Slow Jam Saturday: Rell, “If That’s My Baby”

In the nineties, Hip-Hop reigned supreme, and every label CEO wanted a share of the lucrative R&B market.  One strategy was to keep singers on their roster who could deliver catchy hooks, keeping everything in-house and saving money.  Bad Boy had Carl Thomas, Death Row had Danny Boy, and Roc-A-Fella had Rell, our featured artist for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.  Today, I’m highlighting his 2001 single, “If That’s My Baby.”

Rell got his big break with “Love for Free” from the 1998 soundtrack for “Streets Is Watching,” which featured Jay-Z.  During his time with Roc-A-Fella, Rell collaborated with notable artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Young Gunz.  He built momentum with singles like “When Will U See” and “Darlin’,” but neither track gained significant traction, so Rell had to rethink his approach.  Eventually, he returned with “If That’s My Baby.”

Written and produced by my Iota Phi Theta fraternity brother Mike City, “If That’s My Baby” has all the elements of an R&B classic.  City, known for his work with artists like Carl Thomas and Sunshine Anderson, provided Rell with smooth, guitar-driven production that perfectly complemented his soulful vocals.

What makes this song particularly noteworthy is its subject matter.  Instead of the typical love declarations or intimate promises, Rell addresses becoming a father after an unexpected pregnancy.  The song captures his struggle while expressing his readiness to accept responsibility if the child is his.

A man stepping up to care for his child shouldn’t earn a standing ovation; that’s simply what he should do.  However, Rell’s vulnerability, combined with Mike City’s production, makes this track stand out from the era’s usual R&B ballads.

Interestingly, Mike City later revealed that he wanted Roc-A-Fella to release another song he produced for Rell, “Say It Ain’t So,” as the lead single.  However, Jay-Z and Damon Dash chose to move forward with “If That’s My Baby.”

Despite the song’s promise, Rell never achieved the solo breakthrough many anticipated.  His long-delayed debut album, *The Remedy*, sat on the shelf for over two decades before finally arriving on streaming platforms in 2025.

Looking back, Rell is another example of a talented singer with the voice, the material, and the connections, but who couldn’t quite reach the next level.  It’s unfortunate because he had much more to offer than just singing hooks for the Roc-A-Fella roster.

That’s why I love doing Slow Jam Saturday.  It’s not always about revisiting the number-one hits everyone remembers; sometimes it’s about shining a light on artists and records that deserved more attention.

Final Grade: B+