LOL :-) (2009)

 background

The song was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, at three different studios, Doppler Studios, Patchwerk Studios and D2 Music Studios. "LOL" was written by its performers, Trey Songz, Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy, and its producers, Troy Taylor and Tony Scales also contributed to the writing process. Taylor recorded the track while Jean Marie Horvat mixed the song.

When speaking on the conceptual basis of Ready, Songz said, "You think about a record like 'LOL Smiley Face,' it's something real simple, but when you look at the title or listen to the record, you're like, 'Wow.' That's something great from a songwriter's perspective. I'm just trying to make hits and classic records that people can vibe to and live their life." In an interview with BallerStatus, Songz commented on his thoughts of making a remix of the song, stating, "I think there's going to be a remix for that song, because a lot of people dig it. A lot of people have hit me up actually about it. That song is blowing up real fast man." He also stated the possibility of American rapper Nicki Minaj appearing on a remix, saying, "She wanted to do more of a commercial record, a cuter sex record. 'LOL' was actually already done, but when she heard it, she hit me up, and said 'I love that song. You're a punk for not putting me on it.' She'll definitely be on the remix." However no remix was seen to be in the works nor did it come to fruition.

 composition

The song is derived from R&B, pop and hip-hop music. It is backed with heavy percussion and smooth vocals. According to Andrew Rennie of NOW, the song, along with "Neighbors Know My Name", continues Songz's usage of his hook-heavy and playful style. Ajitpaul Mangat of Tiny Mix Tapes called the chorus "ringtone ready." The song is lyrically about sexting, as verses talk about tales of "wired romance." Its lyrics contain references to Twitter, TwitPic, MySpace, and BlackBerry, and Soulja Boy's line contains a reference to his song "Kiss Me Thru the Phone." According to Mark Edward Nero of About.com, the song is aimed at teenage girls. Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe said that Ready was built about the "popping tracks" of "LOL Smiley Face" and "Say Aah".