"Luv Me, Luv Me" is a reggae-fusion track by Shaggy, best known for its dual history as both a soundtrack centerpiece and a hit single from his diamond-certified album, Hot Shot . While the version featuring is the most widely recognized today, the song's origins are rooted in a high-profile collaboration that nearly never saw a wide release. The Two Versions: Janet Jackson vs. Samantha Cole
The 2000 version reached #23 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40, whereas the 1998 Jackson version had peaked at #76 on the Hot 100.
The song was a top 10 hit in Australia, Belgium, Ireland, and Portugal. Music Video and Media Shaggy - Luv Me, Luv Me ft. Samantha Cole
When Shaggy wanted to include the song on his 2000 album Hot Shot , Jackson's label, Virgin Records, refused to grant permission for her vocals to be used.
To ensure the track made the album, Shaggy re-recorded it with American singer Samantha Cole . Cole’s "soft and sultry" delivery was praised for complementing Shaggy’s charismatic reggae style, and this became the version released as the album's third official single in 2001. Chart Success and Legacy "Luv Me, Luv Me" is a reggae-fusion track
The Samantha Cole version proved to be a massive international success, often outperforming the original airplay of the Jackson version: It peaked at #5 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song was originally recorded in 1998 as a duet with for the soundtrack of the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back . This version sampled "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers and featured Jackson singing the chorus from Rose Royce’s "Ooh Boy". Samantha Cole The 2000 version reached #23 on
The official music video features Shaggy at a beach resort, interspersed with clips from How Stella Got Her Groove Back .