*~R.I.P. Aaliyah~*

R.I.P. Aaliyah: Princess of Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Love

Can you believe10 years has passed since we lost our R ‘n’B angel, Aaliyah Dana Haughton?

The Brooklyn-born beauty would have had her 32^nd birthday this year – just 10 years older than me. It’s hard to comprehend dying at such an age – but let’s not dwell on death – her life of inspirational music is the focus here.

Her songs describe many aspects of love that touches everyone at some point in a relationship, giving us something to relate to. Take for example Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number – we all know Madonna can relate to that track! We love you Madge.

At Your Best (You Are Love) is a track that simply says I love you for being ‘a positive, motivating force within my life’. Sometimes we find ourselves in a relationship where we are the rock, backbone or strong one for that special somebody or maybe it’s the other way round? That is where the idea of loving someone is at its most high – not solely for dependency but knowing that someone loves you enough to support you through your good times and bad when you really need them - without asking.

If Your Girl Only Knew is a track I like to call ‘the ladies anthem of ‘96’. What’s classic about this one is how it mirrors one lesson in love – girl, if he’s taken and trying to hook up with you, don’t oblige, he is not the one, he could end up cheating, don’t let him come off with no loose rap like you’re the one for me… you may find it is not love at first sight but lust at first sight – can I get an Amen?

Aaliyah introduced One in a Million in ’97 – this one was hot, wouldn’t you agree? ‘Baby you don’t know, what you do to me, between me and you I feel a chemistry, I won’t let no one come and take your place ‘cause the love you give can’t be replaced…’ there is no doubting the power and richness of this song - it is an emancipation of love, pointing out the difference between being in love and truly loving somebody.

‘I’m sending you a four page letter and I enclosed it with a kiss…’ 4 Page letter is a prime example of that first crush/first love, being overwhelmed with feelings beyond control you don’t know what to do and falling for someone your parents don’t necessarily think is right for you. Aaliyah says get it all down on paper and seal it with a kiss – be a go getter.

Hot like Fire is a HOT track, literally, a song that makes you want to hit the rewind button. It’s about making that lucky boy wait for the right moment – with patience comes pleasure, tell him don’t be hasty! And what a good, positive message that is.

We Need a Resolution is one sexy video - can anyone make a snake sound? Ssssss. Timberland features on this track - his unique techno voice matched with Aaliyah’s silky-soft tone makes this record pop. The message in the song is to make changes in a relationship if necessary, realising the issues and analysing the problems before you get stuck in a bad romance. Going back to the video, I couldn’t help but copy the dancing when I was younger.

More than a Woman is another great video – how hot is Aaliyah on that motorbike? The song title says it all – I’ll be all woman and more – whatever you desire. Since watching this video I’ve wanted to own a bike, take off my helmet and whip my hair back ‘n’ forth, the only problem is – I’d be too chicken to ride one. Yet again the dance moves is something I used to love mimicking with a rag from under the kitchen sink.

I think we would all agree on how stunning Aaliyah looks in the Rock the Boat video – swimming in the sea like a rare enchanted mermaid. As for the words and meaning of the song – I’ll leave that to your creative imaginations.

Aaliyah I salute you with a bandana tied round my head and tinted shades at the tip of my nose like a 90’s chick – nobody rocked that style like you. You are the Princess of Rhythm ‘n’ Love because your music represented this emotion so gracefully in so many tracks. Thank you for teaching me about love through your music, I also learnt ‘if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again’ - you are an inspiration. Rest in Paradise.