Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), known professionally as Aaliyah, was an American singer, actress, and model. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she began performing at a young age and was guided into the music industry by her uncle, Barry Hankerson, who signed her to Blackground Records in the early 1990s. Her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994), produced with R. Kelly, established her as a rising star in contemporary R&B.

Her subsequent work expanded her influence. The 1996 album One in a Million, largely produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, helped redefine late 1990s R&B and showed a broader, more experimental approach to the genre. Aaliyah also pursued acting, appearing in the action film Romeo Must Die (2000) and contributing to other film projects.

Aaliyah released a self-titled third album in 2001, which reflected a more mature sound and collaborative production from Timbaland and his team. The album solidified her status as a leading figure in R&B and pop music during the era.

On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah died in a flight-accident in the Bahamas while returning from a video shoot. Her death prompted widespread tributes from fans and peers. She is remembered for her distinctive vocal style, fashion influence, and contributions to music and film. Her work has continued to inspire many artists, and she remains a prominent figure in discussions of late 20th-century and early 21st-century R&B and pop culture.