Heard 'Em Say " is a song by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West . It was included as the opening song on the track-listing of his second studio album '' Late Registration '' ( 2005 ) . The track was produced by West with Jon Brion and contains excerpts of " Someone That I Used To Love " as performed by Natalie Cole . The song features a guest appearance from Adam Levine , lead vocalist of the American funk rock band Maroon 5 . West and Levine met for the first time and forged a friendship during a flight to Rome set for the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards . West introduced himself to Levine and played tracks from his forthcoming sophomore album on his iPod . When they came acrouss a demo for " Heard 'Em Say , " the singer had ready an unused chorus he 'd written for his band that he felt was perfect for it . The two artists decided to collaborate , working together to write the song on the same plane
2004 MTV Europe Music Awards
2004 MTV Europe Music Awards
Heard 'Em Say