<P> Lopez 's debut single , `` If You Had My Love '' , was released in May 1999 , as she began to ready her first album . Lopez became the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a debut single since Britney Spears did so with her single `` ... Baby One More Time '' four months prior . During production of her debut album , On the 6 , Lopez was aware that she received her recording contract on the basis of her looks and an already established name in the entertainment industry , and she wanted to prove she had musical talent . Prior to the debut of her music , critics wondered why she would take the risk of launching a music career . It was noted that : `` If the album was a flop , not only would it embarrass Lopez , but it might even damage her career . '' `` Waiting for Tonight '' , the third single from On the 6 , is widely considered to be Lopez 's best song . Lopez 's musical success came as a surprise to critics ; its launch made the `` popular actor even more popular '' . Both the music industry and the public became intrigued by `` this woman who seemed to have so many different talents '' . By the end of 1999 , Lopez successfully converted herself from a film star to a pop star . She joined a select few in achieving this feat , becoming the first since Vanessa Williams ( 1992 ) and Martika ( 1989 ) . </P>
<P> Lopez 's debut single , `` If You Had My Love '' , was released in May 1999 , as she began to ready her first album . Lopez became the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a debut single since Britney Spears did so with her single `` ... Baby One More Time '' four months prior . During production of her debut album , On the 6 , Lopez was aware that she received her recording contract on the basis of her looks and an already established name in the entertainment industry , and she wanted to prove she had musical talent . Prior to the debut of her music , critics wondered why she would take the risk of launching a music career . It was noted that : `` If the album was a flop , not only would it embarrass Lopez , but it might even damage her career . '' `` Waiting for Tonight '' , the third single from On the 6 , is widely considered to be Lopez 's best song . Lopez 's musical success came as a surprise to critics ; its launch made the `` popular actor even more popular '' . Both the music industry and the public became intrigued by `` this woman who seemed to have so many different talents '' . By the end of 1999 , Lopez successfully converted herself from a film star to a pop star . She joined a select few in achieving this feat , becoming the first since Vanessa Williams ( 1992 ) and Martika ( 1989 ) . </P>
when did jennifer lopez released her first single
when did jennifer lopez released her first single
May 1999
May 1999