The Meaning Behind The Song: Freak like Me by Adina Howard

As a person who frequently listens to music, I have come across many songs that have left a lasting impression on me. One such song is “Freak like Me” by Adina Howard. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house and being captivated when I heard it for the first time. Little did I know, this song would go on to have a significant impact on the music industry.

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“Freak like Me” was released in 1995 and served as Adina Howard’s debut single. It not only became a hit but also helped open doors for female R&B vocalists to openly express their sexuality through music. The song falls under the “freaky genre,” where artists confidently sing about overtly sexual lyrics. This paved the way for future female artists like Lil Kim and Missy Elliott to do the same with their iconic songs.

What made “Freak like Me” unique was that it leveled the playing field between men and women in terms of owning and embracing their sexuality. Prior to this song, sexually explicit lyrics were mainly associated with male artists, while female artists were often expected to maintain a certain level of modesty. But “Freak like Me” tore down those barriers and empowered female artists to express themselves freely.

The lyrics of the song reinforce this notion. In the catchy chorus, Adina Howard confidently sings, “I will be a freak until the day until the dawn, and we can boom boom all through the night ’til the early morn.” She unapologetically celebrates her sexuality, showing that there is no shame in embracing one’s desires.

The song also samples “I’d Rather Be With You” by Bootsy’s Rubber Band and “Sing a Simple Song” by Sly and the Family Stone, adding a funky and infectious vibe to the track.

Released on January 25, 1995, “Freak like Me” climbed the charts, peaking at #2 on the Billboard charts on May 6, 1995. Its success solidified Adina Howard’s position as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Credits

Produced by Mass Order and written by Loren Hill, Gary Mudbone Cooper, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Eugene Hanes, and Marc Valentine, “Freak like Me” showcased the collaboration of talented individuals.

With background vocals by Adina Howard and Eugene Hanes, the song’s production features Kevin Veney and Loren Hill on keyboards, Marc Valentine on bass, and Kevin Veney and Loren Hill on drums. The mixing and recording were done by Jamey Staub at Greene St. Recording studios in New York City.

The music video for “Freak like Me” was directed by Hype Williams, who is known for his visually captivating style.

Adina Howard’s debut single not only paved the way for future female artists but has also been sampled and interpolated by numerous artists. The song’s influence can be seen in tracks like “Freakend” by Megan Thee Stallion, “Freaky Deaky” by Enchanting featuring Coi Leray, and “Freaky Girls” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring SZA, among others.

“Freak like Me” is more than just a song. It is a testament to the power of music in breaking barriers and empowering individuals to embrace who they are. Adina Howard’s bold expression of her sexuality opened doors for countless artists, and its impact continues to resonate in the music industry today.

Sources:
“All About Adina Howard Freak Like Me Lyrics and Some Fun Facts” – Genius.com
“Freak Like Me by Adina Howard” – SongMeanings.com
“Freak like Me by Adina Howard” – WhoSampled.com