"U Got It Bad" is a song by American singer Usher, released through Arista Records as the second official single from his third studio album 8701 (2001). It was written by the rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, and co-produced by Cox. It was released in the United States on August 21, 2001. "U Got It Bad" is an R&B ballad that, according to MTV, incorporates "digi-coustic" guitars, a "slow-burning bass line" and "sex funk" drums. The lyrics notably contain some quick direct allusions to other soul music ballads, mainly Maxwell's "Fortunate" and Prince's "Adore".