10 Ways Aaliyah's Memory Will Live On In 2012 And Beyond
Today marks the 11th anniversary of Aaliyah Dana Haughton's untimely passing.
Every year around this time, we take the day to remember a life cut short and a multifaceted career that was just beginning to pop off. However, with the release of her new single, "Enough Said"—which still boggles our mind to say after all these years—it looks like Aaliyah is making her much anticipated postmortem return.
We can't wait to hear the as-yet-untitled second posthumous release from Baby Girl, and see where it takes her legacy in the current era of music. Here's 10 ways we expect Aaliyah to be revived in 2012, and for years to come.
Every year around this time, we take the day to remember a life cut short and a multifaceted career that was just beginning to pop off. However, with the release of her new single, "Enough Said"—which still boggles our mind to say after all these years—it looks like Aaliyah is making her much anticipated postmortem return.
We can't wait to hear the as-yet-untitled second posthumous release from Baby Girl, and see where it takes her legacy in the current era of music. Here's 10 ways we expect Aaliyah to be revived in 2012, and for years to come.
1. Drake
Drake is by far Aaliyah's biggest fan—at least within the music world. With two tattoos dedicated to her, countless references to her in his music, and even a penned letter expressing his undying love, there's no denying Drizzy will keep Aaliyah's memory alive for years to come. Plus, it doesn't hurt that he's one of the biggest selling rappers out right now with the entire residency of Canada behind him.
2. Missy Elliott & Timbaland
Tim & Missy were Aaliyah's biggest music collaborators, and pretty much her industry family. The material they created together on One In A Million is stil a testament of game-changing urban music. We just hope these two are a part of her upcoming posthumous album—please! Hearing Baby Girl killing a Timbaland beat once again would be magic.
3. Her Successors
Since her passing, female artists have come and gone, each bringing something new to the R&B genre. From Ciara's tomboy steez to Ashanti's hip-hop soul tunes, one thing that majority of them can all agree on, and have stated time and time again, is their influence from Aaliyah.
Earlier today, Cassie tweeted, "Aaliyah, You will ALWAYS be in my heart. Thank you for paving such an amazing, revolutionary direction for our generation. Your smile and heart is missed. Love you." Plus, looking at Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" video, the choreography easily brings back pleasant memories of "Try Again" or "We Need A Resolution."
4. "Enough Said" (feat. Drake)
For fans, "Enough Said" was like an angel singing from heaven in ghostly form. Regardless of your feelings about Drake's verse or Noah "40" Shebib's signature production, there's no denying the happiness of hearing Aaliyah's voice again. Drake himself confirmed (in the video below) that there's a whole album's worth of unreleased material, and we can't wait to hear it.
Drake talks about his collabo with Aaliyah:
5. Social Networking
When "Enough Said" dropped earlier this month, the Internet went crazy. Arguments on whether Drake was suitable to touch Aaliyah's music and overall shock of listening to never-before-heard Aaliyah vocals flooded Twitter and Facebook. We've even seen photoshopped pictures of Aaliyah and Drake hugged up all over Instagram & Tumblr. The power that the Internet possesses can either ruin, jumpstart, or even revitalize an artist's career, and by the looks of things Aaliyah's legacy may be experiencing the latter.
6. The Industry As A Whole
As you can see in the image above, hip-hop heavyweights like Russell Simmons, Nicki Minaj, and Funkmaster Flex are taking a moment today to remember Aaliyah in their own ways. Even 11 years later, her past industry peers continue to show massive respect, and those who came after her are acknowledging a person who paved the way for them.
7. Her Family
The people who were hit by Aaliyah's death the hardest were by far her immediate family. The fans lost an icon, but they lost a sister and daughter. Her brother Rashad Haughton, mother Mrs. Diane Haughton, and father Mr. Michael Haughton have continued to keep her memory alive on her official website, sharing letters and poems written to them by fans over the years. Rashad also posts a touching poem to his sister on each anniversary since her death. Go check out the latest one now at Aaliyah.com
8. Her Fans
Aaliyah has some of the best fans in the world. They've been a major factor in keeping her past hits rotating on radio, videos popping up on MTV Jams, and reminding the newer generation of an artist who most likely inspired their favorite. They'll also be the ones that prove Aaliyah can stand strong in today's new music era, when "Enough Said" becomes commercially available soon and the upcoming album drops.
9. Her Past Work
The thing that made Aaliyah such a influential figure in music was her hits. Her sole number one single "Try Again" was one of the best songs of 2000, garnering her two VMAs for Best Female Artist and Best Video From A Film. "Are You That Somebody" was the 3rd most played song on MTV in 1998, and "At Your Best (You Are Loved)" is now more known than the 1976 Isley Brothers version that she originally covered. We welcome the new Aaliyah songs that are sure to come, but we'll never forget her impeccable music catalog that already exists.
10. The Upcoming Album
As probably the most anticipated album of 2012, Aaliyah's as-yet-untitled second posthumous album is sure to open up her legacy to a completely new generation of listeners who were too young to even know what "Rock The Boat" really meant. While the details are still iffy regarding who will be producing on the project, we just want to hear some new Aaliyah—done right, of course. According to rumors, the album is expected to drop in December. If so, it's probably time to start believing in Santa Claus again.
