"Baby I" has also been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Internationally, the recording placed in number 67 in Australia, 57 in Canada, and 39 in the Netherlands, while reaching number six in Japan, becoming Grande's first top 10 single in this region and earning a Gold certification in Japan by the RIAJ. The single also earned a top twenty peak on the US Dance Club Songs and charted within the top thirty of the Rhythmic chart. Commercially, it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at its peak position of number 21 mainly due to the strong digital sales, 141,000 copies, during its first week of availability, and stayed in the charts for four non-consecutive weeks. The song was serviced to contemporary hit radio in the United States on August 8, 2013. The song was well received by music critics who complimented the song's "throwback" sound while others praised Grande's vocals comparing to singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. Lyrically, the song is about not being able to fully express your feelings towards someone you love. It also contains an uptempo '90s-inspired beat. "Baby I" is a pop and R&B song with drums, horns and a syncopated beat. The song was initially written with Beyoncé in mind, but she rejected it. The song was released by Republic Records on July 22, 2013, as the second single from the album. Que" Smith and produced by the first two. It was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio Dixon and Patrick "J. " Baby I" is a song recorded by American singer Ariana Grande for her debut studio album, Yours Truly (2013).