Sex with Me
"Sex with Me" is a contemporary R&B song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, serving as the sixteenth and final track on the deluxe edition of her eighth studio album, Anti.[1] Released on January 28, 2016, through Roc Nation and Westbury Road Entertainment, the track was produced by Boi-1da, with co-production by Vinylz and additional production by Ging, and vocal production by Kuk Harrell.[2] Rihanna co-wrote the song alongside Boi-1da, Vinylz, Ging (also known as Frank Dukes), Chester Hansen, and PARTYNEXTDOOR, with lyrics that boldly celebrate sexual empowerment and the unparalleled allure of intimacy with her.[2] The production features dreamy, atmospheric synths blended with trap-influenced beats, creating a seductive and luxurious soundscape that complements the song's explicit yet confident themes.[3] Upon release, "Sex with Me" received positive attention for its bold sensuality, with critics noting its role as a fitting closer to Anti's exploration of independence and desire.[4] Commercially, it debuted at number 97 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and later peaked at number 83, while remixes propelled it to number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 2017, becoming Rihanna's 29th leader on that tally, and has been certified three times platinum by the RIAA.[5][6][7] The song's enduring appeal is evident in its streaming success, amassing over 400 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.[8][9]Writing and recording
Development
"Sex with Me" was co-written during a songwriting camp hosted by Rihanna at her Malibu home in mid-2015, as part of the broader creative sessions for her eighth studio album, Anti.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">Production process
"Sex with Me" was primarily produced by Boi-1da for 1da Boi Productions Inc., with co-production from Frank Dukes and additional production by Vinylz.[2] The track's production emphasized atmospheric and rhythmic elements, incorporating dreamy synths characteristic of Frank Dukes' style, mid-tempo R&B beats anchored by Boi-1da's hip-hop influenced drumming, and intricate vocal layering overseen by vocal producer Kuk Harrell for Suga Wuga Music, Inc.[2] These techniques contributed to the song's smooth, seductive sound, blending electronic textures with Rihanna's layered harmonies to create a hazy, immersive atmosphere. Recording took place at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, during the 2015 sessions for Rihanna's eighth studio album Anti.[2] Rihanna's vocals were recorded by engineer Marcos Tovar for Allfadersup and Kuk Harrell, with assistance from Chad Wilson and Thomas Warren; additional recording was handled by Blake Mares.[2] The studio environment at Westlake, known for its high-end facilities, facilitated the capture of Rihanna's nuanced vocal performances, including multi-tracked ad-libs and echoes that enhanced the track's ethereal quality. Following recording, the song was mixed by Manny Marroquin at Larrabee Sound Studios in Universal City, California, with mixing assistance from Chris Galland and Ike Schultz at Larrabee North Hollywood.[2] Marroquin's mixing approach balanced the synth layers and beats, ensuring clarity in the vocal stack while maintaining the production's dreamy reverb and low-end punch. The final mastering was completed by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound in New York City, optimizing the track's dynamics for commercial release and amplifying its polished, radio-ready sheen.[2]Composition and lyrics
Musical style
"Sex with Me" is an R&B track incorporating trap and psychedelic elements, characteristic of the experimental sound on Rihanna's album Anti.[10][11] The song runs for 3:26 and is composed in E major at a tempo of 112 beats per minute.[12][13] Its production features dreamy, light-textured elements with wispy synths that create a smooth, hazy atmosphere, enhanced by a trippy blend of layered vocals in the outro.[14][12] The track follows a verse-chorus structure, with ad-libs such as "Oh-na-na-na-na" adding rhythmic texture and playfulness throughout the verses and choruses.[12] Stylistically, "Sex with Me" aligns with other Anti cuts like "Kiss It Better," both showcasing Rihanna's blend of R&B with psychedelic and rock-infused production for a cohesive yet eclectic album vibe.[10]Themes and content
"Sex with Me" centers its lyrics on themes of female confidence, body positivity, and sexual empowerment, presenting Rihanna as an unapologetically desirable figure who asserts control over her sensuality.[15] The chorus hook, repeating "Sex with me, so amazing," serves as a bold mantra of self-worth, while verses employ vivid, provocative imagery—such as "Five fingers on it" and "Ima get it wet like jacuzzi"—to celebrate natural allure and reject superficial enhancements like "lip gloss on it."[12] These elements underscore body positivity by embracing raw physicality without apology, positioning the song as a declaration of personal agency in intimacy.[15] Rihanna's vocal delivery in the track amplifies this self-assurance and allure, with a sultry, commanding tone that conveys unshakable poise and draws listeners into her narrative of empowerment.[16] This style echoes empowerment anthems throughout her discography, such as "Needed Me" from the same album, where similar motifs of independence and desirability recur, reinforcing a consistent thread of female strength across her work.[16] Within the broader context of Rihanna's eighth studio album Anti (2016), "Sex with Me"—a bonus track on the deluxe edition—aligns with the project's overarching exploration of independence and sensuality, portraying relationships as arenas for self-liberation rather than conformity.[17] The song's emphasis on personal prowess complements Anti's defiant rejection of expectations, blending sensual expression with themes of autonomy that define the album's artistic intent.[17]Release and promotion
Commercial release
"Sex with Me" was initially released as one of three bonus tracks on the deluxe edition of Rihanna's eighth studio album, Anti, on January 28, 2016, via digital download and streaming platforms by Roc Nation and Def Jam Recordings.) The track's inclusion helped extend the album's appeal, with the deluxe version featuring 16 songs in total and emphasizing Rihanna's exploration of R&B and pop sounds.[18] On February 3, 2017, the song was sent to US urban radio as a promotional single to further capitalize on its growing popularity.[19] This push coincided with the release of a remix EP, aligning with broader promotional efforts for Rihanna's music catalog. Marketing for "Sex with Me" integrated with the Anti World Tour, which ran from March to November 2016 and featured high-energy performances of album tracks to global audiences, and extended into 2017 alongside the launch of Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line on September 8, 2017, leveraging her multifaceted brand presence.[20] In December 2024, Rihanna performed the song at a New York City karaoke event, highlighting its ongoing fan appeal as of early 2025.[21]| Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2016 | Digital download, streaming | Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings |
| February 3, 2017 | Promotional single (urban radio) | Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings |
Remixes and formats
The official remix EP for "Sex with Me," titled Sex with Me (Dance Remixes), was released on February 3, 2017, via digital download and streaming platforms, featuring five dance-oriented remixes by producers MK, Salva, John Blake, Addal, and DEVAULT.[22] This EP extended the song's club appeal by incorporating electronic and house elements, with each remix altering the tempo, beats, and vocal arrangements while preserving Rihanna's original lyrics.[23] The track listing for the Sex with Me (Dance Remixes) EP includes:- "Sex with Me (MK Remix)" – 6:18
- "Sex with Me (Salva Remix)" – 3:50
- "Sex with Me (John Blake Remix)" – 2:31
- "Sex with Me (Addal Remix)" – 3:10
- "Sex with Me (DEVAULT Remix)" – 4:07