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JAY-Z AND USHER RECORD DUET ABOUT MARRIAGE: Jermaine Dupri-produced 'Best Thing' salutes their status as husbands.

(May 22, 2008)

*Jay-Z and Usher are celebrating the joys of being married to their respective wives in a new duet titled "Best Thing." [Scroll down to listen.]

"Of course, with the talk of both of us now being newlyweds, there is a question as to why, and is it real?" Usher told MTV Base of the song, which is produced by Janet Jackson's beau Jermaine Dupri. "Well, if you hear that [song], you'll understand what [Jay-Z] meant when he says, 'Seeds becomes plants/ Boys become men/ You've got to grow up, not down.'"

The song opens with Jay-Z speaking of a bachelor who doesn't think marriage is for him: "Can't give a ring up/ I couldn't give a f---, how could I give a finger?/ Let alone half baths and closets/ So claustrophobic, in fear of close objects."

Usher, meanwhile, playing an unfaithful boyfriend, sings: "Listen, is there any chance that you remember me being any more than just a horrible man? And would you consider pullin' this trigger and taking a second shot at romance?/ Oh baby, I want the days when you were my girl and I was your man/ Know I took you for granted/ But it wasn't until now I see how much I miss you."

Jay-Z, 38, married Beyoncé Knowles, 26, in April. Usher, 29, married stylist Tameka Foster, 38, last August.

"Best Thing" – Usher feat. Jay-Z