This song features two performers who are signed to Timbaland's Mosely Music Group: singer Keri Hilson and rapper D.O.E. The song is a role reversal from the common rap music theme of rich, braggadocios singer allowing a hot girl to impress him with her womanly charms in anticipation of a sexual encounter. In this song, Hilson is in control as the male rapper has no money. She likes him anyway, and takes the position of financial power by offering him a "tip" if he "strips."

This was popularized in a commercial for McDonald's where the song plays in a roller skating rink where a bunch of kids are having some good, wholesome fun. At the beginning of the spot, we see the record with the name of the song. This kind of marketing is very effective as the commercial reaches such a wide audience.

Hilson was 24 when "The Way I Are" was released. In addition to her work as a singer, she is a member of the songwriting collective known as The Clutch. Her songwriting credits include Mary J. Blige's "Take Me As I Am," Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute," Ciara's "Ooh Boy," and Omarion's "Ice Box." Before working with Timbaland, she sang on singles by Xzibit and Lloyd. Hilson released her first album in 2009 and another in 2010. During this time she showed up as a feature artist on lots of tracks as well, including "Never" by Flo Rida and "Hold My Hand (I'll Be There)" by Sean Paul. Hilson vanished a few years later when she got burned out and disillusioned with the industry. She took some acting roles but didn't release another album until 2025 with We Need To Talk.