"Do What U Want" was written by Lady Gaga, Paul "DJ White Shadow" Blair, R. Kelly, Martin Bresso, and William Grigahcine (DJ Snake). Musically, the track was a departure from Gaga’s usual four-on-the-floor dance-pop. It was built on an 80s-inspired, synth-heavy R&B groove, heavily influenced by the atmospheric beats of Trent Reznor and the casual swagger of classic Chicago stepping music.
"Do What U Want" was the second single. It was brilliant in its construction: a throwback to 80s and 90s R&B, featuring a thumping, hypnotic beat. But the feature was the talking point. R. Kelly, the "Pied Piper of R&B," was a controversial figure even then. He had been acquitted on child pornography charges in 2008, and rumors of his predilection for underage girls had followed him for decades.
In June 2014, TMZ leaked a 30-second clip from the set, confirming many of the reported details. The footage showed sexually suggestive scenes that only amplified the controversy.
For over five years, the original version of "Do What U Want" remained a staple of Gaga’s catalog, accessible on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and available for purchase as an M4A file on iTunes. However, the definitive turning point arrived in January 2019 with the broadcast of the Lifetime documentary series Surviving R. Kelly . The documentary detailed decades of alleged sexual abuse, predatory behavior, and running an abusive cult involving young women and minors. 01 do what u want feat r kelly m4a
When Lady Gaga decided to feature R. Kelly on the track, the goal was to marry her brand of experimental pop with classic R&B vocals, creating a retro-yet-modern feel. At the time, the collaboration was seen as an odd but commercially smart pairing, with the track garnering positive reviews for its "80s-inspired" vibe. The Impact of the Original 2013 Version
"Do What U Want" (feat. R. Kelly) is a track by from her 2013 studio album, Key Track Information Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly. (Track #7 on the original 15-track release). Release Date: October 21, 2013. Synth-pop, R&B, and electropop. Commonly found as an file if purchased or downloaded via the iTunes Store Removal from Platforms January 2019
) and digital stores following the release of the documentary Surviving R. Kelly Physical Re-releases: "Do What U Want" was written by Lady
: It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It serves as a reminder of the intersection between art and morality, and how quickly cultural context can change.
Gaga, however, was operating in a different headspace. In her view, the collaboration was a subversive act. She was "writing a song that was essentially about the media and the press, and I was getting them to sing it with me." When Kelly sang, "I'll be the one to break your heart," Gaga heard an ironic commentary on the public's relationship with the press. It was built on an 80s-inspired, synth-heavy R&B
This wasn’t just about the song. It was about the artifact. The internet, in its infinite and often arbitrary wisdom, had decided that this specific version of Lady Gaga’s Do What U Want —the one featuring the disgraced R. Kelly—needed to be scrubbed from existence. Replaced on streaming services by the Christina Aguilera version, pulled from iTunes, relegated to the dustbin of pop culture history.
The intersection of pop genius, corporate compliance, and cultural erasure is perfectly encapsulated in a single, now-purged digital file: .
The removal was more than just a symbolic gesture. It represented a fundamental shift in how the music industry approached accountability. For years, problematic artists had continued to generate revenue from streaming and sales. Gaga's decision to forfeit that revenue—to actively remove a commercially successful track from circulation—set a precedent that other artists would follow.
The song builds from an atmospheric intro to a high-energy chorus, designed for both radio play and club environments. 3. Lyrics and Interpretation: "Do What U Want"