Missy Elliott is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Aaliyah’s landmark second studio album, One in a Million, reflecting on a project that helped reshape the sound of contemporary R&B.

Originally released on August 13, 1996, One in a Million became one of the defining albums of the 1990s. The project brought together Aaliyah, Missy Elliott and Timbaland, whose experimental production helped create a futuristic sound built around unconventional rhythms, electronic textures and understated R&B.

Elliott played a major role in the album’s creation, co-writing several of its most memorable songs with Timbaland. Among them were the title track “One in a Million” and “If Your Girl Only Knew,” records that became central to Aaliyah’s artistic identity and helped establish the innovative partnership between the three artists.

Three decades later, the album’s influence remains evident across R&B and popular music. Its combination of futuristic production, Aaliyah’s restrained vocal delivery and Elliott and Timbaland’s unconventional songwriting helped create a blueprint that continues to influence artists today.

The 30th anniversary has also been marked through a major celebration of Aaliyah’s legacy. At the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Elliott curated the “Aaliyah: One in a Million, Forever” tribute, bringing together artists including Mýa, Normani, Chlöe, Ryan Destiny and Sevyn Streeter to perform songs from Aaliyah’s catalog.

The tribute was particularly significant because Aaliyah had a longstanding connection to ESSENCE Festival, having performed at the inaugural event in 1995. Her family also supported the 2026 celebration, with her brother Rashad Haughton expressing gratitude for Elliott and the festival’s decision to honor her legacy.

One in a Million remains widely regarded as one of the most influential R&B albums of its era. Its willingness to experiment with hip-hop, electronica, funk, jungle and trip-hop influences helped push R&B into new territory and established Aaliyah as an artist whose influence extended beyond conventional genre boundaries.

For Elliott, the anniversary represents more than a celebration of a successful album. It is also a reminder of her creative relationship with Aaliyah and the music they created together, music that continues to resonate with audiences 30 years later.

Three decades after its release, One in a Million remains exactly what its title promised: one of a kind.