Damon Dash recently called out his former friend and business partner for collaborating with R. Kelly on the pair’s 2002 joint album The Best of Both Worlds and its 2004 sequel Unfinished Business.
During an appearance on the That’s Fucked Up podcast, the Roc-A-Fella co-founder spoke on Jay’s relationship with Kelly, who in 1994 married then 15-year-old Aaliyah when he was 27 years old.
According to Dame, who started dating Aaliyah a year or so before the R&B singer passed away in 2001, Hov’s decision to collaborate with R. Kelly always bothered him.
56-year-old Kelly was recently sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison on child pornography and enticement charges. 19 of those years can be served concurrently with the 30-year prison sentence Kelly received last year on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
“I just couldn’t believe he did a project with R. Kelly knowing that he’d raped my girl,” Dash shared. “I was like, ‘Just don’t put my name on that, I don’t want no money from that. If it is, put it to Aaliyah foundation.’”
“Like, they did this shit twice,” Dame added, referring to Jay and Kelly’s sequel project.
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“That was the big deal, like who could get with Aaliyah” -Dame Dash talks about how he and Jay-Z were lightweight competing for Aaliyah, and looking at Hov differently after the album with R.Kelly
For years, rumors swirled about the real reason behind the fall of the Roc-a-Fella dynasty. Many speculated that moguls Damon Dash and Jay-Z battled over the affection of late R&B singer Aaliyah. In a recent interview, the Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder admits his then partner Jay Z was bitter after he won the heart of Aaliyah. He shares that Jay was courting her sending her flowers while Dash said his game was on with him ultimately winning the legend.
Watch below.
Dame Dash agrees that Jay-Z was bitter he got Aaliyah.
Hip-hop is no stranger to sampling, and some songs have become timeless sources of inspiration for newer artists. From Khia’s explicit anthem “My Neck My Back” to Aaliyah’s mesmerizing “One In A Million,” these classic tracks continue influencing and shaping the rap scene. “My Neck My Back” By Khia Khia’s 2001 hit “My Neck My […]
During his recent interview with Drink Champs, Ginuwine discussed his difficult relationship with the late Aaliyah. He revealed that the “beef” between them revolved mostly around the singer’s family, claiming that he sadly never got the opportunity to set things straight with her before she died.
“We were all a family,” he told the host, “Missy [Elliot], Timbaland, her [Aaliyah], myself, Magoo, Playa, Tweet.” He explained that “all of [them] had a close-knit bond before tensions between them began to rise. “[Aaliyah] and I weren’t seeing eye-to-eye,” Ginuwine revealed. He then explained that the beef he had with Aaliyah was actually beef with her family. “I think it had to do a lot more with her loyalty to her uncle, Barry Hankerson,” the artist explained, admitting he had “a little bit” of beef with Hankerson. “He was the record head and the company was my manager,” he says, “I just decided to leave because whatever reason. Of course, her loyalty was to her family. So, that’s where that stemmed from.”
Missy Elliot Had A Dream That Aaliyah Forgave Ginuwine
“We ain’t have no beef or nothing like that,” he explained, “I ain’t beefing with no girl.“ He says, “it was one of those things where our time had separated.” Ginuwine went on to describe how he wanted to make up with Aaliyah, but never got the chance. “I always wanted to make sure that we were cool,” he explained. “I’m pretty sure she was just being told whatever it was … the narrative with me,” he revealed, citing Aaliyah’s loyalty to Hankerson. “I think at the end of the day she understood,” he says.
Later on in the interview, Ginuwine also shared that Missy Elliot had come to him before claiming to have had a dream that Aaliyah forgave him. He revealed that Elliot’s dream actually made him emotional, indicating how heavy the unresolved beef had been weighed on him. The host ended the discussion saying, “Rest in peace Aaliyah.”
It’s been 22 years since we lost R&B icon Aaliyah. Her contributions to music helped redefine the genre with her unique mix of old school and new school. She continues to inspire and influence music, fashion and culture decades after her untimely death in an August 2001 plane crash. ABC News just announced “Superstar: Aaliyah,” a one-hour special that follows the legendary artist’s life, music and enduring legacy.
The primetime event will explore how Aaliyah emerged as a chart-topping musician, actress on the rise and fashion trendsetter as a young teenager. The program sheds light on the circumstances of her underage marriage to R. Kelly, who has since been convicted as a sex offender, and shows how Aaliyah’s relevance continues as a new generation experiences her music decades later.
The program features exclusive interviews with those who were close to Aaliyah, including music executive Damon Dash, her former boyfriend; Barry Hankerson, her manager and uncle; and recording engineer and producer Jimmy Douglass, who worked with Aaliyah in the studio. ABC News also has exclusive interviews with recording artists who cite Aaliyah as an influence, including Justine Skye, Sevyn Streeter and will.i.am. In addition, the program features exclusive interviews with fashion designers Karl Kani, who opens up about what it was like to style Aaliyah, and designer and stylist Aleali May, who reflects on Aaliyah as an enduring sartorial muse. “Superstar: Aaliyah” airs Wednesday, June 14 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, next day on Hulu.
R&B singer Tank is a legend in this business. He started making noise in the 90s and became a background singer for Ginuwine and Aaliyah. Tank developed his talent by singing in his church choir, and before you know it, he was called to be a part of a sold-out tour. The money he earned helped him pay all his bills, the R&B crooner said on his podcast, R&B Money. Thanks to his mother, she made the R&B crooner pay all his bills.
After performing with the likes of Aaliyah and Ginuwine on tour, he landed a record deal with the “Try Again” singer’s label. Tank also received a $250,000 advance but admitted that it didn’t last long.
“When I got my record deal advance and my publishing deal advance, that’s when it went left. That’s when Tank came out the tank and started getting knocked. I’m talking about crab legs as big as your back.”
Apparently, the 47-year-old did not know how fast you could spend $250,000. Before he knew it, Tank only had $1,000 left to his name. Though he blew through his advance, he spent money on equipment to enhance his career. He invested in mixers and MPCs and now the rest is history.
Twenty-nine years have passed since the music world first heard the soulful voice of Aaliyah on her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number. This year, we revisit the body of work that ignited her career. It’s important to reflect on the transformative effect Aaliyah had on pop culture, despite her untimely death. The late star found her love for music and performance at a tender age. Her journey began in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended the Detroit School of Performing Arts, honing her talents as a youth. Aaliyah’s debut album, released when she was just 15, showcased a maturity and sophistication that belied her years, giving us a glimpse of the superstar she was to become.
Aaliyah’s overall success was partly due to the unique collaborative relationships Aaliyah formed, particularly with music producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott. However, before that partnership, Aaliyah worked with R. Kelly. Her team, and parents, believed that collaborating with the Chicago singer would propel her career to new heights. It was a pairing that would prove to be lucrative musically and scandalous personally. Kelly’s relationship with the young Aaliyah was controversial, as rumors swirled about their closeness during production.
Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number arrived on May 24, 1994. Although Aaliyah was just 15, critics couldn’t help but notice how sultry and smooth the young star came across. The album was produced and primarily written by R. Kelly, who also contributed to many of the songs. This includes the title track and lead single, “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number.” The album also contained chart-topping singles like “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love),” a cover of The Isley Brothers’ 1976 song.
“Back & Forth” was the album’s first single and became an instant hit. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This success helped establish Aaliyah as a rising star in the music industry. “At Your Best (You Are Love)” also received critical acclaim and commercial success. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Additionally, the album gained positive reviews from critics. Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over three million copies worldwide. The album’s success laid the foundation for Aaliyah’s future work. This includes her collaborations with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, which would solidify her as an influential artist in the music industry.
Scandal Involving R. Kelly
aaliyah cutting the interviewer off because she was tired of answering the same question pic.twitter.com/417iUIryIo
Despite the album’s commercial success, the controversy surrounding Aaliyah’s relationship with R. Kelly often overshadows it. The two were said to have been married in a secret ceremony when Aaliyah was underage. Although the marriage was annulled, the scandal has forever tied her debut album to R. Kelly’s contentious reputation. Nevertheless, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number remains a significant body of work that introduced Aaliyah to the world.
Aaliyah’s Untimely Death
Aaliyah’s life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 2001 when she was just 22. Despite her short career, her impact on pop culture remains significant. Aaliyah’s distinct style influenced a new generation of artists, and her music continues to be sampled and covered, testifying to her enduring legacy. Further, Aaliyah’s contributions to film should not be overlooked. She made her acting debut in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die alongside Jet Li, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her final film, Queen of the Damned, was released posthumously in 2002 and demonstrated her ability to take on complex roles.
Even after her passing, Aaliyah’s life and career have been the subject of documentaries, biographies, and even a Lifetime biopic, showcasing her enduring appeal and the fascination surrounding her life and work.
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.
With her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number reaching platinum status just weeks after its release three decades ago, legendary artist Aaliyah showed the music world why she would soon earn the title “Princess of R&B.” However, the singer’s success would be cut short just weeks after the release of her third album in 2001. Tragedy struck, leading to Aaliyah’s death at just 22 years old. How did Aaliyah die, and what legacy has the singer left behind?
A few years after the release of her debut, the singer’s sophomore album, 1996’s One In A Million, found even greater success. It sold an impressive 8 million units worldwide. She once again dominated with her third studio album, 2001’s Aaliyah. This project found even greater success, sealing Aaliyah’s reputation as a legend in the industry.
Born Aaliyah Dana Houghton on January 16, 1979, Aaliyah was just 22 years old when she died in the tragic plane crash. The “Try Again” singer had wrapped up a music video shoot in the Bahamas when she and eight others boarded a plane heading to Florida. However, the aircraft crashed in the Abaco Islands just minutes after take-off, killing everyone on board.
An investigation following the deadly crash concluded that the aircraft attempted to take off from the Bahamas while heavily overloaded. These conditions lead to the plane’s failure to maintain flight just minutes after take off. The plane reportedly carried heavy camera equipment from the video shoot. It reportedly weighed approximately 700 pounds over the recommended weight on the vessel. Additionally, the airplane’s pilot did not hold the required credentials to fly the aircraft. Later reports also revealed that the aircraft’s pilot had traces of alcohol and cocaine in his system.
In the Fall of 2001, just a few months after Aaliyah’s tragic death, a coroner’s inquiry noted that the singer’s chances of surviving the flight were very low. Dr. Giovander Raju said the singer already suffered from a “generally weak heart.” This, the doctor notes, sent Aaliyah into “such a state of shock.”
Truly “One In A Million”: Aaliyah Leaves A Lasting Legacy
Fans of R&B singer/actress Aaliyah looks on at a record store mural of the late singer in what has become a shrine dedicated to her after her death in a plane crash in the Bahamas. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
In her short time in the music industry, Aaliyah proved that she truly earned the title “Princess of R&B.” Her influence in the industry is present more than 20 years after her tragic death. The star even found her way onto the big screen starring in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die and the 2002 hit Queen of the Damned.
In August 2021, Aaliyah’s 1996 hit album One In A Million was finally added to streaming services. Soon, her catalog was made available to fans who had waited decades. With this move, some of the singer’s biggest hits found fans on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. At the same time, the star’s estate released a statement noting that “protecting Aaliyah’s legacy is, and will always be our focus.”
Career Highlights
Some of Aaliyah’s most popular hits include her 2000 hit “Try Again,” which also is the biggest hit from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack. Other fan-favorites include “Rock the Boat”—she was filming the visual to that track just before her death. “Are You That Somebody” is another massive hit originally part of the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack. “One In A Million,” the title single off the successful album of the same name also lands among the singer’s most popular hits.
Aaliyah remains beloved forever in the hearts of music fans, leaving a legacy of unmatchable talent. Her tragic death marked the end of an era in the industry. She continues to be mourned by fans and supporters, and those who knew her often revisit fond memories. There isn’t any way of telling what would have come of Aaliyah, her life, and her career had she been given the opportunity. Babygirl’s legacy lives on.
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