Ex-Factor

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Ex-Factor is a 1998 song by Lauryn Hill from her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hill wrote and produced the track, which is a soulful breakup song. It samples Wu-Tang Clan’s Can It Be All So Simple, so the writers of that song are credited as writers on Ex-Factor as well.

The song is about the pain of a failing relationship and features strong vocal harmonies over two repeating chord progressions. It was released as the second single from the album on December 14, 1998.

Ex-Factor received widespread critical praise and became a chart success around the world. In the United States, it peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It reached the top five in the United Kingdom and performed well in several other countries. The track also won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Female in 2000.

Over the years, Ex-Factor has had a lasting cultural impact. It has been sampled and referenced by many artists, including Drake in Nice for What (2018) and Cardi B in Be Careful (2018). The song is frequently cited by musicians and has been used in various media and performances, cementing its place as one of Lauryn Hill’s most influential tracks. The original recording runs about 5 minutes and 27 seconds.