This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.
Who would’ve thought the theme song to a family-friendly film about a doctor that can talk to animals would be so damn sexy? Due to time constraints set by Blackground Records, late songwriter Static Major cut the “Are You That Somebody” demo alongside producer Timbaland in just 10 hours, between 1-11 am. Set to the backdrop of Timbaland’s signature, Middle Eastern-derived sound, it was inspired by the allegedly burgeoning romance between Major and Aaliyah. With her ever-maturing image, voice, and iconic visuals, Aaliyah gave a sensual yet tasteful glimpse of what was to come in her tragically short career.
Watch the “Are You That Somebody” video, stream it (finally), or grab all Aaliyah’s hits on vinyl.
In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.