Upgrade U

Jay-Z, Beyoncé

About Upgrade U

"Upgrade U" is a song by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé from her second studio album B'Day (2006). The song features additional vocals from American rapper Jay-Z. It was composed by Swizz Beatz, Cameron Wallace, Beyoncé, MK, Makeba, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé, Jay-Z, Willie Clarke, Clarence Reid, and Beyoncé's sister, Solange. Columbia Records released "Upgrade U" as a promotional single on 8 October 2006 in the United States only. "Upgrade U" draws from the genres of hip hop and contemporary R&B. The concept of the song revolves around a woman offering luxuries to a man to upgrade his lifestyle. "Upgrade U" was generally well received by music critics, some praising Knowles' assertiveness while singing about her desire to give luxuries to her man. Many also praised the natural chemistry that Knowles and Jay-Z have in the song. After the release of B'Day, "Upgrade U" started to gain popularity on R&B and hip hop radio stations in the United States. This prompted its pre-release debut on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and later on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart; after its promotional release, the song peaked at number 11 and at number 59 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Hot 100 charts respectively. 


Year:
2008
4:20
97 
#2

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Yeah B
Talk yo' shit 
(Partner let me upgrade you)
How you gon' upgrade me what's higher than number one?
You know I used to beat that block
Now I be's the block (partner let me upgrade you)

I hear you be the block, but I'm the lights that keep the streets on
Notice you the type, that like to keep them on a leash though
I'm known to walk alone, but I'm alone for a reason
Sending me a drink ain't appeasing, believe me
Come harder, this won't be easy
Don't doubt yourself trust me, you need me
This ain't no shoulder with a chip, or an ego
But what you think they all mad at me for

You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home is still fly (that's a good look)
And I'mma help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, ladies (that's a good look)
When you're in them big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
It take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
And anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)

Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neck ties to purple labels
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I (up), let me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you

Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I (up), let me, upgrade you?
Partner, let me upgrade you

I can do for you, what Martin did for the people
Ran by the men, but the women keep the tempo
It's very seldom, that you're blessed to find your equal
Still played my part and let you take the lead role, believe me

I'll follow, this could be easy
I'll be the help, whenever you need me (you need me)
I see your hustle with my hustle, I can keep you
Focused on your focus, I can feed you

You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home is still fly (that's a good look)
I can help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
When you're in them big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
You take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
Anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me I can upgrade you (ladies that's a good look)

Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels (have you rocking purple labels)
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I (up), let me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you

Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page, let me upgrade you
Introduce you to some new things, and (Uh!) upgrade (HOV!) you
I can (up), (Uh!) can I (up), let me, (HOV!) upgrade you?
Partner, let me upgrade you

Uh huh, I be's the d-boy, who infiltrated all the corporate dudes
They call shots, I call all-the-booze
Jacob the jeweler, baubles, Lauraine Schwartz, oughta do
It's big balling baby, when I'm courting you
I'm talking spy bags, and fly pads, and 
Rooms at the Bloomberg, and rumors you on the verge 
Of a new merge, 'cause that rock on ya finger, is like a tumor
You can't fit ya hand in ya new purse
It's humorous, to me they watching and we just yachting off the island hopping off the Amalfi coast
Mafioso! Oh baby, you ever seen Saturn? 
No, not the car, but everywhere we are
You're sure to see stars, this is high level not eye level
My bezel, courtesy of Audemars
I order yours tomorrow, now look at the time I saved you
Mama, let me upgrade you

Just when you think we had it all
Big ends, condos, collecting cars
Picture your life elevating with me
Make you my project celebrity I keep your name hot in them streets
And it's that little glimpse of light that makes that diamond really shine
And you already is a star, but
Unless you're flawless
Then ya dynasty ain't complete without a chief, like me

Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels 
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I (up) let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you

Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I (up), let me, upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you, upgrade you

Audemars Piguet watch, dimples in ya necktie
Hermès briefcase, Cartier tie clips
Silk-lined blazers, diamond creamed facials
VVS cuff-links, six-star pent suites
Partner, let me, upgrade ya, grade ya
Partner, partner, let me, upgrade you, grade you
Let me, let me, let me, upgrade you, grade you
Partner, partner, partner, let me upgrade you

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Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child, and rose to fame in the late 1990s as lead singer of R&B girl-group Destiny's Child. Managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, the group became one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw the release of Beyoncé's debut album, Dangerously in Love (2003), which established her as a solo artist worldwide, earned five Grammy Awards and featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy". more »

68 fans

Written by: Solange Knowles, Willie James Clarke, Beyonce Knowles, Makeba Riddick, Clarence Henry Reid, Shawn Carter, Angela Beyince, Sean Garrett

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Release Information
"Upgrade U" is a track from Beyoncé's second studio album, "B-Day", which was released in 2006.
Collaboration Entity
The song features a guest appearance from rapper Jay-Z, who is Beyoncé's husband. His verse is an answer to Beyoncé's assertive lyrics.
Song Concept
The lyrics revolve around a woman offering luxurious and affluent lifestyle to her man, to upgrade his lifestyle. This was meant as a playful reversal of traditional gender roles, where men are typically seen as the providers.
Production Credits
"Upgrade U" was produced by Cameron Wallace and co-produced by Beyoncé herself.
Commercial Performance
While it was not officially released as a single everywhere, "Upgrade U" still reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.
Music Video Director
The music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and features Jay-Z. However, in parts of the video, Beyoncé also lip-syncs Jay-Z's part while dressed as him.
Choreography Recognition
Choreography in the music video "Upgrade U" was recognized by American Choreography Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography.
Live Performances
"Upgrade U" has been performed live by Beyoncé on several occasions, like her "The Beyoncé Experience" tour and the "I am... World Tour".
Sampling
The song samples the song "Bet'cha Gonna Need My Lovin'" by La La.
Track Length
The track length of "Upgrade U" is approximately 4 minutes and 33 seconds long, making it one of the longer tracks on the "B-Day" album.
Cover Versions
Many artists and performers have covered "Upgrade U" in live performances, demonstrating its popularity and influence in the music industry.
Lyrics
Beyoncé invokes numerous luxury brands in the lyrics, including Audemars Piguet watches, Porsches, Hermés, and Louboutin shoes, further illustrating the theme of wealth and luxury.
Song Production
"Upgrade U" is a song by Beyoncé from her second solo studio album, "B2: The Beyoncé Experience" (2006). It was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Sean Garrett.
Collaboration
The song features guest vocals from rapper Jay-Z, who is also her husband. This is one of the multiple collaborations they have done together.
Song Theme
The song's theme revolves around the idea of a woman offering beneficial growth and improvement to her partner’s lifestyle. It's a playful yet empowering expression of a woman's worth.
Music Video
The music video for "Upgrade U" was directed by Melina Matsoukas. In the video, Beyoncé not only portrays herself but also impersonates Jay-Z, showcasing her versatility and playfulness.
Chart Performance
"Upgrade U" peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the Top 20 of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews from music critics, with many praising Beyoncé's assertive vocals and its catchy, sassy, and confident lyrics.
Live Performances
"Upgrade U" was often performed during Beyoncé's live concerts and tours, always with a high-energy routine and powerful vocals.
Cultural Impact
The song has been covered or sampled by multiple artists and has been used in several TV shows, demonstrating its influence in popular culture.
Choreography
The dance routine in the "Upgrade U" music video is often cited as one of Beyoncé's most iconic, contributing to her reputation as a legendary performer.
Song Meaning
"Upgrade U" is often interpreted as a feminist anthem because it portrays a woman asserting her power and value in her relationship.

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