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Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a once-in-a-generation talent whose artistry helped redefine contemporary R&B in the 1990s and early 2000s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Aaliyah’s connection to music began early in life. She studied voice and dance, developing a stage presence that far exceeded her age. Her first major breakthrough came at the age of ten when she appeared on the television program Star Search, and she soon began performing alongside her aunt, the renowned singer Gladys Knight. This early exposure to the professional music world shaped her discipline and confidence, qualities that would carry through the rest of her short but powerful career.
Aaliyah signed her first record deal with Jive Records at the age of twelve and was introduced to producer R. Kelly, who became her mentor and produced her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number in 1994. Recorded when she was only fourteen, the album was released under the Blackground Records and Jive labels. It sold over three million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album produced hit singles such as “Back & Forth,” which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and her soulful rendition of “At Your Best (You Are Love).” The combination of youthful charm and mature delivery gave Aaliyah a distinctive voice that resonated with both teen audiences and adult listeners.
Following her debut success, Aaliyah separated from Jive Records and began collaborating with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott, forming one of the most influential creative partnerships in modern R&B. Her second album, One in a Million, was released in 1996 through Atlantic Records and Blackground Records. The album represented a dramatic artistic evolution, featuring the futuristic production style of Timbaland and the innovative songwriting of Missy Elliott. It included several major hits, including “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “Four Page Letter,” and “One in a Million.” The album achieved triple platinum certification in the United States and sold over eight million copies worldwide. This period solidified Aaliyah as one of the most forward-thinking artists in R&B, combining smooth vocal restraint with edgy rhythmic experimentation that helped shape the sound of late-1990s music.
Aaliyah’s growing popularity extended beyond music into film and fashion. She made her acting debut in 2000 in Romeo Must Die, opposite Jet Li, a film that became a commercial success. She also recorded the hit single “Try Again” for the soundtrack, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 solely through airplay, a historic first at the time. The song earned her two MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Female Video, and became one of her defining moments as a performer. Her acting career continued to expand with a lead role in the 2002 film Queen of the Damned, released posthumously.
Her third and final studio album, Aaliyah, was released on July 7, 2001. Recorded between 2000 and 2001, the album featured production from Timbaland and Key Beats and showcased a more mature and introspective side of her artistry. Songs such as “We Need a Resolution,” “More Than a Woman,” and “Rock the Boat” displayed her evolving sound, merging electronic textures with soul and pop influences. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its depth and innovation. Tragically, just over a month after its release, Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas on August 25, 2001, after filming the music video for “Rock the Boat.” She was only twenty-two years old.
In the years following her death, Aaliyah’s influence has only deepened. Her music continues to inspire a new generation of artists across R&B, hip-hop, and pop. She has sold an estimated thirty-two million albums worldwide, and her catalog has been reintroduced to streaming platforms, reestablishing her presence among modern audiences. Critics and musicians alike continue to credit her for blending elegance with innovation, as her sound bridged classic soul sensibilities with futuristic production.
Outside of music and film, Aaliyah was known for her philanthropy and humility. She supported causes that benefited underprivileged youth and often spoke about the importance of education and self-discipline. Her sense of style, characterized by minimalism and confidence, also left a lasting mark on fashion, influencing countless performers who followed.
Complete List Of Aaliyah Songs From A to Z
- 4 Page Letter – One in a Million – 1996
- A Girl Like You – One in a Million – 1996
- Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Ain’t Never – Unreleased album – 2000
- All I Need – I Care 4 U – 2002
- Are You Feelin’ Me? – Romeo Must Die: The Album – 2000
- Are You Ready – Sunset Park: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – 1996
- Are You That Somebody? – Dr. Dolittle soundtrack – 1998
- At Your Best (You Are Love) – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Back & Forth – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Beats 4 da Streets (Intro) – One in a Million – 1996
- Best Friends – Supa Dupa Fly – 1997
- Came to Give Love (Outro) – One in a Million – 1996
- Charge It to the Game – Unreleased album – —
- Choosey Lover (Old School/New School) – One in a Million – 1996
- Come Back in One Piece – Romeo Must Die: The Album – 2000
- Come Over – I Care 4 U – 2002
- Danc’n – Unreleased album – —
- Death of a Playa – N/A – 1997
- Don’t Know What to Tell Ya – I Care 4 U – 2002
- Don’t Think They Know – Memoirs of a R&B Thug – 2005
- Don’t Think They Know – X – 2014
- Don’t Worry – I Care 4 U – 2002
- Down with the Clique – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Enough Said – Non-album single – 2012
- Erica Kane – I Care 4 U – 2002
- Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – One in a Million – 1996
- Extra Smooth – Aaliyah – 2001
- Final Warning – 100% Ginuwine – 1999
- Freedom – Panther: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – 1995
- Girlfriends – Unreleased album – 2006
- Giving Up – Unreleased album – 2005
- Giving You More – One in a Million – 1996
- Gone – Unstoppable – 2025
- Got to Give It Up – One in a Million – 1996
- Heartbroken – One in a Million – 1996
- Hot Like Fire – One in a Million – 1996
- I Am Music – Indecent Proposal – 2001
- I Can Be – Aaliyah – 2001
- I Care 4 U – Aaliyah – 2001
- I Don’t Wanna – Next Friday: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – 1999
- I Gotcha’ Back – One in a Million – 1996
- I Need You Tonight – Conspiracy – 1995
- I Refuse – Aaliyah – 2001
- I’m Down – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- I’m So into You – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- If Your Girl Only Knew – One in a Million – 1996
- Intro – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- It’s Whatever – Aaliyah – 2001
- John Blaze – Tim’s Bio: Life from da Bassment – 1998
- Journey to the Past – Anastasia: Music from the Motion Picture – 1997
- Ladies in da House – One in a Million – 1996
- Live and Die for Hip Hop – Young, Rich & Dangerous – 1996
- Loose Rap – Aaliyah – 2001
- Man Undercover – Welcome to Our World – 1997
- Messed Up – Aaliyah – 2001
- Miss You – I Care 4 U – 2002
- More Than a Woman – Aaliyah – 2001
- Never Comin’ Back – One in a Million – 1996
- Never Givin’ Up – One in a Million – 1996
- Never No More – Aaliyah – 2001
- Night Riders (Remix) – For the People – 1997
- No Days Go By – One in a Million (Japan Bonus Track) – 1996
- No One Knows How to Love Me Quite Like You Do – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Old School – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- One in a Million – One in a Million – 1996
- One Man Woman – Cheers 2 U – 1998
- Poison – Non-album single – 2021
- Quit Hatin’ – Unreleased album – 2013
- Read Between the Lines – Aaliyah – 2001
- Rock the Boat – Aaliyah – 2001
- Shakin’ – King Stays King – 2015
- Steady Ground – Unreleased album – 2012
- Stickin’ Chickens – Da Real World – 1999
- Street Thing – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Summer Bunnies (Contest Extended Remix) – N/A – 1994
- Talk Is Cheap – Unreleased album – —
- The One I Gave My Heart To – One in a Million – 1996
- The Thing I Like – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Those Were the Days – Aaliyah – 2001
- Throw Your Hands Up – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Try Again – Romeo Must Die: The Album – 2000
- Turn the Page – Music of the Heart: The Album – 1999
- U Got Nerve – Aaliyah – 2001
- Up Jumps da Boogie – Welcome to Our World – 1997
- We Need a Resolution – Aaliyah – 2001
- What If – Aaliyah – 2001
- Where Could He Be – Unreleased album – 2005
- You Never Do A Thing For Me – Unreleased album – 2025
- You Won’t See Me Tonight – I Am… – 1999
- Young Nation – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – 1994
- Your Body’s Callin’ (His and Hers Remix) – N/A – 1994
Albums
Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994): 13 songs
One in a Million (1996): 18 songs
Aaliyah (2001): 15 songs
I Care 4 U (2002): 6 songs
Romeo Must Die: The Album (2000): 3 songs
Various Soundtracks & Guest Appearances: 30 songs
Unreleased/Non-album singles: 7 songs
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