We’re about to dive deep into the world of Aaliyah, an artist who left an indelible mark on the industry. Her ethereal voice and cutting-edge productions created iconic tracks that still resonate with listeners today. Despite the controversies that may have unfolded, it’s clear that Aaliyah’s legacy has stood the test of time. “Baby Girl” is fondly remembered—and missed—today.
First, it’s impossible to discuss Aaliyah’s music without mentioning her breakthrough single, “Back & Forth.” Consequently, this track cemented her place as an R&B sensation and paved the way for future success. We can’t ignore her collaborations with acclaimed producer Timbaland, such as “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody?” showcasing her versatility and undeniable talent. OF course, her work with R. Kelly was her introduction to the masses. Their relationship, working and personal, continues to spawn debates.
The mesmerizing ballad “One in a Million” also demonstrated Aaliyah’s ability to captivate audiences with her sultry vocals and emotive lyrics. Following her death, her posthumous release “Miss You” stands as a poignant tribute to her influence on the Hip Hop and R&B landscape. Ultimately, Aaliyah’s biggest hits are a testament to her timeless artistry and enduring appeal, proving that she remains a beloved icon in the hearts of fans worldwide.
“Are You That Somebody?” (1998)
Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?” is a true hip-hop and R&B gem that continues to captivate fans even decades after its release. Produced by the legendary Timbaland, this catchy tune hit the airwaves in 1998 as part of the Dr. Dolittle movie soundtrack. It didn’t take long for it to become an instant classic. The track quickly gained traction and climbed the Billboard charts, peaking at an impressive No. 4 on the Hot 100. Moreover, it maintained a strong presence on the R&B/Hip Hop chart, securing the No. 1 spot.
“Try Again” (2000)
Released in 2000, Aaliyah’s iconic song “Try Again” quickly became a chart-topping hit and a fan favorite. Another Timbaland smash, the song was featured on the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, a film in which Aaliyah also starred. The song’s success was evident as it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Aaliyah the first artist to ever achieve this feat with a song that didn’t receive an official commercial release. “Try Again” also earned Aaliyah a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The accompanying music video, featuring Aaliyah’s unforgettable dance moves that made her a multihyphenate talent, further solidified her status as an R&B icon.
“Rock the Boat” (2001)
Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” is a classic, even as it remains tragically tied to the singer’s untimely passing. Released in 2001 as the lead single from her self-titled album, this sultry, mid-tempo track once again highlighted Aaliyah’s undeniable talents. “Rock the Boat” climbed the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 14 on the Hot 100 and achieving a notable No. 2 position on the R&B/Hip Hop chart. Sadly, the song’s success marked the beginning of her final chapter.
Tragically, Aaliyah’s life was cut short when she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, while returning from filming the music video for “Rock the Boat” in the Bahamas. The music video and song have become poignant reminders of the immense talent and potential lost with her passing. The visual acts as a bittersweet tribute to the icon she was and the legacy she left behind.
“One in a Million” (1996)
As the title track of her sophomore album, this seductive ballad is a staple among Aaliyah’s fans. Unsurprisingly, Timbaland and Missy Elliott’s creative hands were all over “One in a Million.” The track climbed up the Hot 100 charts and reached No. 1 on the Hot Y&B/Hip Hop Airplay list. The slow-grinding groove made for a seductive love song that helped move Aaliyah from an adorable songbird to an artist oozing with sex appeal.
“More Than a Woman” (2001)
“More than a Woman” was released in 2001 as a single from Aaliyah’s self-titled album. Timbaland held down production, making yet another collaboration that fans didn’t know they needed. “More than a Woman” made its way to No. 25 on the Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. This song steered away from Aaliyah’s usual love ballads and instead was delivered as more of a powerful anthem.
“We Need a Resolution” (2001)
Slithering its way onto this list is “We Need a Resolution.” In this track, Aaliyah looks to mend the tension in her relationship. Produced ny Timbaland and co-written by Aaliyah herself, “We Need a Resolution” showcases the collaborative chemistry that made them a formidable musical duo. The song made waves on the Billboard charts, reaching No. 59 on the Hot 100 and No. 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. Another bittersweet moment for fans, as this was one of the last singles to be released during the singer’s life.
“Back & Forth” (1994)
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Aaliyah’s debut single, “Back and Forth,” which propelled her to stardom in 1994. This R&B track, produced by the one and only R. Kelly, later became a conversation starter. Co-written by Kelly and Aaliyah, “Back and Forth” showcased the young singer’s immense talent and marketability at such a young age.
Fans now love the song as much as they did when it was released. While it reached the No. 75 spot on the Hot 100, it grabbed the top position on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. However, the sordid history between Kelly and Aaliyah would place their working relationship in a negative light. It was learned that Kelly was 27 when he secretly wed the 15-year-old singer.
“If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
Take a trip down memory lane with this iconic hit, “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Released in 1996, this track featured an unforgettable production paired with Aaliyah’s sassy edge. The dynamic duo of Timbaland and Missy Elliott teamed up to produce and write this one. The trio of superstars never missed and received yet another No. on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. This song, too, strayed from the ethereal love songs that Aaliyah is also known for. The track showed her versatility in being both the industry’s beloved “Baby Girl” and a force you shouldn’t mess with.
“Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number” (1994)
“Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number,” which was released in 1994, stirred up quite a bit of controversy. This smooth R&B track, penned and produced by R. Kelly, became the title track of Aaliyah’s debut album. Her arrival onto the music scene was welcomed with open arms. Albeit not without dissension, which would rear its head much later.
The song enjoyed some chart success, reaching No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and an impressive No. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. However, “Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number” also attracted attention for reasons beyond music. Aaliyah’s relationship with Kelly raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about the appropriateness of their connection. Some regarded this song as Kelly’s way of grooming the then-rising star. When she became an adult, Aaliyah didn’t address her relationship with Kelly.
“4 Page Letter” (1996)
One of Aaliyah’s most popular love songs is “4 Page Letter.” The Timbaland production was another chart-topping success for the two artists. The single arrived on the singer’s sophomore effort, One in a Million, and it was added to the list of songs displaying Aaliyah’s buttery vocals. Because Tim and Aaliyah worked so well together—and frequently—his ability to match their talents makes their pairing unmatched.