Muni Long is a name synonymous with chart-topping R&B hits today, but before she captivated audiences with her own voice, Priscilla Renea was crafting the melodies and lyrics that powered some of the biggest names in music. This multi-talented artist has carved out an extraordinary career, initially making her mark behind the scenes as a prolific songwriter before stepping into the spotlight as Muni Long.
For nearly a decade as Priscilla Renea, she was a secret weapon in the music industry, penning hits across genres from R&B and pop to hip-hop. Then, reinventing herself as Muni Long, she unleashed her own artistry, delivering infectious and deeply personal tracks like “Hrs & Hrs” and “Made For Me.” But the depth of her songwriting catalog often goes unnoticed. Prepare to be surprised as we unveil 15+ songs you likely sing along to, all touched by the lyrical genius of Priscilla Renea.
1. Rihanna – California King Bed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhBorPm6JjQ
The power ballad “California King Bed,” a staple in Rihanna’s discography, was actually written by Priscilla Renea in a mere 10 minutes. As she shared with Complex, the Grammy-winning songwriter was furniture shopping for her Los Angeles move when inspiration struck. This emotional anthem resonated deeply, spending over 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking the beginning of a fruitful creative partnership between Renea and Rihanna.
2. Chris Brown – Don’t Wake Me Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOowQeKyNkQ
Beyond co-writing “Don’t Wake Me Up” for Chris Brown’s Fortune album in 2012, Priscilla Renea’s vocal touch is also featured on the track. Her spoken-word intro, “Dearly beloved, if this love only exists in my dreams, don’t wake me up,” sets the dreamy, melancholic tone for this popular hit.
3. Fifth Harmony – Worth It ft. Kid Ink
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBHQbu5rbdQ
Fifth Harmony’s global smash “Worth It,” boasting over two billion views on YouTube and a remarkable 36 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, owes part of its infectious energy to Priscilla Renea’s songwriting. Her lyrical expertise perfectly complements the song’s catchy Balkan-inspired beat, making it an unforgettable girl-group anthem.
4. Pitbull ft. Ke$ha – Timber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHUbLv4ThOo
“Timber,” the high-energy collaboration between Pitbull and Ke$ha, dominated airwaves in the early 2010s. Priscilla Renea contributed to the songwriting of this pop-dance crossover hit, known for its distinctive harmonica melody and sing-along lyrics. “Timber” reached No. 1 on the charts for three weeks, further solidifying Renea’s versatility as a songwriter.
5. Mariah Carey – Infinity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO1CQhwCiG0
Mariah Carey’s “Infinity” is a powerful anthem of self-love and moving on from heartbreak, co-written with Priscilla Renea. The song’s empowering message about finding self-worth after a relationship ends resonated with audiences and is a standout track in both Carey’s and Renea’s catalogs.
6. Rihanna – Watch n’ Learn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7mVL78-3j8
Featured on Rihanna’s Talk That Talk album, “Watch n’ Learn” is a playfully suggestive track about taking charge in a relationship. Priscilla Renea’s lyrics, emphasizing instruction and initiative, give this reggae-infused song its unique and memorable character within Rihanna’s diverse album.
7. K. Michelle – V.S.O.P.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5y9Q5CmWYg
Priscilla Renea’s strength in crafting sensual R&B love songs shines through in K. Michelle’s “V.S.O.P.”. Sampling Debra Laws’ “Very Special,” this track, co-written by Renea, captures the anticipation and desire for a romantic evening, becoming a hit for K. Michelle in 2013.
8. Mary J. Blige – Don’t Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIkAyGMrx2g
Collaborating with the Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, Priscilla Renea co-wrote the upbeat and feel-good track “Don’t Mind” in 2011. This song is an ode to embracing love without shame and perfectly aligns with Blige’s empowering discography.
9. Ariana Grande – imagine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRcXOnLkM7A
Opening Ariana Grande’s acclaimed Thank U, Next album is “imagine,” a dreamy and romantic track co-penned by Priscilla Renea. The song paints a picture of an ideal, effortless relationship and showcases the artistic synergy between Grande and Renea.
10. Madonna – Gang Bang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DQ7WFtFHTA
Venturing into darker territory, Priscilla Renea contributed to Madonna’s “Gang Bang,” a song about revenge and betrayal. With its aggressive beat, the lyrics, co-written by Renea, are equally intense, depicting a violent act against a deceitful lover, showcasing Renea’s range as a songwriter.
11. Chris Brown – Beg For It
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmMn4amATts
Adding to Chris Brown’s collection of seductive tracks, “Beg For It,” co-written by Priscilla Renea and released in 2011, is a slow jam filled with promises of intimacy. This song remains a popular choice for intimate playlists.
12. Disclosure ft. Lorde – Magnets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_KfnGBtVeA
“Magnets,” a collaboration between Disclosure and Lorde, explores themes of temptation and attraction, with songwriting contributions from Priscilla Renea. Her input helped elevate the track, resonating with millions of listeners and earning critical acclaim for its exploration of complex emotions.
13. Curren$y ft. August Alsina & Lil Wayne – Bottom Of The Bottle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKWciCRC1X0
Priscilla Renea’s songwriting extends beyond R&B and pop into the realm of hip-hop, as demonstrated by Curren$y’s “Bottom Of The Bottle.” This rap track, co-written by Renea, delves into the indulgences of fame, including luxury, partying, and relationships fueled by wealth.
14. Nick Jonas ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Bacon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPUB97ilIqE
Nick Jonas’ “Bacon” celebrates the joys of single life and freedom, with Priscilla Renea contributing to its upbeat and carefree lyrics. Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, the song’s lighthearted vibe and catchy chorus made it a popular track for embracing independence.
15. Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzE1mX4Px0I
“Who Says,” performed by Selena Gomez & The Scene, is an empowering anthem of self-acceptance and resilience against negativity. Co-written by Priscilla Renea, its positive message resonated deeply with young audiences, especially through its music video’s Disney Channel premiere and Gomez’s performance on “Sonny With A Chance.”
Conclusion
Priscilla Renea’s journey from behind-the-scenes songwriter to the celebrated artist Muni Long is a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility. Her contributions to these 15+ songs, spanning various genres and performed by iconic artists, showcase her profound impact on the music industry. As Muni Long continues to shine in her solo career, it’s important to remember and appreciate the rich catalog of hits she helped create for others, solidifying her legacy as a true songwriting powerhouse.
