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Hip-Hop historians accredit Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing But A Number, for paving the way for Brandy, Monica, and the plethora of other teen stars who go by one name. Aaliyah Dani Haughton (legal name) was born January 16,1979 in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.
Aaliyah's break is credited to her Uncle Barry Hankerson, CEO and owner of her management company, Blackground Enterprises. Barry Hankerson was/is Aaliyah's manager as well as her ex-mentor's manager R. Kelly. It was Barry who introduced the two and shortly after their acquaintance, production on Age Ain't Nothing But A Number ensued.
Aaliyah acquired the world's attention at the tender age of 15 when her first single "Back and Forth" landed #1 on the Hot 100 singles chart; dethroning her then svengali, R.Kelly and his track "Your Body's Callin". Shortly afterwards, her album was released under Jive records and another top five gold single was spawned. Not only was this single a remake of an Isley Brothers classic, but it also flexed Aaliyah's octave range and vocal versatility. Her rendition of "At Your Best (You Are Love)" ripped the airwaves and its listeners with its tumultuous and sensuous harmonies. A few other hit singles followed including the light hip-pop jam "Down With The Clique" and the adulterated title track. The provocative nature of the album's title and lyrics, as well as the mystery of her true age sparked a media frenzy about an alleged union between Aaliyah and her then mentor. This frenzy blossomed into a barrage of media rumors threatening to thwart a prosperous career.
Till this day no one is certain if there was ever a union between the two parties, but those two parties involved. However, Aaliyah denies ever being married to R. Kelly and R. Kelly refuses to comment. In addition, Aaliyah states that the reason she kept her age on the low was because she wanted the world to accept her for her music and not based solely on her age. Despite the rumors, critics gushed and Entertainment Weekly had this to say (6/17/94) ...Imagine En Vogue packed into one teenage body and backed by hip-hop svengali R. Kelly, and you have Aaliyah...a promising start...
The setting, 1996 and Aaliyah was gearing up for the release of her new album tentatively titled One In A Million. One In A Million proved that Aaliyah would make her mark on the ever-changing music industry by emphasizing the strength and maturity in her voice. Along with this maturity, Aaliyah carried the once underground hit-makers Missy/Timbaland to new heights.
This sound they would concoct on One In A Million, would take the music industry by storm. Hit after heart-pounding hit would follow, ultimately making her 1st sophomore single, the sexy, seductive, and taunt, "If Your girl Only Knew" the #1 spot on the hot 100 singles chart and the other singles radio heavy as well.
Before the close of '97, One In A Million (a #1 radio play single also) would go double platinum+ with the success of 4 Page Letter, Hot Like Fire, & The One I Gave My Heart To; shaking away any worries of a sophomore slump.