Baby Boy is a 2001 American coming-of-age hood drama film directed, written and produced by John Singleton, and starring Tyrese Gibson, Snoop Dogg, Ving Rhames, Omar Gooding, A.J.

[5] The film follows Joseph "Jody" Summers (Gibson), a 20-year-old bike mechanic as he lives and learns in his everyday life in the hood of Los Angeles.

Additionally, the role of Rodney was originally written for Ice Cube, who had worked with Singleton on Boyz n the Hood and Higher Learning.

They then have a heated argument about his lack of commitment and selfishness; she asks him if he will ever come live with her and their son JoJo, but he deliberately avoids the subject and comes and goes as he pleases.

Meanwhile, Jody also continues having affairs with other women, including a young girl named Peanut, with whom he also has a daughter, Lil' Nut.

When Yvette discovers his cheating, their ensuing argument eventually turns physical, culminating in her kicking him out of her home.

Rodney then steals Yvette’s money and keys from her wallet and drives off in her car to go and find Jody, whom he unsuccessfully tries to kill in a drive-by shooting.

Horrified by Rodney's death, Jody prepares to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head, but Melvin stops him before taking the gun.

The consensus states: "Preachy and repetitive in parts, Baby Boy still manages to exude authenticity, thanks to its competent cast.

heartfelt and personal..." Jonathan Rosenbaum of Chicago Reader also liked the film, stating: "Like John Singleton's other features, this is far from flawless....

But the characters are so full-bodied and the feelings so raw and complex that I'd call this the best thing he's done to date..."[10] The film ultimately received ten nominations at the Black Reel Awards of 2002, including Outstanding Film, and three nominations at 2002 NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture.