 " Boys " is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her third studio album , Britney ( 2001 ) . It was written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams ( known collectively as The Neptunes ) . A version of the song , entitled the " The Co @-@ Ed Remix " , was released as the sixth and final single from Britney on July 29 , 2002 . The new version also served as the second single from the soundtrack of Austin Powers in Goldmember . " Boys " is a R & B and hip hop song , including funk influences . The remix carries a slower tempo than the album version , and both versions are noted to be reminiscent of Janet Jackson . Some critics praised Williams and Spears ' chemistry , as well as the production on the track , while others did not think the song worked well . 
