Aaliyah: 'Turn The Page' (Movie Version) RARE

Photography By Eric Johnson.

A big shout out to Katty a.k.a CameToGiveLove for sharing this with myself & Aaliyah.PL for uploading this beautiful video. I can honestly say that I prefer this version more, as apposed to the other one which we are familiar with. I like how it has that acoustic feel. It's so simple and stripped back, that it really gives you the time to appreciate and admire Aaliyah's vocals within this amazing, breath taking track! Thank you so much for sharing with everyone! Peep the video below and enjoy! ❤ 

Aaliyah: BET 106 & Park, 2001 (Rare Photo's)

 

 

Some more rare photo's courtesy of CameToGiveLove via Tumblr! Thank you once again girls! Those boots were everything! :D

Aaliyah: FYE Red Album signing, 2001 (Rare Photo's)

 

As promised, I will be showing you a collection of ALL the rare pictures which came to surface yesterday. There were so many that came about, that it was very hard to keep up with them all! I was literally waking up in the middle of the night to see all those who had tagged me (y'all know who you are, so thank you so much! I appreciate it! :D) Anyhoo, firstly we are going to start with a few throwbacks from the FYE Red Album signing which were kindly shared by CameToGiveLove via Tumblr. Thank you girls! ;)

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!

Aaliyah Archives: News & Written Interview (CosmoGIRL! October/November 1999 Issue)

I was a bit taken back about this when I found out, but I thought I would share the news with everyone :o) One of our fellow #TeamAaliyah familia members personally asked Aaliyah's Brother Rashad Haughton about a personal stuffed monkey, in which he replied with the comment above. For all those who are unaware, it was a very sentimental toy which was given to Aaliyah by her Grandmother. In an article, which CameToGiveLove shared awhile back, you can read the written interview below where Aaliyah talks about this, amongst many other things like family, relationships, pet peeves etc... :o)

CosmoGIRL!: October/November 1999 Issue

As you can see, both Rashad and Aaliyah had the same stuffed animal toy which Aaliyah named hers Lina and Rashad Lil'. To know that it's still with her today would of meant a lot to her. But all we can say is that she is finally united with both her Father and Grandmother. This was truly touching to know...♥

Aaliyah: New York City, Times Square (2001)

Courtesy to Came To Give Love for sharing this article, which was found in a Polish magazine last year! Any of my Polish readers who can translate the text written here, please comment below, since I would love to know what it says. :o) Who can spot Babygirl in this concrete, neon glow, jungle? ;)

Aaliyah: Wax Poetics Magazine, Issue 59, (2014)

 

Happy August everyone! Hope all my readers out there are good! :o) Now, it's been awhile since I have posted any articles, but here is a very recent one I have come across which showcases some of Jonathan Mannion's unreleased and unpublished work of our Beloved Babygirl. Courtesy to Came To Give Love for sharing one of the rare, never before seen visuals which have been published in Wax Poetics magazine. I shall no doubt be purchasing this to add to my own collection. Anyone who wishes to purchase this article can do so via the link here http://store.waxpoetics.com/products/issue-59. Please click on the images to zoom in! Happy reading everyone! One love! :o) ♥

Rashad Haughton On Aaliyah: Little Sister Lost, Teen Vogue Spring, 2002

Shoutout to Came To Give Love for sharing this article. We rarely ever get to see how Aaliyah's brother, Rashad Haughton felt at the time, as you can tell, it's definitely a heart felt read which I can truly relate to, particularly on the subject of 'dreams'. Sometimes when we lose someone dear to us, we often have dreams about them as a message/sign which helps us through the grieving/healing process. What is important is keeping the memories of that person alive, so with us being her loyal, true fans we have indeed helped maintain that very memory of her through, drawings, writings, blogs etc... Gone but never forgotten, you shall always remain in our hearts! One love <3

Aaliyah: On The Set Of 'The One I Gave My Heart To' 1997 (RARE)

Special shout out to Came To Give Love and Erik White who decided to share this ultra rare footage of Aaliyah. This is definitely a great start to the new year! :o) A quote from Erik White and details on the video where he says...

Erik White: "Heres some Aaliyah footage I shot on her video set way way back. Please share because no one has ever seen this. Bring in the new year inspired and happy to be alive because you never know when your time will come".

Wise words have never been spoken so honestly! Thank you so much for this! It's always great to come across rare stuff regarding our Babygirl! :o)

A huge thanks to Erik White who shot this, and shared this rare & beautiful footage of Aaliyah via his Facebook page! We just can’t thank you enough! He said to spread this to the world, so we decided to upload this on YouTube so all Aaliyah fans can watch it!

Note: This is deleted scene which has been replaced by the famous rain scene. Aaliyah & the director didn’t like the result of the first one, so they came up with the rain one.

We just love it! ♥

Happy New Years Eve everybody! :)

(Source – Came To Give Love )

Aaliyah: The Final Words Of An R&B Princess

Here's a written interview article courtesy of Came To Give Love, showing us the final words of our beloved Babygirl from Black Men Magazine 2002. I feel that it's always good to share these kinda of articles, since we are all trying to keep Aaliyah's memory alive. Anyhoo, read below for the full article. Enjoy everyone! :o)

Dear anonymous, I know what you had in mind. The Final Words of an R&B Princess is not a book. It's an article from Black Men Magazine (2002) by Anne M. Raso. I've found this article, I hope that you'll enjoy.Fans are still mourning the loss of this young R&B legend. Black Magazine had the honor of conducting one of her last interviews-and we are proud to present some of her final words of wisdom.

• BM:I hear you are working on some film scripts with your brother...
• AALIYAH:Yes, he’'s got a real talent for screenwriting. We hope to have same projects going into production next spring.
• BM:What would you say to siblings who compete with each other?
• AALIYAH:That is a sad thing to me. I think if one person in a family is able to make it and be a success, he or she should help out the other people in the family. My grandmother always taught me to treat others the way you want to be treated yourself.. .and this would be a good situation to apply that to.
• BM:Has your beauty ever worked against you getting a role?
• AALIYAH:I don’'t consider myself to be special looking in any way-there are a million actresses more attractive than me in Hollywood, they just haven'’t gotten their chance yet. There are definitely people who didn'’t take me for roles, but it really was for a variety of reasons. It wasn'’t that I was too good-looking— I just didn’'t have the right look for the role.
• BM:You are dating someone who is a music producer (Damon Dash)-how does that work for you in terms of professional conflicts?
• AALIYAH:It doesn'’t present any problems at all-we just have to work really hard to make the time to see each other. But it'’s romantic to grab a special moment on the run. And we talk on the phone all the time-I am always talking to him if I am sitting in an airport lounge or in a car. He knows I always think of him.
• BM:What is the saddest thing you have ever experienced?
• AALIYAH:The passing of my grandmother-I have a tattoo in her honor. I know I am going to see her again sometime. She always made me feel good about myself.. always encouraged me.. and everyone needs someone like that when they are growing up. Kids have so much stuff they have to go through that’s confusing.
• BM:What is the greatest lesson she ever taught you?
• AALIYAH:Love Jesus, have Christ in your heart at all times and you'’ll always know the right thing to do. I always think, what would Jesus do?
• Many of our readers have written or called about the woman missing from the December 2001 issue’s "10 Sexiest Women Of 2001." The missing seventh-place fin­isher was sexy recording artist Aaliyah, whose untimely and tragic death happened just as Black Men’s presses were rolling on that issue. As a result of the tragedy, and out of respect for the star’s family, the executive staff made a decision to take Aaliyah out of the lineup. With no time to revise the layout, Black Men’s December 2001 issue printed minus the seventh-place personality. We apolo­gize for any inconvenience caused.
• (Source – Came To Give Love) 

Aaliyah Interview for TV4: By Roman Rogowiecki

Here's an interview I came across via Came To Give Love who shares with us a lovely picture that was shot, whilst the interview took place. Roman Rogowiecki who kindly shared this picture with Came To Give Love, gives us a behind the scenes tour of what went down during this interview session. :o)

RR: Thank you for finding a time for TV4 and congrats for your Romeo Must Die movie! Tell me, why right now ? When you are 20, being a very famous vocalist you started an acting career?

Aaliyah: I always wanted acting, since when I was very young, but music was just always first so, I felt its not right time to me. Music was the most important to me, that’s why I’ve decided I want to establish myself as a singer first. Not so long time ago I felt like I’m ready for an acing career, and then Romeo Must Die project came up.

RR: How much of Trish (Aaliyah’s character in Romeo Must Die) is in you?

Aaliyah: We are very similar in a lot of ways. That’s why I wanted to take this role. Trish is sweet but tough girl. She’s very independent and confident, so I thought people who know me as Aaliyah can also accept me in this role,because this character has a lot of my traits.

RR: I think sometimes when you are doing a movie it’s like a special therapy, the actors can learn a lot about themselves on the set. What you have learned about yourself while doing Romeo Must Die?

Aaliyah: Yeah, that’s really is. This stems from the fact that when you act you try to do the things you probably would never do in a real life. When it comes to play Trish I can be tough like her, but only sometimes, and she’s like tough all the time.Through this role I’ve learned to say straight what’s on my mind, and it wasn’t like that before. It’s Trish who says right away what’s on her mind no matter what situation is.

RR: Were you afraid of the fact that most of the time music artists fail on the movie screen as an actors ? Were you scared about that?

Aaliyah: I didn’t think about that. I’ve worked very hard to do my best. I didn’t think about failure. I’m very positive person, I’m always an optimist. If I’m doing something I’m always well prepared. I worked out of my love for acting. If people gonna like what I did I’ll be very happy, if not I’ll try to come back with something different.

RR: And how it was to work with a polish director Andrzej Bartkowiak? He showed the vision of America through Chinese man point of view.

Aaliyah: I love Andrzej! The work with him was a great experience. I mean, since the beginning he was so sweet. Since our first met, before I even got that part, during the screen test he was really caring and he let me to just be me. I can’t wait to work with him again. He’s really sweet.

RR: Thank you it’s really nice of you. In your videos, on CD covers, now of course, you are always so well dressed.You were Tommy Hilfiger’s model. How you look at fashion? What are the things Aaliyah wear?

Aaliyah: Yes, I’ve worked for Tommy for a year. I admit, I like fashionable things, but fashion is not something that takes control of me. If I like something I take it and I make it Aaliyah. I think I’m someone who creates fashion, a trendsetter. I just wear what I like. It doesn’t mean though everyday I’m wearing expensive clothes. In an airplane you can meet me in slippers and pajama pants (laugh). I like fashionable things but that’s not the most important thing in the world.

RR: And what about your favorite designers?

Aaliyah: I love Dolce & Gabbana clothes, I love Roberto Cavalli, he’s fantastic. His stuff are perfect for me.

RR: It’s been 4 years since your last album.

Aaliyah: Singing is very important to me, I just finished some work on the album. I’m very happy about the new material. I’m really working hard right now.

RR: In Romeo Must Die we can hear 4 of your new tracks. How important is music for the film?

Aaliyah: Very important. Music is always an essential, integral part of every film. We really wanted to choose the right songs on the soundtrack, so that’s why we watched the movie first and then we chose the right songs.

RR: And how did you feel receiving two MTV awards for Try Again?

Aaliyah: It was an amazing feeling! You work hard to please your fans, so it’s also nice to be appreciated by the music industry. I had no words to express my happiness. That was a great work.

RR: And what do you think about an increasing number of new hip-hop artists. Are you afraid of growing competition?

Aaliyah: No. I compete with Me, I compete with Aaliyah. I like a lot of new artists out there. The market is big enough for all of us. I always work to be better, and I don’t feel like I’m competing with anyone.

RR: Recently you also started to write own lyrics, what about that?

Aaliyah: It’s true that I’m trying to make it also as a songwriter, I’m working with my brother. We listen to the music first and then we create the lyrics. It happens spontaneously, it’s hard to explain it (smile).

RR: Will it be scary if I ask you to sing to me a little bit of Try Again?

Aaliyah: Oh no, please! (facetiously) *singing the verse from Try Again

RR: Oh, I’m in heaven! Thank you very much. I hope we will meet again.

Aaliyah: Thank you.

* The translation is ours and mostly it’s based on Roman Rogowiecki polish translation in the video.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT97RglZH-U

(Source – Came To Give Love)