 " Upgrade U " was generally well received by music critics , some praising Knowles ' assertiveness while singing about her desire to give luxuries to her man . Many also praised the natural chemistry that Knowles and Jay @-@ Z have in the song . After the release of B 'Day , " Upgrade U " started to gain popularity on R & B and hip hop radio stations in the United States . This prompted its pre @-@ release debut on the US Hot R & B / Hip @-@ Hop Songs chart and later on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart ; after its promotional release , the song peaked at number 11 and at number 59 on the Hot R & B / Hip @-@ Hop Songs and the Hot 100 charts respectively . 
