“Baby Boy,” by Beyoncé featuring Sean Paul, ranks at No. 96 on the Top Hot 100 Songs of the 21st Century, making it the only song featuring a Jamaican artist to earn a spot on the list.
The track released August 3, 2003, was certified 2x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 17, 2024 signifying over two million units sold in the United States.
The dancehall – R&B song was the second single from Beyoncé’s debut solo album Dangerously in Love co-written by Beyoncé, Sean Paul, Scott Storch and Jay-Z . It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, Beyoncé’s longest-running number-one hit at the time. It also charted in the top ten worldwide and was certified Platinum in the U.K. (600,000) and 3x Platinum in Australia (210,000).
The music video, directed by Jake Nava, and shot in Miami, highlights Sean and Beyoncé’s dynamic dance performances. A copyright lawsuit was filed by Jennifer Armour in 2005, claiming similarities to her song, the case was dismissed in 2006.
“Baby Boy” earned multiple accolades, including recognition at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and remains a staple in Beyoncé’s live performances. It also contributed to the multi-platinum success of Dangerously in Love.
Rolling Stone magazine placed the dancehall-infused anthem at No. 34 on Beyoncé’s 70 Greatest Songs, lauding its global influence and infectious energy. The magazine detailed how “Baby Boy” came to life as a follow-up to Beyoncé’s breakout solo hit, “Crazy in Love.” Beyoncé enlisted Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul, who recorded his vocals in Miami after receiving a demo track that featured its reggae-raga rhythm.
The song’s Caribbean flair was enhanced by its interpolation of the Billboard No. 1 hit “Here Comes the Hotstepper” by Jamaican reggae legend Ini Kamoze.
About the collaboration in an interview with The Daily Beast, Sean Paul recalled being eager to work with Beyoncé during her transition from Destiny’s Child to solo superstardom.
“She had a few hits with Destiny’s Child, and they would do the Caribbean, but we didn’t really hang out. I’d always admired her music and she’s beautiful,” Paul shared. “So, when I heard Beyoncé was stepping out on her own and wanted me to do a single, I was like, ‘Hell f***ing yeah.’”
Reflecting on the track’s unexpected dancehall influence, Paul said, “I thought it was going to be R&B, but it ended up being dancehall, so that made me go off. That was a bangin’ track, man.”
