The original release was an immediate juggernaut, selling over 1.1 million copies in its first week—the highest ever for an R&B artist at that time. The decision to release a "Special Edition" was a strategic masterstroke by Arista Records. This version introduced:
A spoken word piece explaining the "other woman's" point of view. The original release was an immediate juggernaut, selling
The album is widely regarded as a R&B masterpiece, famous for its raw storytelling. While fans long speculated the lyrics about infidelity and secret children were autobiographical—specifically relating to Usher's breakup with TLC's Chilli—producers like Jermaine Dupri have stated the themes were largely inspired by their own personal experiences. Album Fast Facts : October 5, 2004 (Special Edition). 2004 (Special Edition).