CULTURE CLASSICS – Aaliyah “One In A Million”
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Aaliyah is one of the most beloved creators for The Culture off all-time. The multi-talented singer, dancer, and actress was a already a star but was on her way to icon status before her tragic death in 2001 at the age of 23. But in her all-too-brief career, Aaliyah created a number of #CultureClassic songs and videos. And today we pay homage to her biggest hit “One In A Million”.
“One in a Million” was the third single off Aaliyah’s second studio album (also entitled One In A Million) and is a song about Aaliyah professing her love for a guy that she feels is her “one in a million.” It was written by fellow legendary creators for The Culture Missy Elliot and Timbaland. Timbaland also produced the song with his customary fusion of R&B/trip-hop/drum and bass influences, creating a song that is part club banger and part R&B ballad. It should come as no surprise that the penmanship of Missy, the production genius of Timbaland and the unique voice of Aaliyah came together to create something truly special.
The song was officially released on December 10, 1996. And when it dropped it took off going #1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B chart. It stayed at #1 for 8 weeks and remained on the charts for 6 months and went multi-platinum making it the most successful single of her career. In 1998, “One in a Million” was also nominated for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female at the Soul Train Music Awards.
The accompanying music video was directed by Paul Hunter (he’s directed videos for everybody from Beyonce to Lenny Kravitz). The video showcases everything that makes Aaliyah so special, her charisma, her beauty, and of course her dance moves. The video also features cameos and appearances from Timbaland, Missy, and Ginuwine.
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If you enjoyed that look at a throwback R&B classic. Check out more of our #CultureClassics:
Written by @TalentedMrFord
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