No Lie
A dancehall-pop fusion that became Paul's 12th and Lipa's first top 10 single in the UK.
"No Lie" is a song by Jamaican dancehall musician Sean Paul featuring English singer Dua Lipa, from the former's first EP, Mad Love the Prequel (2018). The song was written by Paul, Andrew Jackson, Emily Warren, and Sermstyle. Production and co-production were handled by Sermstyle and Pip Kembo, respectively. It was released through Island Records on 18 November 2016 as the lead single from the EP. The song was later included on Dua Lipa: Complete Edition (2018), the super deluxe reissue of Lipa's eponymous debut studio album. "No Lie" is an R&B-tinged reggae and tropical pop song, with the lyrics seeing Paul express his attraction to a girl in a club scene.
- Release Year
- 2016
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The song was written by Sean Paul alongside Andrew Jackson, Emily Warren, and Sermstyle, who also produced the song alongside Pip Kembo. Paul had been doing many writing camps at the time of writing. Sermstyle originally played the rhythm for Paul, after which he expressed his admiration of it. He wrote onto the rhythm and recorded a demo for it, with Warren singing the hook vocals on the demo, which she wrote. At the time, Paul could not imagine anyone else singing the hook. However, his management thought they should search for another vocalist and someone in the management group suggested Dua Lipa, which led to her also recording a demo of the song. After hearing the demo, Paul immediately fell in love with Lipa's voice and went on to finish the song with her vocals. Engineering was handled by Paul Bailey, while James Royo was responsible for mixing, and the song was mastered by Barry Grint at Alchemy Mastering in London.
In Their Own Story
The music video for "No Lie" was directed by Tim Nackashi and released on 10 January 2017. It was filmed at West London's Sunbeam studios in the third studio, as well as the garden. The visual showcases Paul and Lipa dancing in an assortment of mirrored rooms and halls, with Paul wearing several different parkas. Critics viewed the video as stylish, hypnotic, and dizzying. In April 2022, the video surpassed one billion views on YouTube. Paul and Lipa performed the song for the first time on 3 December 2016 at the Jingle Bell Ball for Capital FM. On 27 May, the two performed it at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend for 2017, and Lipa also performed a solo version of the song as a medley with her track "Dreams" (2017) at the same event. Paul and Lipa performed the song for the final time together at the Summertime Ball for Capital FM 2017.
Reader's Guide
The song was released for digital download and streaming through Island Records as a single on 18 November 2016. On 13 January 2017, the song was released on a CD single in Germany, with Paul's single "Tek Weh Yuh Heart" that features Tory Lanez as the B-side. "No Lie" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary and contemporary hit radio stations in the United States on 17 January 2017. It was sent for radio airplay in Italy three days later. Remixes by Sam Feldt and Delirious & Alex K were released on 27 January 2017. The song serves as the lead single and closing track from Paul's debut EP Mad Love the Prequel, released 29 June 2018. It was later included as the seventh track on the second disc of the reissue of Lipa's eponymous debut studio album Dua Lipa: Complete Edition, released on 19 October 2018. "No Lie" was included on the soundtrack to the film Baywatch (2017), as well as in the opening credits of Code Black Season 3, Episode 11: "One of Our Own", in 2018.
Did You Know?
- The song was released on 18 November 2016, not 2017.
- The music video was filmed at West London's Sunbeam studios in the third studio, as well as the garden.
- In April 2022, the video surpassed one billion views on YouTube.
- The song was included on the soundtrack to the film Baywatch (2017).
- Paul and Lipa performed the song at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is featured on the track No Lie?
The song features Jamaican dancehall icon Sean Paul, marking Dua Lipa's first major international collaboration of her debut era. Their partnership successfully blends pop sensibilities with authentic Caribbean rhythms to create a unique sonic identity.
Which album does No Lie belong to?
This track is included on the deluxe edition of Dua Lipa's self-titled debut studio album, which was released in 2017. It serves as a key bonus track that significantly expanded her initial musical palette for fans.
What genres define the sound of No Lie?
The song is primarily classified as pop and dancehall, fusing Dua's sultry vocals with infectious island beats. This fusion helped bridge the gap between mainstream pop audiences and Caribbean music styles during her rise.
Why is this song considered a summer anthem?
It became a defining track for summer escapism that showcased Dua's ability to command dancefloors before achieving global superstardom. The sun-drenched vibe turned it into an unforgettable global hit for fans worldwide.
When was No Lie officially released?
The track was officially released in 2018 alongside Sean Paul, serving as a vibrant cornerstone of Dua Lipa's debut era. This timing allowed it to become an immediate anthem for summer escapism before she achieved global superstardom.
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