"Play" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her second studio album, J.Lo (2001).

Over an electric guitar and a funky beat, Lopez sings about pleading a DJ to play her favorite song.

Additionally, "Play" was performed live by Lopez on numerous occasions, including at her Let's Get Loud concerts.

[1][2] Her debut album On the 6 (1999) became an instant commercial success, and spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number one song "If You Had My Love".

[citation needed] It contains a "shuffling" electric guitar, as performed by Paul Pesco, over a "whistling electronica dance beat."

He then went on to opine that "I'm Real" or the "funky" "Play" would have made a "brave" choice for the album's lead single, instead of "Love Don't Cost a Thing".

[17] A writer from The Indianapolis Star dismissed the album and its sexual content, while also using the explicit "Play" as an example of it not being appropriate for Lopez's target audience, who are predominantly preteens.

In the United Kingdom, the song debuted and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart on May 6, 2001 — for the week ending date May 12, 2001.

[28] The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) certified it platinum, marking sales and streams of 70,000 units.

[32] Set in a futuristic multi-level spaceship, the clip begins with Lopez strutting into the boarding area whilst the other passengers gaze at her in awe.

Towards the music video's conclusion, Lopez asks the DJ (who takes the avatar of an iris) to play her favorite song.

The music video, much like "Love Don't Cost a Thing", also features Cris Judd as a back-up dancer, who would go on to become her second husband months later.

On January 12, 2001, Lopez performed "Play" along with "Love Don't Cost a Thing" live during an appearance on Top of the Pops.

[35] In February 2001, Lopez appeared as a featured performer at a special Total Request Live event, CBS Sports Presents: MTV's TRL The Super Bowl Sunday, which occurred in Tampa, Florida at The NFL Experience theme park.