Aaliyah: Ten Years

It's been 10 years since R&B singer Aaliyah's tragic death. When the news of her private jet going down in the Bahamas shortly after filming the "Rock the Boat" music video reached the states, it struck an irreparable blow to the music world. Some artists and and music industry insiders came together to discuss the singer's musical impact in this exclusive BET.com video.

Aaliyah, 9 Years Ago, Today Passed Away

In a world where R&B singers seem to be getting busted for drug use, arrested on domestic abuse, and pulling guns on people, Aaliyah would certainly be a breath of fresh air right about now.

Nine years ago today, the R&B singer, who was only 22 years old, died in a plane crash as her, and 8 other passengers were coming back from the Bahamas where they were filming her latest music video. Her untimely death was certainly a tragedy. She had just released her best album to date in “Aaliyah” and was seemingly at the top of her game. Even though she was only 22 years old, she had the poise of a veteran musician, likely because she got her start in the industry at such a young age. She appeared on Star Search at age nine, and signed her first record deal at 12. She managed to obtain two Gold albums and a Platinum before she even turned 16.

Aaliyah’s death is still just as shocking as it was nine years ago when that plane went down. Not only was she a music star, but was on the verge of becoming just as big in Hollywood. She starred in the movie “Romeo Must Die,” with martial arts expert, Jet Li. The film grossed over $91 million worldwide on a $25 million budget.

Aaliyah truly was a great talent, and even greater person.