 January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001
Hip-Hop historians accredit 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 Dani Haughton (legal name) was born January 16,1979 in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.
Name : Aaliyah Dani Haughton
Profession : Singer
Date of Birth : Jan.16,1979
Place of Birth : Brooklyn, New York
Died : August 25th, 2001
Fan Mail : Aaliyah
250 W. 57th St. #821
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Aaliyah Dani Haughton Picture Gallery
January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001
Hip-Hop historians accredit 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 Dani Haughton (legal name) 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/is Aaliyah's manager as well as her ex-mentor's manager R. Kelly. It was Barry who introduced the two and shortly after their acquaintance, production on Age Ain't Nothing But A Number ensued.
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" and the adulterated title track. The provocative nature of the album's title and lyrics, as well as the mystery of her true age sparked a media frenzy about an alleged union between Aaliyah and her then mentor. This frenzy blossomed into a barrage of media rumors threatening to thwart a prosperous career.
Till this day no one is certain if there was ever a union between the two parties, but those two parties involved. However, Aaliyah denies ever being married to R. Kelly and R. Kelly refuses to comment. In addition, 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. Despite the rumors, critics gushed and Entertainment Weekly had this to say (6/17/94) ...Imagine En Vogue packed into one teenage body and backed by hip-hop svengali R. Kelly, and you have Aaliyah...a promising start...
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 is just beginning to live up to the true meaning of her name; "The Most Exalted One"
Trivia
Enjoyed reading novels by Stephen King
Auditioned for the Elton John Broadway Show AIDA
Audtioned for a role on the television sitcom "Family Matters" (1989)
(1999) chosen as one of Teen People Magazine's "21 Hottest Stars Under 21"
Aaliyah is Arabic for "highest, most exalted one"
Had 3 tattoos: her initial and a star on her hand, a music symbol on her ankle and a dove on her lower back
(2000) Voted First Place by the readers of Black Men Magazine for "The 10 Sexiest Women of the Year."
Performed with Gladys Knight at age eleven in Las Vegas.
Personal Quotes
On her image:
"Well, I think that the image is a part of me. I wear the baggy pants , the hats, the whole nine. And you know, I may add a little for the excitement and the intrigue in the videos, but my family has told me that little air of mystery that surrounds me is for real."
On her career:
"I think it's important to take a break, you know, from the public eye for a while, and give people a chance to miss you. I want longevity. I don't want to get out there and run myself ragged and spread myself thin."
In 2001:
"I've always been myseterious. There are times when I don't understand myself...I think I'm a bit of a vampire in real life, and there are times when I just want to be myself."
Advice for aspiring artists:
"Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want. If God gave you the talent, you should go for it. But don't think it's going to be easy. It's hard!"
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