Believe it or not, Usher had doubts about releasing the revealing single “Papers” earlier this month.

According to songwriter Sean Garrett, the song was almost replaced with another record.

“We talked about this record coming out quite a few times,” Garrett tells PEOPLE.

“‘Should it come out? Should it not come out?’ We had questions about how it would be taken”.

While the song has taken off at radio and on the R&B/Hip Hop songs chart, jumping forty-three spots (60-17) last week, it has earned Usher a bit of backlash — both from fans and soon-to-be ex wife Tameka Foster Raymond.

Raymond, also subject of a 911 call in September(released last week), wrote a lengthy blog on Global Grind shortly after “Papers” debuted on the net. Calling certain entertainers “Thirsty,” Foster Raymond pointed out the fact that some will do anything to maintain a certain level of success in music.

According to Garrett however, the song would have never come out if feedback and approval from Usher’s label had not been as great as it was.

“We knew it was a smash,” says Garrett.

As previously reported, “Papers” is the lead single from Usher’s forthcoming album “Raymond vs. Raymond” due in stores in December.

Story: SingersRoom

I’m back from vacation…

Every few months I step away from old school and jump into some new music. You remember June Jackin? April Rain? Well this is “Back To School”

I walk my kids 3 blocks to school every morning. Being in Harlem, a car will inevitably come past blasting a popular song. For instance: T-Pain’s “Can’t Believe It” came on and kids stoppped in the street…and broke out dancing! At 8am! I put some of these together with some new tracks I been jammin to. Enjoy!

Track Listing

1. By My Side – Jadakiss Ft. Neyo
2. Champagne (Remix) – Ron Browz Ft. Jim Jones, Juelz Santana
3. Addiction (remix) – Ryan Leslie Ft. Cassie, Fabolous
4. Can’t Believe It – 50 Cent Ft. T-Pain
5. Swagga Like Puff – Diddy
6. Paper Planes (Remix) – MIA Ft. Lil Wayne
7. Nobody – Ne-Yo
8. Spotlight (Remix) – Jennifer Hudson Ft. Young Jeezy
9. Boyz – NeYo
10. Its Over – John Legend Ft. Kanye West
11. Why Just Be Friends – Joe Thomas
12. Comfortable – Lil’ Wayne Ft. Babyface
13. Mrs. Officer – Lil’ Wayne Ft. Bobby Valentine
14. Still Me – Usher
15. Need You Bad (Remix) – Jazmine Sullivan Ft. T.I
16. Whatever You Like (Remix) – T.I. Ft. Ludacris
17. What Them Girls Like – Ludacris Ft Chris Brown & Sean Garrett
18. The Sweetest Love – Robin Thicke