“If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez was her debut single, released in May 1999 as the lead single from Lopez’s album, “On the 6”, and it instantly catapulted her from actress to pop star. Written by Rodney Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels and Cory Rooney, and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the track is a sleek blend of R&B and pop, infused with the glossy, futuristic sound that defined late-’90s radio.
The song explores themes of trust, loyalty, and emotional boundaries in a new relationship. It’s about demanding honesty and respect before giving yourself fully to someone. There’s a calm confidence in the delivery—it’s vulnerable, but not weak.
Musically, the song features icy synths, a creeping bassline, and syncopated drum programming, all wrapped around a steady mid-tempo groove. Lopez’s vocals are soft and controlled, giving the track a polished feel that aligned well with the contemporary R&B scene of the time. The sound had clear influences from artists like Brandy and Aaliyah, and the production style was very much in the vein of what Darkchild was also doing with Destiny’s Child.
“If You Had My Love” was a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping charts in several other countries. It became one of the biggest hits of 1999 and launched Jennifer Lopez’s music career in a big way.
The accompanying music video, which played on the idea of voyeurism and virtual surveillance, also contributed to the song’s popularity—it was stylish, futuristic, and showcased Lopez as both a pop icon and sex symbol. It was directed by Paul Hunter, and nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards and five Billboard Music Awards.