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The Enduring Reign of Aaliyah: “BabyGirl,” Still The Princess of R&B and Queen of Urban Pop
It’s been 20 years since Aaliyah died in a plane crash in the Bahamas at age 22. “Unstoppable” her soon to be released posthumous album features Drake, and Cris Brown among others and is intended to serves as a lasting tribute to her legacy. The first single, “Poison” featuring The Weeknd, dropped last month.her record label plans to put out one more single before the album’s release.
The late R&B icon, Aaliyah left an everlasting mark on music and black culture since the 90s. Not only was she a talented actress, a skilled dancer but also a gifted singer and fashion symbol, as well. She was a triple threat on the R&B scene in the 90s.
But that’s not what makes her an icon.
Amazingly, Aaliyah’s talent has managed to touch lives more than twenty years after her tragic passing. People who did not have the honor of experiencing her music live now have the opportunity to become fans many years later.
In 2021, her album ‘One in a Million’ was released across all streaming platforms, where it hit #10 on Billboard 200. ‘One in a Million‘ also rose to become the #1 Catalog Album, #1 Digital Album, and #2 Independent Album.
But that’s not what makes her an icon.
For two decades, her faithful and loyal fans have kept her memory alive, never letting it fade. The release of her new posthumous album, slated to be released in early 2022, is not just a testament to her talent. Entitled ‘Unstoppable,’ it is likewise a testimony of the dedication of her fan base, who has been clamoring for the release of Aaliyah’s unfinished tracks and old recordings for years.
How many artists today can even dream of working with the likes of Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Future, Drake, and Chris Brown? Aaliyah’s music has transcended generations, representing R&B in the 90s and today.
But that’s not what makes her an icon.
“Keke Palmer, Kim Kardashian and countless fans have worn the glittering bikini top, belt and choker Aaliyah made famous in the music video “Try Again,” from the “Romeo Must Die” soundtrack.”
-stylist, Derek Lee
When black girls had few women in entertainment to look up to, Aaliyah stood out like a beacon. She was beautiful without being a video vixen, cool but still down-to-earth. What 90s black child did not either want to be Aaliyah or date her or dress like her? These facts, alongside her glowing list of accolades and her futuristic style in both music and fashion made her a model of Black Excellence! That’s what makes her an icon!