[1] Opened by falsetto ad-libs, an organ refrain and pulsating bass lines,[2] the title track "Brown Sugar" features a dark, thick texture and a gutbucket-jazz style and rhythm.

"[9] Gil Robertson IV from Cash Box wrote, "It blends the right mix of down home slow groove funk with a caressing jazz texture that’s bound to get folks out on the dance floor.

Produced by Ali from A Tribe Called Quest, this track is loaded with a classic old school led and provides a great introduction for this promising young talent.

[11] Dele Fadele from NME commented, "On this occasion, he relaxes over a mid-tempo late-nite groove with an ode to a mysterious 'Brown Sugar' who doesn't mind being caught up in a ménage-à-trois.

"[12] Ann Powers from Spin described it as "softcore", remarking that songs like "Brown Sugar" "get serious with soul's erotic undercurrents, reaching for the exquisite tension of early Prince and late Marvin Gaye.