"If You Had My Love" became the subject of some controversy when it emerged that Jerkins had written a "nearly identical song" for singer Chanté Moore. Moore asserted that her song "If I Gave Love" was re-written with the same arrangement for Lopez after it was requested by Sean Combs, one of On the 6's producers.
American pop singer Michael Jackson had also showed interest in recording it, but felt that it was better suited for a female singer.
Jerome Joseph, from the Los Angeles Times, wasn't as receptive of the single, arguing that it sounded like a "Brandy or Monica reject", and called Lopez "Paula Abdul 2000".
The song is written in the key of B minor with a tempo of 94 beats per minute.
Its lyrics revolve around the beginning of a new relationship, during which Lopez confronts her admirer with a number of ground rules.