
Photo by Jason Cook Southern California Punk Legends TSOL cover Amerie’s 1 Thing and launch pre sale of the 12 single on Limited Edition Colored Vinyl via Hardline Entertainment.


We know it as “Get Right,” which was initially meant for Usher. desperately wanted the song because she had Harrison produce one with a similar sound. Later, it was featured in Will Smith’s romantic comedy Hitch. Columbia tried to suppress the success of the song. And given her penchant for putting her name on the work of Black women, Amerie made the right decision. But also because Jennifer Lopez, who was Amerie’s label mate, was interested in the song. In 2004, Amerie and Rich leaked the song, hoping to force the label’s hand.

Columbia, her label at the time, wasn’t convinced the song was a hit. It was the only single from the album because Amerie and her writing partner Rich Harrison had to sneak and release it. 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. While people might argue about the relevance of this song, “1 Thing,” which debuted on her second album, Touch, was a certified hit. Sony was hesitant to release it and some other interesting tidbits. Turns out there was another artist who wanted it. F*ck the numbers.Īnd in sharing their admiration for the song, there were some interesting facts revealed-like how and why the song was released. 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. But now, with the onset of 2020, people are reflecting on memorable moments of the past decade. Shortly after that, Amerie’s career would fizzle a bit. Not to mention the dance-ability of the song was remarkable.

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.
