It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years since Aaliyah left this world. The R & B sensation and promising performer was killed, along with eight others, when her plane crashed just seconds after taking off from the Bahamas, on August 25, 2001.
But in all the years that she's been gone, her musical legacy has never dimmed. It's been almost two decades since One in a Million was released. It's been 22 years since we first heard Age Ain't Nothing But a Number. But her landmark albums are still as amazing as ever. Aaliyah's soft, angelic voice paired with Timbaland's smooth beats became an iconic sound of the times. Hers are the kind of R & B songs you can listen to over and over. Then you're hit with the sad, heavy reminder as to why there are no more where they came from.
Since the singer's passing, the internet has created Illuminati theories, tributes, and a plethora of photo collages in her honor. But what it really comes back to is the music. To celebrate Aaliyah's life and talent, we've pulled together a list of 12 songs that are still hot like fire. These videos will remind you of why she was so beloved in the first place — and why her music will continue to live on for decades to come.
"If Your Girl Only Knew"
This is the Aaliyah we all know and love: clad in sunglasses, leather, and baggy pants. One of the most memorable parts of the video is at the very end, when Aaliyah's eyes change colors thanks to (what was at the time) top-of-the-line tech. Yes, Lil Kim is "the girl." And yes, that's Timbaland, Missy, and 702.
"One in a Million"
"Your love is one in a million — it goes on and on and on." Missy Elliot and Timbaland wrote the lyrics to this R & B classic. But Aaliyah made those words shine. Fun fact: This video also features a cameo from Ginuwine.
"Are You That Somebody?"
While the movie Dr. Dolittle may not go down in history as a classic, Aaliyah's song for the soundtrack, "Are You That Somebody," probably will. Rolling Stone once wrote in an album guide that the song "remains one of '90s' R & B's most astounding moments."
"We Need a Resolution"
The only thing better than the song's experimental sound — which features stop-start drum arrangements — is the music video. While Aaliyah normally stayed away from intense makeup, she used this video as an opportunity to experiment with her beauty looks, too.
"More Than a Woman"
The video for "More Than a Woman" was filmed just weeks before Aaliyah's tragic death. She only ever performed the song live twice — once on Regis & Kelly and another time on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. The song was nominated for Best Female R & B Vocal Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.
"Try Again"
Remember Romeo Must Die? Remember that killer soundtrack? How about "Try Again"? You probably do, since it sat at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2000. The video is pretty great, featuring a dancing Aaliyah and actor Jet Li trying to teach her some fighting moves.
"Rock the Boat"
It's definitely hard to watch "Rock the Boat," considering that it's the video she made right before her death. But it's visually stunning — a mix of CGI and scenic shots of Aaliyah posing on a beach and dancing on a yacht. As for the song, it's the smooth and sensual Aaliyah that we all love.
"Back & Forth"
This was Aaliyah's debut single back in 1994. The video shows Aaliyah wearing her signature sunglasses, crop top, and baggy jeans. It also features R. Kelly, who was her mentor and, briefly, her husband. She was 15 years old; Kelly was 25. The marriage was later annulled.
"Come Back in One Piece"
"Come Back in One Piece" was the third single from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack. It features DMX at his most DMX. The song never made a major impact on the Billboard Hot 100, but it did well on R & B charts. Plus, the video features Aaliyah playing with adorable puppies.
"I Care 4 U"
Sadly, there is no video for "I Care 4 U." But the song, from her 2002 posthumous album is necessary for any Aaliyah playlist. The soft ballad was originally intended for her One in a Million album, but was saved for a later release.
"Hot Like Fire"
"Hot Like Fire" was written by Missy Elliot and Timbaland for One in a Million. As was standard for Aaliyah videos at the time, Lil Kim makes a cameo. You'll also spy Junior M.A.F.I.A.
"Miss You"
After her death, family and friends came together to make a music video for the single "Miss You" from her posthumous album. Everyone from DMX to Rosario Dawson to Aaliyah's brother makes an appearance.
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