The Way I Are

Background

"The Way I Are" is a song by American record producer and rapper Timbaland, released by Mosley Music Group, Blackground Records and Interscope Records on June 12, 2007 as the second single from his second studio album, Shock Value (2007). Three versions of the song exist: all of which feature vocals from American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. The radio version is a duet between her and Timbaland, and is included on international editions on her debut album In a Perfect World... (2009); the album version features both Hilson and Mosely Music Group-signed rapper D.O.E., while the music video version features Hilson, D.O.E., and Sebastian, Timbaland's brother. The aforementioned artists co-wrote the song with Danja, the Clutch, and Candice Nelson, with Timbaland producing and Danja co-producing. "The Way I Are" is an electrohop song with influences of R&B and dance music that help create its futuristic sound; its lyrics are based on the theme of role reversal and sensuous desires.