It’s been only a week since Normani and Cardi B’s ‘Wild Side’ was released and yet the tune has managed to garner much-deserved hype and flowers. According to Barry Hankerson, who is the catalog manager and uncle to the late Aaliyah, the highly-acclaimed song samples Aaliyah’s “One in a Million” track.

Furthermore, Hankerson maintains that authorization to sample the song was not obtained and goes on to tell TMZ that it would have been “more honorable” if Normani had requested permission to sample “One in a Million,” but he still approves.

He said of the track: “I will not stand in the way of something that brings to light the incredible staying power of Aaliyah. So in that light, wishing Normani well with the song and overall career. God bless. I think Aaliyah would be pleased.”

“I believe that Aaliyah would be very supportive of a young Black woman that chose to emulate her music and style,” Hankerson continued.

According to a Blackground attorney, permission to use the sample “One in a Million” was never granted, though Normani’s team claims that “Wild Side” does not use a direct sample of Aaliyah’s 1996 hit.

Timbaland, the producer of “One in a Million,” has opted to co-sign the song, sharing a video of himself dancing to “Wild Side” and saying, “Congratulations, Normani hard. Cardi B, y’all did your thing,”

An elated Normani then responded to the video, tweeting: “I must’ve died when I seen this.”

Aaliyah’s estate has been fiercely guarding her songs. The majority of her discography, including her 1996 album One in a Million, is not available on streaming platforms.

Take in Normani x Cardi B’s ‘Wild Side’ below’

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