Remembering Aaliyah Nine Years Later

On this day nine years ago Aaliyah Dana Haughton's life was tragically cut short at the age of 22. Recording and performing under the singular name Aaliyah, she received her first contract from Jive and Blackground Records at the age of 12. Her uncle Barry Hankerson introduced the young Aaliyah to her future mentor R. Kelly, who would produce her first album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number. The album is now looked upon as a true cornerstone of her legacy. In 1996 she began work with Missy Elliott and Timbaland for her second album, One in a Million. It was her self titled third album that truly showed the type of artist Aaliyah had become. A talented hardworking focused woman who was well on her way to an elite career.

Aaliyah inspired millions within a short time, something few artists achieve with an entire career. Her voice was amazingly soulful but also held a hip hop edge that made her music timeless. She arguably paved the way for female vocalists of today like Kerry Hilson, Ciara, and Rhianna. Her talent came in many forms wether she was dancing, acting, or singing; she did it all very well.

Close friend and fellow recording artist Missy Elliot opened up to MTV about Aaliyah. "When me and Tim first went to work with her, we were so nervous. She was such a big star, and I was scared she was gonna be some diva, sipping on tea, with people fixing her hair and nails, and she would say, “What is this music you got! It’s wack!” But when we walked in the studio, her smile made the whole room glow! She was like “Heyyyyy!” and gave us big hugs and made us feel like we were her cousins from down South. She was a very sweet spirit! Never seen her angry as long as I’ve known her, and in this business, that’s unheard of!"

She later went on to say "I think it's hard for Aaliyah to be duplicated, because she had her own lane. But Ciara is an R&B singer who loves to dance, and Aaliyah was that same kinda artist. We knew when she dropped a record, we couldn't wait for the video. I think Aaliyah has influenced artists like a Ciara...We've had so many memorable times. My most memorable is when me, her and [Timbaland] wore outfits alike! It was burgundy Pony outfits to the awards. Mind you, Aaliyah was petite so her Pony outfit looked so cute on her, but I kept looking at mine during the awards whispering to her saying, 'I feel like a big-a** pony for real!' And we laughed and laughed! Too many memories to state them all! If she was still with us, she would still be at the top. Because she always stayed pushing herself to be better.(MTV)"

Although it has been nine years and Aaliyah is still fresh in our minds her voice still remains worthy. Tracks like "One In a Million," "Are You That Somebody," and "Rock The Boat," show exactly why she continues to be relevant within the clutter of the Hip-Hop/R&B genres.

R.I.P Aaliyah Dana Haughton January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001