Often Imitated Never Duplicated

August 25 marked the 7 year anniversary of Aaliyah Dana Haughton's untimely death. The Brooklyn born singer/dancer/actress will be remembered for her quick rise to fame in the mid 90s. To date Aaliyah has sold around 32 million albums worldwide as well as charted six hit singles. (see chart below)(of course I'll cross reference this with my Billboard Chart book tomorrow when I get to work) It's sad, I've looked at Aaliyah's bio on various websites and noticed how short it is in comparison to other artists. It only makes me wonder what we could have expected from the graceful songbird. In real Michaelangelo/Picasso fashion she was nominated/won most of her awards & accolades after her traggic death. Below are just a few.

American Music Awards
1999, Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist ; Nominated
2002, Favorite Female R&B Artist; Winner
2002, Favorite R&B/Soul Album: Aaliyah; Winner
2003, Favorite Female R&B Artist; Winner
MOBO Awards
2002, Best Video: "More Than a Woman"; Winner
2002, Best Dance Video: "More Than a Woman"; Winner
2002, Best International Act; Winner
Image Awards
2002, Outstanding Female Artist; Winner
2003, Best female video: "Miss You"; Winner
World Music Awards
1997, World's Best Selling Female R&B Artist; Winner
1998, World's Best Selling R&B Artist; Winner
1998, World's Best Selling Single: Are You that Somebody; Nominated
1998, Entertainer Of The Year; Winner
2000, World's Best Selling R&B Artist; Nominated
2000, Female Entertainer Of The Year; Winner
2002 World's Best Selling Female R&B Artist; Nominated
2002 World's Best Selling Female Pop Artist; Nominated

But life must go on... Since her passing we've had a bunch of poorly put together imitations. I believe when Aaliyah passed she took with her the sincerity, depth, and originality the R&B sector once offered its fans. There was something about this young lady that screamed trendsetter. I remember me and my old college roomie used to watch the Aaliyah I Care 4 You DVD every Friday morning. (we should have been at our 8:40 but ahh oh well it was Friday) Thats the type of impact she had on our generation. We have to ask ourselves, will the pop icons we idolize have a lasting impression? If not, why are they our idols? Rest in Peace Aaliyah (melodies of an angel)

Sidebar-Every time I hear I Miss You I revert back into a budding, coming-of-age 17 year old college freshman living in Franklin House. Ah the memories (nothing significant it just sucks that I'm getting old) Take a trip with me down memory lane. (See music player below)


One of my favorite Aaliyah videos, More Than A Woman. (Uggh I can't believe I used to try dancing along with her while watching the DVD) I think I may have burned a hole along this track in the I Care 4 You DVD. Whatever I'm still cool :o)



**I have to apologize for the extremely late Aaliyah posting. In the world of blogging one day is a eternity :o)