Today, From The Vault is back with yet another undeniable R&B classic. This week’s pick comes courtesy of Tamia.
It’s the ever-enchanting ‘So Into You.’
The late ’90s brought an influx of new R&B acts. Canadian songbird Tamia was one of the lucky few who managed to put a permanent spell on the audience – pun intended – instantly. After a Quincy Jones collaboration and a Jermaine Dupri-assisted single, the songbird hatched a release that would become her most prolific offering.
Written by Tamia alongside Tim & Bob (who produced the track), 1998’s ‘You’ was built around a sample of the Commodores and includes backing vocals by Mario Winans.
It was a moderate hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #30, but fared way better on the R&B/Hip-Hop tally where it reached the seventh position.
Five years after its release, rapper Fabolous sampled the track and asked Tamia to cut some new vocals, resulting in a higher Hot 100 peak (#4) and a more international reach for the song.
Harvey White directed its accompanying visual, which mirrored her long-distance relationship with basketball player Grant Hill – who would become her husband the following year.
The singer can be seen lounging with her girl squad which includes a young Nicole Richie.
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For over 20 years, this revered jam has only grown in popularity – and we can understand why.
With a powerful yet restrained delivery, an earworm of a melody, and timeless production, it is the blueprint for many a successful R&B mid-tempo…’til this day.
A bonafide classic.
