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.

Remembering Aaliyah Nine Years After

August 25, 2001 was a tragic day for music lovers and fans of Aaliyah Dana Haughton or simply the mononym Aaliyah. She started at a very young age appearing on Star Search with Gladys Night, and at the age of 12 Aaliyah already had her first deal through her uncle Barry Hankerson. She was a musical prodigy to which her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number sold nearly 3 million copies in United states as certified by Recording Industry Association of America to be a double platinum. Her future albums sold equally well and in the movie Romeo Must Die, her soundtrack “Try Again” topped the Billboard Hot 100 only because of airplays making it the first song ever and Aaliyah the first artist ever to have made the feat.

As an actress, she played her role to the hilt as the Queen of the Damned it was to be her last film and her last album self titled Aaliyah when on August 25, 2001 after filming Rock the Boat in the Bahamas, her plane crashed killing eight others. Allegedly, Luis Morales II the pilot was found out to have been intoxicated with amounts of cocaine and alcohol found during the autopsy. Additional reports showed that the pilot was not licensed to fly the plane, having lied about his experience and the plane itself was overloaded which caused the plane to crash shortly before take off.

When she died, fans were in disbelief, when it was confirmed, they mourned her passing at the young age of 22. The world missed Aaliyah, her music was phenomenal. Her style was often duplicated by contemporar artists and future artist but few could ever hope to achieve what Aaliyah achieved. She will always be the Princess of R & B.

Aaliyah, we are still missing you.

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

Missing Aaliyah for 9 years

Aaliyah, the child prodigy-turned-pop-diva, died nine years ago on Aug. 25 in an airplane crash on her way back to the US from the Bahamas.

At age 14, the singer recorded her first album Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number released in 1994. She appeared on Star Search at the age of 9 and signed her first record deal at 12.

Her death still resonates within the hip-hop and R&B communities, as a recent MTV interview with Missy Elliott revealed.

“There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of [Aaliyah] or watch a video or play her music," Elliott told MTV in an interview published on Wednesday. “I miss her every day.”
Elliott, 39, was heavily involved in Aaliyah’s 1996 sophomore album One in a Million, which sold more than 2 million records.

“She was a very sweet spirit!” Elliott said of the 22-year-old singer. “Never seen her angry as long as I've known her, and in this business, that's unheard of!"

Singer Ciara tweeted: "RIP Aaliyah. U can NEVER be replaced!!" Also, Singer Ginuwine tweeted : "Rest in peace Aaliyah We miss you much "

Numerous figures in the hip-hop community, along with Ciara, reminisced over the singer's death, including Raekwon, Trina and Ne-Yo.

Rapper Talib Kweli tweeted: "RIP Aaliyah, who we lost exactly 9 years ago. We learned so much from you, you are forever missed."

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.

Nine Things We'll Never Forget About Aaliyah

Nine years ago today, Aaliyah was tragically killed in a plane crash, marking the too-soon end of one of the music industry's most unique voices. Here's our list of nine things we'll never forget about Aaliyah's too-brief time in the spotlight:

The Hotshot Debut
Aaliyah made an immediate impact on mainstream R&B music with 1994 debut album "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200. The 15-year-old singer offered a catchy mix of street smarts and restrained vocals on first single "Back and Forth," which was written and produced by R. Kelly.

The R. Kelly Marriage Rumors
Rumors circulated of a relationship between Aaliyah and her producer/mentor, R. Kelly, and an underaged Aaliyah allegedly got married to the 27-year-old R&B star in Chicago in 1994. Reports said that the 15-year-old had misrepresented her age, and that the marriage was quickly and quietly annulled. Aaliyah became involved with Roc-A-Fella co-CEO Damon Dash later in her career.

The Timbaland Collaborations
Aaliyah's work with up-and-coming producer Timbaland reached a new height in 1998 with "Are You That Somebody?," the lead single from the "Dr. Doolittle" soundtrack which netted the singer her first Grammy nomination. The combination of Timbaland's crackling beats and Aaliyah's coy yet powerful vocals would lead the pair to future success on singles like "If Your Girl Only Knew" and "We Need a Resolution."

The Unique Style
With her outfits defined by baggy clothes, Aaliyah created an original sense of style while often covering her left eye to invoke the late actress Veronica Lake. The singer was tapped as a model for Tommy Hilfiger in 1996-1997, sporting a tube top, jeans and boxer shorts for the brand.

The Acting Career
The singer made a strong acting debut in 2000 with the Jet Li action flick "Romeo Must Die," while also serving as the executive producer of the film's soundtrack. Aaliyah then starred in the horror flick "Queen of the Damned," which was released posthumously in 2002, and had signed on to the sequels of "The Matrix" before her death.

The Biggest Hit
"Try Again," which was released as a single from the "Romeo Must Die" soundtrack, gave Aaliyah the biggest hit of her career and her only No. 1 on the Billboard 200. With Timbaland's futuristic beats providing a backdrop for the singer's vibrant vocals, the infectious hit earned two more Grammy nods and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 2000.

The Tragic Turn of Events
The July 2001 release of "Aaliyah" signaled new growth for the singer, with the sexy R&B jam "Rock the Boat" serving as the second single. Tragically, Aaliyah and eight others were killed in a plane crash on Aug. 25, 2001 following the Hype Williams-directed music video shoot for the song in the Bahamas. Scenes from the video were filmed just hours before Aaliyah's death.

The Tribute
Less than two weeks after her death at age 22, Aaliyah was honored at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. Friends and collaborators like Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Ginuwine all paid tribute to the singer, while Aaliyah's brother, Rashad Haughton, concluded the audience by thanking her for her positive impact. "I am truly happy to have been given a gift like you, Aaliyah," said Haughton.

The Final Songs
In December 2002, Blackground/Universal released "I Care 4 U," a compilation of previous hits and unreleased tracks, and the disc debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. In the video for first single "Miss You," artists like Missy Elliott and Jamie Foxx can be seen singing along to Aaliyah's warm vocals, while rapper DMX introduces the video by sending a message to the departed singer: "I can understand why God would have wanted you close to him, because you truly were an angel on earth."

Aaliyah Remembered By Ten Celeb Tweets Nine Years After Death

It's been nine years since R&B singer Aaliyah died in a fatal plane crash, but her memory lives on. In remembering her passing, Billboard.com has gathered nine heartfelt tweets about Aaliyah from her famous friends. R.I.P. Aaliyah.

	@Ginuwine09 : Rest in peace Aaliyah We miss you much
	@MissyElliott : Aaliyah was the sweetest spirit I've ever met! She believed in me and tim and bought life to our music. U will always b a 1 N A MILLION!
	@NeYoCompound (Ne-Yo): Today is the day that the R&B Angel Aaliyah passed on. RT if you loved her the way I did!!WE MISS YOU BABYGIRL!!!!
	@ciara: RIP Aaliyah. U can NEVER be replaced!! #ripaaliyah
	@NICKIMINAJ: #RIPAaliyah We'll always love you Aaliyah
	@RealTalibKweli (Talib Kweli) : RIP Aaliyah, who we lost exactly 9 years ago. We learned so much from you, you are forever missed.
	@TRINArockstarr (Trina): R.I.P Aaliyah "We Will Always Love You"
	@Raekwon : RIP to the so talented aaliyah, I remember me n ghost was trying to a record with her. She definitely will be missed!
	@ItsAmeriie (Ameriie): Aaliyah will forever be missed. Her images are still fresh & timeless, & would be great even now. God bless her spirit...
	@LilCease: #RIPAaliyah this is the day she passed away yall !! She was like fam to the mafia!! We love Aaliyah "retweet" pay "respect " "we love u"

Remembering Aaliyah: 9 Years Later

It’s been nine years since the world lost its angel, Aaliyah Dana Haughton. Though her life ended too soon, the promising young starlet left behind music to remind us of how special she was not just as a musician, but as a cultural figure. Her smooth, seductive voice, complemented by Timbaland’s sexiest beats, graced timeless tracks like “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “We Need a Resolution” and “More Than a Woman,” among many others. Aaliyah wasn’t just one in a million – she was one of a kind. R.I.P. Baby Girl.

Missy Elliott Remembers Aaliyah, Nine Years Later

It's been nine years since Aaliyah Dana Haughton died in a plane crash and left an immense void in the hearts of her family, friends and fans.

The singer's star was still rising when her life was cut short. She released multiplatinum albums and had just started her film career, but there was always a sense that her journey would be a long one, destined for greatness.

Traces of her style and influence are apparent in contemporary artists, but her legacy is most evident in her collaborators, including Timbaland, Ginuwine and Missy Elliot.

Missy spoke with MTV News via e-mail and shared some of her favorite Aaliyah memories.

MTV: When you look around today at some of the current R&B stars, who do you see traces of Aaliyah's influence in?

Missy Elliott: 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.

MTV: How do you spend a day like this, where everyone is mourning the anniversary of your friend's passing?

Elliott: I plan to spend my day the same as any other day, because there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of [Aaliyah] or watch a video or play her music. I miss her every day.

MTV: Do you know of any update on the plans for an Aaliyah movie?

Elliott: As far as a movie for Aaliyah, I've been hearing some things but don't know how true they are, and out of respect for her family, I would wait until they announce it. That way we will know it's a fact.

MTV: I'm sure you have so many memories of Aaliyah. What was it like the first time you met her?

Elliott: 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!

MTV: What memory do you revisit most when you think about Aaliyah?

Elliott: We've had so many memorable times. My most memorable is when me, her and Tim 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-ass 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.

Drake Writes A Letter To Aaliyah, Nine Years After Her Death

Drake's appreciation for Aaliyah is well-known, from the way he's spoken of the late singer in interviews to sampling her voice for his "Unforgettable" track with Young Jeezy.

In honor of the nine-year anniversary of Aaliyah's death, Drake penned a letter to the "Rock the Boat" singer that was posted on RapRadar.com.

"Dear Dana," Drake begins, referring to the singer by her middle name. "I've never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed."

The Thank Me Later rapper went on to explain that he was one of Aaliyah's biggest fans and that he was "truly in love" with her. He complimented the star's appearance, the way she carried herself, and the confidence she communicated in her music, be it about love or heartache.

Now that he's become a professional musician, he lamented that he and Aaliyah would never get the chance to collaborate.

"But you should know, we all listen to you every day and we remain inspired and moved by all that you've given the world," he finished. "I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I'll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet."

Share your memories of Aaliyah in the comments.