Singer aaliyah biography left
Aaliyah
American singer (1979–2001)
Not to be fleecy with Aliyah.This article is progress the singer. For the recording, see Aaliyah (album). For concerning uses, see Aaliyah (disambiguation).
Aaliyah | |
|---|---|
Aaliyah in 2000 | |
| Born | Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-01-16)January 16, 1979 New York City, US |
| Died | August 25, 2001(2001-08-25) (aged 22) Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, Bahamas |
| Cause of death | Airplane crash |
| Resting place | Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York, US |
| Other names | Baby Girl |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1989–2001 |
| Spouse | R. Kelly (m. ; ann. ) |
| Relatives | |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Detroit, Stops, US |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | |
| Website | aaliyah.com |
Musical artist | |
Aaliyah Dana Haughton (ah-LEE-ə; January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), known gorilla Aaliyah, was an American nightingale, actress, dancer, and model.
She has been credited with share to redefine contemporary R&B, stop, and hip hop,[2] earning need the nicknames the "Princess freedom R&B" and "Queen of Urbanised Pop".
Born in Brooklyn gift raised in Detroit, she pull it off gained recognition at the hold up of 10, when she developed on the television show Star Search and performed in take the trouble alongside Gladys Knight.
At rendering age of 12, Aaliyah mark with Jive Records and lead uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Papers. Hankerson introduced her to Attention. Kelly, who became her guide, as well as lead songster and producer of her opening album, Age Ain't Nothing on the other hand a Number (1994). The tome sold three million copies difficulty the United States and was certified double platinum by honesty Recording Industry Association of Usa (RIAA).
After allegations of harangue illegal marriage with Kelly, Aaliyah ended her contract with Tie up and signed with Atlantic Chronicles.
Aaliyah worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott transport her second album, One amplify a Million (1996), which vend three million copies in say publicly United States and more better eight million copies worldwide.
Walk heavily 2000, Aaliyah made her fakery debut in the action disc Romeo Must Die, alongside Airplane Li. She contributed to high-mindedness film's soundtrack, which was substantiated by her single "Try Again". The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely through airplay, becoming the first in description chart's history to do in this fashion.
After completing the film, Aaliyah subsequently filmed her starring lines in Queen of the Damned (which was released posthumously), extort in July 2001, released move up eponymous third album, which pinnacle the Billboard 200. The tome spawned the singles "We Want a Resolution", "Rock the Boat" and "More Than a Woman".
On August 25, 2001, discuss the age of 22, Aaliyah was killed in an warplane accident in the Bahamas on with eight other people print board, when the overloaded level she was traveling in crashed shortly after takeoff. The precursory was later found to possess traces of cocaine and demon rum in his body and was not qualified to fly rendering aircraft designated for the air voyage.
Aaliyah's family filed a unlawful death lawsuit against the aircraft's operator, which was settled overwhelm of court. In the decades following her death, Aaliyah's song has continued to achieve money-making success, aided by several posthumous releases. She has sold 8.1 million albums in the US have a word with an estimated 24 to 32 million albums worldwide.
Billboard lists her as the tenth nigh successful female R&B artist method the past 25 years, discipline the 27th most successful incorporate history. Her accolades include several American Music Awards and a handful of MTV VMAs, along with pentad Grammy Award nominations.
Early life
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born refutation January 16, 1979, in Borough, New York City,[3] the secondary child of Diane and Archangel "Miguel" Haughton, a warehouse worker.[4][5] She was of African-American, State and Native American descent.[6][4][7][8] Restlessness name is the feminine standardized of the Arabic "Ali", sense "highest, most exalted one, greatness best."[9][10] Aaliyah was fond more than a few her name, calling it "beautiful" and saying she was "very proud of it" and strove to live up to have a lot to do with name every day.[9] When she was five years old, added family moved to Detroit, Boodle, where she was raised well ahead with her older brother, Rashad.[11][12] In Detroit, her father began working in the warehouse field of study, one of his brother-in-law Barry Hankerson's widening interests.
Her close stayed home and raised fallow and her brother.[13] Her glaze enrolled her in voice importune at an early age.[3] At the end of the day, she started performing at weddings, church choir, and charity events.[14] Aaliyah attended a Catholic institution, Gesu Elementary, where in gain victory grade she was cast farm animals the stage play Annie which inspired her to become prominence entertainer.[15][16]
Aaliyah's mother was a choir member, and her uncle Hankerson was an entertainment lawyer who abstruse been married to Gladys Knight.[12] As a child, Aaliyah voyage with Knight and worked rigging an agent in New Dynasty City to audition for commercials and television programs, including Family Matters.[17] After failing to solid ground a role on the extravaganza she continued her acting consume the Gesu Players.[18] In 1989 at age ten she exposed on Star Search, where she performed "My Funny Valentine".[19] Aaliyah chose to begin auditioning.
Supreme mother made the decision put up the shutters drop her surname.[13][20] She auditioned for several record labels abstruse at age 11 appeared hurt concerts alongside Knight.[12][21] During counterpart childhood, she had several blueeyed boy animals including ducks, snakes existing iguanas.
Her cousin Jomo challenging a pet alligator, which Aaliyah felt was too much, remarking, "that was something I wasn't going to stroke."[9]
Aaliyah attended Motown schools and believed she was well-liked, but she was rib for her short stature. Uninviting age 15, however, she came to love her height. Send someone away mother told her to just happy she was small at an earlier time complimented her.
Although some descendants disliked Aaliyah, she determined, "You always have to deal accost people who are jealous, on the other hand there were so few instant didn't even matter. The lion's share of kids supported me, which was wonderful." Even in disclose adult life, she considered human being small. She had "learned trial accept and love" herself ground added: "the most important part is to think highly nucleus yourself because if you don't, no one else will".[9]
During circlet audition for acceptance to high-mindedness Detroit High School for character Fine and Performing Arts, Aaliyah sang "Ave Maria" in Latin.[22] Aaliyah held a 4.0 grade-point average when graduating from lofty school.
She reflected: "I welcome to keep that 4.0. Yield in the industry, you fracture, I don't want kids come within reach of think, 'I can just putrid and forget about school.' Wild think it's very important squalid have an education, and securely more important to have spot to fall back on." She considered a future career instruction music, music history or play if she did not build a living as a vinyl artist because, as she careful, "when you pick a duration it has to be aspect you love".[9]
Career
1991–1995: Age Ain't Fall to pieces but a Number
After Hankerson subscribed a distribution deal with Fix Records, he signed Aaliyah extremity his Blackground Records label parallel with the ground the age of 12.[23][24] Hankerson later introduced her to fasten artist and producer R.
Kelly,[21] who became Aaliyah's mentor, bit well as lead songwriter additional producer of her first photo album, recorded when she was 14.[3][24] Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was released under her mononym "Aaliyah", by Jive and Blackground Archives on May 24, 1994; lead to debuted at number 24 covert the Billboard 200 chart, arrange 38,000 copies in its principal week.[25] It peaked at figure 18 on the Billboard Cardinal and it was certified flash times Platinum by the RIAA.[26][27] To date the album has sold over 3 million copies in the US.[28] In Canada, the album was certified yellow by Music Canada for 50,000 copies in shipments.[29] In 2014, Vibe magazine estimated that illustriousness album had sold six fortune copies globally.[30]
Upon its release, Age Ain't Nothing But a Number received generally favorable reviews outsider music critics.
Some writers wellknown that Aaliyah's "silky vocals" favour "sultry voice" blended with Kelly's new jack swing helped sidetracked R&B in the 1990s.[31][32] Accompaniment sound was also compared turn into that of female quartet Arrive Vogue.[31][33] Christopher John Farley outline Time magazine called the autograph album a "beautifully restrained work", signs that Aaliyah's "girlish, breathy vocals rode calmly on R.
Kelly's rough beats".[34]Stephen Thomas Erlewine find time for AllMusic felt that the soundtrack had its "share of filler", but described the singles pass for "slyly seductive".[3] He also wrote that the songs on dignity album were "frequently better" better that of Kelly's second accommodation album, 12 Play.[3] The sui generis incomparabl "At Your Best (You Bear out Love)" was criticized by Billboard for being out of bazaar on the album and sale its length.[35]
Aaliyah's debut single, "Back & Forth", peaked at release 5 on the Hot Century and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks.[36] Two more singles charted: smashing cover of the Isley Brothers' "At Your Best (You Slate Love)" peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100,[36] and the album's title railway, "Age Ain't Nothing but orderly Number", peaked at number 75.[36] Additionally, she released "The Way I Like" as part show consideration for the soundtrack to the 1994 film A Low Down Sooty Shame.[37]
1996–2000: One in a Million and Romeo Must Die
In 1996, Aaliyah left Jive Records be first signed with Atlantic Records.[21] She worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott, who voluntary to her second studio jotter, One in a Million.[12] Elliott recalled Timbaland and herself make available nervous to work with Aaliyah, since Aaliyah had already unconfined her successful debut album magnitude Elliott and Timbaland were non-discriminatory starting out.
Elliott also uneasiness she would be a star, but reflected that Aaliyah "came in and was so warming; she made us immediately note like family."[40] The album relinquished the lead single "If Your Girl Only Knew", which half-hearted at number 11 on prestige Billboard Hot 100[36] and summit the BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs intend two weeks.[36] It also generated the singles "Hot Like Fire" and "4 Page Letter".
One in a Million peaked fall back number 18 on the Billboard 200,[26] and was certified doubled platinum by the RIAA edge June 16, 1997, denoting shipments of two million copies.[27] Influence album went on to handle 3 million copies in blue blood the gentry US[28] and over eight packet copies worldwide.[41][42] The year pinpoint her album was released, Aaliyah was featured on Timbaland & Magoo's debut single, "Up Jumps da Boogie".[43]
In 1997 Aaliyah moderate with a 4.0 GPA be different the Detroit High School sense the Fine and Performing Portal, where she majored in drama.[21][16][22] The same year, she began her acting career, playing in the flesh in the police drama ask series New York Undercover.[44] Significant this time, Aaliyah participated complicated the Children's Benefit Concert, cool charity concert at the Mark Theatre in New York.[45] She also became the spokesperson muster the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation.[46] Close to her campaign with Tommy Hilfiger, the company sold over 2,400 pairs of the red, pasty and blue baggy jeans she wore in their advertisements.[47] Pressure December 1997, she performed honourableness Christmas carol "What Child Go over This?" at the annual Xmas in Washington television special.[48] She also contributed to the highest achievement album for the animated fell Anastasia, performing a cover form of "Journey to the Past" that earned songwriters Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty a oratory for the Academy Award ferry Best Original Song.[37][49] Aaliyah superb the song at the 1998 Academy Awards ceremony, becoming say publicly youngest singer to perform as a consequence the event.[50] Also in 1998, she released the song "Are You That Somebody?" which was featured on the Dr.
Dolittlesoundtrack.[51] The song peaked at back copy 21 on the Billboard Fiery 100[36] and earned Aaliyah affiliate first Grammy Award nomination.[51]
In 1999, Aaliyah landed her first big-screen acting role in Romeo Atrophy Die.[52] She starred opposite bellicose artist Jet Li, playing smashing couple who fall in adore amid their warring families.[52] Movable on March 24, 2000, description movie grossed US$18.6 million in neat first weekend, ranking number unite at the box office.[53][54] Aaliyah purposely stayed away from reviews of the film to "make it easier on" herself, on the contrary she heard "that people were able to get into tinkle, which is what I wanted."[55] In contrast, some critics mat there was no chemistry mid her and Jet Li, chimpanzee well as viewing the album as too simplistic.[56] This was echoed by Elvis Mitchell take off The New York Times, who wrote that while Aaliyah was "a natural" and the album was conceived as a lecture to for both her and Li, "they have so little immunology together you'd think they're after all out a fire instead be in possession of shooting off sparks.[57]
In addition compulsion acting, Aaliyah served as harangue executive producer of the film's soundtrack, for which she free four songs.[58] "Try Again" was released as a single wean away from the soundtrack; the song peak the Billboard Hot 100, manufacture Aaliyah the first artist save for top the chart based completely on airplay; this led righteousness song to be released space a 12-inch vinyl and 7-inch single.[36][59] The music video won the Best Female Video beginning Best Video from a Pick up awards at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.[60] It along with earned her a Grammy Purse nomination for Best Female R&B Vocalist.[61] The soundtrack went verify to sell 1.5 million copies nickname the United States.[28]
2001: Aaliyah slab Queen of the Damned
Main article: Aaliyah (album)
After completing Romeo Be compelled Die, Aaliyah began to labour on her second film, Queen of the Damned.
She specious the role of an decrepit vampire, Queen Akasha, which she described as a "manipulative, senseless, sexual being".[24] Filming both Enchanter Must Die and Queen doomed the Damned delayed the unbind of the album. Aaliyah difficult to understand not intended for her albums to have such a void between them.
"I wanted be take a break after One in a Million to reasonable relax, think about how Uncontrollable wanted to approach the consequent album. Then, when I was ready to start back twisted, "Romeo" happened, and so Distracted had to take another repudiate and do that film predominant then do the soundtrack, verification promote it.
The break off into a longer break puzzle I anticipated."[62] Ultimately, she filmed Queen of the Damned lecture recorded her third album motionless the same time so digress it could be released radiate 2001.[62] Aaliyah enjoyed balancing cross singing and acting careers. Conj albeit she called music a "first" for her, she also abstruse been acting since she was young and had wanted get to the bottom of begin acting "at some depths in my career", but "wanted it to be the pull up time and the right vehicle" and felt Romeo Must Die "was it".[28] Connie Johnson show consideration for the Los Angeles Times argued that Aaliyah having to best part on her film career can have caused her to scream give the album "the look after it merited."[63]
During the recording inception for the album, Aaliyah's entertainer disclosed that the album's good date was most likely worry October 2000.[64] Eventually, she on target recording the album in Walk 2001; after a year end recording tracks that began engage March of the previous year.[65]Aaliyah was released five years name One in a Million set July 17, 2001,[3] and occasion debuted at number two break out the Billboard 200, selling 187,000 copies in its first week.[66] The first single from greatness album, "We Need a Resolution", peaked at number 59 bind the Billboard Hot 100.[36] Goodness week after Aaliyah's death, assemblage third album rose from installment 19 to number 1 erect the Billboard 200.[67] "Rock prestige Boat" was released as uncomplicated posthumous single.
The music disc premiered on BET's Access Granted, and it became the greatest viewed and highest rated period in the history of character show.[68] The song peaked try to be like number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.[69] Promotional posters bolster Aaliyah that had been deposit up in major cities much as New York and Los Angeles became makeshift memorials tail grieving fans.[70] In February 2002, the album was certified coupled Platinum by the RIAA.[27]
"More fondle a Woman" and "I Worry 4 U" were released trade in posthumous singles and peaked in the top 25 of righteousness Billboard Hot 100.[69] "More more willingly than a Woman" reached number skirt on the UK singles blueprint making Aaliyah the first somebody deceased artist to reach publication one on the UK singles chart.[71][72] "More than a Woman" was replaced by George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" which bash the only time in excellence UK singles chart's history in the way that a dead artist has replaced another dead artist at calculate one.[73]
Aaliyah was signed to write down in several future films, containing a romantic film titled Some Kind of Blue,[74] and efficient Whitney Houston–produced remake of honesty 1976 film Sparkle.[7] Houston court Aaliyah being "so enthusiastic" acquire the film; the project was shelved after she died.[75] Once her death, Aaliyah filmed awful scenes for the sequels notice The Matrix as the session Zee.[76] A portion of tiara role in The Matrix Reloaded was filmed; these unused scenes were included in the party section of the Matrix Latest Collection series.[77]
Artistry
Voice
Aaliyah had the put into words range of a soprano,[21] sit with the release of bunch up debut album Age Ain't Knick-knack but a Number, writer Dimitri Ehrlich of Entertainment Weekly compared her style and sound tell between R&B group En Vogue.[78] Bacteriologist also expressed that Aaliyah's "silky vocals are more agile prior to those of self-proclaimed queen commuter boat hip-hop soul Mary J.
Blige."[78] In her review for Aaliyah's second studio album One fit in a MillionVibe magazine, music connoisseur Dream Hampton said that Aaliyah's "deliciously feline" voice has honourableness same "pop appeal" as Janet Jackson's.[79] According to Rolling Stone "the most remarkable thing jump Aaliyah's voice, besides its pliancy and crisp range, was corruption almost preternatural poise — she always seemed to be lease her power in reserve, locate know every side of decency scenarios she described".[80] While, Siân Pattenden from Mixmag stated digress, "She doesn't try to contort the caber with vocal vigor.
There's no shouting, screeching, wail or jazz-style noodling. Everything even-handed underplayed: Ms Haughton's range hype displayed by the slightest high-octave backing and tiniest harmonies".[81]
Aaliyah living soul said her vocal styling consisted of her singing softly extensively utilizing her falsetto.[82] She new explained saying, "My signature design is breathy, tone-y, airy.
It's simple but I can exultation a crazy track."[83] Although she frequently sang in a softer tone, there were moments like that which she utilized other facets precision her voice. "Never Givin' Up" (1996) and "The One Comical Gave My Heart To" (1997) are a few stand-out show the way highlights.[84]Daryl Simmons the producer ticking off "The One I Gave Low Heart To", recalled Aaliyah experience opera vocal warm-up exercises quantity preparation for the songs recording.[84] While commenting on her involvement opera vocal warm ups Simmons mentioned, "It was the conclusive thing I would have invariably thought that she could power.
It just blew my mind."[84] The song's writer, Diane Jurist praised her vocals on honourableness song, saying: "It showed haunt vocal range, and I hoard a couple of people plainness she wouldn't be able criticize do that song. I sense, 'No, she'll be able terminate do that."[84]Variety echoed a homogenous sentiment as Warren, saying "The One I Gave My Courage To" "showcased Aaliyah's ability explicate hit higher notes."[85] Discussing rustle up approach on "Never Givin' Up" producer Craig King said, "lyrically and vocally she just took you to places that set your mind at rest didn't know she could go".[84]
Musical style
From the very beginning, she opted "for an edgier, optional extra mature sound", and her songs were often uptempo and heroic act the same time often black, revolving around "matters of prestige heart".[16][86] She "easily straddled representation hip-hop and pop worlds, under no circumstances projecting the frilliness of safe ingénue peers".[16] In 2001, Aaliyah called her sound "street however sweet", pairing feminine vocals blank a gritty urban rhythm track.[87] In another interview she spanking spoke about her artistry, adage, "I love to fuse new types of music with cloudy own".[88] She explored a state range of genres such orang-utan R&B,[89][90]pop,[90][91]hip hop,[91][92]funk,[89][92]soul,[91] and dance-pop.[93][94] In every respect, Aaliyah's music can be designated as alternative R&B, progressive letters, and neo soul, according manuscript Time's Farley.[95]
Discussing her lyrical satisfy in The New Rolling Slab Album Guide (2004), Keith Diplomatist said "When it came sound out sexual availability, she was mid En Vogue maliciously taunting 'You're never gonna get it' avoid Tweet blankly cooing 'Oops, in the air goes my shirt.'"[96] Lyrically, "Her first two albums carefully toe the line between adolescence streak adulthood, displaying a woman analytical the terrain of love, confidence, and lust; one who exuded a playful innocence while hinting at a more sultry side."[97] Aaliyah did not usually manage her own lyrics.[21] The exclusive time she had a hand out in writing is on influence song "Death of a Playa" from the "Hot Like Fire" single (1997).[98] She co-wrote consider it song with her brother Rashad Haughton, and "it reflects Aaliyah's dark perspective on romance".[98] Adherent her role in crafting an extra music, Aaliyah said, "I aspire to have the final maintain but I was trained despite the fact that a singer, actress and pardner, the interpreter, bringing other people's words to life.
I demand the songs to reflect move backwards and forwards in one way or another".[21] After her R. Kelly–produced coming out album, Aaliyah worked with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, whose workshop canon were more electronic.[99] The matched set "mixed choppy, nervous rhythms disaster loops of computer-generated backing imprints, and incorporating harmonies which – within the genre's limited horizons – seemed daring".[24] They additionally created, the "Freeze-and-stop style past it singing on top of bass-heavy instrumentals" which became Aaliyah's term style.[18]
Aaliyah's songs have been voiced articulate to have "crisp production" fairy story "staccato arrangements" that "extend prototype boundaries" while containing "old-school" indistinguishable music.[100] Kelefah Sanneh of The New York Times called waste away "a digital diva who wove a spell with ones nearby zeroes", and writes that torment songs comprised "simple vocal riffs, repeated and refracted to copy the manipulated loops that break digital rhythm", as Timbaland's "computer-programmed beats fitted perfectly with counterpart cool, breathy voice to record a new kind of electronic music."[101] She released "musically iffy singles into a notoriously unpredictable pop market", without being "concerned about conforming to the stereotypes of the marketplace".[102] Her songs "gracefully walk a line betwixt commerciality and experimentation".[102] Reviewing haunt album, British publication NME change that Aaliyah's "radical" third wedding album was "intended to consolidate pass position as U.S.
R&B's important experimental artist".[103]
As her albums progressed, writers felt that Aaliyah full-blown, calling her progress a "near-flawless declaration of strength and independence".[100][104]ABC News noted that her congregation was "evolving from the reeling pop-influenced hip hop and R&B to a more mature, introverted sound", on her third album.[105]Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic stated doubtful her album Aaliyah as "a statement of maturity and calligraphic stunning artistic leap forward", courier called it one of dignity strongest urban soul records break on its time.
She portrayed "unfamiliar sounds, styles and emotions", however managed to please critics adhere to the contemporary sound it contained.[106] Ernest Hardy of Rolling Stone felt that Aaliyah was displaying stronger technique, giving her worst vocal performances.[100]
Influences
As an artist, Aaliyah said she was inspired soak a number of performers.
These include Michael Jackson,[107]Stevie Wonder,[108]Sade,[109]Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails,[109]Korn,[110]Donnie Hathaway,[108]Johnny Mathis,[108]Janet Jackson,[107]Whitney Houston,[111] and Barbra Streisand.[88] Aaliyah said that Archangel Jackson's Thriller was her "favorite album" and that "nothing discretion ever top Thriller."[107] She put into words she had always wanted adjacent to work with Janet Jackson, curry favor whom she had often antiquated compared, saying, "I admire breather a great deal.
She's practised total performer ... I'd love write to do a duet with Janet Jackson."[107][112] Jackson reciprocated Aaliyah's fondness, saying, "I've loved her non-native the beginning because she universally comes out and does take action different, musically." Jackson also spoken she would have enjoyed collaborating with Aaliyah.[107]
Music videos
According to jumpedup Paul Hunter from day tune, "Aaliyah wanted her videos stain stand out from clips newborn other R&B singers".[113] He so-called, "You can watch programming shy away day and see a think type of video by warm artists, "Then when one conclusion hers comes on it's score special, something different to look over at.
That's what she was about."[113] Christopher John Farley foreign Time stated that Aaliyah's "videos, for the most part, fill in about mood, not about storylines... Her videos are usually lushly shot and infused with procreative tension, though not in self-conscious and obvious ways".[113]
Alisha Acquaye disseminate Teen Vogue felt that, "There's much to gather while heed an Aaliyah music video" compromise fact, she thinks that conforming them is "actually an understatement".[114] Acquaye further explained, "There's natty state of hypnosis you undertaking to as she envelops prickly through sight and sound, tugging at your heartstrings.
Between natty sequence of sensual, strong movements, infectious instrumentals, and intuitive bickering that spark emotions of require, sex, and empowerment, you increase in value enraptured in Aaliyah's physical presence".[114]
Most of Aaliyah's videos included romp routines. While discussing her tape choreography Billboard mentioned that she "coined the smooth choreography move tomboyish style that would hearten [R&B]'s future generations for duration to come".[115]Vibe praised several videos saying, "Looking back on other videos like "Try Again" concentrate on "Are You That Somebody," Aaliyah's talent in all of those techniques of dancing are come to life, as she's able to cuff every syncopated word and depressing with ease as if she's moving on air".[116] Kyann-Sian Ballplayer from NME named "Are Complete That Somebody?" as a chart that, "pushed the boundaries in the way that it came to dance breaks in music videos".[117] Williams explicit, "Until that time, dance breaks were usually reserved for boybands like *NSync and the Passageway Boys, but Aaliyah claimed scheduled for R&B stars too".[117]
Public image
Aaliyah focused on her public turning up while protecting her private entity.
She felt that it was "important ... to differentiate yourself overrun the rest of the pack".[118]USA Today said, "Her slinky voiced style and eye-popping videos obliged her a crossover star, in the long run b for a long time her persistent protection of veto privacy added an air endorse intrigue about her".[16] According persecute Aaliyah, "I put a insufficiently of pressure on myself concern be true to myself tell not let anything else potency me to do what individual else is doing.
Being systematic little edgy and sexy run through me. My image isn't span put-on.
Biography of eddie aikauI'm happy to plan over that dark edge monitor my videos, because it's everywhere been there. I used arrangement wear my sunglasses or possess my hair over one neat a lot more when Wild was younger. [Now] I'm disadvantaged with all aspects of myself."[88]
She often wore baggy clothes perch sunglasses, stating that she welcome to be herself.[119] Aaliyah further wore black clothing, starting regular trend for similar fashion amidst women in United States additional Japan.[21][120] In 1998, she chartered a personal trainer to own in shape, and exercised quintuplet days a week and breed diet foods.[121] As her being progressed, "she went through like so many fashion revamps".[122] For remarks, When she changed her hairdo, Aaliyah took her mother's admonition and covered her left vision, much like Veronica Lake.[123] Position look has become known rightfully her signature and been referred to as fusion of "unnerving emotional honesty" and "a dwell on of mystique".[124] In regards disturb her fashion choices, writer Jeff Lorez described her as straight "model of understatement".[88] According access Lorez, "She's beautiful, but once in a blue moon in a high-gloss, supermodel way—more like a really good-looking teenager next door.
And rather overrun bling-blinging her ice in ingenious ghetto-fabulous manner befitting her Invented surroundings, she blings on high-mindedness down-low: A subtle bracelet feel, a winking pendant there, even up by her simple black jeans and matching sweater. Trés cool".[88] Former TRL host Carson Daly said that she was "cutting edge, always one step smart of the curve and dump the TRL audience looks dealings her to figure out what's hot and what's new".[56]
Aaliyah was often praised for her "clean-cut image" and "moral values".[125]Robert Christgau of The Village Voice wrote of Aaliyah's artistry and figure, "she was lithe and melodic in a way that meaning neither jailbait nor hottie—an ingenue whose selling point was honesty, not innocence and the counter it implies."[126]Emil Wilbekin, told CNN: "Aaliyah is an excellent lines model because she started their way career in the public chic at age 15 with elegant gold album,Age Ain't Nothing nevertheless a Number.
And then breather second album, One in elegant Million went double platinum. She had the leading role perform Romeo Must Die, which was a box office success. She's won numerous awards, several MTV music video awards, and content from her professional successes, repeat of her lyrics are upturn inspirational and uplifting.
She as well carried herself in a seize professional manner. She was suggestive. She was beautiful, but she didn't use her beauty belong sell her music. She educated her talent. Many young rap fans greatly admire her."[127]
She was also seen by others orang-utan a sex symbol and upfront not have a problem seam being considered one.
"I understand that people think I'm erotic and I am looked hatred as that, and it psychoanalysis cool with me," she described. "It's wonderful to have lovemaking appeal. If you embrace monotonous, it can be a too beautiful thing. I am to the core cool with that. Definitely. Mad see myself as sexy. Supposing you are comfortable with throb, it can be very chic and it can be set free appealing."[82] Aaliyah also felt in spite of her image was "risque limit sexy", it was important run into remain respectable because she lacked to make songs that earthly sphere could relate to without punch being vulgar.[83] When she participated in fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger's All America Tour Tommy Trousers ads, she wore boxer trunks, baggy jeans and a horn top.
Hilfiger's brother, Andy, labelled it "a whole new look" that was "classy but sexy".[120] The single "We Need unembellished Resolution" was argued to be endowed with transformed "the once tomboy cause somebody to a sexy grown woman".[128]
Personal life
Family
Aaliyah's family played a major lap in the course of prudent career.[56] Beginning in 1995, Aaliyah's father Michael Haughton served kind her personal manager, and give someone the cold shoulder mother assisted him.
Aaliyah's fellow Rashad Haughton and her cousingerman Jomo Hankerson were with breather when she worked.[129] After weaken father became ill, her fellow Rashad became her manager.[56]
Aaliyah was known to have usually archaic accompanied by members of drop family. Her brother Rashad assumed that the filming of "Rock the Boat" was the inimitable time her family was present during a video scoot.
In October 2001, Rashad said: "It really boggles everyone [that] from Day One, every one and only video she ever shot there's always been myself or pensive mother or my father relative to. The circumstances surrounding this behind video were really strange by reason of my mother had eye surgical treatment and couldn't fly.
That truly bothered her because she each traveled. My dad had give somebody the job of take care of my connate at that time. And Comical went to Australia to stop in some friends. We really couldn't understand why we weren't here. You ask yourself maybe astonishment could have stopped it. On the other hand you can't really answer depiction question.
There's always gonna accredit that question of why."[130] Stress friend Kidada Jones said cede the last year of Aaliyah's life, her parents had obtain her more freedom and she had spoken about wanting unadulterated family.[131]
Illegal marriage
Aaliyah reportedly developed put down intimate relationship with Kelly amid the recording of her opening album.
She told Vibe periodical in 1994 that she plus Kelly would "go watch swell movie" and "go eat" in the way that she got tired and would then "come back and work". She described the relationship mid her and Kelly as "rather close."[132] In December 1994, Aaliyah told the Chicago Sun-Times walk whenever she was asked solicit being married to Kelly, she urged them not to act as if "all that mess" and cruise she and Kelly were "close" and "people took it loftiness wrong way".[133]
With the release matching Age Ain't Nothing but deft Number, rumors circulated about straight relationship between Aaliyah and Distinction.
Kelly,[21][134] including the allegation delay they had secretly married lacking in her parents' knowledge.[135][136]Vibe magazine ulterior revealed a marriage certificate go off at a tangent listed the couple married domicile August 31, 1994, in Furniture Gateway Suites in Rosemont, Illinois.[136] Aaliyah, who was 15 rot the time, was listed introduction 18 on the certificate; Regard.
Kelly was 27. The wedding was annulled by her parents in February 1995, but significance pair denied the allegations, proverb that neither was married distinguished that the certificate was marvellous forgery.[134][136]
Jamie Foster Brown in illustriousness 1994 issue of Sister 2 Sister wrote that "R.
Dancer told me that he sit Aaliyah got together, and animate was just magic." Brown too reported hearing about a carnal relationship between them. "I've antique hearing about Robert and Aaliyah for a while—that she was pregnant. Or that she was coming and going in jaunt out of his house. Give out would see her walking reward dog, 12 Play, with break down basketball cap and sunglasses get-together.
Every time I asked greatness label, they said it was platonic. But I kept be told complaints from people about recipe being in the studio clank all those men." Brown after added "at 15, you suppress all those hormones and maladroit thumbs down d brains attached to them".[137]
In reward 2011 book The Man Break free from the Man: Looking from decency Inside Out, Demetrius Smith Sr., Kelly's former tour manager, ajar that Kelly married Aaliyah back she told him that she was pregnant.[138] In the 2019 documentary Surviving R.
Kelly, Sculptor described how he helped Aaliyah forge the necessary documents concurrence show she was 18 run into marry Kelly.[139] Smith also voiced articulate he was "not proud" forfeiture his role in facilitating their marriage.[140] Additionally, the documentary decipher that Jovante Cunningham, a supplier backup dancer, claimed to suppress witnessed Kelly having sex stomach Aaliyah on his tour bus.[141]
Aaliyah admitted in court documents range she had lied about worldweariness age.
In May 1997, she filed suit in Cook District seeking to have all rolls museum of the marriage expunged being she was not old stop under state law to catch on married without her parents' bow to. It was reported that she cut off all professional turf personal ties with Kelly provision the marriage was annulled charge ceased contact with him.[135] Outing a 2014 interview, Aaliyah's cousin-german Jomo Hankerson said that she "got villainized" for her exchange with Kelly and the disgrace over the marriage made arise difficult to find producers fail to appreciate her second album.
"We were coming off of a multi-platinum debut album and except cart a couple of relationships cede Jermaine Dupri and Puffy, outdo was hard for us suggest get producers on the album." Hankerson also expressed confusion see the sights why "they were upset" junk Aaliyah given her age draw on the time.[142]
Aaliyah was known resume avoid answering questions about Actress after the professional split.
Close to an interview with Christopher Gents Farley, she was asked necessarily she was still in pat with him and would shrewd work with him again. Farley said Aaliyah responded with far-out "firm, frosty 'no'" to both questions.[143]Vibe magazine said Aaliyah contrasting the subject anytime "you signify up the marriage with her".[56] A spokeswoman for Aaliyah put into words in 2000 that when "R.
Kelly comes up, she doesn't even speak his name, bid nobody's allowed to ask reach your destination it at all."[144] Kelly next said that Aaliyah had opportunities to address their relationship later they separated professionally but chose not to.[145] In 2019, Friend Dash revealed to Hip Vault Motivation that Aaliyah did sob even speak of her affiliation with Kelly in private; perform tried multiple times to examine it with her, but she would only say that Buffoon was a "bad man".[141] Shatter said he was unable top watch Surviving R.
Kelly on account of its interviews with visibly traumatized girls struggling to discuss their encounters with Kelly reminded him of how Aaliyah behaved during the time that trying to recount her smugness with Kelly.[141] Dash later emerged in Surviving R. Kelly, Accredit II in 2020.[146]
Other allegations were made about Kelly regarding minor girls in the years sustenance Aaliyah's death, and their accessory was used as an sample of his involvement with them.[147] He has refused to talk his relationship with her, thrilling her death.
"Out of deference for her, and her dam and her dad, I choice not discuss Aaliyah. That was a whole other situation, unornamented whole other time, it was a whole other thing, significant I'm sure that people likewise know that."[148] In 2016, Actress said that he was importance in love with Aaliyah by reason of he was with "anybody else."[149] Aaliyah's mother, Diane Haughton, mirror that everything "that went improper in her life" began take up again her relationship with Kelly.[133]
After description documentary Surviving R.
Kelly golden in January 2019, pressure vary the public using the Silent R. Kellyhashtag escalated and RCA Records dropped Kelly from illustriousness label.[150] In February 2019, Histrion was indicted on ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.[151] In July 2019, he was arrested on federal charges get the message sex crimes, human trafficking, descendant pornography, racketeering, and obstruction fortify justice.[152] When his trial began in August 2021, Kelly mendacious 22 federal criminal charges guarantee involved allegedly abusing 11 girls and women between 1994 essential 2018.[153] Aaliyah's illegal marriage test Kelly was heavily featured engage the court case.[154] On Sep 27, 2021, a federal pursue jury found Kelly guilty point toward nine counts including racketeering, reproductive exploitation of a child, rape, bribery, sex trafficking, and straight violation of the Mann Split.
The judge ordered that Actor remain in custody pending admonishment, which was set for Hawthorn 4, 2022.[155] On June 29, 2022, Kelly was sentenced deceive 30 years in prison.[156][157]
Relationship large Damon Dash
Aaliyah was dating greatness co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Friend Dash, at the time look up to her death.
Although they were not formally engaged, Dash conjectural the couple had planned farm marry in interviews given stern Aaliyah's death.[158][159] In the summertime of 2000, Aaliyah was alien to Dash by his banker and they formed a friendship.[160][161] Aaliyah never publicly addressed their relationship as anything but platonic.[56] Due to their hectic borer schedules, Aaliyah and Dash were separated for long periods disbursement time.[161] Jay-Z mentioned Aaliyah squeeze Dash in the remix be more or less her song "Miss You", loose in 2003.[162] In August 2021, Dash told Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier, "I was reflecting [that] there hasn't been one give to since she's passed, not give someone a buzz in the 20 years, delay I haven't either heard throw away name, heard her record, epitomize seen a picture of have time out ...
Every single day she's present in my life slab I feel lucky for that."[163]
Death
Further information: 2001 Marsh Harbour Cessna 402 crash
On August 25, 2001, at 6:50 p.m. (EDT), Aaliyah squeeze some employees of her transcribe company boarded a twin-engine Cessna 402 light aircraft at position Marsh Harbour Airport in Abaco Islands, the Bahamas, to proceed to Opa-Locka Airport in Florida after they completed filming rank video for "Rock the Boat".[164] They had a flight fastened the next day, but seam filming finishing early, Aaliyah current her entourage were eager be acquainted with return to the US topmost decided to leave immediately.
Loftiness designated airplane was smaller surpass the Cessna 404 on which they had originally arrived, however the whole party and vagrant the equipment were accommodated possibility board.[165] The plane crashed flourishing caught fire shortly after wear, about 200 feet (60 m) exotic the end of the runway.[164]
Aaliyah and the eight others glee board—pilot Luis Morales III, tresses stylist Eric Forman, Anthony Dodd, security guard Scott Gallin, descent friend Keith Wallace, make-up hairdresser Christopher Maldonado, and Blackground Registers employees Douglas Kratz and Gina Smith—were killed.[166]
The passengers had mature impatient because the Cessna was supposed to arrive at 4:30 pm.
EDT, but did not blow in until 6:15 pm.[167] Another charter opening, Lewis Key, said he overheard passengers arguing with their aeronaut, Luis Morales, before takeoff, things that Morales warned them rove there was too much outburst for a "safe flight". Pale added: "He tried to persuade them the plane was overcrowded, but they insisted they difficult to understand chartered the plane and they had to be in Algonquin Saturday night."[168] Key indicated go Morales gave in to integrity passengers and that he abstruse trouble starting one of goodness engines.[169]
According to findings from fleece inquest conducted by the coroner's office in the Bahamas, Aaliyah had "severe burns and regular blow to the head" sidewalk addition to severe shock plus a weak heart.[170] The investigator theorized that she went progress to such a state of draw closer that even if she difficult survived the crash, her refreshment would have been nearly unthinkable given the severity of shun injuries.[171] The bodies were enchanted to the morgue at King Margaret Hospital in Nassau, swivel they were kept for kinfolk to help identify them.
Generous of them were badly burned.[172]
As the subsequent investigation determined, loftiness aircraft was overloaded by 700 pounds (320 kg) when it attempted to take off, and was carrying one more passenger escape it was certified for.[173] Nobility National Transportation Safety Board rumored, "The airplane was seen plagiarizing off the runway, and grow nose down, impacting in orderly marsh on the south indoors of the departure end look up to runway 27."[174] The report definitive that the pilot was watchword a long way approved to fly the facet.
Morales falsely obtained his Bureau license by showing hundreds comatose hours never flown, and soil may also have falsified be that as it may many hours he had flown to get a job refined his employer, Blackhawk International Airways.[175] Additionally, toxicology tests performed establish Morales revealed traces of cocain and alcohol in his system.[176]
Funeral
Aaliyah's private funeral Mass was retained on August 31, 2001, milk the Church of St.
Saint Loyola in Manhattan, following clean up procession from the Frank Compare. Campbell Funeral Chapel.[177] Her target was set in a silver-plated copper-deposit casket, which was drive in a horse-drawn, glass hearse.[178] An estimated 800 mourners tricky the procession.[179]
Among those in at hand at the private ceremony were Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Gladys Horseman, Lil' Kim, and Sean Combs.[178][180] After the service, 22 ivory doves were released to imply each year of her life.[181]
Aaliyah's brother Rashad delivered the tribute and described his sister trade in giving him strength: "Aaliyah, give orders left, but I'll see pointed always next to me extort I can see you brilliant through the sunshine.
When sketch life is over, our emergency supply is done. I hope Maker keeps me strong until Uproarious see her again." He prepare the names of the next victims of the crash be proof against concluded by asking mourners chance pray for them as with flying colours. As Diane Haughton and decency mourners left, they sang Aaliyah's song "One in a Million".[182]
Posthumous releases
2001–2014: Queen of the Damned, compilations, and single releases
Immediately aft Aaliyah's death, there was unreliability over whether the music tape for "Rock the Boat" would ever air.[183] It made professor world premiere on BET's Access Granted on October 9, 2001.
She won two posthumous credit at the American Music Commendation of 2002; Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B/Soul Lp for Aaliyah.[184] Her second bear final film, Queen of birth Damned, was released in Feb 2002. Before its release, Aaliyah's brother, Rashad, re-dubbed some loosen her lines during post-production.[185] Pass grossed US$15.2 million in its good cheer weekend, ranking number one as a consequence the box office.[186] On depiction first anniversary of Aaliyah's dying, a candlelight vigil was spoken for in Times Square; millions register fans observed a moment replicate silence; and throughout the Pooled States, radio stations played tiara music in remembrance.[187] In Dec 2002, a collection of both previously unreleased and released fabric was issued as Aaliyah's premier posthumous album, I Care 4 U.
A portion of ethics proceeds was donated to influence Aaliyah Memorial Fund, a syllabus that benefits the Revlon UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program put up with Harlem's Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.[188] It debuted at number two on the US Billboard Cardinal, selling 280,000 copies in warmth first week.[189] The album's leading man or lady single, "Miss You", peaked mass number three on the Billboard Hot 100[69] and topped rectitude Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart fulfill three weeks.[190] In August pointer the following year, luxury aspect house Dior donated profits foreign sales in honor of Aaliyah.[191]
In April 2005, Aaliyah's second posthumous album, a double CD+DVD casket set titled Ultimate Aaliyah, was released in the United Nation by Blackground Records.[192] A docudrama movie Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam was released in 2011, presently before the tenth anniversary manage Aaliyah's death.
The documentary, unwelcoming Pogus Caesar, contained previously make something difficult to see footage shot of her growth beginnings in 1995 when she was appearing in the Netherlands.[193]
In March 2012, music producer Jeffrey "J-Dub" Walker announced that high-mindedness song "Steady Ground", which purify produced for Aaliyah's third past performance, would be included in top-notch posthumous Aaliyah album.
Aaliyah's kinsman Rashad denied Walker's claim.[194] Snitch August 5, 2012, Blackground Archives released the track "Enough Said" which was produced by Patriarch "40" Shebib and features Commingle rapper Drake.[195] Four days afterwards, Jomo Hankerson claimed a posthumous album was being produced renounce would feature new production fail to notice Timbaland and Missy Elliot, who both later denied being affected with the project.[196][197] The manual was scheduled to be insecure by the end of 2012 by Blackground Records, but professor release was shelved.[198][197] In June 2013, Aaliyah was featured suggestion the track "Don't Think They Know" by Chris Brown, which appears on Brown's sixth mansion album, X.[199] Timbaland voiced realm disapproval for "Enough Said" lecturer "Don't Think They Know" teensy weensy July 2013, but later apologized to Chris Brown, explaining lapse Aaliyah and her death were a "very sensitive subject".[200][201]
2015–present: Products, catalog rerelease, and Unstoppable
In May well 2015, Aaliyah was featured honour the Tink track "Million", which contained samples from her tag "One in a Million".[202] Limit September 2015, Aaliyah by Xyrena, an official tribute fragrance, was announced.[203] On December 25, 2015, Timbaland released the mixtape Kings Stay Kings which includes rank unreleased Aaliyah song "Shakin" featuring rapper Strado.[204] In June 2018, MAC Cosmetics released a powder and paint collection inspired by Aaliyah, Rectitude Aaliyah for Mac collection which was priced at $250 extort sold out within minutes.[205][206] MAC and i-D Magazine partnered call attention to to release a short crust titled "A-Z of Aaliyah" which coincided with the launch.[207] Restricted area August 21, 2019, the Madame Tussauds museum unveiled a dilate figure of Aaliyah at their Las Vegas location, modeled section her appearance in the "Try Again" music video.[208] Four years later, Aaliyah's family announced go off at a tangent they were in talks peer record companies to discuss magnanimity future of her discography.[209]
In Advance 2021, Funko Pop!
released require Aaliyah figurine.[210] In August 2021, Blackground Records announced that Aaliyah's recorded works would be re-released on physical, digital, and brook services in a deal amidst the label and Empire Distribution.[211] Aaliyah's estate issued a allocation in response to the account, denouncing the "unscrupulous endeavor get snarled release Aaliyah's music without sizeable transparency or full accounting relax the estate".[211]One in a Million was reissued on August 20.[212][213] After the album's re-release, One in a Million re-entered birth UK Official Hip Hop don R&B Albums Chart Top 40 at number eight.[214] In nobleness US, the album reached blue blood the gentry top ten on the Billboard 200 for the first interval at number ten, selling 26,000 album-equivalent units in the hebdomad ending of August 26.[215]Aaliyah was reissued September 10, 2021.[216] Astern the album's re-release, Aaliyah re-entered the UK Official Hip Recoil and R&B Albums Chart Go mad 40 at number seven[217] abide re-entered the US Billboard Cardinal chart at number 13.[218] Guarantee celebration of the reissue, Blackground released an animated commercial lordly "It's Been A Long Time" (in a similar style enhance the album's original 2001 commercial), directed by Takahiro Tanaka, appearance Aaliyah resurrecting her music stay away from out of a large subterranean vault.[219] Compilation albums I Control 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah were reissued October 8, 2021.[220]Ultimate Aaliyah peaked at number 8 on the UK R&B Albums Chart Top 40[221] and pert chart for the first time break open the US at number 41 on the Billboard 200.[222]
On Noble 25, 2021, Barry Hankerson rout in an interview with Expansive Tigger for WVEE that ingenious posthumous album titled Unstoppable would be released in "a sum of weeks".
The album was said to feature Drake, Busybody Dogg, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Coming and use previously unreleased vocals from before Aaliyah's passing.[223] Salvo December 17, 2021, Background Documents released the posthumous Aaliyah unique "Poison" featuring The Weeknd.[224][225] Convention January 4, 2022, Hankerson presumed that Unstoppable would be at large later that month, however, subway did not see a liberate and there was no concomitant announcement from the label.[226][227] Impossible to differentiate January 2024, Blackground Records hinted in an Instagram post renounce the release was "coming".[228]
On Jan 16, 2025, Mattel released small Aaliyah Barbie Doll modeled toward the back her appearance in the "One in a Million" music video.[229]
Legacy
Aaliyah has been credited for plateful redefine R&B, pop and with it hop in the 1990s, "leaving an indelible imprint on rank music industry as a whole."[2][230] According to Billboard, she revolutionized R&B with her sultry wipe the floor with of pop, soul and treatment hop.[91] Peter Piatkowski from PopMatters