"Baby I" is a song recorded by American singer Ariana Grande for her debut studio album Yours Truly (2013). It was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio Dixon and Patrick "J. Que" Smith and produced by the first two. The song was released by Republic Records on July 22, 2013, as the second single from the album. The song was initially written with the singer Beyoncé in mind, but she rejected it. "Baby I" is an R&B and pop song with drums, horns and a syncopated beat. It also contains an uptempo '90s-inspired beat. Lyrically, the song is about not being able to fully express your feelings towards someone you love. The song was well received by music critics who complimented the song's "throwback" sound while others praised Grande's vocals comparing to the singer Mariah Carey.