Release Details
"U Got It Bad" is a track by American recording artist Usher, which was released as the second single from his third studio album, "8701," on August 21, 2001.
Chart Performance
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for one week and then returned to the top position for five more weeks, making it Usher's longest-running number-one single at the time.
Production Team
The song was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, who helped define the sound of late 90s and early 2000s R&B.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Little X, features Usher’s then-girlfriend, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas, of TLC fame. It tells a story about a musician's life on the road and the strain that a travel-heavy career can put on a relationship.
Song Genre
"U Got It Bad” is a classic R&B ballad. The song’s style and tone pay homage to Usher’s musical influences, which include Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
Critical Acclaim
"U Got It Bad" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its composition and Usher's vocal performance. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance Male.”
Cover Versions
The song has been covered multiple times, most notably by Canadian artist Justin Bieber in 2011 on his "My World Tour."
Song Meaning
The lyrics of "U Got It Bad" describe a man’s feelings when he is deeply in love with a woman and can't bear the thought of being without her.
Commercial Success
The song was certified platinum three times by the RIAA, with over three million copies sold, making it one of Usher's most successful songs.
Cultural Impact
"U Got It Bad" is considered one of the defining songs of the early 2000s R&B genre, and helped further solidify Usher's position as one of the most popular artists of that era.
Album details
"U Got It Bad" is a song from Usher's third studio album "8701" released in 2001.
Chart performance
It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a week before being replaced by Nickleback's "How You Remind Me". However, it regained its spot and held the #1 position for five more weeks.
Song Genre
The song falls under the genre of R&B or Rhythm and Blues.
Duo Collaboration
The song was written by Usher, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.
Music Video
The music video features actress, dancer and singer, Chilli from the R&B trio TLC, as Usher's love interest.
Chart Record
"U Got It Bad" is Usher's third number-one single following "Nice & Slow" and "U Remind Me" setting a new Billboard record.
Platinum Certification
The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies.
Musical Instruments
The song is notably recognized for its guitar riff.
Cover Versions
Canadian singer Justin Bieber covered "U Got It Bad" during his 2011 Concert Tour.
Award Nominations
The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards in 2003.
