Sponsor

"Sponsor" is a song by American singer Teairra Marí. It features American rappers Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy. The song was written by Balewa Muhammad and Ezekiel Lewis of The Clutch and produced by LRoc, Ezekiel Lewis, and Balewa Muhammad.

Reception
DJBooth reviewed and praised the song stating "No, Teairra Mari hasn't joined a 12-step program, nor is she walking/biking to raise money for disease sufferers."

Recording
The song was recorded in 2009, and originally featured Mari's labelmate Gucci Mane, but Soulja Boy was added later making it the second time the two rapper collaborate on a single, the first being (LOL Smiley Face) by Trey Songz. It was produced by Ezekiel Lewis and LRoc and written by Ezekiel Lewis and Balewa Muhammad, two members of The Clutch. Its controversial message had many listeners thinking that Mari was encouraging people to get a sponsor, but she stated herself "Anybody can be your sponsor, my sponsor is Warner Bros. Your sponsor can be your job."

Background and release
The song was released for streaming on December 10, 2009. It was released to U.S. radio stations on January 26, 2010. It was later released digitally on February 2, 2010. It peaked at number 121 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100, number 25 on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, number 25 on U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and 21 on U.S. Bubbling Under Hot 100.

Controversy
The song's message is believed to be offensive to women, encouraging to get themselves a sponsor but as Mari stated herself when interviewed on The Mo'Nique Show "Everybody can be your sponsor. Your job can be your sponsor. My sponsor is Warner Bros."

Music video
The video was shot on February 23, 2010 in L.A. with a cameo from Vanessa Simmons. The video premiered on March 8, 2010 but does not feature Gucci Mane as the rapper was still serving a federal jail sentance at the time. It was directed by Yolande Geralds whose previous work included promo clips for Trey Songz and Plies. Billboard Hot 100