Synopsis

Tatyana Ali performs "Daydreamin'" in a bright, playful video built around her romantic fixation on someone who occupies her thoughts all day. Solo performance shots and dance sequences are intercut with appearances by Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz, whose rap section adds a hip-hop edge to the polished R&B setting. Ali's upbeat presence keeps the visual light and youthful, presenting her as a singer stepping out from behind her familiar television role and into a pop-star spotlight.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Daydreamin'" was released in 1998 as Ali's debut single and the lead single from her only studio album, "Kiss the Sky."

• Ali was best known at the time for playing Ashley Banks on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Her co-star Will Smith encouraged her to pursue a music career after the sitcom ended.

• The track was produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, during the period when his sleek, rhythm-heavy production style was becoming a major force in late-1990s R&B.

• Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz appear on the rap version of the song. Their contribution helped connect Ali's pop-R&B approach with contemporary hip-hop radio.

• The song samples Steely Dan's "Black Cow," which is why Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are included among the songwriters.

• "Daydreamin'" became Ali's biggest musical success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a U.S. gold certification.

• The single's success arrived while Ali was attending Harvard University. Rather than abandoning school for a full-time music career, she continued her studies and handled promotion around her academic schedule.

• The video was part of the campaign that repositioned Ali from a sitcom performer into a recording artist. It also received television coverage on ABC's "World News Now," reflecting the public interest surrounding her post-"Fresh Prince" debut.