Ed Sheeranâs biggest hit almost took a different shape. The singer-songwriter told Rolling Stone that he originally asked Jay-Z to record a verse for âShape of You,â but the rapper turned him down. âI sent him the song, and he said, âI donât think the song needs a rap verse,ââ Sheeran said. âHe was probably right.â The story does check out: This was around the same time that Sheeran linked up with Jayâs wife, BeyoncĂŠ, on a remix of âPerfect,â and any pop star worth their salt would want a duo of Carter features on their album. But are we sure Jay wasnât just trying to stay far, far away from a song that our critic once diagnosed with âclinical swaggerlessnessâ? âIt was a very natural, respectful pass,â Sheeran added. Guess weâll never know if he couldâve saved âShape of Youâ or just dragged it down further.