Straite had originally planned to feature the song on his own album, but plans changed when the members of Bell Biv DeVoe heard his demo version.

I didn't think that record was going to be that big because it was a personal love letter to my ex-girlfriend at the time.

"[5] Straite cited German electronic group Kraftwerk and Latin musicians Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria as influences on the song's sound and production.

[6] "Poison" became one of the most successful singles of 1990 (see 1990 in music), and was a staple on MTV and mainstream radio in the summer, spending ten weeks in the Top 10.

[7] "Poison" was certified platinum by the RIAA on June 1, 1990 for sales of over one million copies.