Price Tag
"Price Tag" is a pop song with reggae fusion influences by English singer-songwriter Jessie J, featuring American rapper B.o.B, released on 30 January 2011 as the second single from her debut studio album, Who You Are.[1] The track, which promotes themes of joy and self-worth over materialism with its catchy chorus emphasizing "It's not about the money, money, money," became Jessie J's breakthrough hit, debuting at number one on the UK Singles Chart—her first #1 there—and spending two weeks at the top.[2][3] Internationally, "Price Tag" achieved significant success, peaking at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number one in New Zealand, Scotland, and Ireland, and within the top ten in several other countries including Australia and the Netherlands.[4] The song has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, earned platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States, and its official music video surpassed one billion views on YouTube in October 2025.[4][2] In the UK, it was certified double platinum by the BPI as of 2024, reflecting its enduring popularity and role in launching Jessie J's career as a global pop artist.[5]Writing and recording
Songwriting
"Price Tag" was co-written by Jessie J (Jessica Cornish), Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), Claude Kelly, and B.o.B (Bobby Ray Simmons Jr.).[6] Jessie J contributed the bulk of the lyrics during a collaborative writing session in 2010, drawing from her personal philosophy that true happiness derives from human connections and experiences rather than material wealth.[7] This sentiment fueled the song's central hook in the chorus—"It's not about the money, money, money / We don't need your money, money, money"—which critiques the music industry's obsession with financial gain and promotes joy through simple acts like dancing and smiling.[2] The initial demo took shape in Los Angeles with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly, approximately four months after the trio co-wrote Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A."[8] During this period, Jessie J envisioned a reggae-infused pop sound to diverge from the era's overly commercialized trends, creating an upbeat, feel-good track that contrasted the seriousness she observed in the industry.[9] She later reflected on the session's playful atmosphere, noting how it allowed for versatile and authentic expression amid her transition between record labels.[7] B.o.B's rap verse was conceived as an integral part of the collaboration, emphasizing appreciation for life's non-monetary pleasures, such as "a sunny day and mango ice cream." To ensure cohesion, Jessie J traveled extensively, including five plane journeys in four days, to collaborate and record with him in person, rejecting remote contributions in favor of shared creative energy.[2] This hands-on approach underscored the song's anti-materialistic message, positioning the verse as a complementary narrative to Jessie J's vocal delivery.Studio sessions
The recording of "Price Tag" occurred at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, GCR Audio in Buffalo, New York, and Stadium Red Studios in New York City.[10] Jessie J tracked her vocals at these locations, demonstrating her vocal range spanning from A3 to D5, while B.o.B's rap verse was recorded separately and integrated during production.[11] Dr. Luke served as the lead producer, overseeing the creation of the beats and instrumentation, with the final mix completed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios.[12][13] The production team encountered challenges in the sessions, particularly in adjusting the track's upbeat elements to settle at a tempo of 84 beats per minute, which contributed to its laid-back yet energetic feel.Musical composition
Genre and sound
"Price Tag" is classified as a reggae-influenced pop song incorporating hip-hop elements through its featured rap verse.[14][15] The track is composed in the key of F major and features a moderate tempo of approximately 85 beats per minute, contributing to its laid-back yet upbeat feel.[11][16] The song's instrumentation highlights acoustic guitar riffs that drive the reggae-inspired rhythm, paired with subtle bass lines and electronic beats that create a positive, summery atmosphere.[14] These elements, produced by Dr. Luke, blend organic and synthetic sounds to emphasize an accessible, feel-good vibe.[15] Structurally, "Price Tag" follows a verse-chorus form, beginning with an intro, followed by verses, pre-choruses, and choruses, interrupted by B.o.B's rap bridge before returning to the chorus and outro.[6] The album version runs for 3:42, allowing space for its melodic hooks and rhythmic shifts.[17] Jessie J delivers the lead vocals with a soulful and powerful style, supported by harmonious backing vocals.[18]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Price Tag" revolve around a core theme of anti-materialism, advocating for the prioritization of joy, music, and human connection over wealth and possessions. The song opens with Jessie J questioning societal values—"Seems like everybody's got a price / I wonder how they sleep at night / When the sale comes first and the truth comes second"—before shifting to an empowering chorus that declares, "It's not about the money, money, money / We don't need your money, money, money / We just wanna make the world dance / Forget about the price tag." This refrain acts as a direct call to dismiss financial pressures in favor of shared experiences and positivity.[2][19] Jessie J has described the track as stemming from her personal observations of a money-obsessed world, stating, "It was inspired by my life at the time, feeling like money ruled everything and everyone was so serious in their shades." B.o.B's rap verse complements this by offering a perspective on fame and simplicity, rapping about rejecting material temptations like bling, cars, and cash while reinforcing the song's ethos that it's not about money but about love, peace, and making the world dance. His contribution introduces a hip-hop lens on resisting excess, contrasting Jessie J's soulful pop delivery and broadening the anti-consumerist narrative.[2] The song incorporates reggae influences through its upbeat rhythm and emphasis on peace and unity, evoking a sense of communal uplift. This stylistic choice aligns with the lyrics' promotion of harmony over greed, fostering an optimistic tone. Interpretations often frame "Price Tag" as a Marxist critique of consumer culture, highlighting capitalism's commodification of life and art, which particularly resonated amid post-recession recovery in 2011 by championing non-monetary fulfillment.[2][19]Release
Commercial release
"Price Tag" was released as the second single from Jessie J's debut album Who You Are, with the digital download version launching in the United States on January 25, 2011, via Lava Records and Republic Records.[20] In the United Kingdom, the single became available for digital and physical purchase on January 31, 2011, distributed by Island Records under Universal Music.[15] The release encompassed various formats, including digital downloads primarily through iTunes, CD singles in limited edition digipak packaging, and promotional remixes circulated to radio stations and DJs for airplay support.[21][22] The single's rollout was strategically aligned with the album's UK release on February 28, 2011, establishing "Price Tag" as a key international lead track to build anticipation for Who You Are.[23] Initial promotion emphasized digital platforms and radio exposure, with Lava/Republic Records handling the US market and Island Records overseeing the UK distribution to maximize cross-Atlantic momentum.[24]Promotion
The promotion of "Price Tag" kicked off with its exclusive radio premiere on BBC Radio 1 on 25 January 2011, when DJ Zane Lowe selected a remix as his Hottest Record of the day, alongside an interview with Jessie J to build early buzz. This high-profile airplay on the influential UK station helped generate immediate interest ahead of the single's UK digital release on 31 January 2011.[25] Additionally, digital efforts included iTunes exclusives, such as the release of a special EP featuring remixes and acoustic versions, alongside fan contests offering signed copies of the single and album merchandise to encourage pre-orders and shares on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.[26] The official music video premiered on 31 January 2011 on VEVO in the UK, further boosting the single's visibility.[27] Building further anticipation for Jessie J's debut album Who You Are, previews of "Price Tag" were incorporated into her early 2011 European promotional tour, including stops on the Stand Up Tour starting in March, where she performed snippets of the track during intimate sets across the UK and continental Europe to hype the upcoming release.[28][29]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release in early 2011, "Price Tag" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy melody and uplifting message advocating for joy over materialism. The Guardian described it as an "infectious, if not necessarily planet-saving R&B-based hit-in-waiting," highlighting its potential as a feel-good track that blended pop accessibility with a positive vibe.[30] Similarly, Billboard noted the song's design to "make the listener move and then be stuck in his or her head all day long," emphasizing its earworm quality and breezy production.[1] Critics also appreciated the track's reggae-pop fusion, which innovated on contemporary pop by incorporating laid-back rhythms and a sunny disposition. Digital Spy awarded it four out of five stars, calling it "the best sun-dappled, hip-hop inflected pop tune you'll hear this year" for its spunky energy and likability.[31] NME described it as light, skippy, cuss-free pop music with a wholesome message and a tune you can whistle.[32] In 2011 coverage, the song was frequently credited with propelling Jessie J into the spotlight as a vibrant new voice in pop, marking her debut No. 1 single and solidifying her breakthrough status.[24][33]Awards and nominations
"Price Tag" earned recognition across several prestigious music awards in the early 2010s, highlighting its commercial and artistic impact. At the 2012 Brit Awards, the song was nominated for British Single of the Year, competing against tracks like Adele's "Someone Like You" and Ed Sheeran's "The A Team."[34] The track also secured a win for Best Song at the 2011 BT Digital Music Awards, organized by PRS for Music, where it was celebrated alongside Jessie J's victories for Best Female Artist and Best Newcomer.[35] In recognition of its widespread airplay and performances, "Price Tag" was honored at the 61st Annual BMI Pop Awards in 2013 as one of the most-performed pop songs of the previous year, contributing to co-writer Claude Kelly's Songwriter of the Year accolade.[36] Additionally, the song received a nomination for International Work of the Year at the 2012 APRA Music Awards in Australia, underscoring its international popularity among foreign releases.[37]Commercial performance
Chart positions
"Price Tag" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart the week ending 12 February 2011, marking Jessie J's first chart-topping single, and remained at the summit for two consecutive weeks. The song spent a total of 71 weeks on the UK chart. In the United States, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 88 in March 2011 and peaked at number 23, spending 20 weeks on the chart and 12 weeks within the top 40. Globally, "Price Tag" reached number one in eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, and France, while achieving top 10 positions in over 20 territories. It ranked as the fourth best-selling single in the UK for 2011.| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 2 |
| Belgium (Ultratop Flanders) | 1 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 4 |
| France (SNEP) | 1 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 1 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 1 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 1 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 23 |
Certifications and sales
"Price Tag" achieved notable commercial success, earning multiple certifications worldwide for its sales and streaming performance. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single 4× Platinum, representing 4 million units in combined sales and streaming equivalents.[38] In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it 3× Platinum for 1.8 million units as of 2025 updates, incorporating physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming data. A 2015 BPI update reported 1.24 million units from physical and digital sales alone, prior to full streaming inclusion; subsequent rules incorporated YouTube views toward certification thresholds.[39][40] In Australia, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awarded 6× Platinum certification, equivalent to 420,000 units. Globally, the single surpassed 3 million sales by 2012; as of 2025, it has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide.[8][4]Music video and visuals
Production
The music video for "Price Tag" was directed by Emil Nava and filmed in various locations in London, including the Old Truman Brewery, Brockwell Lido, and areas of North London such as Edmonton Green, during early December 2010.[41] The production adopted a low-key approach with a focus on urban street aesthetics, utilizing a compact crew to capture spontaneous energy amid the city's vibrant backdrop. FKA twigs contributed as a backup dancer, bringing intricate choreography that complemented the song's upbeat rhythm and emphasized group dynamics.[42] In post-production, the footage was edited to align precisely with the track's 3:42 runtime, incorporating vibrant color grading and filters to enhance the playful, whimsical tone.[43] This process highlighted dynamic cuts between street scenes and stylized sets, ensuring visual sync with the lyrics' tempo. Concept development involved significant input from Jessie J, who advocated for motifs like a literal "money tree" and an oversized teddy bear to symbolize the song's anti-materialism theme, rejecting superficial glamour in favor of ironic, lighthearted imagery.[2] She also insisted on in-person collaboration with B.o.B., who traveled to the UK for filming after multiple flights, to foster authentic on-screen chemistry rather than relying on green screen effects.[2]Content and release
The music video for "Price Tag" opens with Jessie J wandering the streets of London, clutching a large, tattered teddy bear missing an eye and arm, symbolizing innocence amid a materialistic world. As she progresses, she encounters surreal, money-themed illusions, including passersby with literal price tags dangling from their clothing, a tree sprouting dollar bills instead of leaves, and oversized props like a jewelry box where she appears as a giant ballerina. These vignettes critique consumerism, aligning with the song's anti-materialism message, before culminating in a vibrant block party where Jessie J joins a diverse crowd in celebratory dancing, shedding the illusions for communal joy.[4] Visually, the video employs bright, saturated colors and whimsical production design to create a dreamlike atmosphere, contrasting the gritty urban backdrop with fantastical elements. Jessie J's wardrobe shifts from everyday attire to playful costumes, such as a marionette puppet, emphasizing themes of freedom from societal "strings." B.o.B appears during his rap verse in dynamic urban street scenes, adding a dynamic, urban edge. Notably, backup dancer FKA twigs performs intricate, fluid moves in several scenes, which foreshadowed her innovative choreography in her subsequent solo career.[4][43][42] The video premiered on January 30, 2011, via YouTube and Vevo, directed by Emil Nava as a complement to the single's commercial rollout. It quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views in the ensuing weeks due to its catchy visuals and the song's rising radio play. The video surpassed one billion views on YouTube as of October 2025.[4] Alongside the standard four-minute edit, a behind-the-scenes clip was released shortly after, offering glimpses of the shoot's energetic vibe and Jessie J's interactions with the cast.[43]Performances
Live performances
Jessie J debuted "Price Tag" on television with a performance in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge on March 4, 2011, where she delivered the track alongside an acoustic-leaning rendition that highlighted her vocal range during an interview with Fearne Cotton.[44] This appearance marked one of the song's earliest high-visibility live outings, following its January release, and included a cover of The Naked and Famous' "Young Blood" as per Live Lounge tradition.[45] In March 2011, Jessie J brought "Price Tag" to American audiences with a dynamic performance on Saturday Night Live, joined onstage by collaborator B.o.B for the rap verse during the March 12 episode hosted by Zach Galifianakis.[46] The rendition emphasized the song's upbeat energy, contributing to its growing international buzz shortly after topping the UK charts.[47] "Price Tag" featured prominently in a medley during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on August 12, where Jessie J opened with the track before transitioning into Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" and Tinie Tempah's "Written in the Stars" in a collaborative pop showcase celebrating British music.[48] This high-profile slot, broadcast to a global audience, underscored the song's role in representing contemporary UK pop on an international stage. Jessie J performed "Price Tag" as part of her set at Capital's Summertime Ball on June 15, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London, delivering an energetic rendition that highlighted her vocal prowess to a packed crowd at one of the UK's major annual music events.[49] On September 6, 2025, Jessie J performed "Price Tag" with a full band arrangement at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Preston, marking her first major live appearance following breast cancer surgery and drawing a large crowd for an energetic sing-along.[50] The set, part of a festival lineup, highlighted the track's enduring appeal and her return to performing after health challenges.[51] Jessie J has adapted "Price Tag" for various charity events, including a stripped-down piano-only version at a 2025 tribute for Jamal Edwards, where she delivered an intimate rendition to honor the late music entrepreneur and support related causes.[52] Such performances often feature simplified instrumentation to emphasize the song's message of prioritizing joy over materialism in supportive settings.Cover versions
"Price Tag" has inspired numerous covers by independent artists and groups, often emphasizing its acoustic and harmonious elements. American singer Maddi Jane released an acoustic cover on YouTube in March 2011, capturing the song's upbeat message with a stripped-down arrangement that garnered significant online attention shortly after the original's debut.[53] Similarly, singer Tyler Ward delivered an acoustic rendition featuring collaborator Eppic in February 2011, blending folk influences with the track's pop core and making it available on platforms like Spotify.[54][55] Vocal group Cimorelli offered a harmonious a cappella version in February 2011, highlighting the song's catchy chorus through layered vocals without instrumentation, which resonated with fans of vocal harmony covers.[56] In the K-pop scene, South Korean trio LUNAFLY performed a cover in May 2013 as part of their "Super K-Pop" series, infusing the track with their signature soft rock style and appealing to international audiences.[57] Indonesian-South Korean singer NATTY also covered it in May 2020 during a live session, adapting the lyrics to showcase her versatile vocal range in a contemporary pop context.[58] The song has been reinterpreted in live settings by other acts, such as British indie rock band The Wombats, who delivered an energetic cover for triple j's Like A Version series in May 2023, transforming the original's reggae-pop vibe into a guitar-driven performance.[59] Official remixes featuring additional rappers include the Shux Remix with British artist Devlin, released in 2011, which added gritty urban verses to the track while preserving Jessie J's lead vocals.[60][61] Parodies of "Price Tag" emerged on YouTube, often satirizing consumerism and the "price tag" hook through humorous consumer critiques. A notable example is the 2011 parody filmed by students at Reeds School in England, which spoofed the music video with school-themed antics and exaggerated lyrics about everyday expenses.[62] Another viral spoof, "#Hashtag" by an independent creator in November 2017, repurposed the chorus to poke fun at social media trends and online validation.[63] These reinterpretations underscore the song's relatable theme, extending its reach through lighthearted, shareable content.Impact and legacy
Cultural significance
"Price Tag" emerged as Jessie J's signature song, marking her breakthrough as a prominent pop-R&B artist when it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in February 2011. The track's lyrics, which prioritize happiness, love, and unity over monetary value, positioned it as an empowerment anthem that resonated with audiences seeking messages of positivity amid economic uncertainty.[24] The song's anti-consumerism theme contributed to a broader trend in 2010s pop music, where artists critiqued materialism and celebrated non-monetary joys, as seen in its inclusion alongside tracks like Lorde's "Royals" in curated playlists addressing these issues. FKA Twigs appeared as a backup dancer in the music video, an early professional role that she later described as emblematic of her time in the industry before transitioning to her own music career.[64][65] "Price Tag" gained further cultural traction through its feature in the 2012 film Pitch Perfect, where the a cappella group the Barden Bellas incorporated it into a medley during their finals performance, amplifying its message of collective harmony and joy. In 2013, New Old Music Group, Inc. filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Jessie J, her co-writers, and producers including Dr. Luke, alleging that the drum pattern in "Price Tag" copied elements from the 1975 song "Zimba Ku" by Black Heat; the district court denied summary judgment in 2015, allowing the case to proceed toward a jury trial. The case's outcome was not publicly resolved.[66][67][68]Milestones in 2020s
In 2025, "Price Tag" experienced a significant resurgence on TikTok, where a viral trend featuring the song's chorus and nostalgic edits propelled it back into the spotlight, amassing millions of views and boosting streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify.[69][70] The trend, which began in early March, highlighted the track's enduring appeal as a 2010s pop staple, with users recreating its uplifting message about prioritizing joy over materialism in short-form videos.[69] On September 6, 2025, Jessie J performed "Price Tag" live at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford, marking her first major stage appearance following breast cancer surgery earlier that year and drawing widespread acclaim for its emotional delivery.[51][71] The set, including the song, was broadcast on BBC iPlayer and underscored the track's role in her comeback narrative.[71] Later that year, on October 31, 2025, the official music video for "Price Tag" surpassed one billion views on YouTube, becoming Jessie J's second video to reach the milestone after "Bang Bang."[4] This achievement reflected the song's sustained global popularity, driven in part by the recent social media revival and ongoing streams exceeding 750 million on Spotify as of November 2025.[4][72]Track listings and credits
Track listings
Standard releases
The standard digital single release of "Price Tag" featuring B.o.B was made available worldwide on January 31, 2011, via platforms such as iTunes and other digital retailers, containing the main album track.[15]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Price Tag" (featuring B.o.B) | 3:42 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Price Tag" (featuring B.o.B) | 3:42 |
| 2 | "Price Tag" (acoustic version) | 3:19 |
Promotional Versions
Promotional releases targeted radio and club play, with edited versions distributed to broadcasters and DJs in early 2011. The radio edit, listed as the "Clean Edit w/out BoB" excluding B.o.B's verse for airplay, runs 3:09.[74] An extended mix, for dance floors, measures 4:15 and was included on unofficial promo vinyl pressings.[75] A US promotional remix CDr features Jason Nevins club remixes.[22]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Extended Vocal) | 6:30 |
| 2 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Dub) | 5:42 |
| 3 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Extended Instrumental) | 6:30 |
| 4 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Radio A) | 3:55 |
| 5 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Radio A - Shorter Edit) | 3:37 |
| 6 | "Price Tag" (Jason Nevins Radio B) | 4:03 |
International Variants
Remix EPs served as international variants, with region-specific inclusions. The UK and EU digital EP (January 2011) compiles dance remixes alongside the original.[26]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Price Tag" (featuring B.o.B) | 3:42 |
| 2 | "Price Tag" (Shux remix featuring B.o.B) | 3:27 |
| 3 | "Price Tag" (Benny Page remix) | 4:29 |
| 4 | "Price Tag" (Camo & Krooked remix) | 4:30 |
| 5 | "Price Tag" (Doman & Gooding remix) | 5:00 |
Credits
The song "Price Tag" was written by Jessica Cornish (Jessie J), Łukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Claude Kelly, and Bobby Ray Simmons Jr. (B.o.B).[78] Dr. Luke served as the primary producer, handling programming and production for Kasz Money Productions.[78] Personnel- Vocals: Jessie J – lead and backing vocals; B.o.B – rap[78]
- Instrumentation: Dr. Luke – drums, keyboards; Butch Coleman – bass guitar[78]
- Recording engineers: Chris "TEK" O'Ryan, Sam Holland, Emily Wright[78]
- Assistant engineer: Tatiana Gottwald[78]
- Mixing: Serban Ghenea (at MixStar Studios, Santa Monica, California), assisted by John Hanes and Tim Roberts[13][78]
- Mastering: Tom Coyne (at Sterling Sound, New York)[79]
- A&R: Martin Kierszenbaum[80]