|date=October 23, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "Long Way 2 Go" (instrumental) – 3:40
3. "Long Way 2 Go" (a cappella) – 3:10
4. "When Your Body Is Talking" – 3:43
5. "Can't Do It Without You" – 3:55
6. "Long Way 2 Go" (music video) – 3:40

• UK CD2 / FRA CD single{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Cassie-Long-Way-To-Go/release/1769398|title=Cassie (2) - Long Way To Go (CD) at Discogs|publisher=Discogs|accessdate=August 23, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.fr/gp/aw/d.html?pd=1&l=D%C3%A9tails&a=B000MTOUSM|title=Long Way 2 Go:Amazon.fr:Musique|language=French|publisher=Amazon.fr|date=August 21, 2007|accessdate=August 23, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "When Your Body Is Talking" – 3:43

• GER CD single{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d.html?pd=1&l=Produktinformation&a=B000KZRPLM|title=Long Way 2 Go:Amazon.de:Musik|language=German|publisher=Amazon.de|date=February 1, 2007|accessdate=August 23, 2010}}

1. "Long Way 2 Go" – 3:40
2. "When Your Body Is Talking" – 3:43
3. "Can't Do It Without You" – 3:55
4. "Long Way 2 Go" (music video) – 3:40

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• Cassie – songwriting, vocals
• Ryan Leslie – songwriting, additional vocals, record production, mixing, instrumentation, recording, programming, arranging

Source:{{cite AV media notes|others=Cassie |title=Cassie|year=2006|type= inlay cover|publisher= Bad Boy Records|id= 7567-83981-2}}

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Cassie|title=Long Way 2 Go|relyear=2007|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=January 16, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Cassie|title=Long Way 2 Go|relyear=2007|certyear=2023|id=15785-3390-1|access-date=January 17, 2025|refname="UK cert"}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Cassie Ventura}}

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Category:2006 songs

Category:2006 singles

Category:Bad Boy Records singles

Category:Atlantic Records singles

Category:Cassie Ventura songs

Category:Songs written by Cassie Ventura

Category:Song recordings produced by Ryan Leslie

Category:Songs written by Ryan Leslie

Category:Music videos directed by Erik White