Cell U Lar Device

Album: But U Cain't Use My Phone (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In early October 2015, Erykah Badu released a remix to Drake's single "Hotline Bling," which she originally recorded for her tour manager, Big Mike's, birthday. Inspired, she recorded a whole mixtape based around the song's telephone concept titled But You Caint Use My Phone (a play on her 1997 hit "Tyrone"). This is the original remix she recorded, now with the new title, "Cell U Lar Device."

    Badu recalled the story of the mixtape to Abu Dhabi Media's The National: "I first did a remake of Drake's Hotline Bling, because I thought it was an awesome song. I actually did it for Big Mike's birthday. Big Mike's my tour manager. That's his favourite song, as well as a lot of other people's, too. And it came out good. And I just stayed in that studio, in the bedroom, and I just kept writing songs, making songs. And about ten days later, I had this mixtape."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."