In 2001, a month before her untimely and tragic death,
Aaliyah blessed us with her self-titled third studio album. Arguably her best album,
Aaliyah was a perfect marriage of the R&B princess' ever-understated vocals and her musical relationship with
Timbaland and
Missy Elliott, producing classics songs with great crossover appeal.
Timbaland in particular steered the production to a more accessible pop version of his previous work on the
One In A Million LP.
Static Major picked up some of the other album tracks and his production perfectly complimented Timbaland’s work on the record.
But what really makes this album so good is the fact that it’s Aaliyah all over. She brought her absolute A-game to this one. The thing about Aaliyah is she was so dear to most of us as we feel we grew up with her and saw her develop since the young 14 year old girl who hit the scene all the way back when. Her music provided a soundtrack for our youth. [...am I showing my age here!?]
Some people I know even began music, singing or dancing because of her. She affected many, but that’s because she was the far-from-average, 'average girl'. She could be your easily be your friend (or girlfriend, you feel me fellas!?), but she was equally a star. It was this crossover appeal that made her so admired and adored the world over.
For those living in a bubble, or those who just enjoy staying ignorant, the record industry can be a cold and unkind place to reside at the best of times. The dog eat dog mentality has seen some of the most promising careers fall by the wayside.
However, there are those who continue to fight the power, ride it out, and make the best of a bad situation. Sitting down with SoulCulture, Joanna Noelle Blagden Lavesque, better known as pop starlet JoJo, is one of said people.
Starting her musical journey at the age of 12, signing with Blackground Records - made famous by the likes of Aaliyah and Timbaland, her self-titled debut album was released back in 2004. Selling millions of records worldwide, JoJo went on to become a pretty big deal.
The thing is, her last official release was 2006’s The High Road.
Ten years into the 21st Century and Hip Hop is now one of the biggest grossing industries in the world today. Forget the music – the clothing, films and TV deals have all played a part in establishing this way of life as one of the biggest phenomenons. To think it all started off with just two turntables and a mic...
As 2010 dawns, its time to take a look at what has had the streets and discussion boards talking; the artists, the controversies and sadly, the losses. The Hip Hop Highlights of the Decade...