Nine years ago (August 25, 2001) the world of Hip Hop / Rhythm and Blues was shaken by the news of Aaliyah Dana Haughton’s plane crashing. The thoughts were on the freakishness of such an event in a modern time since artists dying in plane crashes were associated with the 50’s and 60’s (think Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper). The news was horrible and sobering as I had just witnessed her performance as Akasha Queen of The Damned and commented how extremely beautiful she was.

Like most children of talent wish and dream of becoming lucky and having the world see their light illuminate the sky, Aaliyah was given that honor and slam dunked it with much emphasis. Her rhythmically coordinated dances are legendary and no dancer can do their thing these days without comparison checks being made (right Ciara?) Her voice was beautiful and her entire presence a rhythmic motion of beauty and grace. Her acting saw roles across from Legendary martial arts master Jet Li in Romeo Must Die and she was almost cast as Zee in the Matrix. Her hips were hypnotic and beyond sexy in Akasha Queen of The Damned… and to be honest with you, she is the only reason I own that movie.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo said “The End is important in all things” and it is a statement I firmly believe in. Aaliyah’s death was tragic and unexpected, but her star has remained brighter than ever, having died a much beloved artist by fans, family and soon-to-be-fans. It is a misunderstood and sometimes enviable position to leave our existence at such a young age, but in a way she is immortal. We remember “Baby girl” as a young, sexy and talented star, forever the artist eternal. It keeps her here, and relevant very much like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and other idols who died too young.

We honor the memory of Aaliyah and recognize not only her influence but her beauty and the fragility of life.

Written by Greg Dragon on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 

Filed under Access Hollywood, Beautiful Birds, Music, Womanology
Tagged with hip hop, lady dragon, love, rhythm and blues, sexy