Let’s revisit a debate I did a few years ago: Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige and their two masterpieces—One in a Million and Share My World—by Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige, respectively. Let’s chop it up.
Since Aaliyah’s album dropped first, we’ll start with that one. One in a Million, Aaliyah’s second album, was released in August 1996. The stakes were high at the time. For one, it was her first release without R. Kelly, whom she had worked with on her debut, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. Secondly, there was, of course, the sophomore jinx. However, unfazed by either, she linked up with Timbaland and Missy Elliott and hit a home run with “If Your Girl Only Knew,” the album’s lead single.
The single performed well on the charts, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It did even better on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching number 1.
Other singles from One in a Million—such as “One in a Million,” “4 Page Letter,” and “Hot Like Fire”—performed well on the charts, too. “The One I Gave My Heart To” became the album’s highest-charting single, peaking at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
One in a Million peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was certified 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Share My World, Mary’s third album, came the following year. Like Aaliyah, she made an overhaul in her creative team. Puff Daddy, who helped craft her first two albums, didn’t participate in this one. Nevertheless, Mary connected with two Minneapolis Sound forefathers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to create “Love Is All We Need,” the album’s lead single. Nas laced the track with a set of hot bars.
“I Can Love You,” the album’s second single, features Lil’ Kim. It reached number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
From Share My World, “Everything,” “Missing You,” and “Seven Days” were among the standout singles. The album topped both the US Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA.
Lately, people have been getting flack for putting Black women against each other. Though I understand that perspective, here’s mine: superb vs. subpar isn’t much of a conversation. But superb vs. superb is. Just like One in a Million vs. Share My World.
RIP Aaliyah
‘One in a Million’ or ‘Share My World’?
Polls Are Closed!
One in a Million – 71%
Share My World – 29%
