Not a Little Bit
{{Infobox song
| name = Not a Little Bit
| cover = K._Michelle,_Not_a_Little_Bit.jpg
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = K. Michelle
| album = More Issues Than Vogue
| released = {{Start date|2016|01|21}}
| recorded = 2015
| studio =
| venue =
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=28}}
| label = Atlantic Records
| writer = {{hlist|Kelly Price|Elvis Williams}}
| producer = {{hlist|Blac Elvis|Eric Cire|G-Eron}}
| prev_title = Hard to Do
| prev_year = 2015
| next_title = Ain't You
| next_year = 2016
}}
"Not a Little Bit" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter K. Michelle for her third studio album More Issues Than Vogue (2016). It was written by Michelle, Elvis Williams, and Kelly Price, and produced by Blac Elvis. The track was released on January 21, 2016, as the lead single from the album through Atlantic Records.{{cite web|title=Not a Little Bit - Single by K. Michelle|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/not-a-little-bit-single/1076718354|website=iTunes|publisher=iTunes|access-date=February 18, 2016}} It was later serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio. Backed by a piano, the soul and R&B song draws some influences from 1990s rhythm and blues, with lyrics about moving on from a difficult relationship.
The song samples "Love, Need and Want You" by American singer Patti LaBelle. "Not a Little Bit" received widespread acclaim from social media outlets. An accompanying video directed by Alan Ferguson was released on March 25, 2016. Michelle performed the track on The Wendy Williams Show.{{cite web | url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/69820/20160417/k-michelle-talks-being-bi-sexual-new-music-more-wendy-williams.htm | title=K. Michelle Talks Being Bi-Sexual, New Music & More on 'Wendy Williams' | work=Times Music | accessdate=April 17, 2016 | author=Coppage, Wanda J}}{{cite web|title=K. Michelle on Plastic Surgery and Love & Hop Hop|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_CgCXT-jJY|accessdate=2016-04-14}} She also performed it during her Hello Kimberly Tour (2016). "Not a Little Bit" was nominated for the BET Her Award at the BET Awards 2016.
Background
In an interview with Billboard's Adelle Platon, K. Michelle said that the song is "about those last steps that a person takes after a breakup: when you can acknowledge the importance of the relationship but also see that you're better off alone." She also said, "It's about taking your power back as a woman so you can stand strong as a single person, without regret."{{cite web|url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6874790/k-michelle-anti-valentine-anthems|title = R&B Singer K. Michelle Shares Her Top 4 Anti-Valentine Anthems|last = Platon|first = Adelle|accessdate = February 28, 2016|date = February 12, 2016|publisher = Billboard}} Michelle shared a preview of the song via her Instagram account.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BAxqtzqghFH/|title=K. Michelle on Instagram: " I always keep my promises! My NEW single #NotALittleBit from my NEW album is coming soon! #Album3 "|date=2016-01-20|website=Instagram}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2016/01/michelle-announces-new-single-not-little-bit-shares-preview/|title=K. Michelle Announces New Single 'Not A Little Bit' / Shares Preview - That Grape Juice|website=thatgrapejuice.net|access-date=2016-02-29}} On January 21, 2016, she released "Not a Little Bit" as the lead single from her album More Issues Than Vogue. "It's in the name," Michelle said regarding the album. "The title means we all have issues. There are a lot of issues of Vogue, but I have more issues than anybody. The first time I heard the phrase I laughed out loud because it fit me so well. Every song focuses on one of those issues. This ties everything together."{{Cite web|url=https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/k-michelle|title=K. Michelle - SevenVenues|last=SevenVenues|first=|website=www.sevenvenues.com|access-date=March 11, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://rollingout.com/2016/07/18/k-michelles-hello-kimberly-tour-hits-detroit/|title=K. Michelle's 'Hello Kimberly' tour hits Detroit|last=Harris|first=Raquelle "Rocki"|website=RollingOut.com|access-date=2016-07-18}}
Critical reception
Writing for HotNewHipHop, Kevin Goddard wrote: "Kicking off the album campaign, the R&B singer decides to come through tonight and share her new single called "Not A Little Bit"." He addedː "Going over the piano-laced production, K Michelle delivers a heartfelt ballad that finds her singing about moving on from her past relationship and not looking back."{{cite news|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-new-song.1968200.html|title=K. Michelle - Not A Little Bit|last=Goddard|first=Kevin|date=2016-01-21|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=2016-02-29}} Rap-Up added to their blog "K. Michelle is back. The Memphis songstress makes her triumphant return on her soulful new single "Not a Little Bit." Over a piano instrumental, she sings about moving on from a relationship and not looking back."{{cite web|title=NEW MUSIC: K. MICHELLE – 'NOT A LITTLE BIT'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/01/21/new-music-k-michelle-not-a-little-bit/|website=Rap-Up.com|publisher=Rap-Up.com|accessdate=February 25, 2016}} Vibe praised "the piano-drenched mid-tempo single", noting how "K sings of finding the good in goodbye and realizing she's better off alone."{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2016/01/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit|title=K.Michelle Is Doing More Than Fine After The Break Up On 'Not A Little Bit'|date=2016-01-21|website=Vibe|accessdate=2016-02-15}} The song was applauded by Idolator as "a welcome return to the music scene" for K. Michelle, adding, "The first taste of the R&B diva's third LP is a soulful ballad that showcases her powerful pipes and fiery attitude."{{Cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7620887/k-michelle-new-single-not-a-little-bit|title=K. Michelle Returns With Soulful Piano Ballad "Not A Little Bit"|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=2016-01-21|website=Idolator|access-date=2016-02-25}} While reviewing the video, Ni'Kesia Pannell of This Is RnB described the song as a "soulful woman empowerment tune".{{cite web|url=https://thisisrnb.com/2016/03/video-k-michelle-not-a-it/|title=Video: K. Michelle - Not A Little Bit|last=Pannell|first=Ni'Kesia|date=2016-03-25|website=ThisisRnB.com - New R&B Music, Artists, Playlists, Lyrics|access-date=April 28, 2016}} Elle Breezy of Singersroom gave the song a positive review, saying that Michelle showed that there is "life after a tough breakup" and also said that the pre-chorus seemed very relatable.{{Cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2016-01-22/k-michelle-happily-single-new-ballad-not-little-bit/|title=K. Michelle Is Happily Single On New Ballad, 'Not A Little Bit'|date=2016-01-22|publisher=Singersroom.com}}
The Navigator praised the song and said it is "the perfect example when I say that this is true, pure, classic R&B. This song took me back to the early 2000s. If K. Michelle came out ten years ago, when this style of music dominated the charts and reality shows weren't about who could get into the most fights per episode, she'd be a legend by now. There's no doubt in my mind about that."{{cite web|url=http://the-navigatorr.blogspot.com/2016/03/new-single-k-michelle-not-little-bit.html|title=The Navigator: SONG REVIEW: K. Michelle "Not A Little Bit"|date=2016-03-12|website=The Navigator}} Michael Cragg of The Guardian said that Michelle channeled early Mary J. Blige on the song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/27/k-michelle-more-issues-than-vogue-review|title=K Michelle: More Issues Than Vogue review – exquisitely raw R&B|date=|work=The Guardian|access-date=2016-03-27}} Anna Gaca from Spin described the song as a "moving on-ballad".{{Cite news|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/01/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-stream/|title=Stream K. Michelle's New Song "Not a Little bit"|date=2016-01-21|work=Spin|access-date=2016-01-22}}
Music video
=Background and release=
The accompanying music video for "Not a Little Bit" was directed by Alan Ferguson.{{cite magazine|url=http://rnbmagazine.com/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-official-music-video/|title=K. Michelle – "Not A Little Bit" (Official Music Video)|magazine=Rnb Magazine|accessdate=April 11, 2016}} It was shot in Atlanta, Georgia{{cite web|url=https://927theblock.com/19302/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-new-video/|title=K. Michelle "Not A Little Bit" (NEW VIDEO)|last=Lewis|first=Brittany|date=2016-03-25|website=92.7 The Block|access-date=2016-04-12}} The video features K. Michelle walking, bathing, and even drinking Jack Daniels in the rain as she reflects on her bad relationship. But soon, she steps out of the rain into a sunnier, new phase in life, allowing the rain to follow her ex instead.{{cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2016-03-25/k-michelle-moves-on-in-not-a-little-bit-video/|title=K. Michelle Moves On In 'Not A Little Bit' Video|last=Breezy|first=Elle|date=2016-03-25|website=Singersroom.com|access-date=2016-04-08}} Michelle first shared a behind-the-scenes shoot from the music video on Instagram on March 11, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BCz3nzGAhHZ/|title=K. Michelle on Instagram: "#NotALittleBit is #24 with a bullet on the urban MAINSTREAM charts and still moving quickly. Thanks to all radio stations who are..."|website=Instagram|access-date=2016-04-07}} The music video was released on YouTube on March 25, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/k2f1zq/k-michelles-new-video-for-not-a-little-bit-will-inspire-you-to-block-your-ex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130180538/https://www.vh1.com/news/k2f1zq/k-michelles-new-video-for-not-a-little-bit-will-inspire-you-to-block-your-ex|url-status=live|archive-date=November 30, 2023|title=K.Michelle's New Video for "Not A Little Bit" Will Inspire You to Block Your Ex and Move On|last=Michel|first=Sarah|date=2016-03-28|website=VH1 News|access-date=2016-04-07}}
= Plot and synopsis =
The music video begins with Michelle walking down the streets in the downtown of Atlanta.{{Cite web|url=https://mymajicdc.com/3613210/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-new-video/|title=K. Michelle "Not A Little Bit" (NEW VIDEO)|date=2016-03-25|website=Majic 102.3 - 92.7|access-date=2016-05-27}}{{Cite web|url=https://hot963.com/2463450/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-new-video/|title=K. Michelle "Not A Little Bit" (NEW VIDEO)|date=2016-03-25|website=Hot 96.3|access-date=2016-05-27}} Michelle then notices a storm cloud appearing as she looks up and pulls out an umbrella to hold on top of her head as it rains.{{Cite web|url=https://iwantmypopculture.com/2017/10/03/video-review-k-michelle-not-a-little-bit/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228200908/https://iwantmypopculture.com/2017/10/03/video-review-k-michelle-not-a-little-bit/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 28, 2019|title=Video Review: K. Michelle "Not A Little Bit" – I Want My Pop Culture|last=Avoledo|first=Pam|access-date=2017-10-03}} At home, she and her lover talk while sitting at the dining table, admiral blue light shining in from the back window. She stands up and gives him a kiss. Wearing a silver bathrobe, she walks toward him in the kitchen and shoves his phone in his face, demanding to know the real name of the contact listed. He says nothing and walks to the back of the window. Michelle is shown wearing a black dress in a beige background with rain pouring as she is singing and dancing throughout the video. During the second verse, Michelle walks into her living room and sits down on the couch as she pulls out a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey and pours it into a cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.soulbounce.com/2016/03/k-michelle-walks-through-the-rain-the-pain-in-not-a-little-bit/|title=K. Michelle Walks Through The Rain & The Pain In 'Not A Little Bit' {{!}} SoulBounce {{!}} SoulBounce|last=Hamm|first=Ken|date=2016-03-25|website=www.soulbounce.com}} As she is drinking, she looks at a picture of her and her ex lover. Another rain cloud comes into the ceiling of the living room and begins pouring over her head as she is sitting on the couch, causing her mascara to start running. She is later seen in a bathtub wearing a crown as she is singing the bridge. Michelle then walks into her living room in a white wrap dress as she packs her ex lover's belongings along with a picture of her and him in a duffel bag. She is then seen walking toward his house holding the bag with his belongings and then rings the doorbell and throws the bag on his porch and he walks out of the house as Michelle is leaving. Near the end, as she walks away the cloud leaves her behind and positions itself over her ex and rain begins pouring on him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2016/03/25/video-k-michelle-not-a-little-bit/|title=Video: K. Michelle – 'Not a Little Bit'|website=Rap-Up|access-date=2016-04-21}}{{cite web|url=https://fuse.tv/2016/03/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-video|title=K. Michelle Can't Stand the Rain in 'Not a Little Bit' Video|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|date=2016-03-25|website=Fuse|access-date=2016-04-21}}
=Reception=
The music video for "Not a Little Bit" was well received by critics. Rap-Up expressed their interest of the video, writing: "The star of VH1's K. Michelle: My Life walks through the city with a cloud over her head, representing the drama in her life. At home, she confronts her man after discovering his cheating text messages.". Christina Lee from Idolator showed her admiration of the plot of the music video and described the video as "effective" just like the song itself.{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Christina|date=March 25, 2016|title=K. Michelle Drops "Not A Little Bit" Video: Watch|url=https://www.idolator.com/7627920/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-video|publisher=Idolator.com|accessdate=April 3, 2016}} Virginia Lowman from Essence complimented Michelle's "drool-worthy beauty looks".{{Cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/beauty/k-michelles-breakup-makeup-everything-we-want-life/#109222|title=K. Michelle's Breakup Makeup is Everything We Want in Life|date=2016-03-28|website=Essence.com|publisher=Essence}} Bianca Gracie of Fuse called the music video an "empowering visual" and said that it gives the song an extra dose of drama. Ken Hamm of SoulBounce said that the clip showed a bit of the creative side of Michelle, adding that it was "far and away better than most of the basic music videos that come across our timeline."
Brittany Burton of Respect said that the music video was "simple yet effective".{{Cite web|url=http://superindykings.com/k-michelle-not-a-little-bit-video/|title=K Michelle Releases Hot New "Not A Little Bit" Music Video|access-date=2016-04-21}} Ebony described the video as a "heartbreak visual", writing: "As she goes through a heartbreak, in the video she turns to Jack Daniels, but not long before realizing she doesn't need him any more.".{{cite web|title=K. Michelle Reveals Heartbreak Visual, "Not A Little Bit"|url=http://www.boi-1da.net/2016/03/25/k-michelle-reveals-heartbreak-visual-not-a-little-bit/|accessdate=April 4, 2016}}
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col"| Chart (2016)
!scope="col"| Peak |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Hot R&B Songs (Billboard){{cite web|title=Billboard Hot R&B Songs Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f0=ss_chart_search_title%3A%22Not%20A%20Little%20Bit%22&f1=itm_field_chart_id%3A345&refine=1|website=Billboard|accessdate=April 17, 2016}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 18 |
| scope="row"| US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard){{cite web|title=Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/276636/k-michelle/chart?f=364%20R&B/Hip-Hop%20Airplay|website=Billboard|accessdate=April 17, 2016}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 30 |
Release history
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col"|Country
! scope="col"|Date ! scope="col"|Format ! scope="col"|Label ! scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| United Kingdom
| 22 January 2016 | rowspan="1"| Atlantic Records |
References
{{reflist}}
{{K. Michelle}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Atlantic Records singles
Category:Songs written by Kelly Price
Category:Songs written by Blac Elvis