The song features vocals by singer Keri Hilson, and is included on international editions on her debut album In a Perfect World... (2009).

Internationally, "The Way I Are" reached number one in several countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

The accompanying music video was directed by Shane Drake and takes place in a dark alley-like area in Salford, England.

The extended version, which was used in the music video, also features Timbaland's brother Sebastian and rapper D.O.E., who both contribute an extra verse after the bridge.

The song incorporates heavy elements of R&B, dance and electronic music and has been noted by critics to exhibit a futuristic sound.

[9] The lyrics are centered around the theme of sexual desire and role reversal; Timbaland explains that he is flat broke, while Hilson replies that she does not care about any of that, and jokes that she can pay him to strip.

[10] Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times described the track as a "swirling electronic come-on"[11] while Luke Bainbridge of The Observer labelled it as "futuristic disco".

Mike Schiller of PopMatters compared the synthesizers on the song to those utilized in Timberlake's single "My Love" (2006),[13] which both him and Timbaland share songwriting and production credits.

[15] Norman Meyers of Prefix took a liking to the song, stating it and "Release" (featuring Justin Timberlake) as "successful tracks".

[18] Ivan Rott of About.com was less enthusiastic of the song, deeming it mediocre and stating that it was "veering off into a no-man's land of repetitive synth-heavy electronica".

"[19] "The Way I Are" received a nomination at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards for "Monster Single of the Year" along with nine other musicians, but lost to Rihanna's "Umbrella".

[23] Vibe Magazine listed "The Way I Are" as the thirty-third best song of 2007, commenting that "the true genius is spotlighting ingénue Keri Hilson".

It was certified gold on August 20, 2007, by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) denoting shipments of 7,500 units.

Utilizing the tools of incendiary cinematography and fierce lighting schemes, I plan to sculpt an edgy masterpiece, oozing with style and impact.

From the colors like pink and blue, to the wardrobe — to the edits, we will craft a slick masterpiece that defies genre and truly defines cool & will show off Timbaland in a "super" music video.The video version of the song includes an extra verse from Timbaland's brother Sebastian.

A "director's cut" of the video is now on YouTube and it features Timbaland in a black cab and shows him in a more casual perspective.

[45] Timbaland performed "The Way I Are" with Keri Hilson, alongside "Do It" with Nelly Furtado and "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" with Justin Timberlake, at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.

[47] On October 9, 2007, Timbaland performed "The Way I Are" with Keri Hilson on an episode of the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, alongside "Apologize" with OneRepublic.