20... Ways To Grow

20... Ways To Grow is the second studio album by American singer Chanel, released by Arista Records on August 22, 1998. The album is the follow-up to her debut studio album The Pain. The Love. The Tears (1997), and features guest appearances from Da Brat, Shanice, Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson and Cheetah Girls. The album was originally to be titled Destiny and the song "Survive" was the intended lead single. However, later the album's name was changed to 20... Ways To Grow. 20... Ways To Grow is primarily a R&B album, with influences of dance-pop, disco, house, trap, and reggae genres, which made her stand out in the music industry for her very futuristic sound. Thomas, Max Martin, and Savan Kotecha were the album's executive producers. All three wrote or produced songs for the album, as did musicians such as Ilya Salmanzadeh and Tommy Brown.

The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, earning 475,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with 329,000 coming from pure sales. It was her second album to hit number-one in the country instantly. However, it became her first number one album in the UK. It also hit number-one in Australia, Brazil, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain and Taiwan, while also entering the top three in almost every territory it charted in. The lead single "7 Rings" was released on June 28, 1998, and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The second and third singles, "Blazed" and "Side to Side", have both reached peaks at number one on that chart, respectively. Three promotional singles were released for the album: "Be Alright", "Let Me Love You" (featuring rapper Lil Wayne), and "Jason's Song (Gave It Away)". The album received generally positive reviews from critics, appearing on the year-end lists of several publications. It received a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. To promote the album, Thomas performed at the MTV Movie Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and American Music Awards. She also appeared on an episode of Saturday Night Live as both the host and musical guest. Furthermore, Thomas embarked on a concert tour, the 20 Ways Tour, starting in January 1999. The album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.