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| recorded = January–February 2000 | recorded = January–February 2000
| studio = ] (]) | studio = ] (])
| genre = {{hlist|]|]}} | genre = ]
| length = 4:21 | length = 4:21
| label = * ] | label = * ]
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"'''He Wasn't Man Enough'''" is a song by American singer ]. It was written by ], ], ], and ] for her third studio album, '']'' (2000), while production was helmed by the former. "He Wasn't Man Enough" is an uptempo R&B song that differs from Braxton's previous ]. The song was released by ] on February 29, 2000, as the ] from the album. "'''He Wasn't Man Enough'''" is a song by American singer ]. It was written by ], ], ], and ] for her third studio album, '']'' (2000), while production was helmed by the former. "He Wasn't Man Enough" is an uptempo R&B song that differs from Braxton's previous ]. The song was released by ] on February 29, 2000, as the ] from the album.


The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised it as one of Braxton's best works.<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Stephen |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r473144/review |title=The Heat - Toni Braxton |publisher=AllMusic |date=April 25, 2000 |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref> "He Wasn't Man Enough" had international success and became one of Braxton's signature songs, peaking at number two on the ], where the single stood for several weeks, and number one on the ] for four weeks. As of 2023, this song is her last top 10 appearance on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. An accompanying ] was released for the single. The song earned Braxton her fourth ] and was nominated for ] in ]. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised it as one of Braxton's best works.<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Stephen |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r473144/review |title=The Heat - Toni Braxton |publisher=AllMusic |date=April 25, 2000 |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref> "He Wasn't Man Enough" had international success and became one of Braxton's signature songs, peaking at number two on the ], where the single stood for several weeks, and number one on the ] for four weeks. As of 2024, this song is her last solo top 10 appearance on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. An accompanying ] was released for the single. The song earned Braxton her fourth ] and was nominated for ] in ]. In 2022, Nigerian singer ] sampled the song's instrumental introduction for his hit song "]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/burna-boy-last-last-single-1352668/|title=Burna Boy Samples Toni Braxton on New Single 'Last Last'|magazine=]|last=Zemler|first=Emily|date=13 May 2022|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref>


==Background and composition== ==Background and composition==
"He Wasn't Man Enough" was released as the lead single from ]'s third studio album, '']''. The song was written by ], ], ], and ], while it was produced by Jerkins. The song was recorded in the United States during the production of Braxton's third studio album, between January and February 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,84941,00.html | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | first=Tom | last=Sinclair | title='Heat' Seeker | date=January 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,84901,00.html | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | first=Craig | last=Seymour | title=Nasty Girl | date=January 5, 2000}}</ref> During its production, L.A. Reid said "It's very strong, and very personal to her".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Sinclair|first1=Tom |title=The latest on Toni Braxton's new album|url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/24/latest-toni-braxtons-new-album/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=August 11, 2017|date=January 24, 2000}}</ref> "He Wasn't Man Enough" was released as the lead single from ]'s third studio album, '']''. The song was written by ], ], ], and ], while it was produced by Jerkins. The song was recorded in the United States during the production of Braxton's third studio album, between January and February 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/24/latest-toni-braxtons-new-album/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | first=Tom | last=Sinclair | title='Heat' Seeker | date=January 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/05/britney-spears-plots-janet-jackson-move/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | first=Craig | last=Seymour | title=Nasty Girl | date=January 5, 2000}}</ref> During its production, L.A. Reid said "It's very strong, and very personal to her".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Sinclair|first1=Tom |title=The latest on Toni Braxton's new album|url=https://ew.com/article/2000/01/24/latest-toni-braxtons-new-album/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=August 11, 2017|date=January 24, 2000}}</ref>


All instruments on "He Wasn't Man Enough" are played by Jerkins and the background vocals are sung by Braxton, Nora Payne, Sharlotte Gibson, and Jerkins.<ref name="heatnotes">{{cite AV media notes|title=The Heat|title-link=The Heat (Toni Braxton album)|others=]|year=2000|type=US CD album booklet|publisher=], ]|id=73008-26069-2}}</ref> The song was recorded in a key signature of ]. ] praised Braxton, saying "the track seems to be an attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market."<ref name="popmatters1">{{cite web|last=Ross |first=Colin |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/braxtontoni-heat |title=Toni Braxton: The Heat < PopMatters |publisher=Popmatters.com |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref> All instruments on "He Wasn't Man Enough" are played by Jerkins and the background vocals are sung by Braxton, Nora Payne, Sharlotte Gibson, and Jerkins.<ref name="heatnotes">{{cite AV media notes|title=The Heat|title-link=The Heat (Toni Braxton album)|others=]|year=2000|type=US CD album booklet|publisher=], ]|id=73008-26069-2}}</ref> The song was recorded in a key signature of ]. ] praised Braxton, saying "the track seems to be an attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market."<ref name="popmatters1">{{cite web|last=Ross |first=Colin |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/braxtontoni-heat |title=Toni Braxton: The Heat < PopMatters |publisher=Popmatters.com |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref>
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==Critical reception== ==Critical reception==
"He Wasn't Man Enough" was widely acclaimed by contemporary music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from ] highlighted the track along with "Gimme Some" as having a "skimmering beat".<ref name="allmusic1"/> David Browne from '']'' gave it a positive review, certificating it with a B rating. He said "From producer Rodney Jerkins' cushiony pulse to its premise (one woman warning another about her ex-beau), the amenable single "He Wasn't Man Enough" sounds mightily familiar. But it's still no "Scrubs", largely thanks to Braxton's husky, mumbly delivery."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275809,00.html | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | title=Music Review: He Wasn't Man Enough, by Toni Braxton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212080054/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,276094,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref> '']'' gave it a positive review, saying that for the track, "Braxton can probably claim the best set of tonsils in soul-pop".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/toni-braxton/3164 |title=NME Track Reviews - He Wasn't Man Enough |publisher=Nme.Com |date=April 1, 2000 |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref> "He Wasn't Man Enough" was widely acclaimed by contemporary music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from ] highlighted the track along with "Gimme Some" as having a "skimmering beat".<ref name="allmusic1"/> David Browne from '']'' gave it a positive review, certificating it with a B rating. He said "From producer Rodney Jerkins' cushiony pulse to its premise (one woman warning another about her ex-beau), the amenable single "He Wasn't Man Enough" sounds mightily familiar. But it's still no "Scrubs", largely thanks to Braxton's husky, mumbly delivery."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://ew.com/article/2000/03/31/he-wasnt-man-enough/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | title=Music Review: He Wasn't Man Enough, by Toni Braxton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212080054/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,276094,00.html|url-status=live|archive-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref> '']'' gave it a positive review, saying that for the track, "Braxton can probably claim the best set of tonsils in soul-pop".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/toni-braxton/3164 |title=NME Track Reviews - He Wasn't Man Enough |publisher=Nme.Com |date=April 1, 2000 |access-date=February 20, 2012}}</ref>


==Chart performance== ==Chart performance==
"He Wasn't Man Enough" peaked at number two on the ] the week of May 6, 2000, becoming Braxton's sixth and last top-10 single. The song spent 37 weeks on the chart. The song also peaked at number one on the ] for four weeks. The song debuted at number five on the ] on its issue date of April 29, 2000. The song debuted at number six on the ] and peaked at number five in that country. The song debuted at number 36 on the ] and later rose to number five after seven weeks on the charts. The song received ] by the ] (RIANZ), selling over 15,000 copies there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1230&chartKind=S |title=The Official New Zealand Music Chart |publisher=Rianz.org.nz |access-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422181624/http://rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1230&chartKind=S |archive-date=April 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The song debuted at number 99 on the ] before falling out, then re-entering at number 74 on the charts and eventually peaked at number fifteen, becoming the biggest jump of the issue date of July 1, 2000. The song debuted at number 21 on the ], peaked at number five and stayed on the charts for seventeen weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toni Braxton - He Wasn't Man Enough |url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Toni+Braxton&titel=He+Wasn%27t+Man+Enough&cat=s|website=Dutch Charts|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> "He Wasn't Man Enough" peaked at number two on the ] the week of May 6, 2000, becoming Braxton's sixth and last top-10 single. It was blocked from the top spot by "]" by ] featuring ]. The song spent 37 weeks on the chart. The song also peaked at number one on the ] for four weeks. The song debuted at number five on the ] on its issue date of April 29, 2000. The song debuted at number six on the ] and peaked at number five in that country. The song debuted at number 36 on the ] and later rose to number five after seven weeks on the charts. The song received ] by the ] (RIANZ), selling over 15,000 copies there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1230&chartKind=S |title=The Official New Zealand Music Chart |publisher=Rianz.org.nz |access-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422181624/http://rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1230&chartKind=S |archive-date=April 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The song debuted at number 99 on the ] before falling out, then re-entering at number 74 on the charts and eventually peaked at number fifteen, becoming the biggest jump of the issue date of July 1, 2000. The song debuted at number 21 on the ], peaked at number five and stayed on the charts for seventeen weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toni Braxton - He Wasn't Man Enough |url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Toni+Braxton&titel=He+Wasn%27t+Man+Enough&cat=s|website=Dutch Charts|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref>


==Music video== ==Music video==
The music video, directed by ] from February 25–26, 2000,<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite news |last1=Fink |first1=Mitchell |last2=Rubin |first2=Lauren |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-02-29/gossip/18133933_1_bmg-michael-dornemann-clive-davis |work=] |title=Actor Has Too Familiar A Ring For Robin Givens |date=February 29, 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815042450/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-02-29/gossip/18133933_1_bmg-michael-dornemann-clive-davis |archive-date=August 15, 2011}}</ref> begins with Braxton as an animated ] who unzips her shirt to ward off villains. Next, she is shown dancing in a red cylinder-like hallway. The shot turns to a club where her ex (portrayed by Braxton's former husband Keri Lewis of R&B group ]) and his current wife (portrayed by ]) walk in. Givens looks Braxton up and down and flashes her ] at her. Braxton scoffs because she had had him first and knows of his infidelity. The music video, directed by ] from February 25–26, 2000,<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite news |last1=Fink |first1=Mitchell |last2=Rubin |first2=Lauren |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-02-29/gossip/18133933_1_bmg-michael-dornemann-clive-davis |work=] |title=Actor Has Too Familiar A Ring For Robin Givens |date=February 29, 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815042450/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-02-29/gossip/18133933_1_bmg-michael-dornemann-clive-davis |archive-date=August 15, 2011}}</ref> begins with Braxton as an animated ] who unzips her shirt to ward off villains. Next, she is shown dancing in a red cylinder-like hallway. The shot turns to a club where her ex (portrayed by Braxton's former husband Keri Lewis of R&B group ]) and his current wife (portrayed by ]) walk in. Givens looks Braxton up and down and flashes her ] at her. Braxton scoffs as she knows of his infidelity.


The video flashes between Braxton dancing in the hallway and the club scene. At one point, the two women are in the club's bathroom, and Braxton informs the new wife why she dumped her husband. They set up an act, wherein Braxton goes into a private room with him and gets him to drop his pants; all the while he is on camera, and everyone at the club, including his current wife, is watching. At the end, Givens busts in and throws the ring at him, and the two women give each other a high five. The video flashes between Braxton dancing in the hallway and the club scene. At one point, the two women are in the club's bathroom, and Braxton informs the new wife why she dumped her husband. They set up an act, wherein Braxton goes into a private room with him and gets him to drop his pants; all the while he is on camera, and everyone at the club, including his current wife, is watching. At the end, Givens busts in and throws the ring at him, and the two women give each other a high five.
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{{single chart|Norway|13|artist=Toni Braxton|song=He Wasn't Man Enough|rowheader=true}} {{single chart|Norway|13|artist=Toni Braxton|song=He Wasn't Man Enough|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Poland ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2000/MM-2000-05-27.pdf|title=Major Market Airplay – Week 22/2000|magazine=]|volume=17|issue=22|page=27|date=May 27, 2000|access-date=January 17, 2024}}</ref>
|1
|- |-
!scope="row"|Poland (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsenmusiccontrol.com/index_pol|title=Nielsen Music Control|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512114805/http://www.pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/number1_2000.html|archive-date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> !scope="row"|Poland (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsenmusiccontrol.com/index_pol|title=Nielsen Music Control|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512114805/http://www.pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/number1_2000.html|archive-date=May 12, 2007}}</ref>
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|42 |42
|- |-
!scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=4107|title=End of Year Charts 2000|publisher=]|access-date=June 7, 2020}}</ref> !scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/2000-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 2000|publisher=]|access-date=June 7, 2020}}</ref>
|9 |9
|- |-
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|80 |80
|- |-
!scope="row"|UK Urban ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-01-13.pdf |title=Top 40 Urban Tracks Of 2000|magazine=]|page=20|date=January 13, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref> !scope="row"|UK Urban ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-01-13.pdf|title=Top 40 Urban Tracks of 2000|magazine=]|page=20|date=January 13, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
|5 |5
|- |-
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|10 |10
|- |-
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2000/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2000|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> !scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 2000: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=112|issue=53|page=YE-54|date=December 30, 2000}}</ref>
|16 |16
|-
!scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2000|magazine=]|volume=8|issue=51|page=54|date=December 22, 2000}}</ref>
|29
|-
!scope="row"|US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2000|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=8|issue=51|page=56|date=December 22, 2000}}</ref>
|29
|} |}
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2000}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2000}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2000}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2000}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough |type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2000|relmonth=03|id=1098}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough |type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2000|id=2000-10-06|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|relmonth=03}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2021|id=12549-243-1|access-date=September 17, 2021}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2021|id=12549-243-1|access-date=September 17, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2000|salesamount=600,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ghMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|title=Best-Selling Records of 2000|magazine=Billboard|publisher=BPI Communications Inc.|volume=113|number=6|page=64|date=February 10, 2001|access-date=June 5, 2015|issn=0006-2510}}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Toni Braxton|title=He Wasn't Man Enough|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2000|certyear=2000|salesamount=600,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ghMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|title=Best-Selling Records of 2000|magazine=Billboard|publisher=BPI Communications Inc.|volume=113|number=6|page=64|date=February 10, 2001|access-date=June 5, 2015|issn=0006-2510}}</ref>}}
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|] |]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2000/RR-2000-03-31.pdf|title=CHR/Pop: Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1344|page=37|date=March 21, 2000}}</ref> |align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2000/RR-2000-03-31.pdf|title=CHR/Pop: Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1344|page=37|date=March 21, 2000}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Sweden
|April 10, 2000
|CD
⚫ |rowspan="3"|{{hlist|LaFace|Arista|]}}
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.click2music.se/product.asp?prd=687&art=61|title=Toni Braxton: He Wasn't Man Enough|website=click2music.se|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020423093926/http://www.click2music.se/product.asp?prd=687&art=61|archive-date=April 23, 2002|access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref>
|- |-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom !scope="row"|United Kingdom
|April 17, 2000 |April 17, 2000
|{{hlist|CD|cassette}} |{{hlist|CD|cassette}}
⚫ |rowspan="2"|{{hlist|LaFace|Arista|]}}
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2000/Music-Week-2000-04-15.pdf|title=New Releases – For Week Starting April 17, 2000: Singles|magazine=]|page=22|date=April 15, 2000|access-date=August 2, 2021}}</ref> |align="center"|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2000/Music-Week-2000-04-15.pdf|title=New Releases – For Week Starting April 17, 2000: Singles|magazine=]|page=22|date=April 15, 2000|access-date=August 2, 2021}}</ref>
|- |-

Latest revision as of 22:07, 21 November 2024

2000 single by Toni Braxton

"He Wasn't Man Enough"
Single by Toni Braxton
from the album The Heat
ReleasedFebruary 29, 2000 (2000-02-29)
RecordedJanuary–February 2000
StudioLarrabee North (Universal City, California)
GenreR&B
Length4:21
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins
Toni Braxton singles chronology
"How Could an Angel Break My Heart"
(1997) 		"He Wasn't Man Enough"
(2000) 		"Just Be a Man About It"
(2000)
Music video
"He Wasn't Man Enough" on YouTube

"He Wasn't Man Enough" is a song by American singer Toni Braxton. It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason, Jr. for her third studio album, The Heat (2000), while production was helmed by the former. "He Wasn't Man Enough" is an uptempo R&B song that differs from Braxton's previous ballads. The song was released by LaFace Records on February 29, 2000, as the lead single from the album.

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised it as one of Braxton's best works. "He Wasn't Man Enough" had international success and became one of Braxton's signature songs, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, where the single stood for several weeks, and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for four weeks. As of 2024, this song is her last solo top 10 appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video was released for the single. The song earned Braxton her fourth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and was nominated for Best R&B Song in 2001. In 2022, Nigerian singer Burna Boy sampled the song's instrumental introduction for his hit song "Last Last".

Background and composition

"He Wasn't Man Enough" was released as the lead single from Toni Braxton's third studio album, The Heat. The song was written by Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason, Jr., while it was produced by Jerkins. The song was recorded in the United States during the production of Braxton's third studio album, between January and February 2000. During its production, L.A. Reid said "It's very strong, and very personal to her".

All instruments on "He Wasn't Man Enough" are played by Jerkins and the background vocals are sung by Braxton, Nora Payne, Sharlotte Gibson, and Jerkins. The song was recorded in a key signature of E minor. Popmatters praised Braxton, saying "the track seems to be an attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market."

The song earned Braxton her sixth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. According to Billboard.com, this song is her last Top 10 appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 to date.

Critical reception

"He Wasn't Man Enough" was widely acclaimed by contemporary music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic highlighted the track along with "Gimme Some" as having a "skimmering beat". David Browne from Entertainment Weekly gave it a positive review, certificating it with a B rating. He said "From producer Rodney Jerkins' cushiony pulse to its premise (one woman warning another about her ex-beau), the amenable single "He Wasn't Man Enough" sounds mightily familiar. But it's still no "Scrubs", largely thanks to Braxton's husky, mumbly delivery." NME gave it a positive review, saying that for the track, "Braxton can probably claim the best set of tonsils in soul-pop".

Chart performance

"He Wasn't Man Enough" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of May 6, 2000, becoming Braxton's sixth and last top-10 single. It was blocked from the top spot by "Maria Maria" by Santana featuring the Product G&B. The song spent 37 weeks on the chart. The song also peaked at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for four weeks. The song debuted at number five on the UK Singles Chart on its issue date of April 29, 2000. The song debuted at number six on the Australian Singles Chart and peaked at number five in that country. The song debuted at number 36 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and later rose to number five after seven weeks on the charts. The song received platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), selling over 15,000 copies there. The song debuted at number 99 on the French Singles Chart before falling out, then re-entering at number 74 on the charts and eventually peaked at number fifteen, becoming the biggest jump of the issue date of July 1, 2000. The song debuted at number 21 on the Single Top 100, peaked at number five and stayed on the charts for seventeen weeks.

Music video

The music video, directed by Bille Woodruff from February 25–26, 2000, begins with Braxton as an animated superhero who unzips her shirt to ward off villains. Next, she is shown dancing in a red cylinder-like hallway. The shot turns to a club where her ex (portrayed by Braxton's former husband Keri Lewis of R&B group Mint Condition) and his current wife (portrayed by Robin Givens) walk in. Givens looks Braxton up and down and flashes her wedding ring at her. Braxton scoffs as she knows of his infidelity.

The video flashes between Braxton dancing in the hallway and the club scene. At one point, the two women are in the club's bathroom, and Braxton informs the new wife why she dumped her husband. They set up an act, wherein Braxton goes into a private room with him and gets him to drop his pants; all the while he is on camera, and everyone at the club, including his current wife, is watching. At the end, Givens busts in and throws the ring at him, and the two women give each other a high five.

The video also features cameo appearances by Rodney Chester and Braxton's sister Tamar. Originally cast to play the husband, actor Michael Jai White ended up dropping out before the video shoot because Givens allegedly took issue with White resembling her former husband Mike Tyson, whom White played in the HBO film Tyson five years earlier. He would appear in the video for Braxton's "Hands Tied" a decade later.

Track listings

US CD and cassette single

  1. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (album version) – 4:21
  2. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (instrumental) – 4:19

US and Japanese DVD single

  1. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (video)
  2. "Un-Break My Heart" (video)
  3. Special feature: Interview with Toni

European CD single

  1. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (radio edit) – 3:58
  2. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (extended version) – 5:35

UK and Australian CD single

  1. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (radio edit) – 3:58
  2. "You're Makin' Me High" (classic edit) – 3:45
  3. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (extended version) – 5:35
  4. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (video version) – 4:38

UK cassette single

  1. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (radio edit) – 3:58
  2. "You're Makin' Me High" (classic edit) – 3:45
  3. "He Wasn't Man Enough" (extended version) – 5:35

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from The Heat album booklet.

Studios

Personnel

  • Rodney Jerkins – writing, background vocals, all instruments, production, arrangement, mixing
  • Fred Jerkins III – writing, arrangement
  • LaShawn Daniels – writing, vocal production, arrangement
  • Harvey Mason, Jr. – writing, recording, Pro Tools
  • Toni Braxton – vocals, background vocals
  • Nora Payne – background vocals
  • Sharlotte Gibson – background vocals
  • Steve Baughman – recording assistant
  • Dexter Simmons – mixing
  • Tyson Leeper – mixing assistant
  • Roger Lopez – mixing assistant
  • Herb Powers – mastering

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2000) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) 5
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 14
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) 8
Canada Top Singles (RPM) 2
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM) 27
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM) 1
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) 1
Croatia (HRT) 1
Denmark (IFPI) 5
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles) 5
France (SNEP) 14
Germany (GfK) 20
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40) 5
Ireland (IRMA) 12
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 4
Netherlands (Single Top 100) 5
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 5
Norway (VG-lista) 13
Poland (Music & Media) 1
Poland (Polish Airplay Charts) 1
Romania (Romanian Top 100) 5
Scotland (OCC) 20
Spain (PROMUSICAE) 6
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) 10
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 7
UK Singles (OCC) 5
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) 3
US Billboard Hot 100 2
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) 16
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 1
US Pop Airplay (Billboard) 7
US Rhythmic (Billboard) 10

Year-end charts

Chart (2000) Position
Australia (ARIA) 72
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 62
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) 22
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles) 44
France (SNEP) 83
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40) 15
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 25
Netherlands (Single Top 100) 42
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 9
Romania (Romanian Top 100) 42
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) 99
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 33
UK Singles (OCC) 80
UK Urban (Music Week) 5
US Billboard Hot 100 10
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard) 16
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard) 29
US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard) 29
Chart (2001) Position
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan) 91

Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) Gold 35,000
Belgium (BEA) Gold 25,000
New Zealand (RMNZ) Platinum 10,000
United Kingdom (BPI) Gold 400,000
United States (RIAA) Gold 600,000

Sales figures based on certification alone.
Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref(s).
United States February 29, 2000
April 4, 2000 Contemporary hit radio
Sweden April 10, 2000 CD
  • LaFace
  • Arista
  • BMG
United Kingdom April 17, 2000
  • CD
  • cassette
Japan April 24, 2000 CD

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