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CiCi (album)

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CiCi
Artwork for the album, featuring a full-body image of Ciara wearing a 3D-printed breastplate, with the album's title evenly split on either side of her, against an all-red backdrop.
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 22, 2025 (2025-08-22)
LabelBeauty Marks
Producer
Ciara chronology
CiCi
(2023)
CiCi
(2025)
Singles from CiCi
  1. "Ecstasy"
    Released: April 4, 2025

CiCi is the upcoming eighth studio album by the American singer Ciara. It is set to be released on August 22, 2025, by Beauty Marks Entertainment. It follows her seventh studio album, Beauty Marks (2019), and is supported by the release of the lead single, "Ecstasy". Developed as an extension of her 2023 extended play of the same title, it features all of the songs from the previous release, including previously released singles "How We Roll" and "Forever"; standalone releases "Wassup" and "Run It Up" are also included. The album features collaborations with Big Freedia, BossMan Dlow, Chris Brown, Latto, Lil Baby, Jazze Pha, Busta Rhymes, and Tyga.

Background and conception

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In 2017, Ciara founded her own independent label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, through which she released her seventh studio album, Beauty Marks (2019). In June 2022, it was reported she signed a joint-venture contract between Republic and Uptown Records, in collaboration with her label.[1] Under the agreement, the singles "Jump", featuring Coast Contra, and "Better Thangs", featuring Summer Walker, were released in July and September 2022, respectively; however, with the release of "Da Girls" in March 2023, copyright was credited solely through Beauty Marks. In August 2023, the extended play CiCi was released and featured the new single "How We Roll" with Chris Brown. During the summer of 2024, Ciara, along with Busta Rhymes, joined long-time collaborator Missy Elliott's Out of This World Tour.[2][3] That same year, "Run It Up" and "Wassup" were released in August and September, respectively. In April 2025, it was announced an extension of the 2023 extended play would release on July 11 of the same year, featuring all previously included songs, the 2024 releases, and five brand-new songs, including "Ecstasy".[4]

In the May 2025 issue of L'Officiel USA, Ciara discussed her career, her family, and all about the CiCi album; she revealed that she had collaborated once again with Jazze Pha, and there would be collaborations with rappers Tyga and Latto. She stated, "With this project, I want to say thank you to my fans. I've been doing things independently, running my own label, and it has not been the easiest journey by far [...] There are some amazing moments [on the album]—I've always wanted to work with Tyga; the way he rides the beat is so special. Jazze Pha produced a song for me, and we hadn't done a song together since my second album [...] to have Latto join us, it's super A-Town love. There's a bit of a nostalgic undertone that does happen throughout, and also meeting where I am now".[5] In a video interview with the magazine, she expanded saying that the "song of the summer" for her would either be single "Ecstasy" or the Tyga-assisted "Dance with Me".[6]

In a post on Instagram announcing the album and unveiling its album artwork, Ciara stated, "This album right here is my love letter. A celebration of the journey—and more importantly, a thank you to you, my Day 1s and Day 21s."[7][8] In conclusion, she teased the era was "just getting started" and revealed the album took five years "to build".[9] In June 2025, she announced the album's release had been rescheduled to August 22.[10]

Artwork, title and composition

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On May 1, 2025, Elite Daily posted an exclusive interview with Ciara, where she explained the album's title, stating, "That's my nickname my fans have called me since Day 1."[11] Three days later, she shared the album's artwork on her Instagram page.[7] The artwork features the singer standing against an all-red background, wearing a 3D-printed breastplate, with the album's title evenly split on either side of her; in response to the breastplate, she shared, "That's not just a fashion statement. That's my armor. A symbol of the strength I've had to summon, the boundaries I've had to set, and the power I've learned to wear with pride."[9] During an appearance on Keke Palmer's podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, Ciara revealed the album would feature platform-specific content variations, "creating multiple listening experiences rather than a single unified version".[12]

Promotion

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"Ecstasy", was released as the album's lead single on April 4, 2025, alongside the Diane Martel directed music video.[13][14] Upon release, the song garnered positive reviews,[15][16] and debuted and peaked in the United States at number 11 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs chart.[17] A remix featuring Teyana Taylor and Normani was released on June 6.[18]

Ciara headlined the 2025 edition of Mighty Hoopla on May 31.[19] She performed on Today as part of their Citi Concert Series on July 11, 2025.[20] In speaking with Elite Daily, she also expressed her interest in touring, telling the platform, "I'm manifesting a tour coming sooner than later".[11]

Recorded songs

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Although a track listing was listed on Amazon[21] and Tidal (who also provided credits),[22] Ciara told media outlets that the final track listing was subject to change and had not yet been finalized.[23]

List of recorded songs for Cici
Title Notes Writer(s) Producer(s) Length
"Made It"
"How We Roll" with Chris Brown Chalra Warmley, Brown, Christopher John Taylor, Ciara Harris, Claudell Monsanto, Kasey Michael Phillips, Tatenda Terence Kamera, Theron Thomas, William Hood Ciara, Deli Banger, Mr Kamera, Precision Productions, Thomas, Andy D. Park[a] 3:19
"Run It Up" (featuring BossMan Dlow) Harris, Courtlin Jabrae, Devante McCreary, Theron Thomas Park, Ciara, Jabrae, J.R. Rotem 3:11
"Dance with Me" featuring Tyga
"BRB" Calvin Tarvin, Harris, Kevin Yancey, Yone Ciara, Kevo, Tiggi 2:27
"Low Key" Harris, Rotem, Jasper Cameron, Theron Thomas Harris, Rotem, Cameron 3:29
"Type a Party" Warmley, Harris, Dwight Kerry Florent, Phillips, Theron Thomas, Hood Harris, Flo Beats, Precision Productions, Theron Thomas 3:45
"Ecstasy"[b] Harris, Jabrae, Theron Thomas Leather Jackettt, Tommy "TBHITS" Brown 3:59
"Wassup" with Busta Rhymes Andre Clark, Harris, Jabrae, Rotem, Trevor George Smith Jr. Park, Black Man Chant, Ciara, Jabrae, Rotem 2:51
"Drop Your Love"
"This Right Here" featuring Latto and Jazze Pha
"2 in Luv" Adam Duggins, Warmley, Harris, Jhaye Chayenne McKie, Phillips, Maurice Young, Rafe Van Hoy, Theron Thomas, Hood Ciara, Jaydot, Precision Productions, Theron Thomas 2:58
"Forever" featuring Lil Baby Warmley, Harris, Dominique Armani Jones, Phillips, Theron Thomas, Timothy Thomas, Hood Ciara, Jaydot, Precision Productions, Theron Thomas 2:55
"Winning" featuring Big Freedia Warmley, Harris, Claudell Mosanto, Phillips, Theron Thomas, Hood Ciara, Deli Banger, Precision Productions, Theron Thomas 2:30
"Infinite Imagination"[24][25] Blaq Tuxedo

Notes

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  • ^[a] signifies a vocal producer
  • ^[b] a remix of this song featuring Normani and Taylor was also recorded and released.
  • "2 in Luv" contains a sample from "I'm a Thug", as written by Maurice Young, Adam Duggins and Rafe Van Hoy, and as performed by Trick Daddy.[citation needed]

Release history

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CiCi release history
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various August 22, 2025 Beauty Marks [21][26]

References

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  1. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (June 29, 2022). "Ciara Signs Deal With Republic Records & Uptown Records, Readies New Single 'Jump': Exclusive". Billboard. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  2. ^ "Missy Elliott's First-Ever Headline Tour: Out Of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience Creates Cosmic Event At Little Caesars Arena August 15" (Press release). 313 Presents. April 8, 2024. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  3. ^ Sherman, Maria (April 8, 2024). "Inside Missy Elliott's first headlining tour, with Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland". United States. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  4. ^ Samuels, Keithan (April 4, 2025). "Ciara Announces New Album CiCi, Sets Release Date". Rated R&B. United States. Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  5. ^ Hughes, Jazmine (April 8, 2025). "Ciara Is in Her Rhythm — Interview on New Album, CiCi, Family". L'Officiel USA. United States: AMTD Digital. ISSN 0030-0403. Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  6. ^ Ciara Wants to Work With Tyla! The Singer Talks Her New Album CiCi and Reveals More to L'Officiel (video) (interview). L'Officiel USA. April 9, 2025. Event occurs at 5:56. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ a b Escarpio, Max (May 5, 2025). "Russell Wilson's Wife Ciara Makes Major Announcement on Sunday". Athlon Sports. United States: Parade Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  8. ^ Sriya, Bhwya (May 5, 2025). "Russell Wilson Supports Wife Ciara as R&B Star Makes Emotional Confession About 5-Year-Old Work in Progress". EssentiallySports. United States: Full Spectrum Services LLP. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Sam (May 4, 2025). "Ciara Announces New Album CiCi & Unveils Cover". That Grape Juice. United States: Townsquare Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  10. ^ Bicks, Emily (June 6, 2025). "Russell Wilson's Wife Ciara Shares Disappointing News on Friday". Athlon Sports. United States: Parade Media. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Ellis, Sarah (May 1, 2025). "Ciara Is Manifesting a Tour "Sooner Than Later" [Exclusive]". Elite Daily. United States: Bustle Digital Group. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  12. ^ Sobrevinas, Jess (May 21, 2025). "Ciara teases unique tracklist for upcoming album CiCi". Rolling Out. United States. Archived from the original on May 25, 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
  13. ^ Zemler, Emily (April 4, 2025). "Ciara Embraces Her Sensuality on Empowering Single 'Ecstasy'". Rolling Stone. United States: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0035-791X. OCLC 969027590. Archived from the original on April 4, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  14. ^ Samuels, Keithan (April 4, 2025). "Ciara Releases Steamy New Song 'Ecstasy': Listen". Rated R&B. United States. Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  15. ^ Jones, Okla (April 4, 2025). "Best New Music This Week: Ciara Returns with "Ecstasy", Alex Isley Drops Brand New Single, Rod Wave's "Sinners" and More". Essence. United States: Essence Communications. ISSN 0014-0880. Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  16. ^ Iahn, Buddy (April 4, 2025). "Ciara unveils 'Ecstacy'". The Music Universe. Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  17. ^ "Ciara | Chart History | R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales". Billboard. United States: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0006-2510. OCLC 732913734. Archived from the original on May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  18. ^ Zemler, Emily (June 6, 2025). "Ciara Taps Teyana Taylor, Normani for 'Ecstasy' Remix". Rolling Stone. United States: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0035-791X. OCLC 969027590. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  19. ^ Jolley, Ben (June 3, 2025). "Mighty Hoopla review: Kesha, Jade and Kate Nash bring political bite as they dominate UK's top pop festival". Rolling Stone UK. United Kingdom: Stream Publishing Ltd. Archived from the original on June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  20. ^ Jeffrey, Joyann (May 2, 2025). "The 2025 Citi Concert Series lineup is here! See who's hitting the plaza this summer". Today. United States: NBCUniversal Media Group. NBC News. Archived from the original on May 2, 2025. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  21. ^ a b Ciara. "Ciara – CiCi". United States: Amazon. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  22. ^ Various citations concerning the adapted CiCi credits:
  23. ^ Ciara Talks New Album CiCi, Going Independent, Touring & More (video) (interview). That Grape Juice. June 9, 2025. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via YouTube.
  24. ^ Ciara on New Album, Moving to NY, Being Related to Derek Jeter (video) (interview). Today. July 11, 2025. Event occurs at 2:25. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "Watch Today Clip: Ciara Talks New Album CiCi, Manifesting Success". Today. United States: NBCUniversal Media Group. NBC News. July 11, 2025. Archived from the original on July 12, 2025. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  26. ^ Ciara (July 11, 2025). "CiCi by Ciara". United States: Apple Music. Retrieved May 3, 2025.