I said I was going to do this post yesterday, but I didn't want to go on overload. Most people know Aaliyah for songs like "One in A Million," "Are You That Somebody," or "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number." All classic Aaliyah, but all are talked about year after year. So I wanted to share 5 of my favorite Aaliyah songs that aren't really heard as much. RIP Baby Girl.

Check the songs after the jump!



No particular order...

Are You Feelin' Me?




"Those Were The Days"




"Heartbroken"




"I'm So Into You"





"Don't Know What To Tell Ya"

5:38:00 AM

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the tragic passing of Aaliyah. She had just wrapped on shooting what would be her final video, "Rock the Boat," in the Bahamas. The plane shortly after takeoff was seen veering to the left, and crashed to the ground moments later, taking the life of Aaliyah and eight others: Scott Gallin, Keith Wallace, Douglas Kratz, Eric Foreman, Gina Smith, Christopher Maldonado, Anthony Dodd, and the pilot, Luis Marael. A tragedy indeed. Rest in peace to all. I was only 10, but I remember finding out the next morning as I was getting ready for church. My mom had the news on the TV. "Singer Aaliyah Killed In Plane Crash." I was stunned. I had grown a liking to her music even then. It was devastating to hear.

10 years later, we are celebrating her legacy as a musician, and as an overall sweet person. No one in the industry ever categorized her as a typical R&B diva. She did her job, and did it with a smile. Her presence today is greatly missed.

I've decided to celebrate with some of my favorite songs/videos by the late great Aaliyah. Might not be all of the typical songs to choose from, but they're my top favorites. Check them out after the jump!


I was going to do 10 videos for her 10th year anniversary, but that was a LOT of space, so I did 7 for now (because I just could NOT cut these)I might put up some of my other less-known favorites later. But here's my top 7. Don't bash me if your favorite isn't up haha!

"Back and Forth" One of her first singles from her first album Age Ain't Nothing But A Number, this song was just about going out, partying with friends, and having a good time. I miss the 90's vibe.







"Journey To The Past" This song was from the 1997 animated film Anastasia, one of my favorite movies from childhood. It was an inspiring song that fit the plot of the movie.







"Got To Give It Up (Remix)" This video was always so fun to me. It's just a good party song. (I'm grooving in my seat as I type this!). It was a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It Up," and I think that she did a good job with it. The video even incorporated footage of Marvin Gaye like he was dancing with Aaliyah!







"The One I Gave My Heart To" This sad ballad was on constant repeat as I got some of my life's heartbreaks. Aaliyah poured out her soul on this track, and it has remained one of my favorites by her.







"One in A Million" There's no way this classic doesn't go on the list. It was a cool love ballad that was a fan favorite, and described Aaliyah to a tee--One in a Million.







"Try Again" LOVED THIS VIDEO! (Yes, all caps.) It featured martial arts expect/actor Jet Li, who co-starred with Aaliyah on the movie Romeo Must Die. This song was on the movie's soundtrack. Aaliyah showed off her daring side, pulling tricks and martial arts moves with Jet Li, while still looking amazing!





"Rock The Boat" Of course, I had to include her final video, "Rock The Boat." Shot in the Bahamas, this video has a great island vibe, and the costumes fit the scenery as well. And I was always impressed after hearing that Aaliyah was deathly afraid of water, and she still managed to pull of that underwater scene perfectly.






If you ask me, the MTV crew for the VMAs this Sunday need to be doing a tribute to her and not Britney Spears. Sigh...but who am I? Anyways, there will be a special tonight on BET celebrating Aaliyah's life, music, and legacy. Aaliyah: One In A Million, featuring family, friends, and those who worked with her, will air at 8 p.m. ET.

RIP Aaliyah. You are greatly missed.

What was your favorite song/memory of Aaliyah?

5:15:00 AM

"Aaliyah inspired me not only to continue being an artist but to be an individual-- no matter who you are or what you do, be your own person, love who you are, and be proud of that."
-Alicia Keys

"Every day was a special event, whether it was going to a store or going to a movie or just sitting in a house. Wherever we were was like our own little party, in our own little world."
-Damon Dash

"To the world and to the fans Aaliyah was known as Aaliyah, but to us, her extended family, was known as babygirl. And I think that what we got to learn out of this is to appreciate each other while we're here on Earth, and to never take for granted that someone will be here tomorrow."
-Missy Elliott

Today is the eighth anniversary of R&B singer Aaliyah's passing. 8 years ago today, Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash shortly after taking off along with other members of her crew after the shooting of her last video "Rock The Boat" in the Bahamas.

Aaliyah was a beautiful singer and a beautiful person. She is my favorite singer. I know I didn't know her, but I felt like I did. Her music touched me and inspired me to keep singing. She had great style, amazing dancing skills, and wasn't a diva like half of these singers out here today. More importantly, she was a good person who was loved by family and friends alike.

The story of Aaliyah's life will be shown in a movie sometime next year. Canadian singer Keshia Chante is set to play her.

It's very sad that she is gone, and sometimes, looking around at some of the R&B singers, I feel like she was gone too soon. But God wanted another angel and He definitely got one in Aaliyah.

Rest in peace Aaliyah Dana Haughton. You are loved and you are missed. Here are some of my favorite videos of the late great Aaliyah...ENJOY! Rest in peace Babygirl!


One In A Million


Try Again


Rock The Boat


PEACE.

~Brittany Shawnté

10:37:00 AM