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17 Reasons Why Aaliyah Is One Of The Most Influential Women In Pop CultureĀ  was originally published on rickeysmileymorningshow.com

1. The Best Of Aaliyah

The Best Of Aaliyah

It’s been 14 years since Aaliyah died in a tragic plane crash. Her untimely death on August 25, 2001 created a void in R&B that can never be replaced. From her trendsetting style, complex dance moves and angelic falsetto, Aaliyah was one of the biggest superstars of the ā€˜90s and early 2000s. With a TV […]

2. Introducingā€¦Aaliyah Dana Haughton

At the age of 10, Aaliyah appeared on “Star Search” where she performed “My Funny Valentine” in the Junior Vocalist division. Aaliyah charmed the audience with her impressive vocals and adorable appearance but ultimately lost to another contestant. Little did the world know, she was about to become a superstar! Shortly after her appearance, she […]

3. ā€œAge Ainā€™t Nothing But A Numberā€ Redefines R&B

ā€œAge Ainā€™t Nothing But A Numberā€ Redefines R&B

Two years later, in 1991, Aaliyah signed with Jive Records where she met producer and R&B star R. Kelly. Kelly nurtured Aaliyah’s career as her mentor. He began working on Aaliyah’s debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number,” (1994) producing and writing much of it’s funky, fresh content. The disc spawned two chart-topping singles, […]

4. Aaliyahā€¦The Trendsetter

Aaliyahā€¦The Trendsetter

Aaliyahā€™s debut album not only established her as the princess of R&B, her fashion ā€“ a combination of midriffs, baggy jeans that exposed the elastic around her underwear and oversized coats ā€“ solidified her as a style icon. While other artists wore tightly fit clothing, Aaliyah introduced a new style that influenced her fansā€™ style.

5. The Swoop Bang

The Swoop Bang

Sunglasses over her swoop bang became a signature of Aaliyahā€™s style just as much as her precise dance moves and angelic vocals. Women everywhere wanted their hair to rest over their eye in the same way Aaliyah’s tresses seemed to naturally flow. Aaliyah secured her locks in place by topping off her look with a […]

6. Better Than The Boys

Better Than The Boys

Like many of the male artists in the 90s, Aaliyah adapted bright colors and name brands like Tommy Hilfiger into her wardrobe — redefining sexy by changing the way the world looked at female artists. Not to mention, she made it look better!

7. A Match Made In Heaven

After ending her contract with Jive in 1996, Aaliyah ventured to Atlantic Records where she hooked up with producer Timbaland and Missy Elliott ā€“ a match made in heaven. Her second album “One In A Million” showcased a sexier side of Aaliyah with innovative beats to match. The release was praised as smooth and seductive […]

8. Visions Of Grammy Gold

On June 16, 1998 Aaliyah released “Are You That Somebody” — produced by Timbaland and written by the late Static Major ā€“ a hit that famously samples the sound of a baby cooing in the background. The song appeared on the ā€œDoctor Doolittleā€ movie soundtrack and earned Aaliyah a Grammy nom for Best Female R&B […]

9. Aaliyah Becomes A Triple Threat

Aaliyah Becomes A Triple Threat

The 2001 film “Romeo Must Die” catapulted Aaliyah into triple threat territory. Not only could she sing and dance, but she could act as well. Aaliyah starred alongside Jet Li in the action-packed interracial love story that reached mainstream success. It debuted at number two at the box office in its opening week. Aaliyah also […]

10. A New Imageā€¦

A New Imageā€¦

By the time she started recording her third album, Aaliyah’s sound had matured and so did her style. Fans who were used to the singerā€™s typical boyish uniform were surprised to see Babygirl transforming before their eyes. Aaliyah rocked this Roberto Cavalli ensemble to the 2000 Video Music Awards.

11. Aaliyah Embraces Her Sexiness

Aaliyah Embraces Her Sexiness

Aaliyah attended the 2001 Movie Awards, where she was nominated for three awards for her role in ā€œRomeo Must Die,” in a sleek black gown that showed off her shape. Gone were the days of Tommy boxers. And, who knew underneath those baggy jeans were a pair of killer legs! Once again, she had redefined […]

12. The New Aaliyah

The New Aaliyah

Five years after the release of “One In A Million,” Aaliyah dropped her third and final album “Aaliyah” in July of 2001. The disc received positive reviews from critics and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 charts, selling 187,000 copies in its first week. Aaliyah’s follow-up single “Rock The Boat” was shot in […]

13. From Tomboy To Sex Symbol

In April of 2001, Aaliyah released the lead single, “We Need A Resolution,” from her third album “Aaliyah.” Up until that point in her career, Aaliyah had embodied a Tomboy swag, donning overalls and baggy jeans. The visuals for “We Need A Resolution” portrayed Aaliyah in a seductive light as she shined in sheer dresses, […]

14. Her Last Video

Aaliyah flew to The Bahamas to film the visuals for her song “Rock The Boat.” After wrapping, she and her entourage set out to return to the U.S.. They never made it. Shortly after taking off, their twin-engine Cessna 402B crashed about 200 feet from the runway. Aaliyah’s funeral was held on August 31, 2001. […]

15. ā€œQueen Of The Damnedā€

ā€œQueen Of The Damnedā€

Aaliyah had begun filming for “Queen Of The Damned” shortly after “Romeo Must Die” but it wasn’t released until after her death in 2002. Aaliyah played Queen Akasha, an ancient and manipulative vampire. Despite the film’s mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing $45.5 million. The project exposed Aaliyah to more roles. […]

16. Posthumous Success

Sales for Aaliyah’s third album sky-rocketed after her death, sending “Aaliyah” to number one on the Billboard 200 charts. The airing of “BET’s Access Granted,” that had filmed while she was shooting “Rock The Boat” in The Bahamas became the most viewed and highest rated episode in the history of the show. Her posthumous singles […]

17. Aaliyahā€¦The Movie

In July 2014, Lifetime announced the “Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B,” TV biopic. Alexandra Shipp was cast to play Aaliyah in the movie that will premiere on Lifetime November 15th at 8/7c.The 2-hour movie, executive produced by Howard Braunstein, Debra Martin Chase and Wendy Williams, is based on the bestseller “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman” […]