While listening to Aaliyah’s music, I noticed how TIMELESS her sound is. “Back in Forth” still gets you crunk. “Rock The Boat” is still sexy and alluring. “Are You That Somebody” still brings out the wannabe dancer in you, and “One in a Million” is still the truth (and Timbaland’s finest). Her self-titled last album may have come out in 2001, but the material is so potent that it would murder the competition if it were released in 2010. Her sound was so stylish, sleek and innovative; it really makes you wonder how different things would be in R&B if she were still with us. Everything she did seemed to be unique to just HER; from her trademark style, to her sound, to her mysterious nature. So much to the point that any slight imitations or resemblances seen in other artists ruffle feathers (i.e. Cassie’s “Official Girl” video, Ciara’s dance style and Kiley Dean’s “Make Me a Song”). It’s clear that while we may feel her absence, we don’t want ANYONE to even TRY to take her place. She’s carved out her space in our hearts and minds forever.
I encourage everyone to take some time out and watch a few of Aaliyah’s interviews on YouTube. In watching them, I was reminded of why I loved Aaliyah, “the person” just as much as Aaliyah, “the artist.” She was so freakin’ cool, hilarious and likable! OMG! You can’t hate her, she’s just awesome. I imagine that if I knew her personally, I would’ve wanted to be around her all the time. She just had an attracting glow to her. I have one of her interviews attached to this blog post.
Here’s to our “Baby Girl” Aaliyah, the “street, but sweet” artist that was the epitome of sensuality and femininity and had just as much swagger as the boys. The artist who seemed to only compete with herself and always delivered memorable music, the girl who always kept us guessing and intrigued, the girl you either wanted to date or hang out with, and the girl that always made you smile when you put on one of her records.
Dear God,
Please let her know how much we miss her.
Happy 31st Birthday, angel.