# Ex-Factor

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"**Ex-Factor**" is a song by American singer [Lauryn Hill](/source/Lauryn_Hill) for her debut solo studio album *[The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill](/source/The_Miseducation_of_Lauryn_Hill)* (1998). Written and produced by Hill herself, it is a [soul](/source/Soul_music) song. The song features a sample of "[Can It Be All So Simple](/source/Can_It_Be_All_So_Simple)" by [Wu-Tang Clan](/source/Wu-Tang_Clan), hence its songwriters are also credited.[1] It has been claimed to be about Hill's former [Fugees](/source/Fugees) groupmate [Wyclef Jean](/source/Wyclef_Jean).[2] The song was released as the second single from *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* on December 14, 1998, by [Ruffhouse Records](/source/Ruffhouse_Records) and [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records).

Upon its release, "Ex-Factor" received widespread critical acclaim.[3] The song peaked at number 21 on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) and at number seven on the [Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs](/source/Hot_R%26B/Hip-Hop_Songs). Internationally, it peaked within the top five in Iceland and the United Kingdom. It won the Best R&B/Soul Single - Female award at the [2000 Soul Train Music Awards](/source/2000_Soul_Train_Music_Awards).[4] [*Spin*](/source/Spin_(magazine)) named it the third best single of 1999.[5] In 2020, [*The Ringer*](/source/The_Ringer_(website)) ranked it as the 18th greatest breakup song of all time.[6] Since its release, the song has been sampled and covered by numerous artists.

## Music and lyrics

"Ex-Factor" was written and produced by Lauryn Hill. It features replayed elements of "[Can It Be All So Simple](/source/Can_It_Be_All_So_Simple)" by [Wu-Tang Clan](/source/Wu-Tang_Clan),[7] which itself samples [Gladys Knight & the Pips](/source/Gladys_Knight_%26_the_Pips)' cover of [Barbra Streisand](/source/Barbra_Streisand)'s "[The Way We Were](/source/The_Way_We_Were_(song))", written by [Alan and Marilyn Bergman](/source/Alan_and_Marilyn_Bergman) and [Marvin Hamlisch](/source/Marvin_Hamlisch).[8] Consequently, Wu-Tang Clan, the Bergmans, and Hamlisch are also credited as songwriters of "Ex-Factor".[a]

"Ex-Factor" is a [soul](/source/Soul_music) number which serves as a painful dissection of a failing relationship.[9][10] The accompaniment is driven by two-chord [progressions](/source/Chord_progression) all throughout its [melodic](/source/Melody) [variations](/source/Variation_(music)).[9] Its refrain contains soaring [harmonies](/source/Vocal_harmony).[11]

## Commercial performance

"Ex-Factor", although not as successful as Hill's previous single "[Doo Wop (That Thing)](/source/Doo_Wop_(That_Thing))", still entered several international charts. It spent 22 weeks on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100), peaking at number 21 on the chart dated April 10, 1999. The song peaked atop the US [R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay](/source/R%26B/Hip-Hop_Airplay).[12] It also charted on the US [Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs](/source/Hot_R%26B/Hip-Hop_Songs), spending 31 weeks and peaking at number seven on March 13, 1999. It reached number four on the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart) and spent 16 weeks on the chart, remaining Hill's biggest hit in the United Kingdom to date.

## Cultural impact

### Cover versions and samples

Over the years, the song has been sampled in rapper [Lil B](/source/Lil_B)'s "Money Over Suckas" (2012), singer [Kehlani](/source/Kehlani)'s "Till the Morning" (2014), and [Omarion](/source/Omarion)'s "Show Me" (2014) featuring [Jeremih](/source/Jeremih). In 2018, "Ex-Factor" gained renewed interest when [Drake](/source/Drake_(entertainer)) sampled it on his chart topping single "[Nice for What](/source/Nice_for_What)". [Cardi B](/source/Cardi_B) also interpolated the song's lyrics for her single "[Be Careful](/source/Be_Careful_(Cardi_B_song))", which reached number one on the *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))* [Rhythmic Songs](/source/Rhythmic_Songs) chart, that same year.[8]

The song has been performed in live covers by artists including [Kelly Clarkson](/source/Kelly_Clarkson),[13] [John Legend](/source/John_Legend),[14] and [H.E.R.](/source/H.E.R.)[15] [Beyoncé](/source/Beyonc%C3%A9) has frequently included the song in her concert setlists, particularly during her [On the Run II Tour](/source/On_the_Run_II_Tour).[16] Comedian [Dave Chappelle](/source/Dave_Chappelle) criticized the music industry's handling of Hill's catalog, expressing disappointment that Hill herself could not legally perform in the same arrangement as Beyoncé's version.[17] Hill publicly praised the singer's rendition in a [Twitter](/source/Twitter) post.

A stripped down rendition of the song was featured in a medley performed by [Justin Timberlake](/source/Justin_Timberlake)'s background vocalists, during his 2018 [The Man of the Woods Tour](/source/The_Man_of_the_Woods_Tour).[18]

### Inspiration for artists, tributes and playlists

Filmmaker [Gina Prince-Bythewood](/source/Gina_Prince-Bythewood) has stated that she listened to "Ex-Factor" when writing the climax of *[Love & Basketball](/source/Love_%26_Basketball)* (2000) and also cited it as an inspiration for her film *[The Woman King](/source/The_Woman_King)* (2022).[19] Actor [Jonathan Majors](/source/Jonathan_Majors) used the song in his character preparation playlist for his portrayal of [Kang the Conqueror](/source/Kang_the_Conqueror) in *[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania](/source/Ant-Man_and_the_Wasp:_Quantumania)* (2023).[20] [Hailee Steinfeld](/source/Hailee_Steinfeld) and [Michael B. Jordan](/source/Michael_B._Jordan) also used the song to build the emotional development of their characters in *[Sinners](/source/Sinners_(2025_film))* (2025),[21] with the film's director [Ryan Coogler](/source/Ryan_Coogler) praising the song as one of his favorites.[22] In an interview with [Nardwuar](/source/Nardwuar), [Timothée Chalamet](/source/Timoth%C3%A9e_Chalamet) praised a 2023 live performance of the song as "one of the most beautiful things [he'd] ever seen".[23] Actor [Jussie Smollett](/source/Jussie_Smollett) said that he performed the song during his audition for the television series *[Empire](/source/Empire_(2015_TV_series))*.[24]

The song has been selected for numerous curated playlists. In a 2009 appearance on [BBC Radio 2](/source/BBC_Radio_2)'s *Tracks of My Years*, Beyoncé selected "Ex-Factor" as one of her all-time favorite songs, describing it as "so passionate" and "infectious", adding "I could listen to it over and over again".[25] Adele also included the song at the top of her [ITunes](/source/ITunes) playlist, writing, "I love the lyrics in this song, and I think her voice is incredible! *[The Miseducation](/source/The_Miseducation_of_Lauryn_Hill)* album is my favourite album ever".[26]

[Christina Aguilera](/source/Christina_Aguilera) included it in her [Women's History Month](/source/Women's_History_Month) playlist honoring female artists.[27] [Jay-Z](/source/Jay-Z) named it as one of the songs that inspired his 2017 album *[4:44](/source/4:44)*.[28] [Khalid](/source/Khalid_(American_singer)) included "Ex-Factor" in a playlist for *Billboard* highlighting [Black music](/source/Music_of_the_African_diaspora) innovators who influenced his career.[29] [Alicia Keys](/source/Alicia_Keys) selected the song for her *[Teen Vogue](/source/Teen_Vogue)* "Playlist of My Life", describing it as a formative influence and commented "Ex-Factor has super, super good memories for me… I feel like Lauryn really was a mentor to me, and a woman who was just in her power".[30] Rapper [Tierra Whack](/source/Tierra_Whack) recalled hearing "Ex-Factor" in her youth and being introduced to the word "[reciprocity](/source/Reciprocity_(social_psychology))".[31]

[Chika](/source/Chika_(rapper)), [Brent Faiyaz](/source/Brent_Faiyaz), American skateboarder [Beatrice Domond](/source/Beatrice_Domond), and model [Kendall Jenner](/source/Kendall_Jenner) have each included the track in personal playlists or cited it as a favorite.[32][33][34][35] It also appeared in an [Apple Music](/source/Apple_Music) commercial starring [Mary J. Blige](/source/Mary_J._Blige), [Taraji P. Henson](/source/Taraji_P._Henson), and [Kerry Washington](/source/Kerry_Washington), where Washington selected the song as her go-to heartbreak anthem.[36]

### Fashion and beauty

In 2018, Hill collaborated with American clothing brand [Woolrich](/source/Woolrich) on a capsule collection. Hill was featured in a promotional video performing "Ex-Factor" at the [Apollo Theater](/source/Apollo_Theater) while wearing outerwear printed with her image.[37] She also performed "Ex-Factor" during the [Louis Vuitton](/source/Louis_Vuitton) Spring-Summer 2021 menswear show. The song was included in a set that was pre-recorded and directed by [Naima Ramos-Chapman](/source/Naima_Ramos-Chapman).[38]

In 2021, [make-up artist](/source/Make-up_artist) AJ Crimson launched a lipstick line inspired by the 1990s, and named one of the deepest brown shades after "Ex-Factor". In an interview with *[Essence](/source/Essence_(magazine))*, Crimson credited Lauryn Hill with popularizing rich brown lipstick, calling her a "trendsetter" who made the shade "sexy, neutral and empowering".[39]

## Track listings and formats

- **US 7-inch single**[40]

- A. "Ex-Factor" (radio edit) – 4:38
- B. "When It Hurts So Bad" (album version) – 5:42

- **UK CD1**[41]

1. "Ex-Factor" (album version) – 5:27
1. "Ex-Factor" (Part II remix) – 4:38
1. "Ex-Factor" (A Simple Mix) – 4:37

- **UK CD2**[42]

1. "Ex-Factor" (radio edit) – 4:38
1. "Ex-Factor" (A Simple Breakdown) – 4:10
1. "Lost Ones" (remix) – 4:17

- **UK cassette single**[43]

1. "Ex-Factor"
1. "[Can't Take My Eyes Off You](/source/Can't_Take_My_Eyes_Off_You)"

- **European CD1**[44]

1. "Ex-Factor" (radio edit) – 4:38
1. "Ex-Factor" (A Simple Mix) – 4:37

- **European CD2**[45]

1. "Ex-Factor" (radio edit) – 4:38
1. "Ex-Factor" (A Simple Breakdown) – 4:10
1. "[Lost Ones](/source/Lost_Ones_(Lauryn_Hill_song))" – 4:17
1. "Ex-Factor" (A Simple Mix) – 4:37

- **Japanese CD single**[46]

1. "Ex-Factor"
1. "Ex-Factor" (remix)
1. "Lost Ones" (remix)

## Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* liner notes.[7]

- Leads and background vocals: Lauryn Hill
- Additional background: Chuck Young
- [Bass](/source/Bass_(instrument)): Paul Fakhourie
- Piano: Tejumold Newton
- [Wurlitzer](/source/Wurlitzer), [organ](/source/Organ_(music)) and rhodes: James Poyser
- Percussion: Rudy Byrd
- [Guitar](/source/Guitar): Johari Newton
- Drum programming by [Vada Nobles](/source/Vada_Nobles)

- Recorded by Commissioner Gordon
- Mixed by Commissioner Gordon
- Assistant recording engineer: Chip Verspyck
- Assistant mix engineer: Greg Thompson
- Recorded at RPM Studios, ([NYC](/source/New_York_City)), Marley Music, Inc. (Kingston, Jamaica) and Chung King Studios (NYC)
- Mixed at Hit Factory Studios and Chung King Studios (NYC)

## Charts

### Weekly charts

Chart (1999) Peak position Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[47] 18 Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[48] 3 Italy Airplay (Music & Media)[49] 7 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[50] 2

### Year-end charts

Chart (1999) Position Romania (Romanian Top 100)[51] 77 UK Singles (OCC)[52] 123 US Billboard Hot 100[53] 62 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)[54] 12

## Release history

Release dates and formats for "Ex-Factor" Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. United States December 14, 1998 Urban contemporary radio Ruffhouse · Columbia [55] Japan December 23, 1998 Maxi CD Sony Music Japan [56] United States January 19, 1999 7-inch vinyl Ruffhouse · Columbia [57] Germany January 25, 1999 Maxi CD Sony Music [58] United Kingdom February 15, 1999 Cassette · two maxi CDs Columbia [59] France March 1, 1999 12-inch vinyl Small [60] April 20, 1999 CD [61]

## Notes

1. Original liner notes of *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* credit solely Hill.[7] Songwriters of sampled recordings would later be credited on the album's digital editions.[62]

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1. ["ADDvance Notice"](https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1998/RR-1998-12-11.pdf). *[Radio & Records](/source/Radio_%26_Records)*. December 11, 1998. p. 69. Retrieved October 30, 2022. – via World Radio History.

1. ["エックス-ファクター"](https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/185700/products/235666/1/) [X-Factor] (in Japanese). Japan: [Oricon](/source/Oricon). December 23, 1998. Retrieved October 30, 2022.

1. ["Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/ex-factor-mr0001353203). [Ruffhouse Records](/source/Ruffhouse_Records), [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records). January 19, 1999. Retrieved October 30, 2022.

1. ger

1. ["New Releases – For Week Starting 15 February, 1999: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1999/Music-Week-1999-02-13.pdf). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. February 15, 1999. p. 27. Retrieved October 30, 2022. – via World Radio History.

1. ["X-factor – Lauryn Hill – Maxi vinyle"](https://www.fnac.com/a754983/Lauryn-Hill-X-factor-Maxi-vinyle) (in French). France: [Fnac](/source/Fnac). March 1, 1999. Retrieved October 28, 2022.

1. ["X-factor – Lauryn Hill – CD single"](https://www.fnac.com/a754981/Lauryn-Hill-X-factor-CD-single) (in French). France: [Fnac](/source/Fnac). April 20, 1999. Retrieved October 28, 2022.

1. ["Ex-Factor"](https://open.spotify.com/track/2VjXGuPVVxyhMgER3Uz2Fe?si=az7nRA_zTTSwEcIN7brK2Q). [Ruffhouse Records](/source/Ruffhouse_Records), [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records). Retrieved January 27, 2025. – via [Spotify](/source/Spotify)

## External links

- [Official music video](https://www.youtube.com/cE-bnWqLqxE) on YouTube

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Ex-Factor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-Factor) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-Factor?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.