The Best of Me

"The Best of Me" is a song by American singer Mýa. It served as Harrison's first single from her second studio album Fear of Flying (2000) and featured Yonkers rapper Jadakiss. The song was written and composed by the latter and Harrison along with Teron Beal, Jimmy Cozier, Swizz Beatz and Mashonda Tifrere. Lyrically, "The Best of Me," a street savvy anthem addresses a woman holding off being intimate or physical with a guy. The song received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics. However, "The Best of Me" underperformed on Billboards US Hot 100; peaking and spending two non-consecutive weeks at number fifty. It fared better on the component Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart peaking within the top 20 at number fourteen. Internationally, the song peaked within the top 40 in Germany, peaking at number twenty-six. The song was sent to radio stations on April 11, 2000 and the accompanying music video was serviced to video outlets a month prior on March 6, 2000. Her love interest was portrayed by A&R Marquis Collins. Background and release "The Best of Me" was composed by Mýa Harrison and Swizz Beatz, along with singers Teron Beal, Jimmy Cozier, Mashonda, and rapper Jadakiss, the latter of which is also featured vocally on the song. Originally expected to be recorded by rapper DMX in a Miami recording session with Swizz, the instrumental of the song was left unused until the producer returned to New York City to start work on Harrison's album at The Hit Factory. Upon accidentally pushing a button in the studio, Harrison's management reportedly "jumped up and said 'That's it, that's it'." When recording "The Best of Me" producer Swizz Beatz admired Harrison's work ethic, commenting, she's as dedicated to mastering vocals as she is to dance. He noted, "She takes everything seriously when it comes to the music citing "she's a perfectionist." However, Harrison clarified, "I'm not a perfectionist but I like to improve." An eleventh hour addition, the record was among the last tracks that were recorded for the Fear of Flying album.