On Aaliyah's 32nd birthday, a celebration of 'Try Again'
On this day in 1979, Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born. Known simply as Aaliyah, the so-called "Princess of R&B" would have been 32 years old today. She died along with eight other people in 2001 when the plane she was on crashed in the Bahamas, but not before helping define a sound. Despite her youth, in the years leading up to her tragic death Aaliyah changed the face of R&B, first with R. Kelly, who signed her, and then, more prominently, with producer Timbaland and rapper Missy Elliott, who helped her craft some of the most innovative -- and freaky -- hits of the decade.
The video features Jet Li -- who starred with Aaliyah in the movie "Romeo Must Die," for which the song was recorded -- and the Princess dancing in a hall of mirrors. Aaliyah moves gracefully and with such natural ease, her arms floating along with the synthesizer lines, her legs stepping to the Roland 303 beat. Timbaland shows up to mumble 16 bars, as was his wont on nearly all of his productions of that time, and combined, the yin and yang of A and Timba creates magic. The song cemented Timbaland's spot as the producer of the moment when it landed at No. 1, and he went on to rule hip hop and R&B over the next half decade.
And, heck, because, well, why not, here's another Aaliyah-associated early classic from her, Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Magoo. It's called "Up Jumps Da Boogie, and is an underappreciated hip hop/R&B gem.
Happy birthday, Aaliyah.
-- Randall Roberts
aaliyah was the princess of r&b.. what do u mean by "so-called" happy birthday aaliyah u are truly the best
Posted by: aaliyahfan4life | January 16, 2011 at 12:10 PM
thanks for this piece. it's nice to know that no matter how much time passes, or how the landscape of music......changes, the beauty and taste of her music and style is not forgotten.
Posted by: t.r.b | January 16, 2011 at 12:31 PM
It's soooooooooooo great to see someone remember AALIYAH! She will be forever missed.
Posted by: AALIYAH Fan | January 16, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Nice to see that someone remembers...not so sure about the remark "so called Princess of R&B"...sounds a little off the cuff, and not so nice. Maybe a better choice of words would have been "self proclaimed princess of R&B" or "sometimes known as the princess of R&B". Never the less, Happy Birthday A; U R Missed...
N
Posted by: nikk | January 16, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Aaliyah, we miss you. Angel, you are one in a million. Rest in Peace.
Posted by: Ikenna Nwosu | January 16, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Aaliyah is still missed by me. Her music helped me through many situations in my life.
Gone but never forgotten, in my book.
Posted by: Justpooed | January 16, 2011 at 07:08 PM
omg happy birthday ma R.I.P we miss you so much
Posted by: lena | January 16, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Happy Birthday Aaliyah!!! thanks for the AMAZING music LOVE you always!!!
Posted by: jake | January 16, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Always embedded in our hearts. Your spirit is omnipresent. Happy Birthday to the highest, most exalted one...the best. Happy Birthday Aaliyah! Always and forever One In A Million.
Posted by: Brea Chantel Bryant | January 16, 2011 at 08:23 PM
Awesome posting. Just too good. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: ETF Investing | January 16, 2011 at 09:53 PM
I read "so-called" in a journalistic/academic sense, as in "no media or recorded source was found" that named her so. ... She was truly a bright light and unique voice, and she continues to shine.
Thanks for this!!!
Posted by: LA Lady Rae | January 17, 2011 at 08:47 AM
SHE's A QUEEN no one will take your throne Aaliyah
Posted by: alejandro | January 18, 2011 at 01:04 AM
i love you aaliyah to the fullest boo i miss u so much you are my heart rest in peace baby girl HAPPY B-DAY!!!!!!!
Posted by: byron | January 20, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Happy birthday sweet aaliyah rip baby girl i miss you. Happy 32 wishes angel.
Posted by: Cedron Mcknight | January 31, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Happy 32nd Birthday Aaliyah. You ar the best One in a Million Nobody can't take ur place. Remember gone but not forgotten. R.I.P Aaliyah we luv u n miss u dearly.
Posted by: Antwynette | May 24, 2011 at 11:58 AM