"If Your Girl Only Knew" | ||||
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Single by Aaliyah | ||||
from the album One in a Million | ||||
A-side | "One in a Million" | |||
Released | July 15, 1996 | |||
Recorded | 1996[1] | |||
Studio | Pyramid (Ithaca) | |||
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Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Timbaland | |||
Aaliyah singles chronology | ||||
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Audio sample | ||||
"If Your Girl Only Knew" | ||||
Music video | ||||
"If Your Girl Only Knew" on YouTube |
"If Your Girl Only Knew" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. It was released to radio on July 15, 1996, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records as the lead single for her second studio album, One in a Million (1996). It was physically released in August 1996. Written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song, it focuses on a guy who receives a scolding from the female narrator (Aaliyah) for hitting on her when he already has a girlfriend. Musically, "If Your Girl Only Knew" is a "bouncing" funk, pop and hip hop song. Its production also incorporates other instruments ranging from keyboards, organs, and guitar licks.
Upon its release, the song received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Aaliyah's vocal performance and lyrical content. Commercially, "If Your Girl Only Knew" peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. By the end of 1996, it sold over 600,000 copies in the United States. Internationally, "If Your Girl Only Knew" was a moderate success, peaking within the top 40 in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In 1997, the song was re-released with "One in a Million" in the UK, where it reached a new peak at number 15.
An accompanying music video for "If Your Girl Only Knew" was directed by Joseph Khan, and it depicts Aaliyah in a dark club setting. The video also featured cameo appearances from Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, and other celebrities. Over the years, it has received critical acclaim, with many critics highlighting Aaliyah's new look in the video.