ICU” is a song by American singer Coco Jones, released on October 21, 2022, as the second single from her EP What I Didn't Tell You (2022). Produced by DJ Camper, it is her first song to chart, peaking at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. The title references the lyrics "I see you" more than intensive care unit, and picked up an award for Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.[1]

"ICU"
Single by Coco Jones
from the EP What I Didn't Tell You
ReleasedOctober 21, 2022
GenreR&B
Length4:01
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)DJ Camper
Coco Jones singles chronology
"Love Is War"
(2022)
"ICU"
(2022)
Music video
"ICU" on YouTube

Background and composition

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“ICU” is an R&B ballad containing piano, guitar and drums in the production. Lyrically, Coco Jones reflects on being attracted to her lover; she suggests they should just be friends,[2] and that she does not have a specific partner in mind,[3] but finds it unbearable to live without the man in question.[2][3]

Coco Jones has stated, " “ICU” is about the push and pull of being in a relationship where the circumstances have changed. Growing in our career and personal goals, but growing apart at the same time."[3][4]

Critical reception

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Antwane Folk of Rated R&B praised Jones' performance, commenting that the song "unquestionably showcases the power of her quality vocal range."[3]

Commercial Performance

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“ICU” debuted at number 88 via the Billboard Hot 100 on April 1, 2023.[5] The single remained a mainstay on the charts for 20 weeks, eventually rising and peaking on July 29, 2023 at number 62.[6] In addition, the single peaked at number 1 on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop Airplay chart.[7]

On May 30, 2023, “ICU” was certified gold, via RIAA.[8]

“ICU” was nominated at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for two awards: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, eventually winning for Best R&B Performance.[9]

Live performances

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Jones performed “ICU” at the 2022 Soul Train Music Awards,[10] The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, iHeart Living Black and the 2023 BET Awards shortly after receiving the award for Best New Artist. She also performed in appearances for Genius, Vevo, MTV Push and SiriusXM. She has performed it at various festivals like Essence Fest & Broccoli City Fest.

Remix

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On July 12, 2023, a remix with American singer Justin Timberlake was announced by Jones on social media.[11] The remix was released two days later.[11]

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications for “ICU”
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[19] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Release history for “ICU”
Region Date Type Label Ref.
United States October 21, 2022 Original
  • High Standardz
  • Def Jam
[20]
July 14, 2023 Remix [21]

References

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  1. ^ "Grammy Awards 2024: The main nominees". BBC News. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  2. ^ a b "Coco Jones Is In Need Of Intensive Love And Care On 'ICU' & Hints At Possible Project". Soul Bounce. October 21, 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Folk, Antwane (October 24, 2022). "Coco Jones Shares New Song 'ICU'". Rated R&B. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  4. ^ Cho, Regina (October 25, 2022). "Coco Jones returns with intimate new "ICU" single". Revolt. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Hot 100 First-Timers: Coco Jones Debuts with Love Song 'ICU'". Billboard.
  6. ^ "Coco Jones | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.
  7. ^ "Coco Jones Scores Her First No. 1 Single on Billboard with 'ICU'". 25 May 2023.
  8. ^ https://www.riaa.com/gold-%20platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=coco+jones#search_section
  9. ^ "Grammy Awards 2024: The main nominees". BBC News. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  10. ^ "Coco Jones - "ICU"". BET. November 26, 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  11. ^ a b Denis, Kyle (July 14, 2023). "Coco Jones & Justin Timberlake Unite for 'ICU' Remix: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  12. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 3, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  13. ^ "Coco Jones Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  14. ^ "Coco Jones Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  15. ^ "Coco Jones Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  16. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  17. ^ "Top 40 – 14 sept T/M 21 sept 2023" [Top 40 – September 14 to September 21, 2023] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname. 21 September 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  18. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  19. ^ "American single certifications – Coco Jones – ICU". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  20. ^ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8VR9DV/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6ltfBitumsLzeZ2pCkS5lWOjnxE4Six3yCj5-cgQpp98jAoxzr_cTFSJaQVGtIFuMHRRRIVJhSYvpybeisdqWE7RpwX2iV37WHF5PNIC3l4Jcgf9qgPBbd1aqYewnhN_SJvxYZsJEYPteuL5hEVy1chcjTatUml2TQCVknuQOc3fl2WXl1Zib1mUn1NPAv_nlFHNlU4ZYKvJ5scRoQ0cpwfJWnNOxbPX56Ov36S_i0E.m3GvMyOce1s-pc17ejRW9bPwE1ZsMpKiTFclStwsh_c&dib_tag=se&keywords=coco+jones+icu&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&qid=1708634457&sr=8-2&trackAsin=B0BS8VR9DV
  21. ^ https://www.amazon.com/ICU-Remix-Coco-Jones/dp/B0CBNLXMBM