Aaliyah: Rare Photos Courtesy of Ronnie Wright

Some beautiful rares gems courtesy of photographer Ronnie Wright. Thank you so much for sharing with us all. I also zoomed in on each particular rare image for better clarity. Enjoy /.\ fam! 😊❤️

Aaliyah: Rare Photo & Official Merch

🔁via @a_killa045: "@lafayette_nyc Artist TEE Release this weekend. Collaborating with legend JOHNNY 📸 📸 The artist, which has been handed down as a legend of life and death, has been selected from five treasured photos that google does not appear 🇺🇸 Thank you everyone 💪🏾💪🏾Special thanks @johnnynunez"

Thank you so much for sharing this never before seen photo of Aaliyah! 😍❤ Photo taken by photographer 📸: @johnnynunez back in July, 16th 2001 at BET. (SN: Quoted text translated from Japanese)

You can check out the collection via the link here...https://lafayettecrew.com/lafayette/home/lafayette-2020-spring-summer-collection-delivery-11/

Aaliyah: Rare Photo Courtesy of Ronnie Wright

📸 via @ronniewright1 of Aaliyah on BET, 106 & Park in 2001 for the Get Paid In The Escalade contest which she hosted for one lucky fan to win! Thank you so much for sharing and tagging us! 😍❤

Aaliyah: Rare Photo Courtesy of Ronnie Wright

(📸: @ronniewright1) Thank you so much for sharing! ❤

Aaliyah on BET show 'In Your Ear', 1995 (RARE Footage)

Hey fam! Apologies on the lack of posts on the site, as you all know I've been going through a lot of personal issues outside of the online world. However, I shall continue to keep y'all up to date on the latest, so as I play catch up, please be sure to share, comment, like and subscribe! A huge thank you to my big sis @aaliyahalways for bringing this rare footage to my attention as well as beatlemay via Youtube for uploading! As I was watching through the whole interview, I could not stop laughing at the shear sassiness, and confidence Aaliyah exuded. This is one of the many reasons why a lot of Aaliyah fans love her. She was more than just a singer, model and actress. Her personality alone was just so infectious, you just can't help but to love her! One thing is for certain though...they sure don't make them like her anymore... 🙏💚 Watch the full video below and enjoy to your hearts content!

Aaliyah: Rare Photo Courtesy of 'Caroline Torem Craig'

🔁 via @nynightclubbing: “Vintage 
AALIYAH on that fateful day at BET Caroline Torem Craig for Vibe. If you repost please credit! Thank you” | Woww…thank you so much for sharing! 😩 What a beautiful pic! 😍❤ 

Aaliyah: Focus With Jonathan Mannion: Hip Hop's Iconic Photos Revealed (Parts 1 to 4)

Perspective Edit Made By Yours Truly. Photography By Jonathan Mannion.

Sorry I've not been posting as much everyone! I was ill a few weeks back, plus it was my birthday a few days ago too 🙈, but I am back, and ready to share everything pertaining to our beloved Babygirl! So for anyone who has missed out, you can keep tabs on our site! 😉

As some of you may be aware, yesterday BET uploaded a few videos via Youtube, as well as BET.com, showcasing a 1 of 4 parts documentary titled 'Focus: Hip Hop's Iconic Photos Revealed', which features photographer Jonathan Mannion (one of my favourite photographers of all time!) who gave us a sneak peak into his archives (Aaliyah's last ever photoshoot before she passed away) of never before seen, rare images of Aaliyah (Videos 1 & 4). 

All I can say is wow! Once you watch these videos, you'll be in complete awe of how he captured such a fun, care free side to Lili (something which we rarely ever get to see in her photoshoots). And for all those who are Hip-Hop heads, all of these videos will definitely give you an even more in-depth look behind the scenes, as well as shared memories from Mannion himself.

           
(PART 1)

         

(PART 2)

(PART 3)

             

(PART 4)

http://www.bet.com/video/hiphopawards/2016/focus/act-iv-inside-aaliyah-s-last-photoshoot-with-jonathan-mannion-plus-jay-z-and-drake.html

I was unable to embed their video into the site, but here's the link! Hopefully they'll upload this to Youtube! ☺️ Also, as a little treat I was having fun by making perspective edits, so here are a few I have made so far...

As you can tell, they're not the best quality, but it gives us an idea as to how the images look at the right perspective. I plan to make a few more, so be sure to keep tabs via my Instagram and Tumblr page! Enjoy! 😉

Aaliyah: Rare Photo

🔁 via @inkedcurls: “This is a double #tbt for real!!!!! Year was 2001 and my senior class got a chance to go to the one of the hottest music shows out at the time…106 & Park, you know the good one with Free & A.J?! And come to our surprise AALIYAH was the guest of the day and she was premiering her newest single "We need a Resolution” off of her newest album AALIYAH
Did I forget to tell ya how much of a fan I am? Like really. I’m was obsessed with her (slightly still am) That the moment she sat down in front of me, touched my knee to help her sit and then apologized for touching me GIIIIIIIRRRRLLLL I almost died!!! I couldn’t contain myself but I did.
But then to hear of her passing shortly after that was just beyond heart breaking. I cried for a week, seriously! Even went to her funeral. But I thank God for the opportunity to be able to meet her. And smell her hair! That shit was shining from a mile away!!!! (Oh yeah and that’s me in the pink! And her right below me) #ripaaliyah #Aaliyah #FanForLife #BabyGirl#oneinamillion #aaliyahhaughton #aaliyahfans#aaliyahforever" | Woww…this genuinely made me shed a tear just reading your memory of Aaliyah 😭😢 That was so beautiful! 😩 Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Aaliyah were very lucky! Thank you for sharing! 🙏💚

Aaliyah: Rare Photo

🔁 via @ajcalloway: “Nine people passed on this day fifteen years ago Aaliyah Dana Haughton, Eric Foreman, Anthony Dodd, Scott Gallin, Keith Wallace, Christopher Maldonado, Douglas Kratz, Gina Smith and Luis Morales III may their souls continue to rest in peace. Reflecting on it all, 01’ was a horribly tragic year because 17 days later we were once again devastated on Sept 11. What we have is so precious and that is this day! Love it to the fullest! Live it to the fullest! And always respect, honor and revere Life! #TBT” | Such beautiful, deep words and an amazing photo! 😭😩❤ Thank you so much for sharing with us all! 🙏💚

Aaliyah: Hosting BET Countdown (1997) Rare

A beautiful small snippet shared over instagram via @stephengranthill with the caption..."Wow. Diggin' in the archives, found this from #Aaliyahhosting the BET 1997 countdown. It's all about the smile at the end..." | I have been watching this same clip over and over, since I have never seen this before! Thank you so much for sharing! Watch below and enjoy! ;)

A video posted by Stephen Hill (@stephengranthill) on Dec 28, 2015 at 10:21am PST

Aaliyah: We Remember...

“August 25: 14 years later.
I often remember bracing for this day annually and then it slips from my mind until the night before when just like last night, I tossed and turned all night and barely slept.
These angels perished this day, 14 years ago but it replays in my memory like it was 14 minutes ago. I remember laughter and joy, fun and friendship and in a blink, they were gone.
Why I was given the assignment of being with them that day and then taken off of the plane just days before, midshoot by Gina Smith so that they could have their privacy, still makes me tear up in wonder.
I pray that you are all resting well, being angels for your families, and Aaliyah, please know that your fans are as devoted as ever, if not more so.
With love,
Kevin E. Taylor
Producer/Creator
BET’s Access Granted”

Thank you @kevinetaylor that was very heart felt...As well as Aaliyah, we also remembered those who met the same fate on that very day. We remember definitely you all...

Aaliyah Archives: News

Sorry for not posting as much everyone! Been so busy lately! :( I was meant to post this particular post awhile ago, so for those who are unaware, this one is especially for you! ;) Since I like to keep everyone updated on all the relevant news regarding our beloved Babygirl. Around late May time, Jonathan Mannion happened to gift an original portrait from one of his photoshoots (shown above) to Drake, who we all know is an avid admirer of Aaliyah in his own 'unique' way. Here's what Mannion had to say, courtesy of bet.com who I happened to find this information from :o)

Jonathan Mannion: "Everything that everyone always says about Aaliyah is 100% true," Mannion said of working with Baby Girl on her last shoot. "She was such an angel, her team was amazing. That was a gift of my career. People ask me what my favorite photoshoot was of all time — it's either Jay Z because it started my career with Reasonable Doubt or Aaliyah because nobody got her quite like I did." There is also a secret stash of photos from that shoot. "I did ten shots with her, so there's things that nobody's ever seen," he adds. "They're protected."

"I knew Drake had a tattoo of Aaliyah on his back," Mannion explained. "I wanted to do something for him because he's had such a run, and I feel like he really changed music. I knew he loved [Aaliyah] and that was a really big part of him doing what he was doing." Mannion sent Drake a massive print of Aaliyah from that final shoot to decorate his bare walls. "I went to his house and was like, 'You got some empty wall space.' He was printing things that he liked but like photocopying them and hanging them up." Mannion wanted to change that. "I said, 'Yo you need originals. You've gotta start buying art. You're that guy now. We are looking to you to be a patron of the arts, so I'm gonna kick it off."

He sent Drake the Aaliyah portrait of her leaning against a car with flames on the side. A few months later, the two reconnected at a club in Los Angeles. "He just came up and he hugged me," Mannion recalls. "That's what the f**k I'm talkin' about. It was so much better than a phone call."

(Source – bet.com)

I thought this was a very kind gesture from Mannion, proving that good people do still exist in today's world. I'm sure Drake will take very good care of it. :o)

Final Words: Aaliyah’s Last Chat With BET.com

Hey guys! So it's been awhile since I have posted, but I came across a really nice Q&A where Aaliyah was answering questions from her fans back in 2001, via BET.com. Back in the days before Facebook, Twitter etc... there were forums like live online IM chats where people were able to talk, and discuss topics, so this definitely brings back a lot of memories! :o) If you happen to remember this, or were actually one of the people who happened to ask Aaliyah a question, then please feel free to comment below! Anyhoo, read below for the full chat and enjoy! ;) ♥ 

Aaliyah_2001: What's up from Paris! I'm really excited to be talking to all of the fans!

Prettyboy: Who inspired who to be a singer at a early age?

Aaliyah_2001: My mother sings, when I was younger I sang with her a lot, she influenced me, I was into the artists she was into so I have to choose her.

Prettyboy: Who was your favorite artist growing up?

Aaliyah_2001: Sade was DEFINITELY my favorite.

donjavi: What do you do to keep you from getting nervous during performances?

Aaliyah_2001: It’s hard, I just like to have time with myself to medidate and calm myself because I get nervous before every performance, alone time is a necessity for me.

Stace_of_Trinidad: What is the key to longevity in the music business?

Aaliyah_2001: I’ve been in the business for 7 years- it’s about pacing yourself, I don’t want to overload my fans with “me,” being aware of overexposure, taking breaks not only for myself but for them as well.

DynastyPlaya: Can we expect an Aaliyah tour? if so, do you plan on stopping here in Hawaii : ) and when do you expect to hit the road?

Aaliyah_2001: Yeah, I definitely will perform, it’s the most fun for me, we’re talking about it now, possibly end of the year, maybe next year. I hope to perform in Hawaii, I haven’t in a long time and I hope I get a chance to go everywhere!

Xx_LiyahLuv_xX: To What do you attribute your new style? 

Aaliyah_2001: Well, my style is still the same since my first album, my signature style will always stay the same, any change is due to growth, I’m a young adult now, that’s the only change.

LiyahFan2005: You have been an inspiration to my life and help inspire me to achieve all of my goals, because of you I am a straight A student. How do you feel about affecting so many people?

Aaliyah_2001: That’s a wonderful thing, there’s nothing better than that. When you tour, you get to meet fans and see the positive effect you have on people- it’s a great feeling.

Aaliyahs_Nigga: Do you write your own lyrics?

Aaliyah_2001: No, that’s something I never really wanted to do. I like to sing, act and dance- that’s what I’ve been trained to do, I don’t think it’s something I’ll ever do.

Shama1185: Where do you think you’ll be 10 years from now?

Aaliyah_2001: I get that question a lot, and it’s hard to answer- you never know how you’ll feel tomorrow let alone 5 or 10 years from now, we’ll have to wait and see.

Caramel_Kisses: Who would you like 2 collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Aaliyah_2001: Of course Sade, and D’Angelo is someone I always admired- we actually tried to get together for this album but our schedules didn’t mesh- hopefully it’s something we’ll stll do.

IVERSONS_PLAYGURL: Aaliyah, how is your upcoming CD different from your last CD’s?

Aaliyah_2001: My new CD shows my maturity, you hear my growth vocally on the album, there’s a lot of different styles- jazz, rock with R&B, it’s got something for everybody, it’s just a fun album.

ghettogrl3: My niece has been dancing for years and she wants to know what can she do to excel at it?

Aaliyah_2001: I’ve been dancing since I was six - ballet, African dance, dance major in high school- just take different types of dance, work hard at it- she’s going the right way so far by taking lessons.

MsPhatBooDee: How do you keep your body in such good shape?

Aaliyah_2001: I choose to dance for excercise, I don’t like to feel like I’m working out! Dancing is fun while working every muscle in my body.

Aaliyahfan1fosho: Aaliyah, you are a great black strong female. What gave you that strength to carry on through all of the rumors?

Aaliyah_2001: Definitely my family. It’s in my blood to survive. Also my fans- my fans have showed me love throughout my whole career, these things keep me going, give me strength.

yoyodre: Aaliyah, do you still want to do a gospel album?

Aaliyah_2001: It’s something I would still like to do. I don’t know when but I love Gospel music so I’d still like to try to do that.

farrah: Aaliyah, which one do you like more acting or singing?

Aaliyah_2001: I can’t choose, I love them both equally, I’d like people to look at me as an entertainer, it’s important for me to do both.

JOHNBLAZE: Is it true that Barbra Streisand influenced you on the acting and singing combo?

Aaliyah_2001: Yes, I always admired her for the fact that she was an entertainer who tried different things and was successful- she is a strong woman and I admire that.

hiphopcastle: What is the meaning behind your beautiful name?

Aaliyah_2001: Awww- my parents wanted to give my brother and I names with meaning, they were considering becoming Muslim and chose names from a Muslim book - Aaliyah and Rashaad. Aaliyah means “the highest most exalted one, the best.”

Stace_of_Trinidad: How do you feel about other Black female entertainers showing skin just promote themselves and sell records?  Do you ever get criticized for staying away from that?

Aaliyah_2001: No, I don’t get criticized- artists do what they are comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with being sexy, showing a little skin. I won’t judge another artist, they are doiong what they want to do, expressing themselves.

JamezXavier: Beside the fact that he lays down to music for a lot of your songs, how has Timbaland influenced your sound?

Aaliyah_2001: He’s been a great influence, we have an amazing chemistry, we do a lot of our best work together, he is a great influence on my style and sound, we’re very close. We’ve been working together for over 5 years now.

Bamshad: How do you recognize a good script?

Aaliyah_2001: Depends on the connection I feel with the character, characters that are different from the ones I’ve done in the past. I first chose a character close to the Aaliyah people knew, the character in “Queen of the Damned” is far from that.

datillnigga: Aaliyah, were those real snakes in the “We need a resolution” video?

Aaliyah_2001: Yeah, those were real snakes, those were the real deal! (laughs)

pretty_woman_Jay: Aaliyah how do you feel about being voted as the sexiest black female by Black Men magazine?

Aaliyah_2001: That was really cool, I blushed, dimples came through (laughs)- it’s cool for people to appreciate you and your beauty, I was happy about that!

NoliaBoy2001: When is “Queen of the Damned” being released?

Aaliyah_2001: There is no hard release date yet. If not the end of the year then March 2002.

Vonique: So, aaliyah do you have any fears or regrets about being a entertainer?

Aaliyah_2001: I can’t say that I do, I feel blessed to have the career that I have, you can say I’m a veteran now- I’m still young, there is still things I want to do, I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Nycole: Aaliyah where do u got 2 have some peace and quiet and just 2 get away from people?

Aaliyah_2001: Whenever I have free time, I like to stay home, I’m a homebody or I go to friend’s houses or have friends over… but when I feel silly I’ll go to an arcade and play Lasertag or something like that. But for that alone time, I just stay in my place.

Chitown_Shawtiez: Who is your choreographer?

Aaliyah_2001: Fatima does all of my work.

mspooh09: I heard you enjoyed working with the snakes so much you brought your own. 

Aaliyah_2001: I was actually given a baby boa by my Uncle, it stays with my mom, it’s not at my apartment. She takes care of it when I’m not around, it’s named Kemet.

LiLiFan_2004: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Aaliyah_2001: Just that I need to be by myself and have tea with lemon, no major rituals, that alone time is important.

LILWAYNE: Where was your favorite place to tour?

Aaliyah_2001: I really like performing in Japan, but I have to say my best tour was in NYC at Madison Square Garden on the Budweiser Superfest tour in ‘97, it was just one of those nights when everything went right, definitely one of the best shows.

jstorm: what’s the craziest thing a fan has done to meet you?

Aaliyah_2001: I haven’t had too many wild experiences, sorry I have no cool stories! (laughs)

LILCRYSTAL_212: Aaliyah, who are some of your favorite groups?

Aaliyah_2001: Umm, I like Destiny’s Child, Korn, Nine Inch Nails, Playa (they do a LOT of writing for me and I want everyone to check them out when their album drops!).. that’s it…!

Iceberg_Shorty: Who would you really like to do a song with?

Aaliyah_2001: That’s a good question, I’m gonna say D’Angelo again- when it comes to collaborations it’s good to think of whose style would mesh with yours, I think our styles would work well together.

Nycole: Do you still keep in touch with  your friends back in the day?

Aaliyah_2001: I had one friend that still lives in Michigan, I’ve known her since 1st grade, She is the only friend from my childhood I still talk to.

aaliyahfan1: Who are you dating?

Aaliyah_2001: That’s something I don’t really talk about, when you’re in the business there are things you want to keep to yourself, that’s for me…! 

boss18bos: aaliyah, what is your favorite song to sing, by someone other than yourself??

Aaliyah_2001: I love to sing “For All We Know” by Donnie Hathaway, I sing it when I have time to myself, I sing that one a lot.

JOHNBLAZE: Who are some of your closest friends in the industry?

Aaliyah_2001: Of course Missy and Timbaland and everyone in the crew, Natane, a model, Kidada Jones, Quincy’s daughter, is my best friend, I’m close with Damon Dash and Jay Z and all the people on Roc-A-Fella, those are the people I hang with most of the time

MODERATOR: That was the last question. Thank you Aaliyah for stopping by! 

Aaliyah_2001: I wanna say thanks to all the fans for their love and and support! Good night!