"Baby" is the third single from American R&B singer Ashanti's self-titled debut album (2002). Written by Ashanti, Chink Santana, Irv Gotti, and 7 Aurelius, the song was released as the album's third and final single on September 9, 2002. "Baby" contains an interpolation of Scarface's "Mary Jane", which was also co-produced by 7 Aurelius, so Scarface and Mike Dean are credited as writers. A remix of the song features Scarface.
"Baby" reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, becoming Ashanti's fifth top-10 entry on the latter chart. Internationally, the song charted at numbers 48 and 89 in the Netherlands and Germany, respectively.
Music video The music video features actress Nia Long. It is directed by CEO and founder of Murder Inc., Irv Gotti. A video was also made for a remix that features Crooked I.
Track listings US 12-inch single A1. "Baby" (remix featuring Crooked I—clean) A2. "Baby" (remix featuring Crooked I—clean without rap) A3. "Baby" (remix featuring Crooked I—instrumental) B1. "Baby" (remix featuring Scarface—clean) B2. "Baby" (remix featuring Scarface—instrumental)
European CD1 "Baby" (radio edit) "Baby" (remix with Scarface)
European CD2 "Baby" (radio edit) "Baby" (album version) "Baby" (remix with Scarface) "Baby" (video)
Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the European CD1 liner notes.
Studios Recorded at Crackhouse Studios (New York City) Mixed at Right Track Studios (New York City)
Personnel
Ashanti – writing (as Ashanti Douglas), vocals Chink Santana – writing (as Andre Parker), all instruments, production Irv Gotti – writing (as Irving Lorenzo), production, mixing 7 Aurelius – writing, co-production, additional programming Mike Dean – "Mary Jane" writing Scarface – "Mary Jane" writing (as Brad Jordan) Milwaukee Buck – recording Charles "Chee" Heath – recording assistant Supa Engineer DURO – mixing
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2002) Peakposition Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) 6
Year-end charts Chart (2002) Position US Billboard Hot 100 81 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard) 32 US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard) 68
References