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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. | |
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