| When considering Aaliyah's track record, it's befitting that her name means "the highest, most exalted one, the best." Her parents, Diane and Michael, decided on this name long before Aaliyah (Aah-Lee-Yah) was even conceived based on the high hopes and expectations they had for their daughter. Her success as both a recording artist and actress actually makes the name a self-fulfilling prophecy. Aaliyah has made her parents' dream come true and has also fulfilled many of her own. At 21, she not only has a very successful recording career and has established herself as a motion picture actress but has also proven to be an accomplished businesswoman. |
| "I studied for one month. My brother, Rashad, and I took some martial arts classes when we were younger. Jet Li is really amazing. He's such a natural. He just came in and did his part. It only took three days to shoot. At the 'MTV Movie Awards' this year, a lot of media asked me if there were any categories I would like to see added to the awards. Actually, I would - 'Best Hug' and 'Best Dance Scene.' In the movie, Jet Li and I never have a kissing scene. But we do have a hot dance sequence." |
| Here is a little more about "Romeo Must Die." Aaliyah portrays Trish O' Day, a headstrong teen desperate to disassociate herself with the perils of her father's life as an Oakland, California crime boss. A film highlight is her big fight scene in which she and Jet Li confront a female villainess. In this climatic struggle, Jet Li holds Aaliyah up and uses her as a weapon against their nemisis. Aaliyah is proud of the way the scene turned out, especially since she did not use a stunt double. |
| From an early age, Aaliyah has been finding satisfaction in her music. When she didn't win the youth vocal competition on "Star Search" as a preteen, she did not let it deter her from continuing to sing. In fact, at age 11, she landed a five-night sting performing with Gladys Knight's troupe in Las Vegas. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was raised in Detroit. She graduated from the Detroit Performing Arts High School in 1997 with a 4.0 GPA. She credits her success to the support of her family. "When I told my parents that I wanted to embark along this path," says Aaliyah, who last year got her first apartment, "they were with me all the way. They're the ones who shuttled me back and forth to my vocal lessons. What could be more important?" |
| The first single, "Back and Forth," was a top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a No. 1 R&B song. The follow up single, a remake of the Isley Brothers "At Your Best (You Are Love)," reached Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was No. 2 at R&B radio. "I still remember how nervous I was right before 'Back and Forth' came out," she says. "I kept wondering if people would accept it. When it went gold, I had my answer, and it was just such an incredibly satisfying feeling." The acceptance of her music inspired other female teen singlers to follow in her footsteps. Her taste in fashion influences millions of her fans. Her trademark baggy pants and oversized shirts simply reflect the sense of style she developed as a child. She always loved wearing her father and brothers clothes. |
| In 1996 Aaliyah released her second record, One in a Million. The first single, "If Your Girl Only Knew," went double platinum and contains Timbaland's signature syncopated beats and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot's poignant lyrics. "4 Page Letter" and "Hot Like Fire" were also well received. "I love working with Timbaland," Aaliyah says. "He understands what I can do and always want to try new things. We have great chemistry, we're musical soulmates." Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, J. Dibbs, Daryl Simmons, Kay-Gee, Vincent "V.H." Herbert and Craig King were also involved with producing One in a Million. The album was multi-platinum and an international hit. Aaliyah performed throughout Europe, Japan and South Africa. In Tokyo, concertgoers sang the words to all of her songs. In Paris, eager fans chanted her name before she took the stage. In 1994, at the age of 14, Aaliyah released her first album, Age Ain't Nothing But A Number. It was an instant success. |
| In 1998 Aaliyah had a huge hit with "Are You That Somebody" from the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack. Produced by Timbaland, the song is infectious, known for its clever sampling of a baby crying. Fans particularly enjoy the classy Flamenco dance moves in the video. Also that year, Aaliyah performed "Journey to the Past" for the motion picture "Anastasia." "Journey to the Past" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. Aaliyah performed it on the Academy Awards Show that year. |
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