Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)


"Deja Vu " is a song by American East Coast hip hop duo Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz. It was released in December 1997 through Columbia Records as the lead single from their debut studio album Make It Reign. Produced by KNS, the song peaked at #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, at #21 on the UK Singles Chart, at #29 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart, and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on March 31, 1998 for sales of a million copies. However, the duo's success would be short-lived, as they broke up in 1999 without releasing a follow-up album or single.
Recording sessions took place at The Cutting Room in New York with recording engineer DJ Nastee assisted by David Crafa. It was mixed at The Hit Factory by Ken "Duro" Ifill assisted by Tony G. The song is built around a sample of Steely Dan's "Black Cow". In exchange for clearing use of the sample, Steely Dan requested an advance payment of $115,000 as well as 100% of publishing royalties, and as a result of this agreement, Steely Dan members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen are the sole credited songwriters on "Deja Vu ". The song opens with a sample from "Amores Como El Nuestro" by Jerry Rivera.
Three remixes were made for the song: The Frankenstein remix produced by Frank "Frankenstein" Fallico, the Pro Black remix produced by Ayatollah, and a Bad Boy remix that was made by Ma$e, The LOX and Puff Daddy.
Tatyana Ali's song "Daydreamin'", released later in 1998, used the same "Black Cow" sample and featured both Tariq and Gunz. Gunz even mentions hearing "Black Cow" and being inspired to rap to the beat.

Track listing

;A-side
  1. "Deja Vu " – 4:44
  2. "Deja Vu " – 4:43
  3. "Deja Vu " – 4:29
;B-side
  1. "Deja Vu " – 4:40
  2. "Deja Vu " – 4:42
  3. "Deja Vu " – 4:32
  4. "Deja Vu " – 4:29

    Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications