Sean Garrett, aka The Pen, isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Grammy-winning songwriter and producer responsible for some of the most unforgettable records from Beyoncé, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown is stepping back into the spotlight with “Girlfriend”, his new single featuring Plies and Hunxho.
The track, which dropped June 27, is already making waves across the globe. Built on smooth, layered production and an undeniable hook, “Girlfriend” finds Garrett delivering his own brand of R&B confessionals while Plies drops raw, streetwise bars and Hunxho injects a youthful edge. It’s glossy, it’s vulnerable, and it hits hard.
Music critics are already calling this one of Garrett’s biggest moments as an artist with a track that could easily push him into another career peak, not just behind the boards but front and center.
“This record isn’t about what people expect, it’s about what they feel,” Garrett says. “We’re talking loyalty, pain, royalty, heartbreak… and all of us brought our truth to it.”
The “Girlfriend” Universe
To keep the momentum going, Garrett launched the “Girlfriend Series + Live Streams” a four-part visual drop on YouTube rolling out July 3, 10, 17, and 24. Each episode digs deeper into the emotional DNA of the record, with follow-up live Q&As on Instagram and YouTube at 7 PM ET, offering fans a closer look at the stories and relationships behind the music.
A Pen That Changed the Game
With 56 #1 singles and 18 Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers, Garrett’s pen has literally shaped the sound of modern R&B and pop. His knack for blending smooth melodies with street sensibilities has earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile hitmakers in the business. Off the charts, he runs Amplify Your Music, his youth advocacy initiative providing instruments and music education and mentorship to underserved youth.
“Girlfriend” arrives via Blackground Records 2.0, the rebooted label that brought us Aaliyah, Timbaland, and JoJo now doubling down on breaking bold, culture-shifting music in a new era.
For Garrett, this isn’t just a summer single, it’s a statement. One that’s already proving he’s just as dangerous with a mic in his hand as he is with a pen in the studio.
Listen: “Girlfriend” by Sean Garrett ft. Plies & Hunxho out now on all streaming platforms.
Follow Sean Garrett: @seangarrettthepen | YouTube: Sean Garrett | Photo Credit: Reuben Chapman
About Sean Garrett:
In the early 2000s, a new name began to dominate the liner notes of Billboard-charting singles, Sean Garrett. Born March 9, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia, Garrett quickly earned the industry moniker “The Pen” for his unmatched ability to craft hits that resonated across R&B, pop, and hip-hop. His breakout came with Usher’s 2004 juggernaut “Yeah!,” a track that not only topped charts worldwide but also cemented Garrett’s reputation as a songwriter with a finger on the pulse of popular music. From there, his credits became a who’s who of modern superstardom: Beyoncé’s “Check On It,” Destiny’s Child’s “Lose My Breath,” Ciara’s “Goodies,” and Chris Brown’s “Run It!” each showcasing his knack for marrying infectious hooks with cultural staying power.
With over 17 No. 1 singles and multiple Grammy wins, Garrett’s career has been defined by both speed and consistency in churning out hits. He’s worked alongside the likes of Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Mary J. Blige, while also stepping in front of the mic for his own projects, including collaborations with Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne. Two decades in, Garrett remains an influential force, mentoring emerging talent and continuing to shape the sound of contemporary music. His story is one of relentless creativity, where every line penned carries the weight of a hitmaker who knows exactly how to turn a beat into a cultural moment.
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