It was written and produced by Babyface and recorded by Norwood for the soundtrack of the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett.

The bass intro is similar to that of the riff performed by bassist Larry Graham, of Sly and the Family Stone, on their hit "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", and its remix featuring LL Cool J contains a sample of "Haven't You Heard" by Patrice Rushen.

A music video was also filmed, depicting Brandy keeping herself penned up in a retro, brightly colored room after her friend tells her that her love interest is joining the party downstairs.

[2] Edmonds also helmed the drum programming (along with the production duo Trackmasters), synthesizer, and wurlitzer sounds, while Michael Thompson played the guitar.

[2] The record was from a number of songs Edmonds specifically penned for the soundtrack of Forest Whitaker's 1995 romantic drama film Waiting to Exhale, starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett.

"[9] Alan Jones added, "A soft swing shuffle with a delightful hook, it is the sort of confection that eats the opposition in the American R&B chart, and should do pretty well here, too.

"[10] David Sinclair from The Times viewed "Sittin' Up in My Room" as "a quietly smouldering slice of swingbeat-funk performed with a firm, sensual touch."

Norwood declared filming as "fun" as she had a "great relationship" with Williams at that time, having previously worked with him on the videos for the Hip–Hop Remix of "I Wanna Be Down" and her second single "Baby".