Recently, Dame Dash sat down for an enlightening and at times odd conversation with the That’s F***ed Up podcast, going into the Hov and Nas beef and much more. Moreover, that last adjective came into play thanks to a conversation they had around late R&B star Aaliyah. Specifically, the Roc-A-Fella cofounder explained how he and Jay-Z actually fought for her heart at the same time. Sure, many expressed some discomfort at the idea given how young she was, and at the general idea of discussing these things about someone who is no longer with us. However, that aside, it still made for a somewhat comical anecdote, albeit one that has a much darker and more tragic context.
“I didn’t look at her like that because she was like a tomboy,” Dame Dash began. “She was little to me. But then one time- I guess we had the same book keeper, and I walked past. Every time I saw her, she looked different. She had different looks every time and I was like, ‘Who the f**k is that?’ I just threw my A-game. And then, you know, I guess Jay was trying to get at her as well, and I didn’t know. It got brought up and I was like ‘F**k both of y’all.’ But it never worked out for them, and we were both trying to get at her. And I kind of eased up, but then we ran into each other. It’s a long story.
“Everybody was getting at Aaliyah, bro,” Dame Dash continued. “She’ll go to dinner with a n***a but she wasn’t gonna just be smashing. So that was the big deal, like, who can get with Aaliyah.” Then, one of the podcast hosts asked whether Hov was bitter about it. “Obviously,” he replied. “Yeah, he felt a way. But everybody knows that s**t. Well, they be trying to act like he was really f***ing with her. Nah, he was sending flowers and doing all that s**t, he was courting her. So we were both going hard and we ended up in the same house for 4th of July. So it was, like, one day it might lean towards him then it’ll lean towards me.
“But I was just on fire that week,” he concluded. “Everything I was saying was funny, you know what I’m saying? I remember coming downstairs and he was like… *sigh*. ‘Cause like, you know, his friends were laughing at him and s**t.” For more news and the latest updates on Dame Dash and Jay-Z, stick around on HNHH.
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.
A woman who claimed to be R. Kelly and Aaliyah’s biological daughter a few weeks ago has now sat down for an interview with TLYoungBoss. Moreover, she shared a part of her story in a video testimony on TikTok, which many quickly dismissed. “Okay, y’all, my name is Love,” she said in the video. “My given name. I am the biological daughter of Aaliyah Haughton and Robert Kelly, R. Kelly. I just want to tell my truth and tell my mother’s truth because I feel like it’s time and it’s needed. I feel like I went through so many things as far as keeping this identity and deliberating with different family members. You know the energy, you guys know how it can get. I just want the world to know the best part of me. I am also accepting of my mother Aaliyah Haughton. I’ve been shook around…”
In this new interview, she acknowledged how crazy her story sounds from the outside, but still expressed determination. “What made you want to share this information with the world? ‘Cause sometimes some people will know these things and they’ll just take it to the grave.” Then, Love (or Lagena) responded modestly. “Even I, I sound like I’m crazy. It’s going to be hard to prove, but I know from my heart and the fact that they went so hard to try to dispel what I was saying.”
Woman Doubles Down On Being R. Kelly And Aaliyah’s Biological Daughter
“You don’t resemble R. Kelly and Aaliyah to a tee,” the interviewer remarked. “What would you say to that, as far as someone saying that, ‘Hey, you don’t look like your dad, you don’t look like your mother.’” Furthermore, Lagena’s answer was quite interesting. “Well, I have two words: DNA and biology. Everybody don’t look like their parents. Somebody look like their grandparents, somebody look like their great-great grandparents and great-aunties. That’s how life is.”
“They do all kinds of wild s**t, and then they f**k up, and then they wanna erase reality like it never happened,” another interviewer remarked. “There are so many of these children who are victims and casualties of their boss’s systemic sociopathic ways.” Check out the full interview here and check back in with HNHH for the latest on this story.
A woman recently claimed to be R. Kelly and Aaliyah’s biological daughter via a TikTok video. “Okay, y’all, my name is Love,” she expressed. “My given name. I am the biological daughter of Aaliyah Haughton and Robert Kelly, R. Kelly. I just want to tell my truth and tell my mother’s truth because I feel like it’s time and it’s needed. I feel like I went through so many things as far as keeping this identity and deliberating with different family members. You know the energy, you guys know how it can get. I just want the world to know the best part of me. I am also accepting of my mother Aaliyah Haughton. I’ve been shook around…”
Aaliyah during TNT Presents – A Gift of Song – New York – January 1, 1997 in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
Following these claims, Love received a lot of backlash and claims of lying in the comments. Moreover, many people filled No Jumper‘s report post with their own takes on this claim. For example, a lot of commenters posted a slew of laughing emojis in reference to her story. “She don’t look nothing like them,” one commenter wrote, with another adding “Why her eyes look at each other. She know she lying.” Also, some pointed out the apparent drawings of presumably Aaliyah that she hung in the wall behind her. “We not really entertaining this are we,” a user remarked. “This like knowing somebody is throwed off and actually follow them.”
Still, some came to Love’s defense, expressing empathy and lack of proper knowledge to comment on the situation. “That is not nice who knows if this is true or not,” a concerned user wrote. “S**t a lot has been going on and we don’t know don’t look at her and automatically because of how she looks people’s quick to judge that is not nice let’s give her a chance.” In fact, one user even responded to VladTV‘s laughing emojis.
“That could be yo daughter too,” they posted. “I don’t know why u laughing i heard u gotta black women pregnant that look just like her and the mutha send her to yo house grown up and now you send her to lie in a video that she’s r kelly daughter oh well.” Regardless of what you believe, let us know in the comments and log back into HNHH for more curious music stories.
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