Twelve years ago today the world was rocked by the death of Brooklyn born singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, better known to her millions of fans simply as Aaliyah. Though it’s been over a decade since music lost one of its brightest rising stars, the impact of her life and music resonate with us still. As we reminisce on a life lost and wonder where she might be today, TheUrbanDaily takes a look back at some of the things that we miss the most.
1) Beauty – They say nobody is perfect, and that’s the truth. But it was really hard to find a flaw in Aaliyah’s looks. The dreamy eyes, slim waist, beautiful face and effortless grace were enough to catch you before she opened her mouth to sing. Every guy had to salute Dame Dash for having the hottest chick in the game wearing his chain waaay before Beyonce’s Carter claim.
2) Talent – Aaliyah not only had box office smashes and kick-ass choreography on her resume, but when it came to singing there seemed to be no limit to what she could do. With a crystal clear voice who’s range appeared to be as unlimited as it’s owner the princess of R&B went triple platinum on her debut album Age Aint Nothing But A Number, sold more for her 2nd album One In A Million and is estimated to have sold somewhere in the neighborhood of 32 million albums worldwide racking up Grammys and breaking records along the way.
3) Male Fans – Although she sang about love, loss and all the things the ladies love to hear, the fellas were never far behind with their love for Aaliyah. She was one of the few singers a guy could be comfortable bumpin in the headphones. Drake was 14 when she passed away, but the emo-avenger’s Aaliyah tattoo is well documented. Case closed.
4) Style – As fashion forward and diverse as they came, Aaliyah was always in the public eye making it look easy. She could wear a pair sweats and Timbs or an evening gown and never look out of place. If anyone can find a picture of Aaliyah looking busted, I’ve got one word for you. Photoshop
5) Hip-Hop Influence – Already a monster when it came to Hip-Hop production Aaliyah was the muse that helped bring Timbaland’s talents to the forefront of R&B. Can you imagine the world with Aaliyah over the tracks from Justin Timberlakes last two albums?
