was to be the original rap guest on the song; however, he was unable to record his verse for the song due to business reasons. Ultimately, Jay-Z was selected as the featuring artist; "Upgrade U" becoming his second collaboration with Beyoncé on B'Day – the first being "Déjà Vu" (2006).
The original rapper scheduled to appear on the song was unable to record his verse due to business reasons. Ultimately, Jay-Z was chosen as the featured artist; "Upgrade U" becoming his second collaboration with Beyoncé on B'Day – their first being "Déjà Vu" (2006).