Aaliyah Dana Haughton, known as Aaliyah, was an American singer and actress. She has been credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, earning her the nicknames the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop".
Timothy Zachery Mosley, known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer, rapper, and singer. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he has received widespread acclaim for his innovative production work and distinctive "stuttering" rhythmic style. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly stated that "just about every current pop trend can be traced back to him—from sultry, urban-edged R&B songstresses [...] to the art of incorporating avant-garde sounds into No. 1 hits."
"Try Again" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die (2000). After its initial release, it appeared as a bonus track on international editions of Aaliyah's eponymous third and final studio album (2001). The song was written by Static Major and Timbaland, while production was handled by the latter. "Try Again" was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio stations by Blackground and Virgin Records on March 21, 2000. Musically, it is an R&B, electro, dance-pop, and trip hop song. It also includes influences from hip hop, EDM, and acid house. The intro contains an interpolation from Eric B. & Rakim's song "I Know You Got Soul" (1987). Lyrically, the narrator (Aaliyah) encourages a potential partner not to give up when she initially rejects his advances.
American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 31 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.
"(At Your Best) You Are Love" is a song by R&B group the Isley Brothers. It was originally released on their album Harvest for the World. The song was dedicated to their mother, Sally. Although not a single, the song was a radio hit in 1976, and later became a hit for R&B singer Aaliyah in 1994.
"One in a Million" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album of the same title (1996). It was written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland with the latter producing the song. It was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio as the third single from One in a Million by Blackground and Atlantic Records on November 12, 1996. Musically, the song is an R&B and club ballad with trip hop and drum and bass influences. While Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) professing her love for a man whom she identifies as being her "one in a million".
"Come Back in One Piece" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah, featuring a guest appearance by American rapper DMX, for the soundtrack to the 2000 film Romeo Must Die. It was written by DMX, Stephen Garrett, Irv Gotti, Rob Meys, George Clinton, Bernie Worrell and William Collins, while the production was handled by Gotti and Lil Rob. The song was released as the second single from Romeo Must Die on June 6, 2000, by Blackground Records and Virgin Records.
"We Need a Resolution" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah, featuring a guest appearance by American producer–rapper Timbaland for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). Written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, it was released as the album's lead single by Blackground Records and Virgin Records on May 15, 2001. Musically, it is a "bouncing" alternative R&B, hip hop, and electro-funk song with Middle Eastern influences. Lyrically, "We Need a Resolution" speaks about a passive-aggressive relationship that has hit a rough patch in which the narrator (Aaliyah) asks for solutions while her partner dismisses her feelings.
"I Don't Wanna" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written and composed by Johntá Austin, Jazze Pha, Donnie Scantz, and Kevin Hicks, it appears on both the Next Friday (1999) and Romeo Must Die (2000) soundtracks.
"Never Ever" is a song performed by R&B singer Ciara. It is the first single released from her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. The song features rapper Young Jeezy, was produced by Polow da Don, and was co-written by Ciara and Elvis "BlacElvis" Williams, who both produced and co-wrote Ciara's single, "Promise", from her second album, Ciara: The Evolution.
"Deuces" is a song written and performed by American singer Chris Brown featuring fellow American musicians Tyga and Kevin McCall. Produced by McCall, "Deuces" was released digitally on June 25, 2010, as the lead single from Brown's first collaborative effort with Tyga, titled Fan of a Fan (2010). The song is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad featuring elements from the genres of house and pop music, while the song is lyrically about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work". "Deuces" was later included on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).
"Marvins Room" is a song by Canadian recording artist Drake. It is the lead single from Drake's second studio album Take Care. Produced by 40, it features keyboard-based instrumentation and muted bass. "Marvins Room" is performed from the point of view of an inebriated Drake as he calls up an ex-girlfriend and rants about his various frustrations and loneliness. Adrian Eccleston and Gonzales provide additional musical contributions to the song. It was initially posted by Drake to his October's Very Own blog on June 9, 2011. Positive public reception to the song prompted its release as a single on June 28 to urban contemporary radio and as a digital download. "Marvins Room" was later included on Drake's second studio album Take Care, where it is followed by an interlude entitled "Buried Alive". The song features uncredited vocals from singer Ericka Lee.
"Sweet Love" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, taken from his fifth studio album, Fortune (2012). It was written by Brown, Cory Marks, Greg Curtis, Jamal "Polow da Don" Jones, Jason "JP" Perry and Tommy Doyle Jr., while the production was handled by Polow da Don and Perry. The song was sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States on April 10, 2012, as the second single from the album. "Sweet Love" is a slow jam R&B ballad which incorporates elements of electronic music. The lyrics of the song revolve around Brown asking his lover to take off her clothes so that they can have sex.
Ready is a song by American rapper Fabolous, released as a single on January 17, 2013. The song features American singer Chris Brown and was produced by The Runners and The Monarch. The song has since peaked at number 93 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
X is the sixth studio album by American singer Chris Brown. It was released on September 16, 2014, by CBE Entertainment and RCA Records. The album serves as the follow-up to his fifth album Fortune (2012). Brown for the album worked with several producers, including RoccStar, Danja, Nic Nac, Diplo and others. The album also features guest appearances by various urban artists, including Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly, Akon, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Trey Songz, Tyga, Rick Ross, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Jhené Aiko and Aaliyah.
"Fine China" is a song by the American singer Chris Brown. It was the lead single from his sixth studio album, X, and was released on March 29, 2013, by RCA Records. It was written by Brown, Eric Bellinger, RoccStar and Sevyn Streeter, and produced by "RoccStar" and G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze. According to Brown and his producers, the song was inspired by the works of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke, among others.
"Get Like Me" is a song written and performed by American rapper Nelly featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams. Produced by the latter, "Get Like Me" was released by Republic Records as the second single from the former's seventh studio album M.O. on July 2, 2013. Upon its release, the song was positively received by most music critics who praised the chemistry between the performers and praised its sound.
"It Won't Stop" is a song recorded by American singer Sevyn Streeter, featuring vocals from American singer Chris Brown. It was released on May 22, 2013, as the first single from her debut extended play (EP) Call Me Crazy, But..., by Atlantic Records. The single achieved Platinum status from Recording Industry Association of America and received a warm reception from industry critics and the public.
"Love More" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on July 19, 2013, as the third official single from the former's sixth studio album X. The song, produced by FRESHM3N III, peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 29 on the Australia Singles Chart.
"Grass Ain't Greener" is a song by American singer Chris Brown released on May 5, 2016 as the lead single from Brown's eight studio album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon. The song was written by Brown and Prince Chrishan, and produced by Nikhil. "Grass Ain't Greener" is a mid-tempo alternative R&B and trap song, that explores themes of breakup and untrusting love relationships.
