Are You That Somebody?
"Are You That Somebody?" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Aaliyah | ||||
from the album Dr. Dolittle | ||||
Released | May 26, 1998 | |||
Recorded | 1998 | |||
Studio | Capitol (Los Angeles) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:26 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Timbaland | |||
Aaliyah singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Timbaland singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Audio sample | ||||
"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack (1998). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the United States on May 26, 1998, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records. Musically, it is an R&B, pop, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) keeping an intimate relationship a secret due to her celebrity status.
Upon its release, the song received critical acclaim from music critics, with them praising its off-beat innovative production. In 1999, Aaliyah earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song. Initially, it was ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, mainly because it was an airplay single not commercially released to retail stores. In December 1998, Billboard changed its policy to allow airplay-only songs to chart on the Hot 100, and the song eventually peaked at number 21. Internationally, the song achieved even greater commercial success, peaking at number one in New Zealand and number three in the Netherlands. It also peaked at number 11 in Canada and the United Kingdom.
An accompanying music video for "Are You That Somebody?" was directed by Mark Gerard. It is a dance-heavy video that depicts Aaliyah and other dancers all dancing in a cave before a backdrop that features clips of the Dr. Dolittle motion picture. The video received acclaim from the music industry, receiving Best R&B Video and Best Video from a Film nominations at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. The video also earned a nomination for Outstanding Music Video at the NAACP Image Awards. Throughout the years, critics have praised the video for its choreography, with many highlighting the flamenco routine depicted in the final scene.
Recording and production
[edit]"Are You That Somebody?" was recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.[1] Engineer Jimmy Douglass, explained that the recording session for the song was "a soup-to-nuts session", meaning that the entire song was recorded and mixed in one session.[1] The group worked on the song from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. with last additions of the song being the baby noises and Timbaland's ad-libs.[1] While creating the beat for "Are You That Somebody?", Timbaland was inspired by the 'Oompa Loompa' song from the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory film (1971). According to him, "I took that rhythm and I listened back to it and I was like, 'Man. that's a dope addition.' That's what I was trying to attempt but in a hip-hop way. … I gotta thank Willy Wonka for that".[2][3]
Timbaland got the idea to include realistic noises in the songs production due to his beliefs that "life is full of music".[4] "As soon as you wake up, hearing the trees, that's music. Hearing the crickets, that's music. I feel like everything that we do is music. When you come outside, listen to the trees, the birds, the crickets, the animals, they all make music", says Timabaland.[4] The baby sample used in the song came from him listening to a '60s compilation featuring various sound effects.[3] He stated: "So I was going through my effects sounds, and I heard this baby. Was it a baby, was it a chicken, there was a cow, there was Godzilla, this whole row. And this baby came across, and it was laughing, and that [one sound] wasn't the whole thing. It was like [imitates four consecutive baby giggles]. I got to that one part, and as soon as the beat came on, I just hit the button".[3] Initially, he didn't think that the baby sound effect would fit into the production. After having a conversation with Aaliyah, he decided to include it. She herself commented on the addition of the baby sound bite saying, "Oh that's so cute!".[3]
Music and lyrics
[edit]Musically, "Are You That Somebody?" is an R&B, pop, avant-funk, and soul song.[5][6][7][8] BET labeled the record as R&B/pop and said its production was trip-hop inspired.[9] Journalist Larry Flick from Billboard, felt that Aaliyah had returned to her funk/hip hop roots on the record.[10] Shaheem Reid from MTV News described the song as "funked-out" and "bounce-infused".[11] Its production features a variety of sounds, such as frenetic staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass courtesy of drum programming.[12] Flick described the guitar riff as, "jiggly", and thought that it gives "the track the feel good vibe of a '70s-era throw down".[10] Other sounds that are utilized within the instrumental is a sample of a baby crying and laughing, taken from producer Jac Holzman's 1964 track "Happy Baby" from Authentic Sound Effects Volume 8.[12][13] In addition, the song has a neotango rhythm with Aaliyah displaying "coy vocals".[14] She also has a "no-nonsense delivery" and sings the opening line 'boy', "like she's creating a perfectly round bubble of sound, drawing out the vowel and vibrating it.[15][16] According to Musicnotes, the record is composed in the key of F major and is set in time signature of common time with a tempo of 66 beats per minute, while Aaliyah's vocal range spans from F♯3 to Bb♯4.[17]
Lyrically, "Are You That Somebody?" is about a "late-night rendezvous with a special someone that needed to be kept on the hush".[18] According to Billboard, the lyrics "describe love like a secret, and if this boy is let in on it, he can't tell nobody".[16] On the song, Aaliyah issues a "will you still love me tomorrow sentiment".[19] Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters, said her "sweet but street" persona is in full effect, as she declares: "Sometimes I'm goody-goody / Right now I'm naughty naughty."[20] Huff also noted, there's also a sense of longing in the appearance of the song's title ("'Cause I really need somebody / Tell me are you that somebody") and in the way Aaliyah performed it, stretching out the syllables to the point of desperation and then keeping up with the beat with "hurried, jumbled phrasings".[20]
Critical reception
[edit]Oliver VanDervoort from AXS said it was the "absolute catchiest of all of her songs", and that the "lyrics are simple enough, as it's a girl looking for the right love but the song is done in a way that makes you want to get up and dance."[21] Larry Flick from Billboard felt that Aaliyah was on her way towards becoming "the New Queen of soundtrack hits" because of "Are You That Somebody?". Flick also praised the song for its smooth melody and clever lyrics, saying: "At the same time it has a smooth melody and clever lyrics that will connect with folks who require traditional structure in their pop music."[10] Damien Scott from Complex felt that "Are You That Somebody?" perfectly captured multiple traits found on Aaliyah's first two albums, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994) and One in a Million (1996).[22] According to Scott, "Aaliyah's oeuvre was an exercise in self-awareness. Her first two albums carefully toed the line between adolescence and adulthood, displaying a woman exploring the terrain of love, trust, and lust; one who exuded a playful innocence while hinting at a more sultry side. Her crowning achievement, a collaboration between her, Timbaland, and Static Major, 'Are You That Somebody,' would capture all of that perfectly".[22] The Gavin Report labeled the song as a "booty-movin' jam" and wrote that,"the angel-voiced Aaliyah lays down the law to a potential lover". Ultimately, the publication predicted the song would "hit big".[23]
Music Week described the songs production as "syncopated" and "jerky", ultimately they felt that it "showcases Aaliyah's deceptively simple R&B vocal."[24] Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters feels that the song "is just too good to be relegated to soundtrack status". He continued praising the song by saying: "It's a fantastic track, with a stomping rhythm alternatingly accented by the strangest bundle of noise. It sounds like someone shaking dice or cracking their knuckles or twisting a Rubik's Cube really fast -- I can never decide which".[20] In its Album Guide, Rolling Stone commented that the song "remains one of '90s R&B's most astounding moments."[5] In 1999, Spin included the song on their top 20 singles list and they felt that Aaliyah's vocals and Timbaland's production on the song was like "an R&B singin in the rain".[25]
In 2021, Billboard and Complex ranked the song at number two and number one, respectively, on their lists of the greatest Aaliyah songs.[26][27] In a retrospective review, Billboard felt that "The goofy AF 1998 Eddie Murphy remake of the 1967 box office bomb Dr. Dolittle did not deserve one of the absolute greatest R&B jams of the '90s".[15] Overall, they declared the song as defining the late '90s, and continuing "to chart a course for the future".[15] Variety writers declared that "Are You That Somebody?" was an "ultimate Aaliyah song" and that it's a 1998 "classic".[28] They also highlighted how, "Aaliyah brings this record to life with her soft-song chorus as she lays down the laws for a secret rendezvous; it's also one of the more sexually forthright tracks from Aaliyah's catalog, and lyrics like "sometimes I'm goody-goody, right now I'm naughty-naughty".[28]
Accolades
[edit]
|
|
Commercial performance
[edit]"Are You That Somebody?" wasn't released commercially to retail stores in the United States, therefore the song's chart success depended solely on radio airplay.[44][45][46] During its chart run, Billboard changed its policy to allow airplay-only singles to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, starting with the chart issued December 5, 1998.[47] Prior to this, "Are You That Somebody?" was eligible to enter only airplay charts in the US, peaking at number four on the Radio Songs chart on October 10.[48] In August, the song peaked atop both the Hot R&B Airplay and Rhythmic Top 40 charts,[49] [50] while in November, it peaked at number six on the Mainstream Top 40 chart.[51] On December 5, the song debuted and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.[52] In Canada, the song peaked at number 11,[53] as well as reaching number two on the urban chart on August 31, 1998.[54] Following its 2021 digital release, "Are You That Somebody?" debuted and peaked at number 50 on the US Digital Song Sales chart for the week of September 25, 2021.[55]
Internationally, "Are You That Somebody?" peaked at number 40 on the Ultratop 50 Wallonia chart in Belgium. [56] In Germany, the song entered the singles chart at number 91 on November 9, 1998 and peaked at number 31 on January 25, 1999.[57] In the Netherlands, the song entered the Single Top 100 chart at number 65 on October 17 and peaked at number three on November 14, 1998, the position in which it remained at for a total of three weeks;[58] it also peaked at number three on the Dutch Top 40 for a total of three weeks.[59] In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart on September 12, 1998.[60] The song also peaked within the top five on the UK R&B and dance charts at numbers two and four, respectively.[61][62] According to the Official Charts Company (OCC), "Are You That Somebody?" is Aaliyah's third best-selling single in the country.[63] In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 43 on October 4, 1998 and peaked atop the singles chart the following week.[64]
Music video
[edit]Background and synopsis
[edit]Originally, Hype Williams was to direct the Music Video for "Are You That Somebody?" while choreography was orchestrated by Fatima Robinson.[65] Williams, however, pulled out of the project due to other commitments, and Mark Gerard jumped on board.[65][66] Gerard decided to film the video inside a cave after seeing the choreography done by Robinson.[65] According to Robinson, "when the next director came in and saw what we had done, he was like, The dance is so strong, why don't I just put it inside beautiful architectural pieces and build some pieces inside of a cave and stuff like that? Let me just focus on the dance."[65] The videos filming location took place in a cave at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.[67] The cave in which it was filmed in was the same cave used as the Batcave in the original Batman series (1966).[68]
The video begins with Timbaland and a crew of men riding motorcycles to a cave where Aaliyah and other women are waiting in. As Timbaland and his crew arrive, a hologram of a metal door seals the opening of the cave. The men notice that the seal is a hologram and drive through it. Inside the cave, clips of Dr. Dolittle are projected on several walls in the background. As Aaliyah's first verse starts, she holds a large bird on her arm and everyone begins to perform the choreography. There are scenes with just the women dancing, just the men dancing, both the women and men dancing, and Aaliyah performing alone. The group Playa makes an appearance in the background. The video ends with Aaliyah and the dancers performing a flamenco dance.
Fashion
[edit]In the video Aaliyah wore a Gucci bathing suit according to her former stylist Derek Lee.[69] Lee spoke on her choice of clothing for the video with Complex saying, "No. It wasn't a lot for them because it was $4,000 Gucci bathing suit. It was expensive so yeah, she wanted to show it. And that green look that she was wearing was all Girbaud. The skirt was a Gucci knockoff. I had someone make that and then just add a bit of flair to it".[69] In an interview with Nylon, Lee further explained that the bathing suit was embedded with hand done blood-red Swarovski crystals.[70] In the final scene of the video Aaliyah wears a custom made high-slit skirt.[70] Lee wanted her final look for the big dance scene to have a push in terms of her style.[70] "I had it custom-done for her, too. It kind of bit off of the Gucci design and added some other stuff to it. [Choreographer] Fatima was like, 'You have to do that. You have to do the heels, you have to do this. It's time. It would be hot at the end, for you to flip [your outfit] because no one's ever seen you do this", says Lee.[70]
Release and reception
[edit]During its chart run, the music video for "Are You That Somebody?" received heavy television airplay on multiple music oriented network channels. For the week ending July 5, 1998, the video was the second most-played video on BET.[71] For the week ending July 25, 1998, the video was the most played video on The Box.[72] Between September 20–27, 1998, the video was the most played video on MTV.[73][74] The video was featured on Complex's "The Best R&B Videos of the '90s" list; editor Ernest Baker praised the video by saying Aaliyah's clothing and choreography in the video were "revolutionary and groundbreaking".[75] VH1 recognized "Are You That Somebody?" in their list of Best R&B Music Video Choreography of the 1990s and 2000s.[76] Grace Stansci from Yahoo! thought, "One of the sexiest sequences in this clip comes at the end when Aaliyah dons a skirt with high slits on both sides and heels and dances the flamenco, which was something her choreographer came up with".[68] BET said that "Fatima Robinson got behind the scenes for this video and managed to work in the energetic Flamenco dance with Aaliyah's laid-back hip hop moves, perfectly complementing Timbaland's production."[77] Nylon writer Steffanee Wang praised the video as she felt that "Aaliyah's dancing — fluid and sensual — takes center stage in this futuristic visual that remains one of the best and concise displays of her sheer talent and magnitude."[78]
Legacy
[edit]Music critic Simon Reynolds cited "Are You That Somebody?" as "the most radical pop single" of 1998.[79] Kelefah Sanneh of The New York Times wrote that the twitchy, beat-driven songs of Destiny's Child owe a clear debt to 'Are You That Somebody'."[80] BET labeled "Are You That Somebody?" as "one of the '90s R&B's most innovative, unforgettable songs".[81] Adam Levine, the lead vocalist of the pop rock group Maroon 5, remembers that listening to "Are You That Somebody?" convinced him to pursue a more soulful sound than that of his then-band Kara's Flowers.[82] Levine, also said that the song "is one of the most revolutionary-sounding songs ever recorded".[82]
In March 2007, American indie rock band, Gossip, covered the song on BBC 6 Music.[83] A full studio version was leaked in 2009 and later released on the Ministry of Sound Volume 2 compilation in 2010. In 2009, Canadian rapper Drake interpolated a portion of the song's chorus in his verse on Young Money Entertainment's "BedRock": "Girl I gotta watch my back, 'cause I'm not just anybody."[84] In 2011, a cover with a rap verse by Wax was recorded by The Red Ribbon Army.[85] Samples from the song have been used in numerous electronic, and, most recently, dubstep tracks. A prominent use of the sample was by James Blake on the track "CMYK" from his 2010 EP of the same name.[86] In 2014, singer Banks performed an acoustic version of this song on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.[87] In 2018, American a cappella group Pentatonix recorded the song as a medley combined with "New Rules" by Dua Lipa for their album PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I.[88]
In August 2021, it was reported that Aaliyah's recorded work for Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and, for the first time ever, streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution.[89] "Are You That Somebody?" was re-released in October 2021 on both of Aaliyah's compilation albums I Care 4 U (2002) and Ultimate Aaliyah (2005).[90] In 2023, American saxophonist Sam Gendel covered "Are You That Somebody?" on his ninth studio album Cookup.[91]
Track listings and formats
[edit]UK CD, 12-inch, and cassette single[92][93][94]
- "Are You That Somebody?" (album version) – 4:27
- "Are You That Somebody?" (instrumental) – 4:26
- "Are You That Somebody?" (a cappella) – 4:26
European CD single[95]
- "Are You That Somebody?" (album version) – 4:27
- "Are You That Somebody?" (a cappella) – 4:27
Charts
[edit] Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Netherlands (NVPI)[127] | Gold | 50,000^ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[128] | Gold | 5,000* |
United Kingdom (BPI)[129] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[130] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
[edit]Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | May 26, 1998 | Urban contemporary radio | ||
June 9, 1998 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | |||
United Kingdom | August 24, 1998 | Atlantic | ||
Germany | October 26, 1998 | Maxi CD | Warner Music | |
Various | September 3, 2021 |
|
See also
[edit]- List of number-one singles from the 1990s (New Zealand)
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Rhythmic chart
- Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "A look back 20 years to the debut album of Aaliyah, the R. Kelly scandal, and her Timbaland-produced follow-up that set the R&B format on fire". Wax Poetics. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (May 4, 2023). "Timbaland was inspired by an "Oompa Loompa" beat for Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody'". NME. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Price, Joe (May 1, 2023). "Timbaland Explains How 'Willy Wonka' Inspired Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody"". Complex. Archived from the original on May 3, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ a b Minsker, Evan (April 30, 2023). "Timbaland Reveals "Oompa Loompa" Beat Inspiration Behind Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Brackett & Hoard 2004
- ^ a b Sheffield, Rob (August 8, 2016). "50 Best Songs of the Nineties". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 24, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
One of Timbaland's most extreme avant-garde statements, yet Aaliyah turns it into bona fide pop with her cool-as-ice vocals.
- ^ Masley, Ed. "Remembering Aaliyah in five career-defining hits". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
It's such a Timbaland production in all the best possible ways, a masterstroke of cartoonishly avant-garde funk.
- ^ Billboard Staff (October 19, 2023). "The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List". Billboard. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
Aaliyah's honeyed tones over the tangled soul beat of "Are You That Somebody?" make the song as unforgettable as the Princess of R&B herself.
- ^ BET Staff (June 15, 2023). "Black Music Month: 10 Songs That Defined The 1990". BET. Archived from the original on October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ^ a b c Flick, Larry (May 30, 1998). "Reviews & Previews - Singles". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 22. p. 27. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 26, 2001). "Aaliyah Makes Love And War On New Album". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ a b "The 50 Best Timbaland Beats". Complex. April 11, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
- ^ "Who Was the Baby on Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody?'". Red Bull Music Academy Daily. July 2016.
- ^ Caramanica, Jon (November 1, 2001). "Aaliyah, 1979-2001". Spin. p. 36. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Aaliyah's 20 Best Songs: Staff List". Billboard. August 25, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b c Billboard Staff (May 29, 2018). "The 98 Greatest Songs of 1998: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody? – Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023.
- ^ "10 Best Songs From Aaliyah Songs". The Boombox. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ Seymour, Craig (August 31, 2001). "Aaliyah, A Tribute". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ a b c "My Favorite Aaliyah Things". PopMatters. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ^ VanDervoort, Oliver (March 16, 2016). "The top 10 best Aaliyah songs". AXS. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ a b "The 25 Best Aaliyah Songs". Complex. May 19, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- ^ Gavin Report Staff (May 15, 1998). "Urban Reviews" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 23. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Single Reviews" (PDF). Music Week. August 15, 1998. p. 8. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
- ^ LLC, SPIN Media (September 1, 1999). "SPIN". SPIN Media LLC – via Google Books.
- ^ "Aaliyah's 20 Best Songs: Staff List". Billboard. August 25, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- ^ "The 25 Best Aaliyah Songs". Complex. August 27, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- ^ a b Alex Gonzalez; Jem Aswad (August 20, 2021). "Aaliyah's Catalog Finally Hits Streaming Services: 10 Essential Songs". Variety. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
- ^ "The Crisis". The New Crisis. The Crisis Publishing Company, Inc.: 25 December 1998. ISSN 0011-1422. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "CNN - 41st annual Grammy nominees - January 5, 1999". CNN.
- ^ "Kid Power! - tribunedigital-sunsentinel". articles.sun-sentinel.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Ryan, Joal (April 20, 1999). "There's Something About" MTV Movie Awards". E! News. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Lauryn Hill, Monica Top Lady Of Soul Nominees - MTV". mtv.com. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Hay, Carla (August 7, 1999). "Retail:MTV Awards Will Boost Martin". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Aaron, Charles (September 1999). "Top 20 Singles of the 1990s". Spin. Vol. 15, no. 9. Spin Media. p. 137. ISSN 0886-3032. Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via Google Books.
- ^ "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born: 351-400 Article on Blender :: The Ultimate Guide to Music and More". March 22, 2009. Archived from the original on March 22, 2009.
- ^ "The Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s: 20-01 - Pitchfork". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019.
- ^ "The 100 Best Singles of the 1990s - Feature - Slant Magazine". Slant Magazine.
- ^ Johnston, Maura; Reeves, Mosi (August 8, 2017). "The 30 Best '90s R&B Songs". Spin. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (June 4, 2018). "The 98 Best Songs of 1998: Pop's Weirdest Year". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "Are You That Somebody? Ranked #238 on Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs List". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ "The 65 Best '90s Pop Songs". Elle. April 29, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ "The 250 Best Songs of the 1990's". Pitchfork. September 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ Faison, Datu (July 25, 1998). "Rhythm Section". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 30. p. 35. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ Sandiford-Waller, Theda (October 31, 1998). "Hot 100 Singles Highlight". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 44. p. 93. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
- ^ "R&B Chart Is Revamped". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 2. January 9, 1999. p. 5. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ "In 1998, 'Iris,' 'Torn,' & Other Radio Smashes Hit the Hot 100 at Last After a Key Rule Change". Billboard. May 30, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Radio Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Airplay". Billboard. August 1, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Rhythmic Songs". Billboard. August 22, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Pop Songs". Billboard. November 21, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "The Hot 100". Billboard. December 5, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ a b "Aaliyah - Chart history - Billboard". Billboard. November 8, 2015. Archived from the original on November 8, 2015.
- ^ "RPM Urban Top 30". RPM. August 31, 1998. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ "Aaliyah-Are You That Somebody". Ultratop. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Aaliyah-Are You That Somebody". Official German Charts. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Aaliyah-Are You That Somebody". Single Top 100. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Aaliyah-Are You That Somebody". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Myers, Justin (January 16, 2018). "More Than A Woman: Aaliyah remembered on her birthday". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
- ^ "AALIYAH - ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY?". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ a b c d Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (December 22, 2023). "From Aaliyah to Save the Last Dance and The Color Purple, Fatima Robinson reflects on her most iconic moments". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Mark Gerard • director/cameraman/editor". markgerard.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ Warner 2014
- ^ a b Stanisci, Grace (January 16, 2013). "Aaliyah's music video secrets". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ a b "Derek Lee Shares What It Was Like Styling Aaliyah". Complex. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Aaliyah's Stylist Derek Lee On Her Most Fashionable Music Video Moments". Nylon. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ "Video Monitor". Billboard. July 18, 1998. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Video Monitor". Billboard. July 25, 1998. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Video Monitor". Billboard. October 3, 1998. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Video Monitor". Billboard. October 10, 1998. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "The Best R&B Videos of the '90". Complex. November 9, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Sikandar, Seher (October 21, 2014). "20 R&B Music Videos From 15 Years Ago That Taught Us How To Dance". Vh1. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ BET Staff. "Werk: Best Dance Moves in a Music Video". BET. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Wang, Steffanee (August 10, 2021). "Aaliyah's Music Video Evolution From "Back and Forth" To "Rock The Boat"". Nylon. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ "Aaliyah, Whose Soaring Career Was Cut Short by a Tragedy". The New York Times. August 25, 2016. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (September 2, 2001). "A Pioneer, Briefly, Of a New Sound". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ BET Staff. "The 20 Best Timbaland Beats". BET. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ a b Appleford, Steve (October 20, 2010). "How Maroon 5 found the courage to let its heart show". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Why Everybody Loves Covering Aaliyah". March 20, 2014.
- ^ "A History of Drake's Obsession With AaliyahDrake References "Are U That Somebody" On "BedRock"". Complex.
- ^ "Are You That Somebody? (feat. Wax) – Single on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
- ^ "James Blake: CMYK EP Album Review - Pitchfork". pitchfork.com.
- ^ "The Perfect Aaliyah Cover? BANKS Just Nailed It". MTV. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014.
- ^ "Pentatonix Mash Up 'New Rules' & 'Are You That Somebody?' on 'Late Late Show': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
- ^ McIntyre, Hugh (August 5, 2021). "20 Years After Her Passing, Aaliyah's Music Is Finally Coming To Streaming Services". Forbes. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ Legaspi, Althea (October 8, 2021). "Stream Aaliyah's 'I Care 4 U' and 'Ultimate Aaliyah' Compilation Albums". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Sam Gendel reinterprets songs by Beyoncé, Aaliyah on new album Cookup". The Fader. January 19, 2023. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Aaliyah (1998). Are You That Somebody? (UK CD single liner notes). Blackground Records, Atlantic Records. AT0047CD.
- ^ Aaliyah (1998). Are You That Somebody? (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Blackground Records, Atlantic Records. AT 0047 T.
- ^ Aaliyah (1998). Are You That Somebody? (UK cassette single sleeve). Blackground Records, Atlantic Records. AT0047C.
- ^ Aaliyah (1998). Are You That Somebody? (European CD single liner notes). Blackground Records, Atlantic Records. 7567-84172-9.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 7895." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
- ^ "Euro Chart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media. September 19, 1998. p. 11. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
- ^ a b "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 48, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ "Aaliyah: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
- ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
- ^ "Aaliyah Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
- ^ "Top 40 Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 49. December 5, 1998. p. 114. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
- ^ "R&B Digital Song Sales Chart". Billboard. October 20, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "RPM's Top 100 Hit Tracks of '98" (PDF). RPM. Vol. 63, no. 12. December 14, 1998. p. 20. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
- ^ "RPM's Top 50 Urban Tracks of '98". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
- ^ "Jaarlijsten 1998" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1998" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- ^ "End of Year Charts 1998". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- ^ "The Year in Music 1998" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 52. December 26, 1998. p. YE-52. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1998" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 45. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ "Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 1998" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 46. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ "Jaarlijsten 1999" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1999" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- ^ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1999" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 7, no. 52. December 24, 1999. p. 54. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ "Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 1999" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 7, no. 52. December 24, 1999. p. 53. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ "Dutch single certifications – Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved August 23, 2018. Enter Are You That Somebody in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1998 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?". Recorded Music NZ.
- ^ "British single certifications – Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "ADDvance Notice" (PDF). Radio & Records. May 22, 1998. p. 50. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1251. June 5, 1998. p. 45.
- ^ "Singles: Releases for 24 Aug–30 Aug, 1998: 142" (PDF). Music Week. August 22, 1998. p. 35. Retrieved March 13, 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Are You That Somebody – Single by Aaliyah". United States: Apple Music. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
Bibliography
[edit]- Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (2004). "The Rolling Stone Album Guide". Rolling Stone. ISBN 978-0-7432-0169-8. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
- Warner, Jennifer (2014). Aaliyah: A Biography. BookCap Study Guides. ISBN 9781629173597.
External links
[edit]- "Are You That Somebody?" at Discogs (list of releases)
- Official website Archived October 3, 2020, at the Wayback Machine