NOW STREAM THIS! is a look at a classic track that fans may have forgotten how much they love. This is an introduction for some, a reminder for others; a chance to point everyone to an underrated banger from a legendary act, and to get those streams up.
Aaliyah's classic 1996 album One In A Million made a highly-anticipated return to streaming services this Friday (Aug. 20) and fans are getting to revisit the brilliant project that announced the late R&B star's critically-acclaimed second act.
Her first album made her a star, but was sullied by subsequent controversy. Nonetheless, the 17-year old Aaliyah was already one of R&B's most compelling young artists when she re-emerged in 1996. But the singer was looking to reinvigorate her sound with something fresh, and she was put together with the burgeoning songwriting/production team of Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott.
A pair of talented friends out of Virginia, Tim and Missy were also looking to kickstart a second act, of sorts. They'd cut their teeth as members of DeVante Swing's Swing Mob collective, working behind the scenes on projects for Swing's famed R&B quartet Jodeci. Now on their own, they were eager to showcase all they'd learned—and Aaliyah was the perfect muse for their unique new sound.
One In A Million would become a 1990s R&B classic on the strength of the musical marriage between Aaliyah and her new collaborators. ...Million's spirit sits comfortably somewhere between Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige, but it's rich sonic atmosphere is all its own; it's legacy remains as one of the decade's most forward-pushing releases. And the beloved album features a bevy of hit singles like "If Your Girl Only Knew," "4-Page Letter" and the title track - as well as the underrated single "Got To Give It Up."