Synopsis

Ashanti moves through a stylized, futuristic cityscape while expressing total devotion to the person she loves. The video shifts between blue-tinted urban images, intimate close-ups, fashion-focused poses, a shower sequence, and surreal scenes involving projected images and a cocoon-like hair dryer. Seven Aurelius appears with an electric guitar during the opening and closing moments. The visual narrative eventually gives way to a performance sequence, with Ashanti and a group of female dancers delivering the song onstage.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in Vancouver and Mexico City.

• Two official versions were released: the original narrative video and a Dance Version that uses the choreography sequence for the entire performance.

• The Dance Version was primarily aired on BET.

• The video's strong blue color treatment and futuristic city imagery give it a pronounced film-noir and science-fiction atmosphere.

• Several visual ideas recall Ridley Scott's 1982 film "Blade Runner," including Ashanti's giant projected image on a skyscraper and the industrial-looking city setting.

• The unusual widescreen presentation replaces the usual black letterbox bars with reversed or upside-down versions of the central image. An alternate cut presents the footage with conventional black bars.

• Herbal Essences products are visible during the shower scene. Ashanti had become a spokesperson for the hair-care brand around the time of the video's release.

• Seven Aurelius, who co-wrote and co-produced "Only U," appears in the video as the guitarist.

• "Only U" became Ashanti's biggest single in the United Kingdom, where it reached No. 2.