The song was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio Dixon and Patrick "J. Que" Smith.
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.
The song also contains an uptempo '90s-inspired beat.