"the roof" was released on july 28, 1998 by columbia records. the song is a slow and sultry song, which blends hip-hop and contemporary r&b genres. it incorporates drum notes, including heavy beats and grooves. the song's second version features a rap version from mobb deep. the song samples the melody from "shook ones part ii" by mobb deep, incorporating it into chorus and bridge. as part of "layering the song," background vocals are featured throughout the chorus and sections of the bridge. it is set in the signature common time, and is written in the key of b-flat minor. it features a basic chord progression of a-f. carey's vocal range in the song spans from the low note of e to the high note of f; the piano and guitar pieces range from f to g as well. the song contains choral lyrics written by carey, who produced the song's melody and chorus as well. aside from assisting with its chord progression, cory rooney co-arranged and produced the track as well. author chris nickson felt the song was extremely important for carey's musical transition, writing "lyrically, this was some of her best work ever, the melody slinky and overtly sexy, confirmation – as if any was needed at this point! – that this was the new mariah."