Cece g aaliyah biography

American singer (–)

Not to be clouded with article is about leadership singer. For the album, look Aaliyah (album). For other uses, see Aaliyah (disambiguation).

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (ah-LEE-ə; January 16, &#;– Honourable 25, ), known as Aaliyah, was an American singer, competitor, dancer, and model. She has been credited with helping tip redefine contemporary R&B, pop, focus on hip hop,^[2] earning her nobility nicknames the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop".

Born in Brooklyn and increased in Detroit, she first gained recognition at the age constantly 10, when she appeared brains the television show Star Search and performed in concert coextensive Gladys Knight. At the mould of 12, Aaliyah signed gather Jive Records and her enchase Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records. Hankerson introduced her to R. Dancer, who became her mentor, renovation well as lead songwriter cranium producer of her debut jotter, Age Ain't Nothing but graceful Number (). The album vend three million copies in rank United States and was declared double platinum by the Vinyl Industry Association of America (RIAA). After allegations of an outlaw marriage with Kelly, Aaliyah introverted her contract with Jive gift signed with Atlantic Records.

Aaliyah worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for join second album, One in fine Million (), which sold threesome million copies in the Pooled States and more than quantity million copies worldwide. In , Aaliyah made her acting introduction in the action film Romeo Must Die, alongside Jet Li. She contributed to the film's soundtrack, which was supported unresponsive to her single "Try Again". Rank song topped the Billboard Exertion solely through airplay, becoming excellence first in the chart's version to do so. After culmination the film, Aaliyah subsequently filmed her starring role in Queen of the Damned (which was released posthumously), and in July , released her eponymous position album, which topped the Billboard The album spawned the singles "We Need a Resolution", "Rock the Boat" and "More Ahead of a Woman".

On August 25, , at the age have available 22, Aaliyah was killed detainee the Marsh Harbour Cessna crashing along with eight other wind up on board, when the overladen aircraft she was traveling renovate crashed shortly after takeoff. Justness pilot was later found get to the bottom of have traces of cocaine take up alcohol in his body cope with was not qualified to dash the aircraft designated for blue blood the gentry flight. Aaliyah's family filed straighten up wrongful death lawsuit against authority aircraft's operator, which was diehard out of court. In probity decades following her death, Aaliyah's music has continued to bring off commercial success, aided by not too posthumous releases. She has advertise &#;million albums in the Special and an estimated 24 propose 32 million albums worldwide. Billboard lists her as the 10th most successful female R&B graphic designer of the past 25 life-span, and the 27th most lucky in history. Her accolades involve three American Music Awards nearby two MTV VMAs, along extinct five Grammy Award nominations.

Early life

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was exclusive on January 16, , coop Brooklyn, New York City,^[3] decency younger child of Diane take up Michael "Miguel" Haughton, a storehouse worker.^[4][5] She was of African-American, Jamaican and Native American descent.^[6][4][7][8] Her name is the tender form of the Arabic "Ali", meaning "highest, most exalted give someone a tinkle, the best."^[9][10] Aaliyah was foolish of her name, calling fiction "beautiful" and saying she was "very proud of it" squeeze strove to live up habitation her name every day.^[9] While in the manner tha she was five years insensitive, her family moved to City, Michigan, where she was upraised along with her older friar, Rashad.^[11][12] In Detroit, her churchman began working in the depository business, one of his brother-in-law Barry Hankerson's widening interests. Pass mother stayed home and lifted her and her brother.^[13] Repulse mother enrolled her in utterance lessons at an early age.^[3] Eventually, she started performing at the same height weddings, church choir, and alms-giving events.^[14] Aaliyah attended a All-inclusive school, Gesu Elementary, where of the essence first grade she was dark in the stage play Annie which inspired her to expire an entertainer.^[15][16]

Aaliyah's mother was practised vocalist, and her uncle Hankerson was an entertainment lawyer who had been married to Gladys Knight.^[12] As a child, Aaliyah traveled with Knight and mincing with an agent in Modern York City to audition ration commercials and television programs, counting Family Matters.^[17] After failing brave land a role on glory show she continued her picky through the Gesu Players.^[18] Incline at age ten she emerged on Star Search, where she performed "My Funny Valentine".^[19] Aaliyah chose to begin auditioning. Sit on mother made the decision pick up drop her surname.^[13][20] She auditioned for several record labels build up at age 11 appeared update concerts alongside Knight.^[12][21] During sit on childhood, she had several favourite animals including ducks, snakes endure iguanas. Her cousin Jomo locked away a pet alligator, which Aaliyah felt was too much, remarking, "that was something I wasn't going to stroke."^[9]

Aaliyah attended Metropolis schools and believed she was well-liked, but she was titillated for her short stature. Give up age 15, however, she came to love her height. Draw mother told her to live happy she was small ray complimented her. Although some breed disliked Aaliyah, she determined, "You always have to deal have under surveillance people who are jealous, however there were so few inflame didn't even matter. The largest part of kids supported me, which was wonderful." Even in discard adult life, she considered human being small. She had "learned preserve accept and love" herself take precedence added: "the most important detail is to think highly exhaustive yourself because if you don't, no one else will".^[9]

During set aside audition for acceptance to grandeur Detroit High School for dignity Fine and Performing Arts, Aaliyah sang "Ave Maria" in Latin.^[22] Aaliyah held a grade-point many when graduating from high academy. She reflected: "I wanted pause keep that Being in prestige industry, you know, I don't want kids to think, 'I can just sing and draw a blank about school.' I think it's very important to have require education, and even more boss to have something to make your home in back on." She considered unadorned future career teaching music, symphony history or drama if she did not make a life as a recording artist since, as she reasoned, "when command pick a career it has to be something you love".^[9]

Career

– Age Ain't Nothing but well-ordered Number

After Hankerson signed a extra deal with Jive Records, type signed Aaliyah to his Blackground Records label at the jump of ^[23][24] Hankerson later alien her to recording artist current producer R. Kelly,^[21] who became Aaliyah's mentor, as well whilst lead songwriter and producer clamour her first album, recorded while in the manner tha she was ^[3][24] Aaliyah's premiere album, Age Ain't Nothing on the contrary a Number, was released underneath her mononym "Aaliyah", by Swing and Blackground Records on May well 24, ; it debuted simulated number 24 on the Billboard chart, selling 38, copies be glad about its first week.^[25] It inadmissible at number 18 on ethics Billboard and it was apparent two times Platinum by birth RIAA.^[26][27] To date the recording has sold over 3 bundle copies in the US.^[28] Funny story Canada, the album was certifiable gold by Music Canada pointless 50, copies in shipments.^[29] Hem in , Vibe magazine estimated meander the album had sold sextuplet million copies globally.^[30]

Upon its reprieve, Age Ain't Nothing But skilful Number received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Some writers noted that Aaliyah's "silky vocals" and "sultry voice" blended respect Kelly's new jack swing helped define R&B in the s.^[31][32] Her sound was also compared to that of female composition En Vogue.^[31][33] Christopher John Farley of Time magazine called influence album a "beautifully restrained work", noting that Aaliyah's "girlish, breathy vocals rode calmly on Regard. Kelly's rough beats".^[34]Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic felt that say publicly album had its "share be proper of filler", but described the singles as "slyly seductive".^[3] He additionally wrote that the songs push the album were "frequently better" than that of Kelly's in a tick studio album, 12 Play.^[3] Magnanimity single "At Your Best (You Are Love)" was criticized bypass Billboard for being out be taken in by place on the album viewpoint for its length.^[35]

Aaliyah's debut lone, "Back & Forth", peaked wrap up number 5 on the Fiery and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks.^[36] Two more singles charted: tidy cover of the Isley Brothers' "At Your Best (You Pour out Love)" peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot ,^[36] and the album's title residue, "Age Ain't Nothing but far-out Number", peaked at number ^[36] Additionally, she released "The Ruin I Like" as part distinctive the soundtrack to the album A Low Down Dirty Shame.^[37]

– One in a Million gleam Romeo Must Die

In , Aaliyah left Jive Records and gestural with Atlantic Records.^[21] She mincing with record producers Timbaland predominant Missy Elliott, who contributed become her second studio album, One in a Million.^[12] Elliott start Timbaland and herself being ill at ease to work with Aaliyah, thanks to Aaliyah had already released afflict successful debut album while Elliott and Timbaland were just out. Elliott also feared she would be a diva, on the contrary reflected that Aaliyah "came beginning and was so warming; she made us immediately feel materialize family."^[40] The album yielded nobleness lead single "If Your Pup Only Knew", which peaked lips number 11 on the Billboard Hot ^[36] and topped loftiness BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for connect weeks.^[36] It also generated ethics singles "Hot Like Fire" alight "4 Page Letter". One disturb a Million peaked at edition 18 on the Billboard ,^[26] and was certified double pt by the RIAA on June 16, , denoting shipments be in the region of two million copies.^[27] The baby book went on to sell 3 million copies in the US^[28] and over eight million copies worldwide.^[41][42] The year after convoy album was released, Aaliyah was featured on Timbaland & Magoo's debut single, "Up Jumps cocktail Boogie".^[43]

In Aaliyah graduated with natty GPA from the Detroit Tall School for the Fine obscure Performing Arts, where she majored in drama.^[21][16][22] The same collection, she began her acting life, playing herself in the the old bill drama television series New Dynasty Undercover.^[44] During this time, Aaliyah participated in the Children's Gain Concert, a charity concert reduced the Beacon Theatre in Fresh York.^[45] She also became say publicly spokesperson for the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation.^[46] During her campaign angst Tommy Hilfiger, the company oversubscribed over 2, pairs of honourableness red, white and blue loosefitting jeans she wore in their advertisements.^[47] In December , she performed the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" at illustriousness annual Christmas in Washington meet special.^[48] She also contributed cause problems the soundtrack album for rendering animated film Anastasia, performing neat as a pin cover version of "Journey discover the Past" that earned songwriters Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty a nomination for the Institute Award for Best Original Song.^[37][49] Aaliyah performed the song watch the Academy Awards ceremony, appropriate the youngest singer to contract at the event.^[50] Also play a role , she released the air "Are You That Somebody?" which was featured on the Dr. Dolittlesoundtrack.^[51] The song peaked damage number 21 on the Billboard Hot ^[36] and earned Aaliyah her first Grammy Award nomination.^[51]

In , Aaliyah landed her important big-screen acting role in Romeo Must Die.^[52] She starred conflicting martial artist Jet Li, acting a couple who fall shoulder love amid their warring families.^[52] Released on March 24, , the movie grossed US$&#;million dynasty its first weekend, ranking integer two at the box office.^[53][54] Aaliyah purposely stayed away propagate reviews of the film chance on "make it easier on" woman, but she heard "that masses were able to get appeal me, which is what Hilarious wanted."^[55] In contrast, some critics felt there was no immunology between her and Jet Li, as well as viewing rank film as too simplistic.^[56] That was echoed by Elvis Airman of The New York Times, who wrote that while Aaliyah was "a natural" and dignity film was conceived as clean up spotlight for both her good turn Li, "they have so small chemistry together you'd think they're putting out a fire alternatively of shooting off sparks.^[57]

In especially to acting, Aaliyah served rightfully an executive producer of description film's soundtrack, for which she contributed four songs.^[58] "Try Again" was released as a unmarried from the soundtrack; the expose topped the Billboard Hot , making Aaliyah the first maestro to top the chart household solely on airplay; this moneyed the song to be insecure in a inch vinyl come to rest 7-inch single.^[36][59] The music gramophone record won the Best Female Tape and Best Video from practised Film awards at the MTV Video Music Awards.^[60] It besides earned her a Grammy Furnish nomination for Best Female R&B Vocalist.^[61] The soundtrack went bejewel to sell &#;million copies nucleus the United States.^[28]

Aaliyah topmost Queen of the Damned

Main article: Aaliyah (album)

After completing Romeo Rust Die, Aaliyah began to lessons on her second film, Queen of the Damned. She gripped the role of an former vampire, Queen Akasha, which she described as a "manipulative, asinine, sexual being".^[24] Filming both Con artist Must Die and Queen catch sight of the Damned delayed the help of the album. Aaliyah difficult not intended for her albums to have such a opening between them. "I wanted do away with take a break after One in a Million to belligerent relax, think about how Berserk wanted to approach the incoming album. Then, when I was ready to start back infold, "Romeo" happened, and so Unrestrainable had to take another come apart and do that film build up then do the soundtrack, ergo promote it. The break rotated into a longer break stun I anticipated."^[62] Ultimately, she filmed Queen of the Damned remarkable recorded her third album sought-after the same time so depart it could be released difficulty ^[62] Aaliyah enjoyed balancing veto singing and acting careers. Even though she called music a "first" for her, she also esoteric been acting since she was young and had wanted in close proximity to begin acting "at some categorize in my career", but "wanted it to be the without delay time and the right vehicle" and felt Romeo Must Die "was it".^[28] Connie Johnson conduct operations the Los Angeles Times argued that Aaliyah having to centre on her film career hawthorn have caused her to battle-cry give the album "the publicity it merited."^[63]

During the recording logic for the album, Aaliyah's performer disclosed that the album's respite date was most likely din in October ^[64] Eventually, she ready recording the album in Go on foot ; after a year make famous recording tracks that began plentiful March of the previous year.^[65]Aaliyah was released five years associate One in a Million clearance July 17, ,^[3] and scrape by debuted at number two relationship the Billboard , selling , copies in its first week.^[66] The first single from excellence album, "We Need a Resolution", peaked at number 59 bent the Billboard Hot ^[36] Significance week after Aaliyah's death, subtract third album rose from calculate 19 to number 1 mode the Billboard ^[67] "Rock position Boat" was released as natty posthumous single. The music recording premiered on BET's Access Granted, and it became the about viewed and highest rated happening in the history of authority show.^[68] The song peaked luck number 14 on the Billboard Hot ^[69] Promotional posters sponsor Aaliyah that had been situate up in major cities specified as New York and Los Angeles became makeshift memorials rationalize grieving fans.^[70] In February , the album was certified duplicated Platinum by the RIAA.^[27]

"More puzzle a Woman" and "I Danger signal 4 U" were released reorganization posthumous singles and peaked centre the top 25 of honesty Billboard Hot ^[69] "More escape a Woman" reached number only on the UK singles index making Aaliyah the first mortal 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 denunciation the only time in glory UK singles chart's history considering that a dead artist has replaced another dead artist at crowd one.^[73]

Aaliyah was signed to put in writing in several future films, counting a romantic film titled Some Kind of Blue,^[74] and elegant Whitney Houston–produced remake of glory film Sparkle.^[7] Houston recalled Aaliyah being "so enthusiastic" about influence film; the project was support after she died.^[75] Before pass death, Aaliyah filmed some scenes for the sequels of The Matrix as the character Zee.^[76] A portion of her cut up in The Matrix Reloaded was filmed; these unused scenes were included in the tribute part of the Matrix Ultimate Collection series.^[77]

Artistry

Voice

Aaliyah had the vocal relocate of a soprano,^[21] and be smitten by the release of her launching album Age Ain't Nothing nevertheless a Number, writer Dimitri Bacteriologist of Entertainment Weekly compared rustle up style and sound to R&B group En Vogue.^[78] Ehrlich too expressed that Aaliyah's "silky vocals are more agile than those of self-proclaimed queen of rap soul Mary J. Blige."^[78] Tight her review for Aaliyah's on top studio album One in span MillionVibe magazine, music critic Ecstasy Hampton said that Aaliyah's "deliciously feline" voice has the identical "pop appeal" as Janet Jackson's.^[79] According to Rolling Stone "the most remarkable thing about Aaliyah's voice, besides its flexibility ground crisp range, was its practically preternatural poise — she again seemed to be holding dismiss power in reserve, to know again every side of the possible situations or sequences of events she described".^[80] While, Siân Pattenden from Mixmag stated that, "She doesn't try to toss illustriousness caber with vocal athleticism. There's no shouting, screeching, wailing advocate jazz-style noodling. Everything is underplayed: Ms Haughton's range is displayed by the slightest high-octave assistance and tiniest harmonies".^[81]

Aaliyah herself voiced articulate her vocal styling consisted selected her singing softly while utilizing her falsetto.^[82] She further explained saying, "My signature style admiration breathy, tone-y, airy. It's ingenuous but I can ride well-ordered crazy track."^[83] Although she oft sang in a softer skin color, there were moments when she utilized other facets of unit voice. "Never Givin' Up" () and "The One I Gave My Heart To" () hurtle a few stand-out vocal highlights.^[84]Daryl Simmons the producer of "The One I Gave My Surety To", recalled Aaliyah doing work vocal warm-up exercises in spadework for the songs recording.^[84] Determine commenting on her doing theatre vocal warm ups Simmons appearance, "It was the furthest flattering I would have ever plainness that she could do. Strike just blew my mind."^[84] Rendering song's writer, Diane Warren deathless her vocals on the ventilate, saying: "It showed her communication range, and I know practised couple of people thought she wouldn't be able to come untied that song. I thought, 'No, she'll be able to repeal that."^[84]Variety echoed a similar emotions as Warren, saying "The Facial appearance I Gave My Heart To" "showcased Aaliyah's ability to bump into higher notes."^[85] Discussing her alter on "Never Givin' Up" impresario Craig King said, "lyrically put up with vocally she just took jagged to places that you didn't know she could go".^[84]

Musical style

From the very beginning, she opted "for an edgier, more full-fledged sound", and her songs were often uptempo and at loftiness same time often dark, spinning around "matters of the heart".^[16][86] She "easily straddled the rap and pop worlds, never jutting the frilliness of her ingénue peers".^[16] In , Aaliyah alarmed her sound "street but sweet", pairing feminine vocals with far-out gritty urban rhythm track.^[87] Bland another interview she further crosspiece about her artistry, saying, "I love to fuse other types of music with my own".^[88] She explored a wide compass of genres such as R&B,^[89][90]pop,^[90][91]hip hop,^[91][92]funk,^[89][92]soul,^[91] and dance-pop.^[93][94] Altogether, Aaliyah's music can be described despite the fact that alternative R&B, progressive soul, concentrate on neo soul, according to Time's Farley.^[95]

Discussing her lyrical content count on The New Rolling Stone Textbook Guide (), Keith Harris vocal "When it came to reproductive availability, she was between Make your blood boil Vogue maliciously taunting 'You're on no occasion gonna get it' and Pipe blankly cooing 'Oops, there goes my shirt.'"^[96] Lyrically, "Her leading two albums carefully toed character line between adolescence and completion, displaying a woman exploring class terrain of love, trust, ray lust; one who exuded undiluted playful innocence while hinting at one\'s disposal a more sultry side."^[97] Aaliyah did not usually write throw away own lyrics.^[21] The only interval she had a hand row writing is on the melody line "Death of a Playa" unapproachable the "Hot Like Fire" inimitable ().^[98] She co-wrote that tag with her brother Rashad Haughton, and "it reflects Aaliyah's sunless perspective on romance".^[98] Of congregate role in crafting her song, Aaliyah said, "I like confine have the final say on the contrary I was trained as straighten up singer, actress and dancer, representation interpreter, bringing other people's verbalize to life. I need honesty songs to reflect me secure one way or another".^[21] Pinpoint her R. Kelly–produced debut single, Aaliyah worked with Timbaland topmost Missy Elliott, whose productions were more electronic.^[99] The duo "mixed choppy, nervous rhythms over meander of computer-generated backing tracks, with incorporating harmonies which – preferential the genre's limited horizons – seemed daring".^[24] They also conceived, the "Freeze-and-stop style of musical on top of bass-heavy instrumentals" which became Aaliyah's signature style.^[18]

Aaliyah's songs have been said withstand have "crisp production" and "staccato arrangements" that "extend genre boundaries" while containing "old-school" soul music.^[] Kelefah Sanneh of The Original York Times called her "a digital diva who wove unornamented spell with ones and zeroes", and writes that her songs comprised "simple vocal riffs, go to and refracted to echo rank manipulated loops that create digital rhythm", as Timbaland's "computer-programmed beatniks fitted perfectly with her pushy, breathy voice to create a-ok new kind of electronic music."^[] She released "musically risky singles into a notoriously fickle appear market", without being "concerned good luck conforming to the stereotypes give a rough idea the marketplace".^[] Her songs "gracefully walk a line between commerciality and experimentation".^[] Reviewing her stamp album, British publication NME felt desert Aaliyah's "radical" third album was "intended to consolidate her situate as U.S. R&B's most speculative artist".^[]

As her albums progressed, writers felt that Aaliyah matured, vocation her progress a "near-flawless account of strength and independence".^[][]ABC Advice noted that her music was "evolving from the punchy pop-influenced hip hop and R&B cause problems a more mature, introspective sound", on her third album.^[]Stephen Socialist Erlewine of AllMusic described be involved with album Aaliyah as "a declaration of maturity and a staggering artistic leap forward", and styled it one of the brute urban soul records of lying time. She portrayed "unfamiliar sounds, styles and emotions", but managed to please critics with dignity contemporary sound it contained.^[] Ernest Hardy of Rolling Stone mat that Aaliyah was displaying trying technique, giving her best articulate performances.^[]

Influences

As an artist, Aaliyah blunt she was inspired by marvellous number of performers. These cover Michael Jackson,^[]Stevie Wonder,^[]Sade,^[]Trent Reznor admire Nine Inch Nails,^[]Korn,^[]Donnie Hathaway,^[]Johnny Mathis,^[]Janet Jackson,^[]Whitney Houston,^[] and Barbra Streisand.^[88] Aaliyah said that Michael Jackson's Thriller was her "favorite album" and that "nothing will astute top Thriller."^[] She said she had always wanted to look at carefully with Janet Jackson, to whom she had often been compared, saying, "I admire her unornamented great deal. She's a reach the summit of performer&#; I'd love to break up a duet with Janet Jackson."^[][] Jackson reciprocated Aaliyah's affection, expression, "I've loved her from dignity beginning because she always attains out and does something chill, musically." Jackson also said she would have enjoyed collaborating organize Aaliyah.^[]

Music videos

According to director Disagreeable Hunter from day one, "Aaliyah wanted her videos to receive out from clips by nook R&B singers".^[] He stated, "You can watch programming all way in and see a certain kidney of video by female artists, "Then when one of hers comes on it's something average, something different to look look after. That's what she was about."^[] Christopher John Farley from Time stated that Aaliyah's "videos, show off the most part, are in the matter of mood, not about storylines Deny videos are usually lushly turn and infused with sexual tautness, though not in overt gift obvious ways".^[]

Alisha Acquaye from Teen Vogue felt that, "There's yet to gather while watching draft Aaliyah music video" in accomplishment, she thinks that watching them is "actually an understatement".^[] Acquaye further explained, "There's a nation of hypnosis you submit get rid of as she envelops you give the brush-off sight and sound, tugging fighting your heartstrings. Between a series of sensual, strong movements, transmissible instrumentals, and intuitive lyrics stray spark emotions of desire, intimacy, and empowerment, you are cock-a-hoop in Aaliyah's physical presence".^[]

Most corporeal Aaliyah's videos included dance routines. While discussing her video dancing Billboard mentioned that she "coined the smooth choreography and hoydenish style that would inspire [R&B]'s future generations for years contact come".^[]Vibe praised several videos axiom, "Looking back on her videos like "Try Again" and "Are You That Somebody," Aaliyah's genius in all of those techniques of dancing are apparent, significance she's able to hit every so often syncopated word and beat observe ease as if she's touching on air".^[] Kyann-Sian Williams circumvent NME named "Are You Become absent-minded Somebody?" as a visual ditch, "pushed the boundaries when break away came to dance breaks make happen music videos".^[] Williams declared, "Until that time, dance breaks were usually reserved for boybands prize *NSync and the Backstreet Boys, but Aaliyah claimed it funds R&B stars too".^[]

Public image

Aaliyah accurately on her public image to the fullest protecting her private life. She felt that it was "important&#; to differentiate yourself from depiction rest of the pack".^[]USA Today said, "Her slinky vocal interest group and eye-popping videos made go to pieces a crossover star, while minder persistent protection of her sequestration added an air of captivate about her".^[16] According to Aaliyah, "I put a lot stencil pressure on myself to engrave true to myself and not quite let anything else influence keep amused to do what someone under other circumstances is doing. Being a more or less edgy and sexy is get your skates on. My image isn't a put on an act. I'm happy to put make believe that dark edge in adhesive videos, because it's always antiquated there. I used to be dressed my sunglasses or have out of your depth hair over one eye unmixed lot more when I was younger. [Now] I'm happy attain all aspects of myself."^[88]

She commonly wore baggy clothes and specs, stating that she wanted cast off your inhibitions be herself.^[] Aaliyah also wore black clothing, starting a system for similar fashion among troop in United States and Japan.^[21][] In , she hired regular personal trainer to keep make happen shape, and exercised five generation a week and ate food foods.^[] As her career progressed, "she went through so numberless fashion revamps".^[] For example, In the way that she changed her hairstyle, Aaliyah took her mother's advice standing covered her left eye, unnecessary like Veronica Lake.^[] The illustration has become known as prudent signature and been referred pause as fusion of "unnerving ardent honesty" and "a sense depart mystique".^[] In regards to torment fashion choices, writer Jeff Lorez described her as a "model of understatement".^[88] According to Lorez, "She's beautiful, but hardly inconsequential a high-gloss, supermodel way—more adoration a really good-looking girl flash door. And rather than bling-blinging her ice in a ghetto-fabulous manner befitting her Trumped-up milieu, she blings on the down-low: A subtle bracelet here, natty winking pendant there, offset stomach-turning her simple black jeans come first matching sweater. Trés cool".^[88] Nark TRL host Carson Daly alleged that she was "cutting block of flats, always one step ahead round the curve and that primacy TRL audience looks to recipe to figure out what's stifling and what's new".^[56]

Aaliyah was much praised for her "clean-cut image" and "moral values".^[]Robert Christgau forfeited The Village Voice wrote fence Aaliyah's artistry and image, "she was lithe and dulcet rejoinder a way that signified neither jailbait nor hottie—an ingenue whose selling point was sincerity, whimper innocence and the obverse energetic implies."^[]Emil Wilbekin, told CNN: "Aaliyah is an excellent role draw up plans because she started her being in the public eye damage age 15 with a treasure album,Age Ain't Nothing but calligraphic Number. And then her on top album, One in a Million went double platinum. She esoteric the leading role in Romeo Must Die, which was calligraphic box office success. She's won numerous awards, several MTV penalty video awards, and aside let alone her professional successes, many lecture her lyrics are very compelling and uplifting. She also go herself in a very glossed manner. She was well-spoken. She was beautiful, but she didn't use her beauty to hawk her music. She used sit on talent. Many young hip-hop fans greatly admire her."^[]

She was as well seen by others as great sex symbol and did whine have a problem with essence considered one. "I know put off people think I'm sexy allow I am looked at restructuring that, and it is pushy with me," she stated. "It's wonderful to have sex petition. If you embrace it, undertake can be a very comely thing. I am totally forward with that. Definitely. I have a view over myself as sexy. If on your toes are comfortable with it, give it some thought can be very classy become more intense it can be very appealing."^[82] Aaliyah also felt though pull together image was "risque and sexy", it was important to last respectable because she wanted lend your energies to make songs that everyone could relate to without it come across vulgar.^[83] When she participated include fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger's Come to blows America Tour Tommy Jean ads, she wore boxer shorts, floppy jeans and a tube comfort. Hilfiger's brother, Andy, called sever "a whole new look" depart was "classy but sexy".^[] Depiction single "We Need a Resolution" was argued to have transformed "the once tomboy into put in order sexy grown woman".^[]

Personal life

In brainstorm interview with Honey, Aaliyah avowed that she was Catholic esoteric she attended church whenever she was at home.^[] In , she told Vibe magazine avoid she was mostly a grownup and liked "the simple astonishing in life."^[56]

Family

Aaliyah's family played grand major role in the path of her career.^[56] Beginning think it over , Aaliyah's father Michael Haughton served as her personal director, and her mother assisted him. Aaliyah's brother Rashad Haughton courier her cousin Jomo Hankerson were with her when she worked.^[] After her father became ill in bed, her brother Rashad became disintegrate manager.^[56]

Aaliyah was known to scheme usually been accompanied by branchs of her family. Her kin Rashad stated that the photography of "Rock the Boat" was the only time her affinity was not present during copperplate video shoot. In October , Rashad said: "It really boggles everyone [that] from Day Reschedule, every single video she intelligent shot there's always been ourselves or my mother or angry father there. The circumstances adjoining this last video were actually strange because my mother abstruse eye surgery and couldn't whip. That really bothered her in that she always traveled. My governor had to take care second my mom at that offend. And I went to State to visit some friends. Awe really couldn't understand why incredulity weren't there. You ask fool around maybe we could have choked it. But you can't honestly answer the question. There's uniformly gonna be that question invoke why."^[] Her friend Kidada Architect said in the last assemblage of Aaliyah's life, her parents had given her more level and she had spoken be conscious of wanting a family.^[]

Illegal marriage

Aaliyah reportedly developed an intimate relationship garner Kelly during the recording good buy her debut album. She consider Vibe magazine in that she and Kelly would "go look at a movie" and "go eat" when she got tired near would then "come back crucial work". She described the association between her and Kelly in that "rather close."^[] In December , Aaliyah told the Chicago Sun-Times that whenever she was willingly about being married to Dancer, she urged them not communication believe "all that mess" stall that she and Kelly were "close" and "people took put on view the wrong way".^[]

With the unloose of Age Ain't Nothing nevertheless a Number, rumors circulated miscomprehend a relationship between Aaliyah turf R. Kelly,^[21][] including the recrimination that they had secretly mated without her parents' knowledge.^[][]Vibe serial later revealed a marriage ticket that listed the couple marital on August 31, , hillock Sheraton Gateway Suites in Rosemont, Illinois.^[] Aaliyah, who was 15 at the time, was catalogued as 18 on the certificate; R. Kelly was The wedding was annulled by her parents in February , but probity pair denied the allegations, maxim that neither was married additional that the certificate was dexterous forgery.^[][]

Jamie Foster Brown in honourableness issue of Sister 2 Sister wrote that "R. Kelly put into words me that he and Aaliyah got together, and it was just magic." Brown also going round hearing about a sexual satisfaction between them. "I've been chance about Robert and Aaliyah bolster a while—that she was knowing. Or that she was next to and going in and lead to of his house. People would see her walking his attend, 12 Play, with her hoops cap and sunglasses on. At times time I asked the term, they said it was fraternal. But I kept hearing aspersion from people about her exploit in the studio with buzz those men." Brown later with "at 15, you have standup fight those hormones and no sagacity attached to them".^[]

In his notebook The Man Behind the Man: Looking from the Inside Out, Demetrius Smith Sr., Kelly's one-time tour manager, revealed that Buffoon married Aaliyah after she phonetic him that she was pregnant.^[] In the documentary Surviving Acclaim. Kelly, Smith described how do something helped Aaliyah forge the defensible documents to show she was 18 to marry Kelly.^[] Sculpturer also said he was "not proud" of his role export facilitating their marriage.^[] Additionally, high-mindedness documentary revealed that Jovante Choreographer, a former backup dancer, designated to have witnessed Kelly getting sex with Aaliyah on circlet tour bus.^[]

Aaliyah admitted in dull documents that she had unassuming about her age. In Hawthorn , she filed suit divide Cook County seeking to possess all records of the association expunged because she was wail old enough under state adjustment to get married without present parents' consent. It was present-day that she cut off wrestle professional and personal ties resume Kelly after the marriage was annulled and ceased contact appear him.^[] In a interview, Aaliyah's cousin Jomo Hankerson said go off at a tangent she "got villainized" for go backward relationship with Kelly and decency scandal over the marriage through it difficult to find producers for her second album. "We were coming off of cool multi-platinum debut album and apart from for a couple of dealer with Jermaine Dupri and Large, it was hard for notable to get producers on goodness album." Hankerson also expressed disarrangement over why "they were upset" with Aaliyah given her space at the time.^[]

Aaliyah was methodical to avoid answering questions travel Kelly after the professional aperture. During an interview with Christopher John Farley, she was responsibility whether she was still set a date for contact with him and would ever work with him arrival. Farley said Aaliyah responded plus a "firm, frosty 'no'" join both questions.^[]Vibe magazine said Aaliyah changed the subject anytime "you bring up the marriage add her".^[56] A spokeswoman for Aaliyah said in that when "R. Kelly comes up, she doesn't even speak his name, viewpoint nobody's allowed to ask obtain it at all."^[] Kelly subsequent said that Aaliyah had opportunities to address their relationship puzzle out they separated professionally but chose not to.^[] In , Friend Dash revealed to Hip Bound Motivation that Aaliyah did scream even speak of her self-importance with Kelly in private; operate tried multiple times to examine it with her, but she would only say that Dancer was a "bad man".^[] Fly said he was unable turn over to watch Surviving R. Kelly owing to its interviews with visibly traumatized girls struggling to discuss their encounters with Kelly reminded him of how Aaliyah behaved considering that trying to recount her satisfaction with Kelly.^[] Dash later exposed in Surviving R. Kelly, Restrain II in ^[]

Other allegations were made about Kelly regarding immature girls in the years associate Aaliyah's death, and their affection was used as an dispute of his involvement with them.^[] He has refused to converse about his relationship with her, thrilling her death. "Out of consideration for her, and her ma and her dad, I testament choice not discuss Aaliyah. That was a whole other situation, clean up whole other time, it was a whole other thing, courier I'm sure that people further know that."^[] In , Player said that he was renovation in love with Aaliyah style he was with "anybody else."^[] Aaliyah's mother, Diane Haughton, echolike that everything "that went improper in her life" began capable her relationship with Kelly.^[]

After leadership documentary Surviving R. Kelly golden in January , pressure reject the public using the Kept back R. Kellyhashtag escalated and RCA Records dropped Kelly from goodness label.^[] In February , Player was indicted on ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.^[] In July , he was arrested on federal charges carry-on sex crimes, human trafficking, minor pornography, racketeering, and obstruction outline justice.^[] When his trial began in August , Kelly in the clear 22 federal criminal charges delay involved allegedly abusing 11 girls and women between and ^[] Aaliyah's illegal marriage to Buffoon was heavily featured in loftiness court case.^[] On September 27, , a federal court demolish found Kelly guilty of figure counts including racketeering, sexual pragmatism of a child, kidnapping, bribing, sex trafficking, and a contravention of the Mann Act. Probity judge ordered that Kelly carry on in custody pending sentencing, which was set for May 4, ^[] On June 29, , Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison.^[][]

Relationship with Friend Dash

Aaliyah was dating the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Damon Shatter, at the time of squash up death. Although they were note formally engaged, Dash claimed class couple had planned to make one in interviews given after Aaliyah's death.^[][] In the summer subtract , Aaliyah was introduced curb Dash by his accountant ray they formed a friendship.^[][] Aaliyah never publicly addressed their selfimportance as anything but platonic.^[56] Advantage to their hectic work schedules, Aaliyah and Dash were broken up for long periods of time.^[] Jay-Z mentioned Aaliyah and Stampede in the remix of their way song "Miss You", released derive ^[] In August , Crash told Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier, "I was reflecting [that] just about hasn't been one day thanks to she's passed, not one hostage the 20 years, that Unrestrained haven't either heard her title, heard her record, or ignore a picture of her Now and again single day she's present ancestry my life and I handling lucky for that."^[]

Death

Further information: Everglade Harbour Cessna crash

On August 25, , at &#;p.m. (EDT), Aaliyah and some employees of weaken record company boarded a twin-engine Cessna light aircraft at goodness Marsh Harbour Airport in Abaco Islands, the Bahamas, to travelling to Opa-Locka Airport in Florida after they completed filming rendering video for "Rock the Boat".^[] They had a flight destined the next day, but get used to filming finishing early, Aaliyah take up her entourage were eager blame on return to the US extort decided to leave immediately. Rank designated airplane was smaller overrun the Cessna on which they had originally arrived, but authority whole party and all nobility equipment were accommodated on board.^[] The plane crashed and at bay fire shortly after takeoff, display feet (60&#;m) from the extremity of the runway.^[]

Aaliyah and honourableness eight others on board—pilot Luis Morales III, hair stylist Eric Forman, Anthony Dodd, security embrace Scott Gallin, family friend Keith Wallace, make-up stylist Christopher Maldonado, and Blackground Records employees Politician Kratz and Gina Smith—were killed.^[]

The passengers had grown impatient thanks to the Cessna was supposed expire arrive at &#;pm. EDT, on the other hand did not arrive until &#;pm.^[] Another charter pilot, Lewis Skeleton key, said he overheard passengers argument with their pilot, Luis Morales, before takeoff, adding that Morales warned them that there was too much weight for uncomplicated "safe flight". Key added: "He tried to convince them birth plane was overloaded, but they insisted they had chartered distinction plane and they had clutch be in Miami Saturday night."^[] Key indicated that Morales gave in to the passengers dowel that he had trouble firsthand one of the engines.^[]

According show to advantage findings from an inquest conducted by the coroner's office mission the Bahamas, Aaliyah had "severe burns and a blow consent the head" in addition on every side severe shock and a breakable heart.^[] The coroner theorized wind she went into such spruce state of shock that flat if she had survived influence crash, her recovery would have to one`s name been nearly impossible given class severity of her injuries.^[] Say publicly bodies were taken to justness morgue at Princess Margaret Asylum in Nassau, where they were kept for relatives to educational identify them. Some of them were badly burned.^[]

As the successive investigation determined, the aircraft was overloaded by pounds (&#;kg) what because it attempted to take whizz, and was carrying one statesman passenger than it was declared for.^[] The National Transportation Shelter Board reported, "The airplane was seen lifting off the airfield, and then nose down, impacting in a marsh on authority south side of the leaving end of runway "^[] Honourableness report indicated that the prefatory was not approved to soar the plane. Morales falsely imitative his FAA license by display hundreds of hours never flown, and he may also own falsified how many hours unquestionable had flown to get a-ok job with his employer, A type of helicopter or a bird International Airways.^[] Additionally, toxicology tests performed on Morales revealed fragments of cocaine and alcohol incorporate his system.^[]

Funeral

Aaliyah's private funeral Sweeping was held on August 31, , at the Church get ahead St. Ignatius Loyola in Borough, following a procession from dignity Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel.^[] Her body was set carry a silver-plated copper-deposit casket, which was carried in a horse-drawn, glass hearse.^[] An estimated mourners attended the procession.^[]

Among those be sure about attendance at the private solemnity were Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Gladys Knight, Lil' Kim, and Sean Combs.^[][] After the service, 22 white doves were released resume symbolize each year of spread life.^[]

Aaliyah's brother Rashad delivered rectitude eulogy and described his care for as giving him strength: "Aaliyah, you left, but I'll give onto you always next to precipitate and I can see jagged smiling through the sunshine. As our life is over, at the last book is done. I yen God keeps me strong till such time as I see her again." Purify read the names of say publicly other victims of the bang and concluded by asking mourners to pray for them little well. As Diane Haughton status the mourners left, they chant Aaliyah's song "One in neat as a pin Million".^[]

Posthumous releases

– Queen of integrity Damned, compilations, and single releases

Immediately after Aaliyah's death, there was uncertainty over whether the strain video for "Rock the Boat" would ever air.^[] It completed its world premiere on BET's Access Granted on October 9, She won two posthumous credit at the American Music Distinction of ; Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B/Soul Jotter for Aaliyah.^[] Her second tube final film, Queen of authority Damned, was released in Feb Before its release, Aaliyah's religious, Rashad, re-dubbed some of give someone his lines during post-production.^[] It grossed US$&#;million in its first weekend, ranking number one at probity box office.^[] On the have control over anniversary of Aaliyah's death, unblended candlelight vigil was held creepy-crawly Times Square; millions of fans observed a moment of silence; and throughout the United States, radio stations played her symphony in remembrance.^[] In December , a collection of both in advance unreleased and released material was issued as Aaliyah's first posthumous album, I Care 4 U. A portion of the prize was donated to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund, a program depart benefits the Revlon UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program and Harlem's Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.^[] Insecurity debuted at number three resolve the US Billboard , contracts , copies in its extreme week.^[] The album's lead celibate, "Miss You", peaked at numeral three on the Billboard Red-hot ^[69] and topped the Array R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for troika weeks.^[] In August of significance following year, luxury fashion council house Dior donated profits from auction in honor of Aaliyah.^[]

In Apr , Aaliyah's second posthumous notebook, a double CD+DVD box flatter titled Ultimate Aaliyah, was unfastened in the United Kingdom gross Blackground Records.^[] A documentary smokescreen Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam was released in , shortly formerly the tenth anniversary of Aaliyah's death. The documentary, by Pogus Caesar, contained previously unseen reserve shot of her career first principles in when she was debut in the Netherlands.^[]

In March , music producer Jeffrey "J-Dub" Traveller announced that the song "Steady Ground", which he produced practise Aaliyah's third album, would properly included in a posthumous Aaliyah album. Aaliyah's brother Rashad denied Walker's claim.^[] On August 5, , Blackground Records released prestige track "Enough Said" which was produced by Noah "40" Shebib and features Canadian rapper Drake.^[] Four days later, Jomo Hankerson claimed a posthumous album was being produced that would spar new production by Timbaland presentday Missy Elliot, who both adjacent denied being involved with probity project.^[][] The album was secured to be released by excellence end of by Blackground Registers, but its release was shelved.^[][] In June , Aaliyah was featured on the track "Don't Think They Know" by Chris Brown, which appears on Brown's sixth studio album, X.^[] Timbaland voiced his disapproval for "Enough Said" and "Don't Think They Know" in July , however later apologized to Chris Brownish, explaining that Aaliyah and move up death were a "very thick-skinned subject".^[][]

–present: Merchandise, catalog rerelease, opinion Unstoppable

In May , Aaliyah was featured on the Tink give directions "Million", which contained samples stick up her song "One in top-hole Million".^[] In September , Aaliyah by Xyrena, an official commemoration fragrance, was announced.^[] On Dec 25, , Timbaland released probity mixtape Kings Stay Kings which includes the unreleased Aaliyah sticky tag "Shakin" featuring rapper Strado.^[] Scam June , MAC Cosmetics unrestricted a cosmetics collection inspired moisten Aaliyah, The Aaliyah for Mac collection which was priced representative $ and sold out guts minutes.^[][] MAC and i-D Publication partnered up to release dialect trig short film titled "A-Z go rotten Aaliyah" which coincided with integrity launch.^[] On August 21, , the Madame Tussauds museum unveil a wax figure of Aaliyah at their Las Vegas say again, modeled on her appearance be bounded by the "Try Again" music video.^[] Four days later, Aaliyah's kindred announced that they were extract talks with record companies cling on to discuss the future of stifle discography.^[]

In March , Funko Pop! released an Aaliyah figurine.^[] Occupy August , Blackground Records proclaimed that Aaliyah's recorded works would be re-released on physical, digital, and streaming services in well-organized deal between the label take precedence Empire Distribution.^[] Aaliyah's estate rise a statement in response attack the announcement, denouncing the "unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah's medicine without any transparency or comprehensive accounting to the estate".^[]One be bounded by a Million was reissued expire August ^[][] After the album's re-release, One in a Million re-entered the UK Official Suffering Hop and R&B Albums Map Top 40 at number eight.^[] In the US, the autograph album reached the top ten alignment the Billboard for the foremost time at number ten, mercantilism 26, album-equivalent units in birth week ending of August ^[]Aaliyah was reissued September 10, ^[] After the album's re-release, Aaliyah re-entered the UK Official Happening Hop and R&B Albums Classify Top 40 at number seven^[] and re-entered the US Presentation chart at number ^[] Foundation celebration of the reissue, Blackground released an animated commercial styled "It's Been A Long Time" (in a similar style shabby the album's original commercial), required by Takahiro Tanaka, showing Aaliyah resurrecting her music from mug of a large underground vault.^[] Compilation albums I Care 4 U and Ultimate Aaliyah were reissued October 8, ^[]Ultimate Aaliyah peaked at number 8 correspond the UK R&B Albums Seachart Top 40^[] and charted intend the first time in interpretation US at number 41 split up the Billboard ^[]

On August 25, , Barry Hankerson revealed interest an interview with Big Tigger for WVEE that a posthumous album titled Unstoppable would exist released in "a matter order weeks". The album was vocal to feature Drake, Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Future cope with use previously unreleased vocals deprive before Aaliyah's passing.^[] On Dec 17, , Background Records unconfined the posthumous Aaliyah single "Poison" featuring The Weeknd.^[][] On Jan 4, , Hankerson claimed walk Unstoppable would be released subsequent that month, however, it frank not see a release be proof against there was no related proclamation from the label.^[][] In Jan , Blackground Records hinted outline an Instagram post that grandeur release was "coming".^[]

On January 16, , Mattel released an Aaliyah Barbie Doll modeled on world-weariness appearance in the "One break off a Million" music video.^[]

Legacy

Aaliyah has been credited for helping redefine R&B, pop and hip spring in the s, "leaving program indelible imprint on the symphony industry as a whole."