BABYGIRL - AN AALIYAH RETROSPECTIVE

What this episode covers

Released August 25, 2011. Today marks the 10th year of the passing of our beloved Aaliyah. For everyone that came up with her music, this one especially hurt. Following her career was watching a flower in bloom. Aaliyah’s sultry voice, mature demeanour, and provocative lyrics at so young an age captivated millions. Hers was the archetype for so many teenage women coming into their own. She encountered controversy early in her career, and shrugged it off with remarkable grace, and emerged with a new sound, identity, and stronger resolve. Her track record remained virtually flawless. As Aaliyah grew up, so did we. It was never hard to find something you could love in Aaliyah, someone who had lived in the spotlight from day one. She was a regular girl even while walking down the red carpet. Aaliyah could turn on the star power at will, but found pockets of fun in a business that took itself so seriously. She kept her circle devoid of hangers-on and yes men. Her family was her main priority and support system. The spoils of celebrity were a bonus but not a priority. Aaliyah kept herself balanced because she was in her element as an entertainer. Aaliyah’s life was tragically cut short at the height of her fame, and is comparable with Kurt, Jimi, Janis, and now Amy as artists who we all knew had long thriving careers ahead of them, but now we can only speak of beautiful fleeting moments we had during their time with us. This is a mix of her key singles and album cuts. Songs that became anthems for us while we crushed on someone heavy, were in the midst of infatuation, embroiled in argument, or were dealt the crushing blow of love lost. Aaliyah explains her mindset at the different times of her artistry and career throughout the mix. Forever with us. Rest in peace, Babygirl.