Yesterday (25th August) was the 10th anniversary of Aaliyah‘s death. As a tribute to the talented singer and actress, BET aired a TV special titled ‘Aaliyah: One in a Million’ which celebrated her life and long-lasting impact. People providing commentary included close friends Missy Elliott and Timberland, dancer and choreographer Laurieann Gibson, former partner Damon Dash, Kelly Rowland and Patti LaBelle to name a few.
I’ve never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you. I am pained that we will never get to connect now that music ended up being my career path. But you should know, we all listen to you everyday and we remain inspired and moved by all that you’ve given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I’ll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner’s on me!
Love you always and forever,
Drake
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
PunchBowl Blog is remembering Aaliyah Dana Haughton today; the ninth anniversary of the star’s untimely death.
Aaliyah began her professional career aged 12 after signing with Jive and Blackground Records, with R.Kelly as her mentor. After rumours of an alleged illegal marriage between Aaliyah and R.Kelly, the star severed ties with her label and begun work with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliot.
In 2000, Aaliyah branched into film and starred in her first major role in “Romeo Must Die”. She also contributed to the film’s soundtrack with her hit single “Try Again”.
In 2001, after producing her third and final album, “Aaliyah”, the world was shocked by the news of her death in a plane crash.
Since her death, Aaliyah’s music has achieved incredible commercial success with album sales estimated to be between 24 to 32 million copies worldwide! Aaliyah has been credited for helping redefine R&B and hip hop.
Click on the thumbnails belows for some of our favourite photos of the late star.
The Dream cover’s the late Aaliyah’s classic ‘One In A Million’
This comes from The-Dream’s yet to be released ‘Love Sessions’ mixtape with DJ Drama and DJ Sense
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Thoughts on the cover? Should he have touched a classic?
