True to his reputation during his legendary 2008 run, Lil Wayne contributed a verse that was reportedly recorded with his signature spontaneous style [1]. His verse, which includes the famous "started with a hug" line, helped the song bridge the gap between R&B and the heavy hip-hop influence of that era [1, 4].

While Beyoncé ultimately delivered the iconic second verse, rumors have persisted for years that was the original choice for the remix [11].

An interesting story behind —the hit collaboration between Usher, Beyoncé, and Lil Wayne—revolves around a long-standing urban legend regarding who was "supposed" to be on the track [11]. The Keri Hilson Controversy

Usher has shared a lighthearted story about chaperoning a young Beyoncé and her fellow members of The Dolls (pre-Destiny's Child) during a recording session years earlier [2].

This fueled speculation that Hilson was replaced by Beyoncé at the last minute, leading to a "disdain" or tension between the two singers [11]. Some even linked this to Hilson’s infamous lyrics in her later track "Turnin Me On (Remix)," which many interpreted as a shot at Beyoncé. A Full-Circle Connection