The track is dominated by an aria-style piano instrumental, overlaid with a catchy intermission of synthesized sounds. The lyrics revolve around fame, relationships, and female empowerment- themes that Minaj is well known for. The song was produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, with additional production from JMIKE, the latter of whom helped to create “Only” in its earliest stages.
“Only” was met with mostly positive critical reviews upon its release, with many critics praising the guest verses from Drake and Lil Wayne. Rolling Stone called it “an arena-sized banger that will trigger gyration in even the most rhythmically challenged.” The song even debuted at number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100 without official promotion or release as a single.
One reason for the early success of “Only” was the star-studded guest list. The song not only featured Drake and Lil Wayne, but also R&B singer Chris Brown, who was still trying to regain public favor after a highly publicized altercation with Rihanna. Brown’s verse on “Only” has been praised for its clever wordplay and smooth delivery.
“Only” marked the fifth collaboration between Minaj and Drake, chemistry is often cited as one of the strengths of their joint work. In “Only,” the two rappers trade verses, effortlessly bouncing off each other’s rhymes. Lil Wayne, who has mentored Minaj throughout her career, also delivered a standout verse on “Only.” His wordplay and vivid imagery perfectly complemented the track’s underlying themes.
Despite its early success, “Only” was surrounded by controversy upon its release. The song’s music video received backlash for its Nazi imagery, which critics argued was insensitive and inappropriate. Minaj immediately apologized and explained that she did not intend to offend anyone.
Overall, “Only” remains one of Nicki Minaj’s most recognizable and celebrated tracks. It showcases her impeccable flow and ability to work with other top-tier artists in hip-hop and beyond. The song has become a staple of Minaj’s live shows and serves as a reminder of her influence on the rap industry as one of the most successful female rappers of all time.
In conclusion, “Only” gave Nicki Minaj a platform to showcase her incredible skills as a rapper, artist, and collaborator. With its catchy beat, clever lyrics, and star-studded lineup, the song remains a fan-favorite and a testament to Minaj’s impressive career in music.