It was late 2006. If you were anywhere near a radio, you heard that shimmering, high-pitched synth melody. Then came the words: "She’s fine too, but I want you." It was smooth. It was catchy. Honestly, it was everywhere. Lloyd feat Lil Wayne You didn't just climb the charts; it basically set the tone for the "street but sweet" R&B era that dominated the late 2000s.
But here is the thing. Most people remember it as just another hit. In reality, the story behind the song is a mix of career desperation, a DIY radio leak, and a last-minute artist swap that changed everything for both Lloyd and Weezy.
The Secret History of the Song’s Rise
Lloyd was in a tough spot before this track blew up. His debut album Southside did okay, but he wasn't exactly the king of the genre yet. He was signed to The Inc. Records (formerly Murder Inc.), a label that was dealing with some pretty heavy federal investigations and a fading grip on the industry. Lloyd needed a win. Badly.
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The song "You" was actually recorded in a basement. It wasn't some high-budget studio miracle. Producers Big Reese and Jasper Cameron crafted the beat using a clever interpolation of Spandau Ballet’s 1983 hit "True." It’s that same dreamy atmosphere that PM Dawn used in the 90s, but Lloyd gave it a modern, ATL-inflected R&B soul.
Initially, Lil Wayne wasn't even on it. The original version featured an Atlanta rapper named Tango Redd. Lloyd has since admitted in interviews that he originally kept Tango on the track to stay in the good graces of certain radio power players.
Then Hurricane Katrina happened.
Lloyd, a New Orleans native, saw his family displaced. He was strapped for cash and sitting on a hit he knew could change his life. He decided to take a massive gamble. He spent his own money to promote the song and reached out to Lil Wayne, another New Orleans titan who was just starting his legendary "Best Rapper Alive" run. Wayne sent his verse back the very same day.
Why the Lil Wayne Verse Mattered
At the time, Wayne was transitioning from a "Hot Boy" into a global icon. He wasn't just rapping about the streets anymore; he was becoming a crossover king. His verse on "You" is quintessential mid-2000s Weezy. He drops the "Long hair, don't care" line—which basically became a personality trait for half the country—and brings a playful, almost effortless energy to the track.
It wasn't just a guest spot. It was a co-sign that told the hip-hop world that Lloyd was legitimate.
The Numbers Don't Lie
When the song finally dropped as the lead single for Lloyd’s sophomore album Street Love, it exploded.
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- Billboard Hot 100: It peaked at #9.
- Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: It hit #1, staying there for weeks.
- 106 & Park: The music video held the top spot on BET’s countdown for eight consecutive weeks.
People often forget how hard it was to stay #1 on 106 & Park back then. You were competing against prime Usher, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo. Lloyd holding that spot for two months was a massive statement.
The Misheard Lyric Everyone Still Sings Wrong
You’ve probably argued about this in a car at 2:00 AM.
The line "She’s fine too, but I want you" is frequently misheard as "She's 5'2", but I want you." For years, shorter women everywhere claimed this as their anthem. While the official lyrics confirm it's "fine too," the 5'2" interpretation became so culturally ingrained that Lloyd usually just smiles and lets the fans have it.
That Legendary Remix (Nas and Andre 3000)
If the original version was a pop-R&B masterclass, the remix was a lyrical feast.
Lloyd managed to pull off the impossible: getting Nas and André 3000 on the same track. This version, often titled "I Want You," stripped back some of the "street" elements for a more sophisticated, jazzy feel.
Hearing André 3000 rhyme "polygamy" with "epitome" over a Lloyd track was a surreal moment for R&B. It proved that Lloyd wasn't just a "teen heartthrob" singer; he had the respect of the greatest lyricists in history. Most artists would give their left arm for a Nas verse. Lloyd got both of them on one song.
Why it Still Matters in 2026
Looking back, Lloyd feat Lil Wayne You represents a specific turning point in music. It was the moment R&B stopped trying to be so "tough" and started embracing a softer, more melodic "pretty boy" aesthetic that still felt authentic to the South.
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You can hear the influence of this track in artists like Bryson Tiller or Jacquees today. The "toxic but sweet" vibe started right here.
Actionable Takeaways for the R&B Fan
If you want to truly appreciate this era of music, don't just stop at the radio edit.
- Listen to the "I Want You" Remix: Find the version with André 3000 and Nas. It’s a completely different vibe and shows the versatility of the production.
- Check out the Street Love album: "Get It Shawty" was the bigger club hit, but tracks like "Hazel" and "Player's Prayer" show Lloyd's range.
- Watch the 106 & Park live performances: If you can find the archival footage, Lloyd’s choreography and stage presence during this era were top-tier.
The song is a snapshot of 2007. It’s baggy jeans, Sidekick 3 phones, and oversized white tees. But more than that, it's a testament to what happens when two New Orleans artists at the top of their game decide to make something timeless.
Next Steps for Your Playlist: Go back and listen to the original and the remix back-to-back. Notice how the Spandau Ballet sample is manipulated differently in each version to suit the rappers' styles. It's a masterclass in how sampling can change the entire "color" of a song.