" Nothin ' on You " is an R&B and Southern hip hop ballad . Some music critics praised its sweetness and positive vibe , while a few criticized the track due to Mars ' performance . The song 's main structure relies on a Jim Jonsin-helmed-beat and a sample of Joe Tex 's " I Gotcha " . Lyrically , the record aims at a woman 's heart by flattering and showing her she is unique . The single reached the number one position in some countries , including the United States and the United Kingdom , the third and fifth spot in Australia and New Zealand , respectively , and the top ten in Canada . It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) and once by Australian Recording Industry Association ( ARIA ) and Music Canada ( MC ) . The music video , directed by Ethan Lader , with animation done by George Rausch , was filmed in Los Angeles . It features the " paper cut-out technique " , which takes multiple collages and taps them one over each other , in this case depicting various women . The video is interpolated with footage of the performers playing instruments along with Lawrence . The track has been covered by various recording artists and parodied by " Weird Al " Yankovic . It was nominated for Record of the Year , Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 53rd Grammy Awards . The song was performed live at '' The Ellen DeGeneres Show '' and at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards . Both artists have promoted it during their respective tours
2010 MTV Video Music Awards
2010 MTV Video Music Awards
Nothin' on You