Behind the Classics: My Boo by Usher and Alicia Keys

“My Boo” is a duet between American R&B singers Usher and Alicia Keys, written by Usher, Keys, Jermaine Dupri, Adonis Shropshire, and Manuel Seal. It was included on the re-release of Usher’s fourth studio album, Confessions (2004). The song was released as the album’s fourth single in 2004. Set over a hip hop-style track, it was produced by Dupri and No I.D.

“It started when we were younger, you were mine (my boo)
Now another brother’s taken over, but it’s still in your eyes (my boo)
Even though we used to argue, it’s alright (my boo)
I know we haven’t seen each other in a while
But you will always be my boo”

The song received positive reviews from critics, and has garnered awards. The single stayed on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, making it the third most-successful single from the album after “Yeah!” and “Burn”, respectively. It was also ranked as the 36th biggest song of the 2000–2009 decade in the United States.

The song was later remade by the smooth jazz supergroup Urban Knights, which was fronted by pianist Ramsey Lewis.

Listen to the iconic track here.

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