We Need To Talk — Topic : Aaliyah’s Legacy
- Aaliyah's Gems
- Jul 5, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 7, 2020
Aaliyah’s Gems was started on the basis of one fan’s love for Aaliyah. As a fan, I cannot brush over this topic. As mentioned by countless other pages and by one of my favourite YouTubers,Tony Turner (@datyger927: “Aaliyah’s legacy is on crutches”
With the absence of the majority of Aaliyah’s music catalogue on streaming services and in stores (i.e. available to the public), Aaliyah is losing recognition for what her career started on, her music. From the release of her first album in 1994, Aaliyah set her main goals on becoming a successful singer. Despite almost being blackballed by the industry, by 2001, her music was already making huge waves. Her “One In A Million” (1996) album was considered one of the greatest albums of the 90s. It peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 3.7 million copies in the United States and over eight million copies worldwide. It was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Then, in 1997, she contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Anastasia" with a cover of "Journey to the Past". When she performed the song at the 1998 Academy Awards she became the youngest singer to perform at the event. Another one of her songs, "Are You That Somebody?" featured on the "Dr. Dolittle" soundtrack and earned Aaliyah her first Grammy Award nomination. Likewise, “Try Again” (2000), a song featured on the "Romeo Must Die" soundtrack, became the first single to go number one based solely on airplay. It was was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. Yet, with all that she achieved musically, there’s nothing to show for it. Where is Aaliyah’s music?
I believe that one way for her music legacy to be saved is to have her music be available to everyone, especially non-fans and potential fans, on all music platforms and in stores
Aaliyah passed away doing what she loved, working hard on her music. It was right after filming “Rock the Boat” that she tragically lost her life. She did not work that hard just to be an “aesthetic” or a pretty face on a t-shirt
What do you think #teamaaliyah?
I mean no ill will to anyone through this post, especially not the Aaliyah family (her mother and brother) and their friends and associates. This post is not addressed to them. However, 2021 will mark 20 years since her untimely passing and we need answers
For more information on the state of Aaliayh's music, check out these articles:
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