Released: April 25, 2000

Label: LaFace

Genre: R&B, pop & dance-pop

Producer: Teddy Bishop, Bryan-Michael Cox, Keith Crouch, LaShawn Daniels, David Foster, Kevin Hicks, Phalon “Jazze Pha” Alexander, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Keri Lewis, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds & Daryl Simmons.

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Toni Braxton is one of the biggest success stories of the 1990s. Signed to the LaFace label, Braxton gave us some of the most defining ballads of that decade, including her signature record “Un-Break My Heart.” Toni’s second studio album “Secrets” sold 15 million records worldwide, making her one of the best selling artists of all time.

Toni’s follow up, “The Heat” was released April of 2000. The album goes away from Toni’s formula of ballads and goes for a more uptempo approach while still giving us the ballads we know and love.

This record embodies what the title entails cause living legend did THAT! The album went number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts and was certified two times platinum by the RIAA, and also sold four million copies worldwide.

Ladies & gentleman, I present to you: Toni Braxton’s “The Heat”

He Wasn’t Man Enough

Written by Rodney Jerkins. Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels & Harvey Mason Jr.

You WANT to kick your album off with a HIT. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” was a number one hit for Braxton and also won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song in 2001.

Released as the lead single, the song is about letting a woman know that the woman she is so in love with..wasn’t the one for the singer. A dance pop song with strong R&B influences, is considered to be one of Toni’s best selling hits and a highlight from the album.

The Heat

Written by Keri Lewis & Toni Braxton

The title track is flawless and gives me ultimate mellow summer vibes. I think the song has Toni singing about a romance where they have nothing but the weather, heat and each other.

Spanish Guitar

Written by Diane Warren

Another blazing ballad written by the legendary songwriter Diane Warren, the Latin R&B influenced Spanish Guitar is truly one of the best gems from this album. The song has Toni giving an attractive stranger the invitation to play her through the night like a “Spanish Guitar.”

Just Be A Man About It Featuring Dr. Dre

Written by Toni Braxton, Johntá Austin, Teddy Bishop & Bryan-Michael Cox.

If this song hasn’t hit home a couple of times in your life, I am judging you. Just Be a Man About It is a telephone breakup song, and where Toni is letting her man know he needs to show her that actions speak louder than words…and to be upfront and just let her know what it really is and not sneak around. Dr. Dre is the cheating boyfriend in the song and video. How accurate. 😬😅

The song is another highlight from the album, and was a top 10 hit for Braxton.

Gimme Some Featuring Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes.

Written by Phalon Alexander, Toni Braxton, Kenneth Edmonds & Lisa Lopes.

This uptempo record is one of the most amazing songs to jam to in the summer time! It features the late and great Left-Eye, who was Toni’s label mate at LaFace. The song is not that subtle and speaks about fellatio from a male lover.

I’m Still Breathing

Written by Diane Warren

Another ballad written by Warren, is the album’s greatest treasure.

Fairy Tale

Written by Marc Harris, Tommy Sims & Kenneth Edmonds

Fairy Tale is an amazing tale of friends who journey down the road of pursuing a romantic relationship! 🙌🏾

The Art of Love

Written by Toni Braxton & Keri Lewis

This is a sexy song. It is instrumental record with Toni giving us vocals chile. Definitely add to your bedroom list.

Speaking In Tongues

Written by Toni Braxton

Speaking In Tongues is one of my favorite Toni songs..

Maybe

Written by Toni Braxton, Keith Crouch, John Smith, Mechallie Jamison & Samuel Gause.

Maybe is a bop! It was the last single released from the album, and one of the remixes from the album peaked in the top 20 on the dance charts.

You’ve Been Wrong

Written by Toni Braxton, Brian Casey, Brandon Casey, Bishop Kevin Hicks, Thom Bell & Linda Creed

A song that has Toni telling her lover that their love affair is over, and she’s over the way he’s treating her. The song samples Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) by The Stylistics.

Never Just for a Ring

Written by Daryl Simmons, Toni Braxton & Pure Soul.

The album ends with a perfect heartbreaking ballad from our favorite songstress. I felt every lyric on this one cause men ain’t shit! Lol

Toni Braxton is a living legend who truly deserves all of her flowers. She recently released a new album this year titled “Spell My Name,” and is still heating up the charts 30 years into her career. The Hear is a timeless album that stands the test of time. -MJ