Baby Mama (Brandy song)

Last updated
"Baby Mama"
Baby Mama by Brandy.png
Single by Brandy featuring Chance the Rapper
from the album B7
ReleasedMay 1, 2020
Genre R&B [1]
Length3:18
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Brandysingles chronology
"Freedom Rings"
(2019)
"Baby Mama"
(2020)
"Borderline"
(2020)
Chance the Rappersingles chronology
"Hot Shower"
(2019)
"Baby Mama"
(2020)
"Holy"
(2020)

"Baby Mama" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy, featuring rapper Chance the Rapper. It was written by Norwood, Chance, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk for her seventh studio album B7 (2020), while production was helmed by Hit Boy and Norwood along with LaShawn Daniels. Built upon a bass-heavy, horn-led beat and a joyful melody, the R&B track is a Mother's Day anthem that pays homage to single mothers, while also celebrating Norwood's love for daughter Sy'rai.

Contents

The song was released by Norwood's own label Brand Nu, Inc. and eOne Music as the album's lead single on May 1, 2020. It earned largely positive reviews from music critics who praised its lyrical message and colorful nature and peaked at number 27 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. "Baby Mama" also reached the top ten of Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart and the Deutsche Urban Charts in Germany. A music video for the song was directed by Derek Blanks and longtime contributor Frank Gatson Jr.

Background

"Baby Mama" was written by Norwood, Chance the Rapper, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk, and produced by the former along with Hit Boy and LaShawn Daniels for seventh studio album B7 (2020). [2] Recorded toward the end of the album-making process, [3] Norwood enlisted Chance the Rapper after they had connected when he reached out about sampling a portion of her 1994 song "I Wanna Be Down" on his song "Ballin Flossin" from his 2019 album The Big Day . [4] Commenting on their collaboration, Norwood noted: "Chance is a mother lover, he’s all about his family, his daughter, and I just thought that it would just be cool for him to jump on it, because it’s such an upbeat fun song. And he got on it and killed it. Okay, he did his thing on it. I was so impressed with what he was able to say and his lyrics were just phenomenal. [5]

Lyrically, the song has the singer detailing her love for her daughter Sy’rai over a "horn-heavy beat, celebrating the teen’s talents and ability to shine." [3] Rolling Stone noted that the song equally served as "an ode to [Brandy's] own independence and hard work," [3] while Norwood herself called the song as "Mother's Day" anthem as well as a celebration of her daughter and to "all moms who are doing the same thing," serving as a somewhat tribute to hardworking mothers across the world. [6] [7] She further elaborated that she "wanted to do a song about [Sy'rai] and speak to all baby mamas out there that may feel like they can’t make it or they can’t push through, you know, if you use your child as an inspiration you can do anything and I want to everybody to feel that." [4] On May 2, 2020, singer Kehlani took to Twitter to confirm that a yet-unreleased version featuring her vocals exists. [8]

Critical reception

"Baby Mama" earned largely positive reviews from music critics. Brittany Spanos, writing for Rolling Stone, described the song as "joyful from the jump," [3] while Stephen Kearse from Pitchfork praised the "colorful and springy arrangements" on "Baby Mama." He found that "Hit-Boy’s horn loop [...] is so bouncy that the song sways even when the percussion drops out." [9] Clash editor Robin Murray called the song a "fierce return," that was an "ultra-catchy slice of R&B" as well as "itchily infectious." [1] [10] Vulture 's news editor Zoe Haylock, noted that "Baby Mama" was "a Mother’s Day anthem just in time to remind you that it’s Mother’s Day on May 10. That’s enough time to mentally prepare for a phone call, send a thoughtful gift over, or dedicate Brandy’s new song "Baby Mama" to the mother figures in your life." [11]

Chart performance

"Baby Mama" was officially announced as the lead single from B7 on American talk show, The Talk in March 2020. While the song's release was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, [12] it was officially released digitally on May 1, 2020. [13] The song debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs in the week ending May 9, 2020 and eventually going on to peak at number seven on July 20, 2020. [14] This marked her first list entry as a leading artist since "Wildest Dreams" in 2012. [14] In addition, it reached number 27 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. [15] On May 16, 2020, the single entered and peaked on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales chart at number 10, making it Norwood's fifth entry on that chart. [16] Elsewhere, on the week ending June 22, 2020, the single peaked at number 44 on the US Urban Airplay chart. [17]

Music video

Background and release

Chance the Rapper co-stars in the video for "Baby Mama." Chance the Rapper 2018 February.png
Chance the Rapper co-stars in the video for "Baby Mama."

An accompanying music video was directed by Derek Blanks and Frank Gatson Jr., the latter of whom Norwood had frequently collaborated with throughout her career, including videos for "I Wanna Be Down" (1994) and "Put It Down" (2012). [18] "Baby Mama" was filmed at the Fat Eye Studios in Los Angeles in the week of January 29, 2020, [19] prior to social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic. [5] Next to Norwood and Chance girl group June's Diary appear as backing dancers in the video. [20] It premiered on BET outlets on May 4, 2020, and uploaded online soon after. [21]

Synopsis

The video draws inspiration from Fosse-style choreography and the 1969 musical film Sweet Charity , specifically from actor Sammy Davis Jr. performance of the song "The Rhythm of Life". The video opens with Norwood and her dancers in an open warehouse surrounded by classic cars. Donning an array of colorful suits and jackets, Norwood performs a series of dance sequences with the dancers, fusing contemporary jazz and hip-hop stylings. [22] Chance the Rapper appears in the video, interacting with Norwood through an orange two-seater. Vulture noted that the visuals feature Norwood and a "dozens of friends dancing in the street." [11]

Live performances

Norwood first performed the song live on Good Morning America during their 2020 Spring Concert Series. She live streamed her performance from her home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [23] Norwood live-streamed a performance of the song on The Talk on May 12, 2020. [24]

Credits and personnel

Credits taken from the liner notes of B7. [2]

Charts

Release history

"Baby Mama" release history
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousMay 1, 2020
  • Brand Nu, Inc.
  • eOne
[13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandy Norwood</span> American singer (born 1979)

Brandy Rayana Norwood, better known mononymously as Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model. Her sound is characterized by heavy voice-layering and riffs. As of 2024, she has sold over 40 million records worldwide, with approximately 8.62 million albums sold in the United States. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award and an American Music Award.

<i>Brandy</i> (album) 1994 studio album by Brandy

Brandy is the debut studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on September 27, 1994, by Atlantic Records. Chiefly produced by Keith Crouch, the album contains a range of contemporary genres, including hip-hop, pop-soul, and R&B. Aside from Crouch, Norwood worked with a range of other writers and producers, including R&B group Somethin' for the People, Arvel McClinton, and Damon Thomas.

<i>Afrodisiac</i> (Brandy album) 2004 studio album by Brandy

Afrodisiac is the fourth studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on June 25, 2004, by Atlantic Records. The album was recorded primarily in Los Angeles between spring 2003 and early 2004, following several major changes in Brandy's personal and professional life. After giving birth to her daughter and the demise of her relationship with Big Bert, Brandy's team was given an overhaul, including changes in production, management, and A&R. The album marked a departure from her previous work, with Brandy collaborating with producer Timbaland and songwriter Candice Nelson on the majority of the album's composition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Is She 2 U</span> 2005 single by Brandy

"Who Is She 2 U" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood from her fourth studio album, Afrodisiac (2004). It was written by Candice Nelson, Walter Millsap III and Timbaland, and produced by the latter. The song is built around a sample of "Instant Love" (1977) by American singer Leon Ware. Due to the inclusion of the sample, he and Jacqueline Hilliard are also credited as songwriters. Based on true events, the song describes a woman who is suspicious about her mate's awkward behavior around a seemingly unfamiliar woman. The dramatic up-tempo incorporates piano keys, flutes, chamber pop string melodies and go-go drum programming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Full Moon (Brandy song)</span> 2002 single by Brandy

"Full Moon" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her third studio album of the same title (2002). A breakaway from Rodney Jerkins' dominating influence on the album, it was written and produced by Mike City, one of the few producers Norwood worked with on Full Moon apart from Jerkins and his production and songwriting crew. Described by Norwood as "ghetto", the track is an R&B and pop song with a simple, piano-led production. Lyrically, the song follows Norwood as she experiences love at first sight in a nightclub, whose circumstances she attributes to a full moon night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Top of the World (Brandy song)</span> 1998 single by Brandy

"Top of the World" is a song by American singer Brandy Norwood, from her second studio album, Never Say Never (1998). The song was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Isaac Phillips, Nycolia "Tye-V" Turman, and Mason Betha, with Darkchild and Norwood producing and Mase having featured vocals. Released as the album's second international single in 1998, the track peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 20 in Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand.

"Angel in Disguise" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her second studio album Never Say Never (1998). It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Traci Hale, and Tye-V Turman, and was produced by Jerkins along with Brandy. The song was recorded and mixed by audio engineer Dave Way at the Pacifique Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California and features prominent backing vocals by singer Joe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandy discography</span>

American singer Brandy Norwood entered the music business as a backing vocalist for R&B boy bands such as Immature, prior to launching her own career in 1994. Her discography, as a solo artist, includes eight studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play, 42 singles, 46 album appearances and 25 soundtrack appearances. Norwood has sold over 8.6 million albums in the United States, and more than 40 million records worldwide. Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist. In 1999, Billboard ranked Norwood among the top 20 of the Top Pop Artists of the 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sittin' Up in My Room</span> 1995 single by Brandy

"Sittin' Up in My Room" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written and produced by Babyface and recorded by Norwood for the soundtrack of the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett. The track was one out of five singles the album spawned and reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Norwood's most successful single on that particular chart up to that point. It is of note that the characteristic bass intro is a replica of the famous riff performed by bassist Larry Graham, of Sly and the Family Stone, on their hit "Thank You ", and its remix featuring LL Cool J contains a sample of "Haven't You Heard" by Patrice Rushen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby (Brandy song)</span> 1994 single by Brandy

"Baby" is a song by American R&B recording artist Brandy, taken from her debut studio album, Brandy (1994). It was penned by Keith Crouch, Kipper Jones, and Rahsaan Patterson and produced by the former. Released as the album's second single on December 24, 1994, in the United States, it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. It also reached number four in New Zealand, number 16 in Australia, and number 68 in Canada. The single sold 1,000,000 copies in 1995 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wanna Be Down</span> 1994 single by Brandy

"I Wanna Be Down" is the debut single of American recording artist Brandy from her self-titled debut album (1994). It was written by musicians Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, with production helmed by the former, it was released on September 5, 1994, by the Atlantic Recording Corporation. The song is a mid-tempo track that features a thunderous beat and light synth riffs. Lyrically, "I Wanna Be Down" describes a flirt with a boy, who Norwood tries to convince of her loveliness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Still Standing (Monica song)</span> 2008 promotional single by Monica featuring Ludacris

"Still Standing" is a song by American R&B singer Monica, written by Christopher Bridges, Adonis Shropshire, Bryan-Michael Cox and Monica for her sixth studio album, Still Standing (2010). Produced by Bryan-Michael Cox, it features guest vocals by her cousin and rapper Ludacris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandy videography</span> Videography about Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood, an American singer, songwriter and actress, has released various music videos. She first appeared in the music video for her debut single "I Wanna Be Down (1994). The Keith Ward-directed clip won the Billboard Music Award for Best New Clip, R&B/Urban. A second version, shot alongside female rappers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo for the Human Rhythm Hip Hop Remix of "I Wanna Be Down", earned Norwood her first MTV Video Music Award nomination in the Best Rap Video at the 1995 ceremony, and received Billboard Music Award and Billboard Music Video Award nods. Norwood's video for follow-up "Baby", a collaboration with director Hype Williams, garnered a Best Choreography nomination at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Other videos from the album included for the singles "Best Friend", and "Brokenhearted".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long Distance (song)</span> 2008 single by Brandy

"Long Distance" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jeff Bhasker, and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and was co-produced by Jerkins and Mars for her fifth studio album Human (2008) based on a demo by Mars. It appears as the seventh track on the album on which it is interluded by a telephone conversation between two lovers. The lyrics of the piano–led power ballad describe the protagonist's emotional state towards an ongoing long-distance relationship, which leaves her in depression.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Put It Down (Brandy song)</span> 2012 single by Brandy featuring Chris Brown

"Put It Down" is a song by American recording artist Brandy, featuring fellow R&B singer Chris Brown. Taken from her sixth studio album Two Eleven (2012), it was written and produced by Sean Garrett, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford and Dwayne "Dem Jointz" Abernathy along with Brown, telling the story of Norwood complimenting a prospective beau on his swag. The bass-heavy, R&B up-tempo track served as Norwood's first release under RCA Records, since signing to Chameleon Records under the label, and was released to US digital outlets on May 4, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildest Dreams (Brandy song)</span> 2012 single by Brandy

"Wildest Dreams" is a song recorded by American recording artist Brandy for her sixth studio album, Two Eleven (2012). It was written by Sean Garrett, Justin Henderson and Christopher Whitacre, with production helmed by Henderson and Whitacre under their production moniker Tha Bizness. "Wildest Dreams" is a mid-tempo R&B ballad which was inspired by R&B music from the 1990s and has lyrics which speak about the disbelief for finding love again. It was inspired by Norwood finding love with music executive Ryan Press. Garrett, who wrote nine songs for Two Eleven, noticed the Norwood and Press's connection and adapted the lyrics for "Wildest Dreams".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Again (Brandy and Daniel Caesar song)</span> 2019 song by Brandy & Daniel Caesar

"Love Again" is a song by American recording artist Brandy and Canadian recording artist Daniel Caesar from Caesar's second album Case Study 01 and Brandy's seventh album B7. It was released to streaming and digital outlets as a single on July 5, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freedom Rings</span> 2019 single by Brandy

For the objects, see Freedom Rings.

<i>B7</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Brandy

B7 is the seventh studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on July 31, 2020, through her own label Brand Nu, Inc. and eOne Music. Her first studio album since Two Eleven (2012), the album features production from Darhyl Camper, Jr. and LaShawn Daniels, among others. B7 is an R&B album exploring themes such as self-love, tumultuous romantic relationships, mental health and single motherhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borderline (Brandy song)</span> 2020 song by Brandy

"Borderline" is a song by American singer Brandy Norwood. It was written by Norwood along with Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert and Charles McAllister for her seventh studio album B7 (2020), with production handled by Norwood, Camper and LaShawn Daniels. Norwood's favorite song on the album, "Borderline" channels the song "Angel in Disguise" from her 1998 album Never Say Never. A dark and moody downtempo R&B ballad, it features Norwood voice over a ticking hi-hat. Lyrically, the song addresses borderline personality disorder at its emotional brink, examining the mental-health side effects of an unrequited love.

References

  1. 1 2 Murray, Robin (July 31, 2020). "Brandy – B7". Clash . Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  2. 1 2 B7 (booklet). Brandy. Brand Nu Inc, eOne. 2020.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. 1 2 3 4 Spanos, Brittany (May 4, 2020). "Brandy and Chance the Rapper Celebrate Mother's Day Early With 'Baby Mama'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Bloom, Madison (May 1, 2020). "Brandy Enlists Chance the Rapper for New Song "Baby Mama": Listen". Pitchfork . Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 "Exclusive: Brandy Talks Comeback Album, 'Moesha' Reboot, Biopic, & Much More!". thatgrapejuice.net. May 1, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  6. Aderoju, Darlene (May 6, 2020). "Brandy Teams with Chance the Rapper on 'Mother's Day Anthem' amid Pandemic and Talks Brother Ray J". People.com . Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  7. "Brandy Shares New Song "Baby Mama" Featuring Chance The Rapper". Okayplayer . May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  8. Ju, Shirley (September 10, 2020). "Brandy opens up about reuniting with Monica for Verzuz, breaking its records, and 'B7' album". revolt.net. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  9. Kearse, Stephen (August 5, 2020). "Brandy: B7". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  10. Murray, Robin (May 5, 2020). "R&B Queen Brandy Celebrates Motherhood On 'Baby Mama'". Clash . Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Haylock, Zoe (May 1, 2020). "'Baby Mama' Brandy and Wife Guy Chance the Rapper Drop a New Song". Vulture . Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  12. "Brandy Announces New Single 'Baby Mama' Featuring Chance The Rapper". thatgrapejuice.net. April 3, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Baby Mama (feat. Chance the Rapper) - Single by Brandy". iTunes Store . Apple Inc. May 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Brandy | Billboard Chart History (Adult R&B Airplay)". Billboard . Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  15. 1 2 "Brandy Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-05-05.
  16. 1 2 "Brandy – Chart History (R&B Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  17. "HITS Daily Double". Mediabase . Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  18. "Watch Brandy's "Baby Mama" video featuring Chance the Rapper". ABC News . May 4, 2020. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  19. "Brandy - Baby Mama (Behind The Scenes)". YouTube . May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  20. "Brandy – Baby Mama (June's Diary Outtake)". August 2, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2023 via YouTube.
  21. "Exclusive: Brandy's New Video "Baby Mama" Celebrates All The Mothers Holding It Down On Their Own". BET . May 4, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  22. "New Video: Brandy & Chance the Rapper – "Baby Mama"". thisisrnb.com. May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  23. Moorwood, Victoria (May 7, 2020). "Brandy announces 'B7' album". revolt.tv. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  24. "Brandy performs Baby Mama". YouTube .
  25. "Deutsche Urban Charts (Week: 2020/24)" (PDF). Trendcharts. Media Control. June 11, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  26. "Jahrescharts 2020 – Deutsche Urban Charts". Gfk Entertainment . Retrieved August 1, 2021 via trendcharts.de.
  27. "Adult R&B Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2021.