Most of the songs (including the nearly instrumental "The Art of Love") were written and produced by Braxton and her husband Keri Lewis (a former member of Mint Condition); two ballads were penned by Diane Warren, and collaborations featured rappers Dr. Dre and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

After the success of her second studio album, Secrets (1996), which spawned Braxton's signature song and biggest commercial success of her career, "Un-Break My Heart", and sold over 15 million copies worldwide,[1] Braxton filed a suit to be released from her contract with Arista and LaFace Records in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing a law that states employers may not enforce labor or service after seven years.

[6] Colin Ross of PopMatters noted that, "By taking a more active role in the writing and production of the set, Toni's material begins to be constructed around her voice rather than the latest producer's sound.

The R&B song, with synth-funk bassline and Jerkins' taut beats and harp,[8] has Braxton warning a female friend not to marry a man the singer knows all too well[9] and that came back begging for forgiveness.

[10] "I'm Still Breathing" is another song written by Diane Warren and talks about a woman stung by a painful breakup who summons strength,[10] while "Fairy Tale", co-written and produced by Babyface, is an "acoustic piece"[9] where the singer implies that being "just friends" may be healthier than a "love affair.

[9] On "Speaking in Tongues", a "sensual affair" with warm harmonies,[7] spiritual expressions are co-opted and woven amid passionate propositions including, "Talk dirty to me.

[7] The album's lead single, "He Wasn't Man Enough", was released on March 17, 2000, to critical acclaim,[12] and won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic wrote that the album "is a confident, assured, sexy effort that reaffirms Braxton's status as one of the finest contemporary mainstream soul singers.

"[6] Jim Farber wrote a positive review for Entertainment Weekly, stating that the album is "tasteful, well-performed, and – best of all – consistent stuff, throwing the lovelorn a reliable lifeline.

"[7] Barry Walters wrote a favorable review for Rolling Stone, saying that the album "updates and diversifies her stylistic surroundings while delivering the expected boudoir soundtrack.

[24] The Heat was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and as of April 2011, it had sold 2,093,000 copies in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan.