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Madonna's desire to create more dance music following her 2005 album *Confessions on a Dance Floor* propelled her to collaborate with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. Their joint creative process involved in-depth discussions about personal experiences and social issues, which enabled them to write meaningful lyrics. Madonna described writing as an intimate process, indicating that the song '4 Minutes' stemmed from a serious discussion about environmental crises, embodying a sense of urgency while maintaining a vibe of fun. This collaborative synergy not only enriched the song's narrative but gave it a contemporary pop appeal that resonated with audiences globally. The initial working title, '4 Minutes to Save the World', reflects the sense of urgency that permeates the lyrics.

The recording sessions for '4 Minutes' faced several technical challenges, primarily due to the complex collaboration involving multiple producers and artists. Timbaland and Danja, known for their vibrant production styles, utilized a variety of equipment, including drum machines and synthesizers, resulting in an intricate mixing process. Demacio 'Demo' Castellon, who joined the project later, faced the challenge of blending an overwhelming number of tracks—100 in total—that included numerous percussion and synthesizer components. His approach involved prioritizing vocal clarity by focusing on the vocals first and layering the music afterward, a reverse of his usual method. This strategy was crucial in ensuring that Madonna's and Timberlake's performances remained prominent amidst the dense production.

'4 Minutes' achieved several remarkable milestones following its release. It marked Madonna's 37th top-ten single on the US Billboard Hot 100, setting a new record for the most top-ten hits by any artist, surpassing Elvis Presley. In addition, within a week of its debut, the song soared from number 68 to number three, an impressive leap fueled by strong digital sales of over 217,000 units in its first week. Internationally, the song topped the charts in 21 countries, solidifying its status as a global hit. *Billboard* also noted that '4 Minutes' was the tenth most downloaded song in the United States in 2008, with total sales exceeding 3 million copies domestically and five million worldwide.

The cast of *Glee* covered '4 Minutes' during the episode titled 'The Power of Madonna', which aired on April 20, 2010. This adaptation featured Kurt Hummel, portrayed by Chris Colfer, singing Madonna's lines, while Amber Riley's character, Mercedes Jones, performed Timberlake's parts. The performance aligned with the themes of empowerment and social consciousness advocated in the original song. The *Glee* cover not only reinvigorated interest in '4 Minutes' but also led to its chart success, reaching number 55 on the Hot Digital Songs chart and contributing to the cultural legacy of the track by introducing it to a new audience. The show's influence showcased how Madonna's work continued to resonate, bridging generational gaps through compelling performances.

'4 Minutes' credits a talented assemblage of artists and producers who were instrumental in its creation. Madonna, the lead vocalist, served not only as a writer but also as an executive producer. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland co-wrote and produced the track, bringing their distinct styles to the project. Notably, Nate 'Danja' Hills contributed as a writer and producer, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the track. Sound engineer Demacio 'Demo' Castellon played a significant role in mixing and sound programming, employing advanced technologies at Sarm West Studios and The Hit Factory. The mixing for the track was further enhanced by Marcella Araica, showcasing a blend of pop and hip-hop elements that defined the song's success.

'4 Minutes' is a song by American singer Madonna from her eleventh studio album 'Hard Candy', released on March 17, 2008. The song features fellow American singer Justin Timberlake and renowned music producer Timbaland. This track marked a significant collaboration as it was the first time in Madonna's lengthy career that she featured another artist on her single. The song's lyrics advocate for social awareness, particularly in relation to environmental issues, reflecting her experiences and inspirations from her visits to Africa.

The music video for '4 Minutes' was directed by the French duo Jonas & François and features a captivating visual narrative where Madonna and Justin Timberlake portray characters that evade a looming black screen that consumes everything. The video incorporates dynamic choreography and striking visuals that emphasize the song's urgent themes about time and survival. Madonna described the concept as 'very conceptual', stating her appreciation for the metaphorical representation of the black screen as an all-consuming void. The video includes various scenes of action, with energetic dance sequences underscoring the message conveyed in the lyrics.

'4 Minutes' was released as the lead single from 'Hard Candy' on March 17, 2008. Upon its release, it achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on airplay and jumped to number three the following week due to strong digital sales, selling 217,000 copies in its first week. It eventually became Madonna's 37th top-ten hit, surpassing Elvis Presley to become the artist with the most top-ten singles in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. The song topped the charts in 21 countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

'4 Minutes' is an uptempo dance-pop track composed in the key of G minor with a tempo of 115 beats per minute. The song features a blend of urban and hip-hop styles, characterized by a lively, brass-heavy instrumentation and Timbaland's signature bhangra beats. Lyrically, the song conveys a sense of urgency regarding global issues, with themes revolving around environmental consciousness. Madonna used the phrase 'We've only got four minutes to save the world' as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the importance of taking measures towards social and environmental responsibility while still having fun, as reflected in the song's upbeat nature.

'4 Minutes' received generally positive feedback from music critics upon its release. Critics praised its energetic vibe, with Caryn Ganz from Rolling Stone describing it as 'a loud, busy, energetic track.' Commentators noted that it had elements reminiscent of a marching band, augmenting its danceability. Although some critics mentioned that Madonna's voice sometimes felt overshadowed by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, others emphasized the successful collaboration as enhancing the song's appeal. The song also garnered two Grammy nominations at the 2009 ceremony, highlighting its impact on the music landscape during that period.