It was written by longtime Usher collaborator Rico Love, Usher, Plies as well as Andrew Harr and Jermaine Jackson from production duo The Runners for his sixth studio album Raymond v. Raymond (2010), while production was helmed by Love, Harr, and Jackson.

[4] The remix version featuring Plies made its way onto the internet in late November, a few days before the song's radio and digital release.

[1] Mariel Concepcion of Billboard said that the song is "a clear indication that the R&B crooner is bringing sexy back," "atop a silky piano pattern and hand claps.

"[5] She also said, "Plies makes a nice addition to the already sexified track, as the self-proclaimed goon drops a raunchy verse in his raspy Southern drawl."

Sara D. Anderson of AOL Music said that the song has a "catchy R&B tune" and "the song showcases Usher's role as the ladies' man as he croons: "You know your daddy's home (daddy's home) / And it's time to play (so it's time to play) / So you ain't got to give my loving away.

"[1] James Reed of The Boston Globe said that the track was one of the album's songs to showcase "Usher's signature loveman moves" however called them "hollow as a chocolate Easter bunny", as he pointed out the whole album had a lack of emotion[6] Andrew Rennie of Now Magazine said that on the song and on "Lil Freak" that Usher shows "he’s unafraid to get lewd".

Scenes are seen with Usher in a boardroom setting, and then teaching dance to a group of women in a studio, then in a club.

"[4] In following scenes the threat of infidelity is seen even clearer as Usher gets close to the "over-friendly dancers" and "sipping — and spitting — champagne in a place that looks very much like a strip club.

Montgomery notes that it is not clear whether Usher even makes it home, or if the song was even referring to the wife character, and not "someone special stashed in a nearby suite.

"[4] In resolving the video's review, Montgomery said, "Distance may make the heart grow fonder, but there are limits to everything.

He's a superstar, a businessman, a father and an (ex-) husband, but at the end of the day, Ush is also human, and "Hey Daddy" is proof of that.