Baby Mama (Brandy song)

Brand Nu, Inc.

Company type	Record label
Industry	Music
Founded	2020
Founder	Brandy Norwood
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Products	Music recordings and releases
Owner	Brandy Norwood

Baby Mama is a track by American vocalist Brandy featuring hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper. The song was co-written by Norwood, Chance, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk for her seventh studio project, B7 (2020). Production credits include Hit Boy, Norwood herself, and LaShawn Daniels. This contemporary R&B composition is driven by a bass-rich, horn-infused instrumental and functions as a tribute to single mothers, particularly reflecting Norwood’s affection for her daughter Sy'rai.

Issued as the lead single from the album on May 1, 2020, via Norwood’s label Brand Nu, Inc. alongside eOne Music, "Baby Mama" garnered favorable critiques for its empowering lyrics and dynamic sound. It reached number 27 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and secured top ten positions on both Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart and Germany’s Deutsche Urban Charts. The accompanying music video was helmed by directors Derek Blanks and longtime collaborator Frank Gatson Jr..

Background

The creation of "Baby Mama" involved Norwood, Chance the Rapper, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk as writers, with production handled by Hit-Boy, Norwood, and LaShawn Daniels for the album B7. The track was completed towards the end of the album’s development. Norwood invited Chance to participate after he approached her about sampling her 1994 hit "I Wanna Be Down" on his 2019 project The Big Day. She commended Chance’s input, emphasizing his family-centered viewpoint and lyrical prowess.

Lyrically, the song conveys Norwood’s deep love for her daughter Sy’rai layered over a horn-heavy arrangement while paying homage to diligent single mothers. It also serves as a celebration of Norwood’s own strength and self-reliance. She characterized it as a Mother’s Day anthem designed to uplift mothers facing difficulties, motivating them to draw inspiration from their children. On May 2, 2020, singer Kehlani disclosed on Twitter that an unreleased version featuring her vocals exists.

Critical reception

Critics largely praised "Baby Mama." Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone described it as "joyful from the jump," while Stephen Kearse of Pitchfork highlighted its "colorful and springy arrangements," noting Hit-Boy’s lively horn loop that sustains energy even when percussion fades. Robin Murray of Clash termed it a "fierce return" and an "ultra-catchy slice of R&B," calling it "itchily infectious." Zoe Haylock, news editor at Vulture, identified "Baby Mama" as a timely anthem for Mother’s Day celebrations honoring maternal figures.

Chart performance

Initially announced as the lead single from B7 during an appearance on the American talk show The Talk in March 2020, "Baby Mama" experienced a release postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was eventually issued digitally on May 1, 2020. The track entered the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart at number 23 and climbed to number seven by July 20, 2020—marking Brandy’s first lead artist charting since 2012’s "Wildest Dreams." Additionally, it attained number 27 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaked at number ten on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales chart, representing Norwood’s fifth appearance there. In June 2020, it also reached number 44 on the US Urban Airplay chart.

Background and release

The "Baby Mama" music video was co-directed by Derek Blanks alongside Frank Gatson Jr., a frequent collaborator of Norwood who previously directed her videos such as "I Wanna Be Down" (1994) and "Put It Down" (2012). Production took place at Fat Eye Studios in Los Angeles during the last week of January 2020, prior to the implementation of COVID-19 social distancing protocols. The girl group June's Diary appears as supporting dancers in the video. It premiered on BET on May 4, 2020, followed shortly by its online release.

Synopsis

Drawing inspiration from Fosse-inspired choreography and the 1969 musical film Sweet Charity, especially the iconic "The Rhythm of Life" number performed by Sammy Davis Jr., the video showcases Norwood and a troupe of dancers within a warehouse setting adorned with vintage automobiles. Norwood dons vibrant suits while executing a fusion of modern jazz and hip-hop dance movements. Chance the Rapper is featured interacting with Norwood, seated in an orange two-seater car. Vulture praised the visual for its depiction of Norwood alongside numerous friends dancing outdoors.

Live performances

Norwood gave the first live rendition of "Baby Mama" on Good Morning America as part of their 2020 Spring Concert Series, streaming from her home due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Additionally, she performed the track on The Talk on May 12, 2020.

Credits and personnel

Adapted from the liner notes of B7.

• Andy Barnes – engineering
• Chancelor Bennett (Chance the Rapper) – vocals, songwriting
• LaShawn Daniels – production
• Antonio Dixon – engineering
• Chauncey Alexander "Hit-Boy" Hollis – production, songwriting
• Jaycen Joshua – mixing, mastering

• Akil King – songwriting
• Kimberley Krysiuk – songwriting
• Brandy Norwood – production, vocals, songwriting
• Sy'rai Smith – background vocals, songwriting
• Earl "Ejay" Washington – engineering

Weekly charts

Template:Single chart

Weekly chart rankings for "Baby Mama"

Chart (2020)	Peak position
Germany (Deutsche Urban Charts)	9
US R&B Digital Song Sales (Billboard)	10

Year-end charts

Year-end chart rankings for "Baby Mama"

Chart (2020)	Position
Germany (Deutsche Urban Charts)	80
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)	33

Release history

"Baby Mama" distribution timeline

Territory	Launch date	Medium	Record label	Reference
Multiple regions	1 May 2020	Streaming, digital download	Brand Nu, Inc., eOne