Missy Elliott Honors Aaliyah on One in a Million 30th Anniversary

Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Missy Elliott celebrated the 30th anniversary of Aaliyah’s sophomore album, One In a Million, on Thursday, Aug. 13, on the social platform X, describing the 1996 release as a futuristic and distinctive masterpiece that continues to influence modern musicians. Elliott praised the late singer’s artistry in a social media post, highlighting how the record shaped contemporary music. According to Elliott’s post on X, “30 years ago, Aaliyah ushered in a new sound that was FUTURISTIC and DISTINCTIVE.” Elliott added that the artist “had her own sound,” while noting that her smooth vocals and choreography complemented every beat. Released in August 1996, One In a Million served as the follow-up to Aaliyah’s debut LP, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number. The sophomore album reached No. 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and yielded major Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “If Your Girl Only Knew,” which peaked at No. 11, and “The One I Gave My Heart To,” which reached No. 9. Following a 2021 reissue, the album achieved a new milestone by entering the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for the first time at No. 10. Instead, she partnered with the production and songwriting duo Missy Elliott and Timbaland. The Virginia-bred creators wrote and produced the majority of the record alongside contributors such as Diane Warren, Rodney Jerkins, Jermaine Dupri, Johntá Austin, and Aaliyah herself. Elliott contributed guest verses to the album intro “Beats 4 da Streets” and “Ladies in the House,” while Timbaland contributed to the latter track and produced a groove mix of “Hot Like Fire” for the 2021 reissue.

One In a Million wasn’t just an album; it was ART & a MASTERPIECE … A BODY of WORK that, til this day, feels FRESH & NEW, & studied by many great artists today. … Aaliyah legacy is 4ever.

Aaliyah died in a 2001 plane crash, but both Elliott and Timbaland have consistently preserved her musical footprint by celebrating her catalog alongside their own active careers.