Post by Journey2herpast on Oct 23, 2005 20:22:26 GMT -5
Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing But A Number, for paving the way for Brandy, Monica, and the plethora of other teen stars who go by one name. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born January 16,1979 in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.
Aaliyah's break is credited to her Uncle Barry Hankerson, CEO and owner of her management company, Blackground Enterprises. Barry Hankerson was Aaliyah's manager as well as manager for R. Kelly. It was Barry who introduced the two and shortly after their acquaintance, production on Age Ain't Nothing But A Number came about.
Aaliyah acquired the world's attention at the tender age of 15 when her first single "Back and Forth" landed #1 on the Hot 100 singles chart; dethroning her then svengali, R.Kelly and his track "Your Body's Callin". Shortly afterwards, her album was released under Jive records and another top five gold single was spawned. Not only was this single a remake of an Isley Brothers classic, but it also flexed Aaliyah's octave range and vocal versatility. Her rendition of "At Your Best (You Are Love)" ripped the airwaves and its listeners with its tumultuous and sensuous harmonies. A few other hit singles followed including the light hip-pop jam "Down With The Clique".
Aaliyah states that the reason she kept her age on the low was because she wanted the world to accept her for her music and not based solely on her age.
The setting, 1996 and Aaliyah was gearing up for the release of her new album tentatively titled One In A Million. One In A Million proved that Aaliyah would make her mark on the ever-changing music industry by emphasizing the strength and maturity in her voice. Along with this maturity, Aaliyah carried the once underground hit-makers Missy/Timbaland to new heights.
This sound they would concoct on One In A Million, would take the music industry by storm. Hit after heart-pounding hit would follow, ultimately making her 1st sophomore single, the sexy, seductive, and taunt, "If Your girl Only Knew" the #1 spot on the hot 100 singles chart and the other singles radio heavy as well.
Before the close of '97, One In A Million (a #1 radio play single also) would go double platinum+ with the success of 4 Page Letter, Hot Like Fire, & The One I Gave My Heart To; shaking away any worries of a sophomore slump.
With so much potential and tenacity shown by the 8x's platinum sales (totaling all singles, albums, and contributions to soundtracks in U.S.)[i.e "Try Again", "I Don't Wanna", and "Are You That Somebody"] the singer, dancer, actress, and ENTERTAINER, that we've grown to love was beginning to live up to the true meaning of her name; "The Best".
Later Aaliyah went on to release her self titled cd in July of 2001, later after the beautiful Aaliyah left this world the I Care 4 U cd was released.
She is still missed today by many.