"Only" is a song by Nicki Minaj from her third studio album, The Pinkprint. It features guest vocals from Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown. The song serves as the third single off the album. The song was composed by Minaj, Aubrey Graham, Dwayne Carter, and Rock City, also known as Planet VI, which consists of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas. The production was managed by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and JMIKE. The song was released on October 28, 2014 as a digital download, and was sent to Urban and Rhythmic radio on November 4. A music video was shot for the song on November 2, and premiered on December 12.
The song debuted at #54 in the US becoming her 55th Hot 100 entry (making her the female artist with the 5th most entries at the time). It peaked at #1 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her 4th chart topper and giving her the most #1s for a female rapper in Billboard history. The song also broke the record for being the most added song on Urban radio of 2014 in a one week time frame. With "Only" and "Truffle Butter" holding both the #1 and #2 spot on the Rap airplay chart, Nicki became the first female act ever to achieve this feat as a lead artist on both songs.
The song has been certified 3x Platinum in the US.
Background & Release
On October 25, 2014, Dr. Luke tweeted, "Three Days!!! @NICKIMINAJ", hinting at other song by Nicki would be released. The next day, October 26, Nicki posted the single's artwork on Instagram with the hashtag #ONLY - Tuesday. It was revealed that Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown would all be featured on the song. The song was released on October 28, 2014 as a digital download. It was sent to Urban and Rhythmic radio on November 4 being the #1 most added song on both formats.
Artwork
On October 26, Nicki surprised fans and released the song's artwork on Instagram. On the cover all four of the collaborators name was on the cover, but only a picture on Nicki, Drake, and Lil Wayne were featured, excluding Chris. On the cover, which is animated, Nicki is a vixen wearing shades looking like a true boss she is. Drake is wearing a pope hat which has the Young Money symbol on it, and Lil Wayne has on a suit and tie (dressing up as a business man).
Critical Reception
"Only" received generally positive reviews from critics. Carolyn Menyes from Music Times gave the song a positive review, saying "With a cool sense of confidence and rhymes that boast of her own sexual and rapping prowess, Minaj is taking the reins, leading into the equally vulgar and explosive rap verses from Drake and Wayne". Miles Raymer from Entertaiment Weekly praised Minaj's rap and called it the best part of the song. Chris Coplan from Consequence Of Sound said although it wasn't the strongest effort from them three, the song was "a great display of how their separate and distinct personalities can still play off one another nicely". Drew Millard from Noisey praised Lil Wayne's verse and said "Minaj continues to rap laps around the competition and there's no indication that that's going to change any time soon".
Matthew Trammell of FADER gave the song a negative review, saying Minaj delivers "sleepy lines" and comes off "a bit desperate".
Cross references
- A ménage or "Minaj" is also referenced in "Slumber Party" and "Side to Side".
Music Video
| Music Video | Information | |
|---|---|---|
|
Premiere | December 12, 2014 |
| Filmed | November 2, 2014 | |
| Director | Hannah Lux Davis | |
| Producer | Brandon Bonfiglio | |
| Production co | London Alley | |
| Exec. producer | Jeff Panzer, Luga Podesta | |
| Editor | ||
| Choreographer | ||
| Length | 5:57 | |
| Source | [1] | |
Background
The music video was shot on November 2, 2014 by Hannah Lux Davis. It premiered on VEVO on December 12, 2014.
Stills
Behind the Scenes
Lyric Video
Nicki released a lyric video on her VEVO on November 7. It gained large media attention due to it's controversial nature of allegedly portraying Nazi imagery. Minaj later denied these claims, stating that the artist of the lyric video was referencing 'Metalocalypse' and 'Sin City'. She also apologised for the confusion, responding via twitter that she 'take[s] full responsibility if it has offended anyone. I'd never condone Nazism in my art.'
Live Performances
Nicki performed the song for the first time on Saturday Night Live on December 6, 2014.
Charts
| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 62 |
| Australia (ARIA) | 9 |
| Belgium (Ultratip Flanders) | 39 |
| Belgium Urban (Ultratop Flanders) | 14 |
| Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia) | 34 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 20 |
| France (SNEP) | 102 |
| Scotland (Official Charts Company) | 36 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | 35 |
| UK R&B (Official Charts Company) | 4 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 12 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Rap Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard) | 6 |
Lyrics
"Only" |
|---|
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[Verse 1: Nicki Minaj] |
v • e  | |
|---|---|
| Tracks | All Things Go • I Lied • The Crying Game • Get On Your Knees • Feeling Myself • Only • Want Some More • Four Door Aventador • Favorite • Buy a Heart • Trini Dem Girls • Anaconda • The Night Is Still Young • Pills N Potions • Bed of Lies • Grand Piano |
| Bonus tracks | Big Daddy • Shanghai • Win Again • Truffle Butter • Mona Lisa • Put You in a Room • Wamables • Turn Yo Cap Back • If It's Okay • Arctic Tundra • Remember Me |
| Scrapped tracks | Ain't Gone Do It • Dem Boys • Good Luck • Murda |
| Related tracks | The Pinkprint Freestyle • Yasss Bish |
| Tour | The Pinkprint Tour |
| Extras | The Pinkprint calendar shoot • The Pinkprint (fragrance) • The Pinkprint Movie |