Aaliyah
Photo: Ebet Roberts/ Redferns
Nearly a decade has passed since R&B icon Aaliyah's death, and her impact is still being felt. On Wednesday (August 25), the ninth anniversary of the star's tragic death at age 22, Missy Elliott and Drake sounded off about the later singer's effect on music, and several of her celebrity fans took to Twitter to reflect on her enduring style and influence.
Funky songstress Janelle Monáe credits Aaliyah's unique look and mesmerizing footwork with keeping her on the straight-and-narrow. "Aaliyah was an inspiration," the Midwestern-born artist tweeted. "Always kept me & my friends in [Kansas City] out of trouble. Too busy in the mirror doing her 'swoop' bang & dance moves.:)"
Many stars co-signed each other's thoughts about the late hitmaker, who died in a plane crash in the Bahamas after shooting her "Rock the Boat" video with Hype Williams. DJ Drama re-tweeted Trina's "R.I.P Aaliyah 'We Will Always Love You' " shout-out. Rick Ross re-tweeted T.I.'s "R.I.P. Aaliyah" message, while Mary J. Blige re-tweeted Ne-Yo's missive about the fallen star.
"Today is the day that the R&B Angel Aaliyah passed on," the singer-songwriter wrote. "RT if you loved her the way I did!!WE MISS YOU BABYGIRL!!!!"
"We'll always love you Aaliyah," Nicki Minaj tweeted. Minaj's Dream Team associate Diddy revealed that an unheard Puffy/Aaliyah collabo cooked up in the Caribbean is somewhere in the vaults. "Unknown fact: Aaliyah + I recorded a track in Trinidad that was never released- I wish I could find those tapes now," Diddy tweeted. "Damn. RIP AALIYAH."
Timbaland protégé Keri Hilson said she felt a strong connection to the "One in a Million" singer. "#ripAaliyah I feel like you were a sister I've nvr had the pleasure of meeting," Hilson tweeted. "No one will ever replace your shine, nor should one try."
Ciara, whose agile moves, belly-bearing tops and sassy vocals are reminiscent of the late singer's, agreed with Hilson that no one will be able to fill the void Aaliyah left behind. "RIP Aaliyah," the ATL songstress typed. "U can NEVER be replaced!!"
Share your favorite Aaliyah memories in the comments below.
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