The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised it as one of Braxton's best works.

[2] "He Wasn't Man Enough" was released as the lead single from Toni Braxton's third studio album, The Heat.

The song was recorded in the United States during the production of Braxton's third studio album, between January and February 2000.

Popmatters praised Braxton, saying "the track seems to be an attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market.

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.

"[9] NME gave it a positive review, saying that for the track, "Braxton can probably claim the best set of tonsils in soul-pop".

[10] "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.

The song received platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ), selling over 15,000 copies there.

[12] The music video, directed by Bille Woodruff from February 25–26, 2000,[13] begins with Braxton as an animated superhero who unzips her shirt to ward off villains.

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.