“I want people to remember me as a full on entertainer and a good person.”

– Aaliyah Dana Haughton

Seventeen years ago today we lost an angel. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a blessing like none other the world has ever known. In a short time, she left a major impact on the world through her style, grace and undeniable talent. She touched the hearts of many and will never be forgotten. Today we pay tribute to the Princess of R&B and her beautiful legacy…

The year was ’94 and Aaliyah was giving ’em hell. At age 15, she stood a woman of mystery; a trendsetter with a mean swag and an angelic voice to match. She was introduced to the world under the advisement and development of what the world would now know as a musical genius, R. Kelly. Together they gave us Liyah’s debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number; hit after hit that bop even ’til this day and give us all nostalgic 90’s vibes.

There wasn’t a girl in any household, including mine, that didn’t know her name, mimic her style and admire her grace. It was safe to say Aaliyah had made her mark and was here to stay.

In 1996, Aaliyah linked up with producer-songwriter team Timbaland and Missy Elliot, ceased any doubt and awarded them their ticket to stardom with her sophomore album, One In A Million. This would be the year Aaliyah introduced us to her smoove dance moves with in-depth choreography, and a seductive over the eye hairstyle, which became a trend for many. By ’97, Aaliyah would earn the bragging rights of being a 17 year old with two platinum albums.

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Five years later, we witnessed a radiant, more mature Aaliyah. We witnessed a woman, one in love, engaged and glowing from every angle. Her look had changed. Her style had changed and her music much like her mind, though an old soul, had matured. In 2001, she gifted us with her self-titled album and final project, Aaliyah.

FUN FACT: AALIYAH WAS BORN INTO A FAMILY OF TALENT. DID YOU KNOW SINGER GLADYS KNIGHT WAS AALIYAH’S AUNT?

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Beyond the music, Aaliyah had a classic beauty that remains unmatched. We watched her beauty evolve year after year, as she graced countless magazine covers and even bagged a Tommy Hilfiger campaign in 1996, where she met her best friend and daughter of the legendary Quincy Jones, Khidada Jones.

This was also the same year Aaliyah began taking acting courses; which assisted in landing her the lead role in Romeo Must Die (2000), as well as role of Akasha in Queen of Damned (Released 2002). Aaliyah was also set to star in and continue filming the Matrix sequels; however, tragedy prevented her acting career from blossoming to its full potential.

FUN FACT: AALIYAH WAS ORIGINALLY CASTED FOR THE LEAD ROLE OF HONEY DANIELS IN THE HIP-HOP DANCE MOVIE HONEY. UPON HER PASSING THE ROLE WAS THEN PASSED TO JESSICA ALBA.

Earlier this year MAC Cosmetics honored Aaliyah with her very own line and joined forces with iD Mag for a mini-tribute. The AALIYAH app was also recently launched, and serves as a place for fans to share photos, videos, stories and display their love for our R&B Princess.