You know that feeling when you hear a specific synth beat and suddenly you’re back in 2001, sitting on a couch with a bowl of cereal? That’s the power of the One on One theme song. Honestly, it’s one of those tracks that basically defined an era of UPN sitcoms. If you grew up watching Flex Alexander and Kyla Pratt navigate the chaotic world of a sportscaster dad and his teenage daughter, that song is burned into your brain. It wasn't just background noise. It was a whole vibe.
Most TV shows today just slap a title card on the screen with a five-second sound bite. It's tragic. But back then, the theme song was the handshake. It introduced the characters, set the mood, and—most importantly—it was a bop. The track for One on One did a lot of heavy lifting. It had to bridge the gap between a bachelor lifestyle and the sudden responsibility of fatherhood, all while staying trendy enough for a teen audience.
The Story Behind the One on One Theme Song
A lot of people don't realize that the One on One theme song wasn't just some generic studio production. It was actually performed by Shanice. If that name sounds familiar, it should. She’s the R&B powerhouse behind the 1991 smash hit "I Love Your Smile." Having a legitimate R&B star sing your sitcom intro was a massive flex for the producers. It gave the show instant credibility in the urban contemporary space.
Flex Alexander, who played Flex Washington, actually has deep roots in the dance and music world before he ever landed his own sitcom. He was a dancer for Salt-N-Pepa. He knew the importance of rhythm. So, when it came time to craft the identity of the show, the music couldn't be an afterthought. The lyrics—"Just me and you, it's one on one"—were literal, sure. But the delivery? That was pure early-2000s soul.
The song actually evolved over the years. Sitcom fans are usually split on which version they prefer. In the early seasons, the intro is bright, colorful, and very focused on the "newness" of Breanna moving in with her dad. As the show progressed and the cast shifted—especially when they moved to the Baltimore years and eventually to the college years—the intro sequences changed. But that core hook? It stayed.
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Why the 2000s Sitcom Intro Hit Different
Think about Moesha. Think about The Parkers or Girlfriends. All of these shows used music as a cultural marker. The One on One theme song followed that tradition by leaning into the "New Jack Swing" hangover and the rising glossy R&B sound of the millennium. It wasn't trying to be a cinematic masterpiece. It was trying to be your favorite song on the radio.
What’s wild is how these songs were mixed. If you listen to the track today, the bassline is surprisingly thick for a broadcast TV show. Most networks at the time were terrified of anything sounding too "loud," but UPN let their shows have some teeth. It felt authentic to the setting of Baltimore. It felt like something you’d actually hear coming out of a car window in 2002.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and Production
Let’s get real about the lyrics for a second. They weren't complex. "I never knew that I could feel this way / It's a brand new life for me every day." It’s basically a diary entry from Flex’s perspective. It captures that terrifying realization of a man who used to spend his nights at the club now having to worry about his daughter’s algebra homework and her boyfriends.
The production featured:
- Crisp, programmed drums that didn't overstay their welcome.
- That signature early-2000s "twinkle" synth that seemed to be in every R&B song.
- Shanice’s effortless vocal runs that made the simple melody sound sophisticated.
It’s actually quite short. Most versions of the TV edit clock in at under 40 seconds. In that tiny window, the song manages to establish the premise, name-check the title, and get you nodding your head. That is a lost art form. Nowadays, we skip intros. Back then, you’d be annoyed if someone talked over the One on One theme.
The Shift in Later Seasons
Television is a business, and as shows age, they often try to "refresh" their look. One on One was no exception. By the time Breanna went to college, the show felt different. The dynamic shifted from a father-daughter duo to an ensemble comedy. Naturally, the visuals of the intro changed to reflect the new cast members, like Ray J.
Some fans feel like the soul of the show was lost in those later years. The theme song, while still present in spirit, felt a bit more like a relic of the show’s origins rather than its future. But even when the plot got a bit messy, that opening melody acted as an anchor. It reminded the audience why they fell in love with the Washington family in the first place. It was about connection.
The Shanice Connection
We have to talk more about Shanice. She’s actually married to Flex Alexander in real life! They’ve been one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. Having his wife sing the theme song wasn't just a business move; it was a family affair. This adds a layer of warmth to the track that you just don't get with "hired gun" session singers. When she sings about "me and you," there’s a genuine chemistry in the vocals that mirrors the onscreen bond between Flex and Kyla Pratt.
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They even did a reality show much later called Flex & Shanice, where they talked about the ups and downs of their careers. It makes revisiting the One on One intro feel a bit more poignant. You’re hearing a couple at the height of their early-2000s power, building a legacy together.
Why We Still Care Today
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. But it’s not just about being "old." The One on One theme song represents a specific moment in Black media where UPN and The WB were giving creators the space to make shows that felt specific and localized. The music was a huge part of that "neighborhood" feel.
When you hear that song on a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu today, it doesn’t feel dated in a bad way. It feels like a time capsule. It’s a reminder of a time when TV shows had "themes" rather than "title sequences."
There’s also the TikTok factor. Old sitcom intros have been blowing up as sounds for transitions or "get ready with me" videos. The One on One track is a prime candidate because the beat is so recognizable. It’s short, punchy, and carries a massive amount of "Main Character Energy."
Common Misconceptions About the Song
People often confuse the One on One theme with other shows of the era. No, it wasn't sung by Brandy (that’s Moesha). And no, it wasn't a repurposed radio hit. It was written specifically for the show.
Another weird myth is that there’s a "full-length" radio version. While Shanice has performed snatches of it live and fans have made extended loops, the song was never released as a 4-minute single. It exists primarily as a piece of television history. It was designed to do one job: get you excited for 22 minutes of comedy. And it did that job perfectly.
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Actionable Takeaways for Music and TV Buffs
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this era of television music or just want to relive the magic, here is how you can actually engage with it:
- Check out the "Flex & Shanice" YouTube channel: They often share behind-the-scenes stories about their time on the show and the music industry in the early 2000s. It’s the best way to get the story straight from the source.
- Listen to Shanice’s 2006 album "Every Woman’s Dreams": If you like the vocal style of the theme song, this album captures that same era's R&B energy and showcases her incredible range.
- Compare the intro versions: Go on a deep dive of Season 1 vs. Season 5. Notice how the color grading, the fashion, and the musical cues change. It’s a masterclass in how TV networks tried to stay "cool" as the millennium moved forward.
- Support the Creators: Kyla Pratt and Flex Alexander are still very active in the industry. Following their current projects is a great way to respect the legacy of the show without just living in the past.
The One on One theme song might just be a few lines of music, but it’s a symbol of a very specific, very beloved era of entertainment. It proved that you didn't need a massive orchestra to make an intro iconic. You just needed a good beat, a great voice, and a lot of heart.
To really appreciate the craft, go back and watch the pilot episode. Pay attention to how the music kicks in right after the cold open. It’s a perfect transition. It’s the sound of a father and daughter trying to figure it out, one day at a time. That’s something everyone can relate to, whether it’s 2001 or 2026.