"Say You're Just a Friend" is a song by American singer-songwriter Austin Mahone from his debut extended play, Extended Play. The song was released for a digital download on December 3, 2012, and features vocals from American rapper Flo Rida.
The song was written by Flo Rida, DJ Frank E, Nick Bailey, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur, Ryan Ogren, Ahmad Belvin and produced by DJ Frank E, Mike Freesh, Trent Mazur.[1] The song interpolates the chorus of the hit song "Just a Friend" by rapper Biz Markie,[2] which itself interpolates (You) Got What I Need, written by Gamble and Huff and performed by soul singer Freddie Scott. Therefore, Gamble and Huff are credited as songwriters. Mahone spoke about collaborating with Flo Rida in an interview with Hellenic News.
"I was a huge fan of Flo Rida and I thought it would be cool to get him on my track. I thought it turned out pretty good. He's a super nice guy, talented and very humble. I was very blessed to be able to work with him."[3]
A piano version of the song was released in February 2013.[4] Mahone revealed why he released the piano rendition of the song, explaining "I knew my fans love the original version, but I saw a lot of comments saying that they couldn't really hear my voice, so I wanted to reassure them that I can sing the song. I thought it'd be cool to not only have the original version but also the piano version and change it up."[5]
A music video to accompany the release of "Say You're Just a Friend" premiered via MTV on February 7, 2013.[6] It was later released on YouTube the following day via VEVO.[7] The video was directed by Ray Kay and the girl starring as Mahone's love interest is model Kimberly Schanks.[8]
A second music video was released online on February 27; this time it's the video of the piano version of the song.[4]
^Say You're Just a Friend (US CD Single liner notes). Austin Mahone. Chase Records. 2012. B0018146-32.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)