Throwback Thursday: Aaliyah – ‘One in a Million’

“One in a Million” is one of several songs by the late Aaliyah that garnered massive notoriety in her music career. The record was written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland – who also produced the chart-topping hit. 

It was the second single off Aaliyah’s sophomore album, One in a Million which was released in 1996 under Blackground/Atlantic Records. The record exudes the singer’s adoration for a prospective partner, dubbing him a rare commodity (hence one in a million).  

The introspective club ballad record was warranted positive reviews, reaching. It reached Billboard charts, peaking at number 25 on Radio Singles, and number 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts for eight consecutive weeks. “One in a Million” reached number five on the UK Dance charts in early 1997.

The cinematographic visual to “One in a Million,” was directed by Paul Hunter and shot in Los Angeles. In the beginning of the video, you witness the beautiful singer laying in her signature androgynous attire on the hood of a dark colored Ford Mustang. A group of individuals, including Missy and Timbaland were beside Aaliyah in the car. The streetlights were low profile – permitting the visual to coincide with the funk-infused beat. Different scenes of the video would transition Aaliyah changing into a sporty-white attire dancing with a male counterpart. Ginuwine, who was the video’s love interest was watching at the security camera. By the end of the video, you can see Aaliyah riding in the back of a motorcycle with another male counterpart. 

“One in a million” is currently one of Aaliyah’s most successful records of her career.