Would’ve been 30 years old today. I will always remember Aaliyah simply because she seems like a ginuine person and I loved her music and energy. R.I.P. Below is Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins’ remix of one of my favorite Aaliyah songs “One In A Million.”
As I had announced earlier, I did get to compile a lil mixtape (mixed cd/mp3s of Aaliyah songs). It wasn’t necessarily a greatest hits compliation, more of my personal preferences and favorite collaborations, remixes and unreleased songs. The reason why I didn’t make it a greatest hits mix was because I wanted a chill/laid-back vibe to the mix, hence the whole ‘celebrating’ part. I also wanted to expose people to other songs (or a different version of a song) some may have not already heard. The mixed cd includes collaborations with Nas, Missy Elliot, Slick Rick, Timbaland, DMX, Ginuwine, Treach of Naughty By Nature, R. Kelly, and Krayzie Bone. Tracks from the mixtape are from various Aaliyah albums, soundtracks and more.
By the way, I’ve been making my rounds around the blogs this morning and I noticed many blogs have put up Aaliyah content and even updated their layouts with Aaliyah photos but ain’t none of them been celebrating as long as I have! Haha.
Today is the last day of 10 Days Of Aaliyah: Remembering & Celebrating. What would be more appropriate than ‘Miss You’ as the song of the day. I still find it strange that some of Aaliyah’s closest friends such as Ginuwine, Timbaland and Kidada Jones were not in the video, but maybe it wasn’t easy for them or uncomfortable. I loved this song instantly when it was released. The video is… well, they tried. Haha naw actually I appreciate them gathering up (random ass people) and shooting this tribute. Damn you can tell DMX was fightin’ back the tears hella hard. Anyway, proceed.
To celebrate the life of Aaliyah with other fans and possibly Aaliyah’s own family, a vigil with take place in New York on Monday August 25, 2008 the mark of Aaliyah’s 7th year since her passing. Details from a bulletin via Aaliyah’s official myspace are below:
Open invite to all fans.
August 25th, 2008 marks the 7th year anniversary of Aaliyah’s ascension into Heaven.
In celebration of her life, there will be a Vigil held at Rosewood Mausoleum starting at 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Videos
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Fan Poems and Letters
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Her Music
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Fan memories and thoughts
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Memorial Mass
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Closing thoughts
7:30 PM – on Candle light vigil: (Central Park)
There will be a candle light vigil held at Central Park NYC, at Aaliyah’s Weeping Willow Tree from 7:30 PM and on (located near the 72nd Street entrance down by the lake).
Directions to Rosewood:
280-284 SECOR RD.
PO BOX 217 HARTSDALE, NY 10530
Phone: (914) 693-4700
From NYC: ( 718 ) 562- 9321
Wow. These days have been so slow, yet somehow kinda hectic. It’s all good though. In a few hours, I have to leave to San Jose to kick it with my homie Zack and for Ouk’s birthday. I’ve never been to Dave & Busters before so it should be chill. I’ve been listening to some new music lately. The internet is CRAZY. Music is constantly leaking and hella good music is coming out consistently as of late. I haven’t even heard Wale’s entire mixtape or even The Roots’ latest album. I like to give music my undivided attention and it takes time. I’m still on N.E.R.D.’s Seeing Sounds. The good news is that there’s even more. This year will have comeback albums from Brandy, Deborah Cox, Case and Anthony Hamilton who all haven’t released an album within 2 or more years. I’ll post more info on that later. Anyway, it’s almost August 25 which means our 10 Days of Aaliyah: Remembering & Celebrating comes to an end soon. I just read a bulletin on myspace about Aaliyah’s vigil arrangements, which I will post details about soon. By the way, y’all show peep out how I did my myspace page. I’m terrible when it comes to myspace layouts. They’re way too restricted on codes. Anyway, I’ma be out and about the next few weeks, fuck it, months so I may not be able to blog as much as I’d like but I promise if and when I do anything exciting, there will be photos and a summary! Alright, y’all. Back to our regular programming. (Don’t mind if I throw random ass long entries. Sometimes I talk. Quite often actually. I ain’t all about graphic images and youtube videos haha.)
This song has to be on of my favorites from Aaliyah (what isn’t, though? Haha) Althought I loved the original, Timbaland KILLED the beat in this remix version for the video. I love Aaliyah’s chemistry with Missy & Tim as well. With Aaliyah’s singing, Timbaland’s beats and Missy’s lyrics/arrangement, it’s just a dope combo for great music. Can you still remember some of the artists who make cameos in the video?
And we still in the past, back in ‘97 is when Aaliyah released her music video for ‘4 Page Letter’. The video was unique from the outfit to the choreography and the storyline. The only thing that was off to me was how does that buff ass dude dance better than her haha (joke). Naw, but I love this song. It’s also one of my favorites and I love that lil thing she does with her waist/hips during the beginning of the second verse. Play it!
Let me take you back a few years. Here is Aaliyah performing her Oscar-nominated single ‘Journey to The Past’ off the Disney film, Anastasia on the Rosie O’Donell show in 1998. This video showcases Aaliyah’s vocal abilitiy, although she has a few fuck-ups. Nonetheless, great performances from a dope artist who will always be remembered.
I also wanted to mention that I am working on a little Aaliyah best of/covers mix cd that I will post up here soon!
I know, I messed up by not posting for 10 Days Of Aaliyah Day 4 yesterday, but I will make up for it in the next few days. Today, I featured ‘At Your Best (You Are Loved)‘ as the song of the day because it’s the first song I’ve ever heard from Aaliyah. Vocals are amazing. FLAWLESS. This track simply can’t be ignored. Shit I wasn’t even mad that they used this song in ATL when TI first kissed New-New aka Lauren London haha. Check out this nice lil fan-made video below.
Yes, y’all Aaliyah week (and a half) continues. Day 3! I thought I had the time to FILL this blog with Aaliyah songs and videos and whatnot, but that’s not realistic for me to sit in front of this computer all day.
Aaliyah’s song, ‘The One I Gave My Heart To’ was featured on her sophomore album ‘One In A Million’. What many people did not notice nor gave her any credit for is that Aaliyah could really sing! People often compare her style to Cassie and Ciara because of Aaliyah’s soft tone and dance abilities. Cassie looks good and Ciara is an amazing dancer, but I PROMISE you neither of the two can hit half of any of the notes in this song. Anyway, enjoy.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO AALIYAH – THE ONE I GAVE MY HEART TO
