In 1996, Aaliyah released her second album, One In A Million. The first single, "If Your Girl Only Knew," went double platinum and features Timbaland's signature syncopated beats and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's poignant lyrics. "4 Page Letter" and "Hot Like Fire" were also well received. "I love working with Timbaland," says Aaliyah. "He understands what I can do and always wants to try new things. We have great chemistry, we're musical soulmates." Rashad wrote the video treatment for "4 Page Letter" in two hours while studying at Hofstra University.

Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, J. Dibbs, Daryl Simmons, Kay-Gee, Vincent "V.H." Herbert, and Craig King were also involved in the production of One In A Million. The album went multi-platinum and was an international hit. Aaliyah performed throughout Europe, Japan, and South Africa. In Tokyo, concertgoers sang along to the lyrics of all her songs.