5 Things to Know About Aaliyah's One in a Million Album

  1. Timbaland and Missy Elliott produced most of the album. Their production created a futuristic R&B sound that was ahead of its time.

  2. The album marked a major shift in late-90s R&B. Its minimalist beats and unconventional song structures broke away from the era’s typical sound.

  3. Missy Elliott wrote and arranged many of the tracks. Her lyrical style and vocal arrangements gave the album a distinct, playful edge.

  4. Timbaland’s signature stuttering drum patterns defined the record. These rhythms became his trademark and influenced countless producers afterward.

  5. The album’s sound still feels fresh decades later. Its experimental production has aged better than most R&B from the same period.