Hot Like Fire: VIBE's Favorite Aaliyah Rarities & B-Sides
With the premature release of Aaliyah’s “Quit Hatin’" track, fans were ecstatic to hear the songbird’s melodic voice over a fresh production. It almost left you wanting more and wondering what’s next regarding unreleased material from the “Enough Said” singer. In the meantime, VIBE compiled a list of 10 rare tracks from the L-I-Y-A-H.
See our favorite B-sides from Baby Girl up top.
1. Missy Elliott (feat. Aaliyah) - "Best Friend"
This song title is fitting as the definition of Missy and Aaliyah’s relationship as the smooth melody was also sampled on J. Cole’s Friday Night Lights mixtape of the same moniker.
2. "Giving Up (Donny Hathaway Cover)"
Emotion runs rampant on this song, allegedly recorded for the original Sparkle soundtrack that she was set to play the lead in.
3. "Steady Ground" (feat. Static Major)
As one of the most revered songwriters, Static Major teamed up again with the R&B songstress on this track, also having penned other Aaliyah cuts like “Loose Rap,” “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again.”
4. "No Days Go By"
That timeless 90s production can be heard on this ’96 recorded song. This was also said to be one of the only songs Aaliyah penned herself.
5. "Man Undercover"
Timbaland’s production never fails Aaliyah’s voice as she sings on this silky beat.
6. Yaushameen Michael (feat. Aaliyah) - “Girlfriends (Original Version)"
On this track, rapper Yaushameen Michael and Aaliyah let listeners know about their gals and that no man can come in between that bond. "Girlfriends" was recently "re-leaked" with an updated beat, but we wanted to give you a listen of the original version—which has been online since circa 2006/2007.
7. “Turn The Page”
This orginally appeared on the 1999 Music Of The Heart soundtrack. Quite possibly the most tear-jerking Aaliyah song, outside of "Miss You."
8. “Where Could He Be” (feat. Missy Elliott & Tweet)
Hooking up with Misdemeanor again, the ladies bring you another hit collaboration.
9. Digital Black (feat. Aaliyah) - “Don’t Think They Know”
This famed R&B songwriter matched vocals with Aaliyah on this smooth song.
10. “Death Of A Playa” (feat. Rashad Haughton)
Identical to her style and sound, Aaliyah effortlessly reels you into this cool track, not to mention a few raps from her brother.
