Aaliyah, born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, was a highly influential American singer and actress. She is widely recognized for her significant contributions to reshaping contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop music. Her innovative style and impact earned her the affectionate nicknames "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop."
1976: Planned Remake of "Sparkle"
Aaliyah was set to star in a remake of the 1976 film "Sparkle," a project produced by Whitney Houston. Houston recounted Aaliyah's enthusiasm for the film, which was unfortunately shelved following her untimely death.
January 16, 1979: Aaliyah Dana Haughton is born
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979.
1989: Aaliyah appears on Star Search
At the age of ten, in 1989, Aaliyah appeared on the popular talent competition show "Star Search." This early exposure to a national audience provided a glimpse of her talent and potential.
May 24, 1994: Aaliyah's Debut Album "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" Released
On May 24, 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," was released. The album, featuring the hit singles "Back & Forth" and "At Your Best (You Are Love)," was a commercial success, reaching platinum status and establishing Aaliyah as a rising star in the R&B music scene.
August 31, 1994: Aaliyah and R. Kelly's Alleged Marriage
Rumors of a relationship between Aaliyah and R. Kelly culminated in the revelation of a marriage certificate dated August 31, 1994. The certificate, published by Vibe magazine, listed Aaliyah as 18, though she was 15, while R. Kelly was 27.
December 1994: Aaliyah Addresses R. Kelly Relationship Rumors
In December 1994, Aaliyah addressed rumors of a relationship with R. Kelly during her debut album recording. She maintained that they were "close" and dismissed marriage rumors as misinterpretations, stating they would "go watch a movie" or "go eat" when she was tired.
1994: Aaliyah releases debut album "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number"
Aaliyah released her debut album, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," in 1994. The album achieved significant success, selling three million copies in the United States and earning double-platinum certification.
1994: Aaliyah Releases Debut Single and Charts with Follow-Up Releases
In 1994, Aaliyah released her debut single, "Back & Forth," which reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three consecutive weeks. Following the success of her debut, Aaliyah released two more singles: a rendition of The Isley Brothers' "At Your Best (You Are Love)," which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album's title track, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," which peaked at number 75. Aaliyah also contributed to the soundtrack of the 1994 film "A Low Down Dirty Shame" with the song "The Thing I Like."
1994: Rumors of Aaliyah and R. Kelly's Relationship and Pregnancy
In 1994, Jamie Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister magazine reported on rumors of a sexual relationship between Aaliyah and R. Kelly, including allegations of a pregnancy and Aaliyah being seen at Kelly's house. These rumors were fueled by observations from people around them, despite the label's claims of a platonic relationship.
February 1995: Annulment of Aaliyah and R. Kelly's Marriage
Aaliyah's parents had her marriage to R. Kelly annulled in February 1995. Both Aaliyah and Kelly denied the marriage, claiming the certificate was a forgery.
1995: Family Involvement in Aaliyah's Career
Aaliyah's family was deeply involved in her career. From 1995 onwards, her father, Michael Haughton, became her manager, with her mother assisting. Her brother Rashad and cousin Jomo were also present during her work, showcasing a strong family support system.
1995: Aaliyah's Early Career Footage Captured in Amsterdam
In 1995, footage of Aaliyah's early career beginnings was captured in Amsterdam, later featured in the documentary 'Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam.'
1996: Aaliyah collaborates with Timbaland and Missy Elliott
In 1996, Aaliyah embarked on a new chapter in her career by signing with Atlantic Records. This move led to a pivotal collaboration with renowned record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second studio album, "One in a Million." This collaboration resulted in a groundbreaking sound that blended R&B with hip-hop influences, solidifying Aaliyah's status as a trendsetter in contemporary music.
1996: Aaliyah releases second album "One in a Million"
Aaliyah's second studio album, "One in a Million," was released in 1996. This album, a collaboration with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott, marked a pivotal point in her career and solidified her status as a prominent figure in R&B and pop music.
1996: Release of "Never Givin' Up"
Aaliyah released "Never Givin' Up" in 1996, a song that showcased her vocal range and versatility. Producer Craig King highlighted how the song pushed boundaries lyrically and vocally.
May 1997: Aaliyah Files to Expunge Marriage Records
In May 1997, Aaliyah filed a lawsuit to expunge all records of her marriage to R. Kelly, stating she was underage and did not have parental consent. Following the annulment, she severed all ties with Kelly.
June 16, 1997: Aaliyah's Album "One in a Million" Certified Double Platinum
On June 16, 1997, Aaliyah's album "One in a Million" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying shipments of two million copies. This achievement highlighted the album's immense popularity and its significant impact on the music industry.
December 1997: Aaliyah performs at Christmas in Washington
In December 1997, Aaliyah graced the stage at the annual Christmas in Washington television special, captivating audiences with her rendition of the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" Her performance added a touch of elegance and soul to the festive celebration.
1997: Aaliyah Co-Writes "Death of a Playa"
Aaliyah collaborated with her brother, Rashad Haughton, to co-write the song "Death of a Playa." The song, part of the "Hot Like Fire" single released in 1997, offered a glimpse into Aaliyah's perspective on romance, characterized as "dark." While Aaliyah didn't typically write her own lyrics, she valued having creative input in her music, ensuring that the songs she performed resonated with her personally.
1997: Release of "The One I Gave My Heart To"
Aaliyah released "The One I Gave My Heart To" in 1997. The song, produced by Daryl Simmons, involved Aaliyah engaging in opera vocal warm-up exercises prior to recording, showcasing her commitment to delivering a powerful vocal performance. Songwriter Diane Warren praised Aaliyah's range and ability to execute the song, while Variety echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the song as a testament to Aaliyah's vocal prowess.
1998: Aaliyah earns Grammy nomination, performs at Academy Awards
In 1998, Aaliyah achieved a significant milestone in her career by receiving her first Grammy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a respected artist in the music industry. That same year, she graced the stage at the prestigious Academy Awards ceremony, delivering a captivating performance of "Journey to the Past" from the animated film "Anastasia." This performance made her the youngest singer to perform at the event, showcasing her exceptional talent and captivating stage presence.
1998: Aaliyah's Evolving Style
In 1998, Aaliyah became known for her signature style, which included baggy clothes, sunglasses, and often black clothing, influencing trends in the US and Japan. She prioritized her fitness with a personal trainer and embraced fashion transformations, like covering her left eye, inspired by Veronica Lake, adding to her mystique.
1998: "Are You That Somebody?" Released
In 1998, Aaliyah released "Are You That Somebody?," a song that music critic Simon Reynolds dubbed "the most radical pop single" of the year. The song highlighted Aaliyah's ability to blend seamlessly with the music, particularly matching her voice to the bassline, a style that influenced many artists, including Destiny's Child.
1999: Aaliyah lands a leading role in "Romeo Must Die"
In 1999, Aaliyah secured her first major film role in "Romeo Must Die," a martial arts action film. She starred opposite renowned martial artist Jet Li, portraying a couple navigating a dangerous rivalry between their families. This marked a significant step in Aaliyah's acting career, expanding her horizons and introducing her to a wider audience.
March 24, 2000: Romeo Must Die premieres in theaters
"Romeo Must Die," a martial arts film starring Aaliyah and Jet Li, premiered in theaters on March 24, 2000. The film performed well commercially, debuting at number two at the box office, and showcased Aaliyah's acting abilities.
October 2000: Expected Release Date of Aaliyah's Third Album
Aaliyah's publicist initially announced October 2000 as the likely release date for her third album.
2000: Aaliyah and Damon Dash Begin Dating
Aaliyah and Damon Dash began dating in the summer of 2000 after being introduced by his accountant. Aaliyah never publicly confirmed the relationship.
2000: "Try Again" Success and Accolades
In 2000, Aaliyah's single "Try Again" from the movie "Romeo Must Die" topped the Billboard Hot 100, a historic achievement as she became the first artist to achieve this based solely on airplay. The song's popularity led to its release in vinyl and CD single formats. The music video also garnered significant recognition, winning Best Female Video and Best Video from a Film at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Aaliyah also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocalist for her work on "Try Again." The soundtrack for "Romeo Must Die" saw commercial success, selling 1.5 million copies in the U.S.
2000: Aaliyah makes her acting debut in "Romeo Must Die"
Aaliyah made her feature film debut in "Romeo Must Die" in 2000, co-starring alongside martial arts legend Jet Li. The film, a modern-day reimagining of Shakespeare's tragic love story, showcased Aaliyah's acting skills and expanded her fanbase.
2000: Aaliyah Avoids Discussing R. Kelly
By 2000, Aaliyah had a strict policy of not discussing her past relationship with R. Kelly. She would change the subject or refuse to answer questions about him, demonstrating her desire to distance herself from the controversy.
March 2001: Completion of Aaliyah's Third Album
Aaliyah concluded the recording of her third studio album in March 2001, culminating a year-long process that commenced in March of the preceding year.
July 2001: Aaliyah releases her self-titled third album
In July 2001, Aaliyah released her third studio album, titled "Aaliyah." The album marked a significant moment in her career and was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success.
July 17, 2001: Release of Aaliyah's Third Album
Five years after "One in a Million," Aaliyah's self-titled third album was released on July 17, 2001. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 187,000 copies in its first week.
August 25, 2001: Aaliyah passes away
On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah tragically passed away.
August 31, 2001: Aaliyah's Funeral
Aaliyah's funeral took place on August 31, 2001, at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan, drawing a procession of mourners and highlighting the profound impact she had on the music industry and her fans.
October 9, 2001: "Rock the Boat" Music Video Premieres
On October 9, 2001, Aaliyah's music video for "Rock the Boat" premiered on BET's Access Granted, offering fans a poignant glimpse of her final work.
October 2001: Absence During "Rock the Boat" and Aaliyah's Desire for Family
In October 2001, it was revealed that Aaliyah's family was notably absent during the filming of "Rock the Boat", a rare occurrence. This absence was unusual, as her family was deeply involved in her career. Her friend, Kidada Jones, shared that in her last year, Aaliyah's parents had granted her more freedom, and she had expressed a desire to have a family of her own.
2001: Aaliyah's Impact on R&B and Pop
In 2001, critics widely acknowledged Aaliyah's significant influence on contemporary R&B and pop music. Her unique style, characterized by a blend of pop, soul, and hip hop, was seen as revolutionary. Critics praised her for setting a new standard for young urban-pop singers and noted her role in popularizing the futuristic production techniques that became prevalent in hip-hop and urban soul music in the late 1990s.
2001: Aaliyah Honored at MTV VMAs and Name Popularity Soars
In 2001, several artists, including Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott, paid tribute to Aaliyah at the MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, the Social Security Administration ranked "Aaliyah" as one of the top 100 most popular names for baby girls.
2001: Filming "Queen of the Damned" and Recording Third Album
In 2001, Aaliyah took on the role of Queen Akasha in the film "Queen of the Damned." She described the character as a "manipulative, crazy, sexual being." The filming of both "Romeo Must Die" and "Queen of the Damned" caused delays in the release of her third album. Aaliyah expressed that she hadn't planned such a gap between her albums but the filming of "Romeo Must Die" and its subsequent promotion led to a longer break than expected. To manage her commitments, she decided to film "Queen of the Damned" alongside recording her third album, aiming for a 2001 release. Aaliyah found joy in balancing her singing and acting careers, acknowledging music as her primary passion while also harboring a desire to act from a young age. She believed that "Romeo Must Die" provided the right opportunity and timing for her acting aspirations.
2001: Aaliyah Describes Her Musical Style
In 2001, Aaliyah described her music as "street but sweet", highlighting her blend of feminine vocals with a gritty urban sound. She expressed her love for fusing different genres with her own, reflecting her exploration of R&B, pop, hip hop, funk, soul, and dance-pop. Her sound has been characterized as alternative R&B, progressive soul, and neo soul.
2001: Aaliyah's Influence on Music Recognized
By 2001, Aaliyah was recognized for recording some of the most innovative and influential pop songs of the past five years. Her unique style, a blend of R&B, pop, and hip hop, set her apart and influenced both mainstream and underground music scenes, including dubstep, indie pop, and lo-fi R&B. Her use of soft vocals in innovative ways was particularly influential, shaping the vocal styles of future artists.
February 2002: Release of 'Queen of the Damned'
Aaliyah's final film, 'Queen of the Damned,' was released in February 2002, showcasing her acting talent and further solidifying her legacy as a multifaceted artist.
February 2002: Aaliyah's Third Album Certified Double Platinum
Aaliyah's third album, released in July 2001, achieved double Platinum certification by the RIAA in February 2002.
December 2002: Release of Posthumous Album 'I Care 4 U'
In December 2002, Aaliyah's first posthumous album, 'I Care 4 U,' was released, featuring a collection of unreleased and previously released material. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund.
2003: Posthumous Recognition and Establishment of Aaliyah Memorial Fund
Aaliyah was recognized as one of "The Top 40 Women of the Video Era" by VH1 in 2003. That same year, the Entertainment Industry Foundation established the Aaliyah Memorial Fund in her memory to support charities she championed.
2003: Jay-Z Mentions Aaliyah and Dash in "Miss You" Remix
Jay-Z acknowledged Aaliyah and Damon Dash's relationship in the remix of her song "Miss You", released in 2003, highlighting the enduring impact of their bond.
2004: Analysis of Aaliyah's Lyrical Content
In 2004, The New Rolling Stone Album Guide featured an analysis of Aaliyah's lyrical content. Keith Harris described her lyrical approach to sexual availability as falling between the boldness of En Vogue and the softer style of Tweet. Her first two albums were noted for their exploration of love, trust, and lust from a young woman's perspective, balancing innocence with a hint of sensuality.
April 2005: Release of 'Ultimate Aaliyah' Box Set
April 2005 saw the release of 'Ultimate Aaliyah,' a double CD+DVD box set, providing fans with a comprehensive collection of her work and celebrating her enduring legacy.
2008: Ranked Among Top Dancers of All Time by BET
Aaliyah's impact as a dancer was acknowledged in 2008 when BET ranked her number 18 on their list of the "Top 25 Dancers of All Time."
December 2009: Billboard Recognizes Aaliyah's Legacy
Billboard ranked Aaliyah as the 70th top artist of the decade and her album "Aaliyah" as the 181st top album of the decade in December 2009.
2010: Billboard Ranks Aaliyah Among Top R&B Artists
In 2010, Billboard recognized Aaliyah as a prominent figure in R&B music, ranking her the tenth most successful female R&B artist of the past 25 years and the 27th most successful R&B artist overall.
2011: Aaliyah Named Among 50 Most Influential R&B Stars by Essence
Essence magazine recognized Aaliyah's significant influence on R&B music in 2011, ranking her 14th on their list of the "50 Most Influential R&B Stars."
2011: Demetrius Smith Sr. Reveals Alleged Reason for Aaliyah and R. Kelly's Marriage
R. Kelly's former tour manager, Demetrius Smith Sr., revealed in his 2011 book that Kelly married Aaliyah because she believed she was pregnant.
2011: 'Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam' Documentary Released
The documentary 'Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam' was released in 2011, shortly before the tenth anniversary of Aaliyah's death.
March 2012: Announcement of "Steady Ground" for Posthumous Album
In March 2012, music producer Jeffrey "J-Dub" Walker announced that the song "Steady Ground" would be included on a posthumous Aaliyah album, a claim later disputed by Aaliyah's brother, Rashad.
August 5, 2012: Release of "Enough Said"
Blackground Records released the track "Enough Said," produced by Noah "40" Shebib and featuring Canadian rapper Drake, on August 5, 2012.
2012: VH1 Recognizes Aaliyah as One of the "Greatest Women in Music"
Aaliyah's influence on music was celebrated by VH1 in 2012 when they ranked her 48th on their list of the "Greatest Women in Music."
June 2013: Release of "Don't Think They Know"
June 2013 marked the release of "Don't Think They Know," a track by Chris Brown featuring Aaliyah, further incorporating her vocals into contemporary music.
July 2013: Timbaland Voices Disapproval, Then Apologizes
Timbaland initially expressed disapproval of the posthumous releases "Enough Said" and "Don't Think They Know" in July 2013. He later issued an apology to Chris Brown, acknowledging the sensitive nature of Aaliyah's legacy.
July 18, 2014: Alexandra Shipp Cast as Aaliyah for Biopic
On July 18, 2014, Alexandra Shipp was announced to replace Zendaya for the role of Aaliyah in the Lifetime TV biopic "Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B." Zendaya had faced criticism for not resembling Aaliyah closely enough.
August 9, 2014: Chattrisse Dolabaille and Izaak Smith Join Biopic Cast
On August 9, 2014, Chattrisse Dolabaille and Izaak Smith were cast as Aaliyah's collaborators Missy Elliott and Timbaland, respectively, in the Lifetime biopic. Both actors received criticism for their appearances compared to the musicians they were portraying.
November 15, 2014: "Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B" Premieres
"Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B" premiered on Lifetime on November 15, 2014. The film, though facing negative reviews, drew 3.2 million viewers, making it the second highest-rated television movie of the year.
2014: Estimated Global Sales of "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" Reach Six Million
In 2014, Vibe magazine estimated that Aaliyah's debut album, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," had sold six million copies globally. This estimation highlighted the album's enduring popularity and its impact on music.
2014: Aaliyah's Cousin Speaks Out About the Impact of the R. Kelly Scandal
In 2014, Aaliyah's cousin Jomo Hankerson revealed the difficulties they faced in securing producers for her second album due to the scandal surrounding her marriage to R. Kelly. He expressed that Aaliyah was unfairly judged and that the controversy created obstacles in her career.
2014: NME Includes Aaliyah in 100 Most Influential Artists List
Aaliyah's lasting impact on music was acknowledged by NME in 2014 when they included her in their list of the 100 most influential artists, ranking her at number 18.
May 2015: Release of Tink's Track "Million" Featuring Aaliyah
Aaliyah's influence continued to be felt in contemporary music with the May 2015 release of Tink's track "Million," which sampled her song "One in a Million."
September 2015: Announcement of 'Aaliyah by Xyrena' Fragrance
September 2015 saw the announcement of 'Aaliyah by Xyrena,' an official tribute fragrance, further extending her legacy into the realm of beauty and fashion.
December 25, 2015: Release of Timbaland's Mixtape 'Kings Stay Kings'
On December 25, 2015, Timbaland released the mixtape 'Kings Stay Kings,' featuring the previously unreleased Aaliyah song "Shakin" with rapper Strado.
2016: R. Kelly Comments on Relationship with Aaliyah
In 2016, R. Kelly stated that he was as in love with Aaliyah as he was with "anybody else," but refused to discuss their relationship in detail out of respect for her family. Aaliyah's mother, Diane Haughton, expressed that Aaliyah's relationship with Kelly marked the beginning of her life's troubles.
June 2018: Release of MAC Cosmetics' 'Aaliyah for Mac' Collection
MAC Cosmetics paid homage to Aaliyah with the release of 'The Aaliyah for Mac' collection in June 2018, a testament to her enduring influence on beauty trends.
August 2018: Billboard Ranks Aaliyah Among Top Female Artists of All Time
Aaliyah's enduring legacy in the music industry was highlighted in August 2018 when Billboard ranked her 47th on their list of the "Top 60 Female Artists of All Time."
January 2019: The 'Surviving R. Kelly' Documentary Airs
The documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly' aired in January 2019, leading to increased public pressure to hold R. Kelly accountable for alleged sexual abuse, including his marriage to Aaliyah.
February 2019: R. Kelly Indicted on Sexual Abuse Charges
In February 2019, R. Kelly was indicted on ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, furthering the legal consequences stemming from allegations, including his controversial relationship with Aaliyah.
July 2019: R. Kelly Arrested on Federal Charges
R. Kelly's legal troubles escalated in July 2019 when he was arrested on federal charges of sex crimes, human trafficking, child pornography, racketeering, and obstruction of justice. These charges brought renewed scrutiny to his past, including his relationship with Aaliyah.
August 21, 2019: Unveiling of Aaliyah Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
A wax figure of Aaliyah, inspired by her appearance in the "Try Again" music video, was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas on August 21, 2019, solidifying her iconic status in pop culture.
2019: Documentary Reveals New Allegations About R. Kelly and Aaliyah
The 2019 documentary "Surviving R. Kelly" provided further details on the alleged relationship between R. Kelly and Aaliyah. Smith admitted to facilitating their marriage by helping Aaliyah obtain fake identification. Former backup dancer Jovante Cunningham also claimed to have witnessed Kelly engaging in sexual activity with Aaliyah.
2019: Damon Dash Shares Insights on Aaliyah's Silence About R. Kelly
Damon Dash revealed in 2019 that Aaliyah rarely spoke about her past with R. Kelly, even in private. He shared her difficulty in discussing the experience, describing Kelly as a "bad man". Dash drew parallels between Aaliyah's behavior and the testimonies of other women who had relationships with Kelly, highlighting the lasting impact of the experience.
2020: Billboard Honors Aaliyah as One of the Greatest Music Video Artists
Billboard recognized Aaliyah's visual impact in 2020, including her on their list of the "100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time."
2020: Damon Dash Participates in "Surviving R. Kelly, Part II"
Damon Dash further participated in the documentary "Surviving R. Kelly, Part II" in 2020, further contributing to the conversation surrounding the allegations against R. Kelly.
March 2021: Aaliyah Funko Pop! Release
In March 2021, Funko Pop! released an Aaliyah figurine.
August 2021: Damon Dash Reflects on Aaliyah's Legacy
In August 2021 Damon Dash, Aaliyah's boyfriend at the time of her death, shared that not a day goes by where he doesn't think about her.
August 2021: Blackground Records Announces Re-releases
In August 2021, Blackground Records announced that Aaliyah's music catalog would be re-released on physical, digital, and streaming platforms. This decision came after a deal was struck between the label and Empire Distribution. However, Aaliyah's estate responded to the announcement by condemning the endeavor to release her music without transparency or proper accounting to the estate.
August 2021: R. Kelly's Trial Begins
R. Kelly's trial commenced in August 2021, with 22 federal criminal charges related to the alleged abuse of 11 girls and women between 1994 and 2018. The trial brought his past relationship with Aaliyah back into the public eye.
August 17, 2021: "Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah" Biography Published
Kathy Iandoli's biography, "Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah," was published by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, on August 17, 2021. The biography delves into Aaliyah's life and career, drawing from interviews with those who knew her, though it is not authorized by her family.
August 25, 2021: Posthumous Album "Unstoppable" Announced
Barry Hankerson, in an interview with Big Tigger for WVEE on August 25, 2021, revealed that a posthumous album entitled "Unstoppable" would be released within a few weeks. The album was said to feature artists such as Drake, Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Future, utilizing previously unreleased vocals recorded before Aaliyah's passing.
September 10, 2021: "Aaliyah" Album Re-released
On September 10, 2021, Aaliyah's self-titled album, "Aaliyah," was re-released. Following its re-release, the album re-entered the UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40 at number seven and returned to the US Billboard 200 chart at number 13.
September 27, 2021: R. Kelly Found Guilty
On September 27, 2021, R. Kelly was found guilty of nine charges, including racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery, sex trafficking, and violation of the Mann Act. His illegal marriage to Aaliyah was a key part of the case.
October 8, 2021: Compilation Albums Re-released
On October 8, 2021, Aaliyah's compilation albums, "I Care 4 U" and "Ultimate Aaliyah," were re-released. "Ultimate Aaliyah" peaked at number 8 on the UK R&B Albums Chart Top 40 and made its debut on the US Billboard 200 chart at number 41.
December 17, 2021: "Poison" Featuring The Weeknd Released
On December 17, 2021, Blackground Records released the posthumous Aaliyah single "Poison," featuring The Weeknd.
January 4, 2022: "Unstoppable" Release Date Pushed Back
On January 4, 2022, Hankerson stated that "Unstoppable" would be released later that month, however, the release did not happen, and no related announcement came from the label.
May 4, 2022: R. Kelly's Sentencing Date Set
R. Kelly's sentencing date was set for May 4, 2022, following his conviction on multiple charges, including those related to his marriage to Aaliyah.
June 29, 2022: R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years
On June 29, 2022, R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction on multiple charges, including those connected to his marriage with Aaliyah.
August 5, 2022: Beyoncé Name-drops Aaliyah in "Break My Soul" Remix
On August 5, 2022, Beyoncé released "The Queens Remix" of her single "Break My Soul," where she mentions Aaliyah alongside other influential figures.
June 14, 2023: "Superstar: Aaliyah" Documentary Aired
ABC broadcast the documentary "Superstar: Aaliyah" on June 14, 2023. The film explored Aaliyah's life, career, and legacy through interviews with individuals like Damon Dash, Barry Hankerson, Sevyn Streeter, Will.i.am, Justine Skye, and author Kathy Iandoli.
September 2023: Aaliyah Inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
In September 2023, Aaliyah's significant contributions to R&B music were formally recognized with her induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
January 2024: Blackground Records Hints at "Unstoppable" Release
In January 2024, Blackground Records suggested in an Instagram post that the release of "Unstoppable" was "coming."