"Daydreamin'" was released through Work Group and Michael Jackson's MJJ Music label on July 21, 1998, as the lead single from Ali's only studio album, Kiss the Sky (1998).

Following the conclusion of American sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, lead actor Will Smith persuaded co-star Tatyana Ali, who played the character of Ashley Banks on the program, to embark on a music career.

[1][4] The track includes a sample of the Steely Dan song "Black Cow", so band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are given writing credits.

[4] The song became a US hit shortly after Ali had enrolled in Harvard University, but she decided to stay in school since she had taken a year off from education to record Kiss the Sky, choosing to promote her music during the weekends.

According to KKBT music director Dorsey Fuller, the song was a radio hit because of its jovial tone, lack of references to violence and sex, and compatible rap from a hip hop artist.

[11][12] On August 24, 1998, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song gold for shipping over 500,000 units in the US.