Aaliyah, known as the “Princess of R&B” and “Queen of Urban Pop,” is remembered as an transformative singer, actress, dancer, and model known for her influence on contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop. Aaliyah gained recognition at age 10 by appearing on the television show Star Search and performing with Gladys Knight. In this slideshow, we take a look back at Aaliyah’s career and impactful images through the years.
Record Deal: At age 12, she signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson’s Blackground Records.
Mentorship: R. Kelly became her mentor and was the lead songwriter and producer for her debut album.
Debut Album: Her first album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994), sold three million copies in the U.S. and was certified double platinum.
Contract Change: After allegations of an illegal marriage to R. Kelly, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive Records and signed with Atlantic Records.
Second Album: She collaborated with Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second album, One in a Million (1996), which sold three million copies in the U.S. and over eight million worldwide.
Acting Debut: Aaliyah made her acting debut in the film Romeo Must Die (2000), alongside Jet Li.
Chart-Topping Single: Her single “Try Again” from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely through airplay, a first in the chart’s history.
Posthumous Film: After Romeo Must Die, she filmed Queen of the Damned, which was released posthumously.
Third Album: Aaliyah released her self-titled third album in July 2001, which topped the Billboard 200.
Hit Singles: The album featured hit singles like “We Need a Resolution,” “Rock the Boat,” and “More Than a Woman.”
Tragic Death: Aaliyah died in an airplane crash on August 25, 2001, at the age of 22, along with eight others.
Legal Action: Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the aircraft’s operator, which was settled out of court.
Legacy: Aaliyah has sold 8.1 million albums in the U.S. and an estimated 24 to 32 million worldwide, earning her recognition as one of the most successful female R&B artists in history, with multiple awards and nominations.