
Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty
In 2005, I was a junior in high school. At the few parties I attended, the song we most wanted to hear at house parties, birthday shendigs and on our self-created mixes, was Amerie’s “1 Thing.” With the sound of blaring horns, kicking drums and a groove that couldn’t be denied, it was a jam. Not to mention the dance-ability of the song was remarkable.
Shortly after that, Amerie’s career would fizzle a bit. But now, with the onset of 2020, people are reflecting on memorable moments of the past decade. And even though Amerie’s song is four years too old to be included in the conversation, Black folk wanted to acknowledge it as culturally significant. F*ck the numbers.
And in sharing their admiration for the song, there were some interesting facts revealed—like how and why the song was released. Turns out there was another artist who wanted it. Sony was hesitant to release it and some other interesting tidbits.
https://twitter.com/cmonglue/status/1211668459706302464
While people might argue about the relevance of this song, “1 Thing,” which debuted on her second album, Touch, was a certified hit. Influenced by go-go rhythms and sampling The Meters’ “Calcutta,” it rose to number 8 in the Billboard Hot 100 that year and number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop charts.
It was the only single from the album because Amerie and her writing partner Rich Harrison had to sneak and release it. Columbia, her label at the time, wasn’t convinced the song was a hit. In 2004, Amerie and Rich leaked the song, hoping to force the label’s hand. But also because Jennifer Lopez, who was Amerie’s label mate, was interested in the song. And given her penchant for putting her name on the work of Black women, Amerie made the right decision. Columbia tried to suppress the success of the song. But eventually they began promoting it. Later, it was featured in Will Smith’s romantic comedy Hitch.
J Lo. desperately wanted the song because she had Harrison produce one with a similar sound. We know it as “Get Right,” which was initially meant for Usher.
It went on to earn Amerie a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Rolling Stone would eventually name the song one of the best songs of the 2000s decade.
See what Twitter University had to share and what Amerie herself thinks of all this love.
Remember when jlo tried to steal this so Amerie and Rich leaked this so she couldn't? Lmaoo https://t.co/sYbd5uzOwB
— Tallulah Shark (@thejanets) December 31, 2019
Diddy enabled JLO to steal from black artists.
— ¿during a pandemic? (@antisociallyte) December 31, 2019
Y’all do realize that Amerie didn’t stop making music after 1 Thing. She dropped two albums in 2018 and gave us this underrated gem called “Curious” 😍🔥 pic.twitter.com/oDUUHEBu9Q
— ✍🏾🗣 (@writtenbytruth) December 31, 2019
Useless fact. Amerie dropped this single her dam self cause Sony was slacking
pic.twitter.com/N6P0lRZ6XY— Nik (@Meganthetrainor) December 31, 2019
someone needs to write an essay about J.Lo’s historical utilization of Blackness from being a fly girl, Diddy’s girlfriend, and cultural theft of Ashanti and (apparently Amerie) to present day as a Super Bowl performer. https://t.co/gbSNSmdflx
— taylor DA REALIST crumpton (@taylorcrumpton) December 31, 2019
Amerie NEVER got the credit she deserved https://t.co/m1lVc161sh
— 𝕵🪐 (@jiggadat_) December 30, 2019
Yes Amerie 1 thing came out 2 years after crazy in love but Amerie fought 3 years to have the song released because her record label didn’t think it would be successful. It was originally supposed to be on her first album. Yes her sound was stolen. pic.twitter.com/pjCVuEB7dy
— Keonte (@Normanisrebel) December 31, 2019
I really wish we had this energy for Amerie when she was releasing this album. This sound was stolen by many of our faves and sis never got her credit. Yes, this song came out in 2005 BUT IDGAF! I’m happy to see Amerie getting her flowers 💐 https://t.co/NqTLoMeL4d
— 💫✨ (@TheJessieWoo) December 31, 2019
#Amerie’s go-go inspired sound on “1 Thing” is courtesy of producer Rich Harrison, a Washington DC native & Howard grad. The authenticity is undeniable. Amerie’s energy, upbringing in DC, and the ability to scribe a track in 2 hrs had everyone chasing that sound for years. https://t.co/jd3FA1hDTI
— Erica B. (@ericabuddington) December 31, 2019
You can see Amerie’s response on the following page.
Amerie replies to y’all having her trending even tho it’s not from this decade. 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/qeKbvTMCGp
— ✍🏾🗣 (@writtenbytruth) December 31, 2019