The Surprising Genesis of Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It” — Muni Long Spills the Tea
A decade after Fifth Harmony’s catchy anthem “Worth It” made waves, Muni Long (formerly Priscilla Renea) opens up about the song’s fascinating creation. In an exclusive chat with People Magazine, Long revealed that the song was an unexpected Frankenstein of musical elements — a blend of her original hook, a verse from Kid Ink, and contributions from the renowned production duo Stargate. The result? A chart-topping bop that peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot 100, with over 2.3 billion views on YouTube, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Long’s journey to the song’s release is as intriguing as the song itself. She penned “Worth It” solo, without a hint of the girl group in mind. “I wrote that song in the studio by myself,” she explained, setting the stage for an unexpected twist. The production team took her hook, combined it with another verse she had written, and added Kid Ink’s verse, effectively engineering a new track from disparate pieces. Long humorously recalled her surprise upon learning of the song’s release: “By the time I found out that it was out, it was already No. 10 on iTunes. I got a text like, ‘Congratulations!’ I was like, ‘For what?’”
The track was part of Fifth Harmony’s early success, showcasing the vocal talents of Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello. As a testament to its enduring popularity, “Worth It” continues to resonate with fans, proving that good music knows no bounds.
Fast forward to today, and Long has transformed her career, winning two Grammy Awards for her solo work, including the 2023 R&B performance for “Hrs & Hrs.” Her evolution from Priscilla Renea to Muni Long marks a significant shift in her artistic identity, and she recently declared, “Please stop calling me Priscilla — it’s Muni Long now.” Looking ahead, she’s set to make her Coachella debut this April, promising to bring her captivating artistry to the festival stage.
Long’s candid reflections on her past serve as a reminder that even the most successful artists can find themselves in unexpected situations, encouraging aspiring musicians to embrace the unpredictability of the industry. After all, if it can happen to Muni, it can certainly happen to you, darling!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Billboard, YouTube
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