Check on It
"Check on It" is an R&B and hip hop song recorded by American singer Beyoncé, featuring rappers Slim Thug and Bun B.[1] Released on December 13, 2005, as the second single from Destiny's Child's greatest hits compilation album #1's, the track also served as the end-credits theme for the 2006 comedy film The Pink Panther, in which Beyoncé starred as pop singer Xania.[2][1] The song was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé, and Stayve "Slim Thug" Thomas, with production handled by Swizz Beatz.[3] Originally conceived as a playful phrase used by Beyoncé and her team, it evolved into a crunk-inspired track blending bouncy beats, Southern rap influences, and empowering lyrics about female confidence and nightlife allure. It later appeared on the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's second solo studio album B'Day (2006) and her live album The Beyoncé Experience Live (2007).[3] Commercially, "Check on It" debuted at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 2005 and ascended to number one on February 4, 2006, where it remained for five consecutive weeks, marking Beyoncé's third solo chart-topper and Slim Thug's first.[4] The single was certified double platinum by the RIAA in 2022 for two million units sold in the United States.[5] Its music video, directed by Hype Williams and featuring Beyoncé in glamorous outfits amid a party setting, premiered in December 2005 and emphasized the song's themes of self-assurance and sensuality.[6] The track's success highlighted Beyoncé's versatility across R&B, pop, and hip hop genres, solidifying her transition from Destiny's Child to a solo powerhouse.[7]Background
Development
"Check on It" was written in 2005 by Beyoncé Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé, and Stayve Jerome "Slim Thug" Thomas.[3][8] The track originated as a collaboration between Knowles and Swizz Beatz, who handled production, with contributions from Garrett and Beyincé during the songwriting process.[3] Slim Thug's involvement added a Southern hip-hop flavor, reflecting Knowles's interest in incorporating crunk and regional rap elements from Houston artists. Initially recorded for the soundtrack of the 2006 film The Pink Panther, in which Knowles starred as Xania, the song was intended as a promotional tie-in but was ultimately excluded from the official soundtrack album despite appearing in the film's end credits.[3] Instead, it was repurposed as a new track for Destiny's Child's greatest hits compilation #1's, released in late 2005, marking Knowles's first solo lead single under the group's banner.[3] A remix version featuring additional verses from Houston rapper Bun B was also produced, further emphasizing the song's Southern hip-hop influences through this collaboration with local artists. Recording sessions occurred in 2005 at Sony Music Studios in New York City and Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with Swizz Beatz overseeing production.[9] Knowles provided lead vocals and ad-libs, while engineers captured the track's energetic blend of R&B and crunk beats during these mid-year sessions.[3] The song's creation was described as a low-pressure endeavor, evolving from a casual phrase used by Knowles and her team into a full track.[3] Later, "Check on It" was included as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Knowles's sophomore album B'Day (2007).Release
"Check on It" was released as a single on December 13, 2005, in the United States by Columbia Records, serving as one of three original songs on Destiny's Child's compilation album #1's.[2][10] The song was issued internationally on January 16, 2006, in the United Kingdom, with formats including CD single, digital download, and 12-inch vinyl.[11] Promotional efforts tied the track to the 2006 film The Pink Panther, in which Beyoncé starred, featuring it in end credits and TV spots, alongside radio airplay that began in late 2005 on urban contemporary stations. The single was later included as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Beyoncé's second studio album B'Day (2007). Marketed initially as a club anthem, the release emphasized remixes for dance floors and early premieres targeting urban radio audiences.Music and Lyrics
Composition
"Check on It" is a midtempo crunk R&B and hip hop song composed in the key of G major with a tempo of 166 beats per minute.[12][13] The track runs for a duration of 3:31.[12] Produced by Swizz Beatz, the song features energetic, danceable production.[14] The song's structure opens with an introductory rap verse by Slim Thug, followed by Beyoncé's verses and the recurring chorus. A remix version incorporates an additional guest verse from Bun B.[15] Beyoncé's vocals span a range from A3 to B4, showcasing her mezzo-soprano delivery within the R&B framework.[13] Blending R&B, hip hop, and dance influences with Southern rap elements—evident in the contributions from Houston-based artists Slim Thug and Bun B—the track embodies a fusion of urban and regional sounds.[15][3]Lyrics and Themes
"Check on It" features lyrics that portray a confident woman navigating a club environment, where she invites male admiration while firmly asserting her independence and self-sufficiency. The song opens with a verse from Slim Thug, who sets the narrative by advising a woman to move away from unworthy suitors and instead "check on" Beyoncé, positioning her as the desirable, high-value partner who commands attention without needing validation.[9] Beyoncé's verses build on this, with lines such as "Ooh boy you lookin' like you like what you see / Won't you come over and check up on it," directly addressing a potential suitor and encouraging him to appreciate her allure on her terms.[16] This playful invitation underscores a flirtatious dynamic where she maintains control, as evidenced by the chorus: "If you got it, flaunt it, boy, I know you want it / While I turn around you watch me check up on it."[9] Thematically, the song emphasizes female empowerment through self-assurance and body positivity, celebrating a woman's right to enjoy her sensuality and physical presence without apology. Specific lyrics like "Shorty don't need no help / She can tell you what's up" from Slim Thug's verse highlight this independence, portraying the protagonist as capable and unassisted in her interactions.[16] Beyoncé further reinforces these ideas with references to fashion and personal style, such as "You like my outfit, yeah it cost a lot," which playfully nods to the joy of self-expression through shopping and appearance, tying into broader motifs of confidence in one's body and choices.[9] The track also incorporates flirtation as a tool of empowerment, with Beyoncé teasing romantic possibilities while setting boundaries, as in her second verse's checklist of desired qualities in a partner.[3] In the official music video remix, Bun B contributes an additional verse that complements Slim Thug's opening, extending the narrative of admiration and pursuit while maintaining the song's focus on Beyoncé's commanding presence.[1] Overall, the lyrics adopt a sassy, celebratory tone that aligns with early 2000s R&B anthems of female empowerment, blending sensuality with unapologetic self-celebration in a lighthearted club setting.[3]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in December 2005 as the end-credits theme for the comedy film The Pink Panther, "Check on It" garnered generally positive initial responses from music critics, who praised its playful vibe and Beyoncé's confident vocal performance alongside the featured rappers. Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine, reviewing it in the context of Destiny's Child's greatest hits compilation #1's, described the track as a solo Beyoncé effort from the upcoming film that underscored her shift toward individual projects, noting its inclusion among new material that highlighted the group's evolving solo trajectories.[17] Critics highlighted the song's club-friendly appeal and infectious energy, with Paul Flynn of The Guardian commending its "blissful disregard for traditional songwriting conventions" in a 2006 profile, which lent it a fresh, unconventional structure suited to dance floors. Flynn also appreciated Slim Thug's contribution, observing that his "lazy southern drawl suits the fractionally slower tempo," adding a laid-back contrast to Beyoncé's charismatic delivery.[18] While some reviewers found the production straightforward, the track's fun, flirtatious tone and rap integration were widely noted as strengths, contributing to its immediate popularity in urban radio and club rotations during 2005-2006.Accolades
"Check on It" earned several nominations and one win at major music awards ceremonies in 2006. At the BET Awards, the song was nominated for Best Collaboration, recognizing its duet with Slim Thug, though it did not win.[19] The music video for "Check on It" won Best R&B Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, held on August 31 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This victory highlighted the video's stylish production and Beyoncé's performance, beating nominees including Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" and Chris Brown's "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)."[20][21] It received a nomination for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Dance Track at the 22nd Annual International Dance Music Awards in 2007, acknowledging its club-friendly rhythm and hip-hop elements, but did not secure the win. On Billboard's year-end Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 2005, "Check on It" ranked at number four, reflecting its strong airplay and sales performance among R&B tracks that year.[22] The song was not nominated for any Grammy Awards in 2006. However, in retrospective compilations, it has been celebrated as a standout in Beyoncé's catalog; for instance, Rolling Stone included it at number 43 on their 2024 list of the 70 greatest Beyoncé songs, praising its playful energy and tie-in to The Pink Panther soundtrack.[23][24]Commercial Performance
Charts
"Check on It" debuted at number 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated November 19, 2005. The song steadily climbed the chart, entering the top 10 at number 9 on the December 17, 2005, issue, before ascending to number 1 on the chart dated February 4, 2006. It maintained the top position for five consecutive weeks through the March 11, 2006 issue, marking Beyoncé's third solo number-one hit on the Hot 100 following "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy."[25][4] On genre-specific US charts, "Check on It" peaked at number 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it spent 12 weeks after debuting on December 3, 2005.[26] It also topped the Dance Club Songs chart for one week on the March 4, 2006 issue. Internationally, the song achieved strong performance across multiple markets. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, debuting at number 4 on January 28, 2006, and remaining in the top 10 for four weeks while charting for 10 weeks total.[11] In New Zealand, "Check on It" debuted at number 35 on the Recorded Music NZ chart dated January 30, 2006, before reaching number 1 for two consecutive weeks starting February 13, 2006, and spending seven weeks in the top 10.[27] The track entered the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number 12 on February 5, 2006, peaking at number 3 the following week and holding a top 10 position for three weeks. On the Canadian Singles Chart, it reached a peak of number 4. In Europe, "Check on It" entered several top 10s, including number 5 on the Norway Singles Top 20 (debuting January 27, 2006, with three weeks in the top 10), number 5 on the Netherlands Single Top 100 (debuting January 21, 2006, for two top 10 weeks), number 8 on the Denmark Singles Top 40, number 10 on the Austria Ö3 Top 40, and number 10 on the Switzerland Singles Top 75. The song has not re-entered major charts as of November 2025, with historical performance preserved in Billboard and official chart archives.| Chart (2005–2006) | Peak Position | Weeks in Top 10 |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 1 | 7 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 3 | 8 |
| US Dance Club Songs | 1 | 5 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 2 | 4 |
| Australia (ARIA) | 3 | 3 |
| Canada Singles (Nielsen) | 4 | 4 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | 1 | 7 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 5 | 3 |
| Netherlands (Mega Top 50) | 5 | 2 |
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 8 | 2 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 10 | 1 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 10 | 1 |
Sales and Certifications
"Check on It" has achieved significant commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 8, 2022, denoting 2 million units sold or streamed equivalent.[5] By October 2012, the single had sold 1,438,000 digital downloads in the US, reflecting its strong initial digital performance. Its peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks contributed to this sales momentum.[28] Internationally, the song received Platinum certifications in several markets. In Canada, Music Canada awarded it Platinum status in 2022 for 100,000 units.[29] It earned Platinum certification from Recorded Music NZ in New Zealand for 30,000 units. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it Silver for 200,000 units.[30]| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Music Canada | Platinum | 100,000 |
| New Zealand | Recorded Music NZ | Platinum | 30,000 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Silver | 200,000 |
| United States | RIAA | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000 |