Lil' L.O.V.E.

"Lil L.O.V.E."is a song byhip hopgroupBone Thugs-n-Harmonyfor their studio albumStrength & Loyalty(2007). It features American singerMariah Careyand rapperBow Wowand was released as the second single from the album in 2007. The artists co-wrote the song withShawntae Harris,James Phillips, andJermaine Dupri;the latter is also the producer. In the chorus, Carey expresses her need for a 'Lil L.O.V.E' and 'T.I.M.E' from her suspected lover. In the United States, "Lil’ L.O.V.E." was released as a digital download on May 8, 2007. The song was officially released as a single in the U.S. on June 5, 2007.

"Lil L.O.V.E."
SinglebyBone Thugs-n-HarmonyfeaturingMariah Carey&Bow Wow
from the albumStrength & Loyalty
B-side	"Candy Paint"
Released	July 1, 2007
Genre	Hip hop R&B
Length	3:55
Label	Full Surface A2Z Thugline Mo Thugs Interscope
Songwriter(s)	Shawntae Harris Anthony Henderson Steven Howse James Phillips Charles Struggs Mariah Carey Jermaine Dupri
Producer(s)	Jermaine Dupri
Bone Thugs-n-Harmonysingles chronology
"I Tried" (2007) "Lil L.O.V.E." (2007) "Rebirth" (2009)
Mariah Careysingles chronology
"Say Somethin'" (2006) "Lil L.O.V.E." (2007) "Touch My Body" (2008)
Bow Wowsingles chronology
"Don't Know About That" (2007) "Lil L.O.V.E." (2007) "Hydrolics" (2007)

Reviews

"Lil L.O.V.E." has received very positive reviews from important industrial magazines and websites.

Cinema Blend expresses, "Mariah CareyandBow Wowjoin the cause for "Lil L.O.V.E." Mariah reveals she's still plenty relevant and is not vanishing anytime soon. Bow Wow sounds pleased with himself in the song's background, so good for him. "

According toBillboard,“…“Lil L.O.V.E.," featuring a melodious and round duet with Mariah Carey, is their 2007 version of the 1998 hit "Breakdown"…"

Additionally, SoundBytes - News4Jax praises Carey, calling her the main focus of the song. "The group can also show a softer side without stooping to syrupy-ness. Mariah Carey's sensual crooning is the first voice you hear on" Lil L.O.V.E. "and before listeners know it, they're hooked and drawn into the midst of a seductive club jam. Dupri, who specializes in such designer dance floor material, helms the song's dense, layered keyboard noodling and synthetic bass pattern that while completely formulaic, could've been a contender on the R&B charts if Carey was its sole focus. Instead, the song's potential is blocked by the Thugs' and Bow Wow's loquaciousness on the mic."

Music video

The video was directed byChris Robinsonwho last directed Carey in the video for her single "I Know What You Want"withBusta Rhymes.

In the video are guest appearance ofSwizz BeatzandJermaine Dupri.

The video premiered inBET's106 & Parkon July 5, 2007.

Charts

Chart (2007)	Peak position
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	6
USBubbling Under Hot 100 Singles(Billboard)	17
USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs(Billboard)	66
USHot Rap Songs(Billboard)	24
USRhythmic(Billboard)	22