Aaliyah Archives News: Timbaland's 'King Stays King' Mixtape & The Origins Of 'He Keeps Me Shakin'

First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! I hope everyone has been in good spirits as 2015 comes to a close end. As some of you may be aware, I was away on holiday last week, so hence why I was unable to post anything until now! ;)

Yesterday, our man Timbaland finally released his mixtape 'King Stays King' featuring the highly anticipated, unreleased song by our beloved Babygirl. Some of you may remember me mentioning this particular track before, but for those of you who don't, you can check out my previous post via the link here.  On Tim's mixtape it's titled 'Shakin' but just to let it be known, the original is actually called 'He Keeps Me Shakin' which was originally written by Digital Black (from the group Playa) and produced by Eric Seats & Rapture Stewart (a.k.a- KeyBeats). 

Unfortunately this particular track did not get around to being completed in time, with only the hook/chorus sung by Aaliyah. According to YouKnowIGotSoul the original version of this track, was presumably recorded around 1999–2000. All I can say is wow....to this day I have always shown my love and appreciation to all the producers that worked with Aaliyah, especially on the red album, since her music still sounds fresh and current to this very day, so thank you! To listen you can do so via the link here where you can also download the app MyMixtapez via the apple or google play store free of charge! For anyone else who just wants to skip straight to the Aaliyah track, you can listen right here below! Be sure to comment below your feedback on this new joint, since I am very curious to hear peoples opinions! :o) One love!

They Call Me Timbaland 2: Narrated By Magoo (Official Mixtape)

So it's been awhile since I last posted, but as you all know I like to keep everyone updated on the latest ;) A couple days ago, Timbaland released his second part of his mixtape titled They Call Me Timbaland 2, which is narrated by his partner in crime Magoo (everyone's been wondering where he's been hiding right? lol), presented by DJ Supa. The second mixtape consists of 11 tracks along with how Magoo first met Timbaland. Any Aaliyah fans who missed the first mixtape, I highly recommend y'all cop that since there are some beautiful memories shared of Babygirl by Timbaland himself. For those who missed the first part of this mixtape, you can visit my last post via the link here for more information. Anyone who wishes to receive these mixtapes please email via theaaliyaharchives@gmail.com. One love! :o)

They Call Me Timbaland: Narrated By Playa (Official Mixtape)

So since Christmas is fast approaching, and I am a generous, giving person, I would like to share with you all an official mixtape released by Timbaland which is narrated by Playa crew members Smoke E. Digglera and Digital Black. This is my way of just saying a huge thank you to all my loyal readers, fans, followers, etc... who have been down for me from day one. I appreciate you all, so thank you for your support :o) (If you would like to have this mixtape please email me via theaaliyaharchives@gmail.com and I shall personally email it to you.) 

I highly recommend this mixtape to anyone just to listen to the narration by Smokey and Black, since they share a lot of their memories in the studio, how they came about meeting Timbo and even the making of 'Are You That Somebody', which of course has some Static and Aaliyah memories! With 49 classic joints mixed by Dj Supa and other respected DJ's in the game, you can't really go wrong! ;) Thank you for sharing these personal, fond memories, since it means everything to all of us Aaliyah/Playa fans :o) 

Having just finished listening to this mixtape, all I can say is that this really makes me miss the sound of the 90's. Timbo's innovation in music back then was so ahead of it's time, it amazes me how all of those classic joints still have no expiration date! The fact that Timbo and Ginuwine have announced of them finally coming together to work on a new project, truly gives me hope for Timbo to bring some of that old skool flavor we all know and love from the man. It's about time these two finally united right? So make sure you keep tabs on them, because I have a feeling Timbo is gonna bring back some of that magic back in the game, so watch out! 

I have said this before, but I will say this again. I really think musically, Timbaland's music got effected by the tragic loss of our beloved Babygirl, and since than, he has never been quite the same. However, recently I have heard a lot of new beats from Timbaland through a new artist call Tink (who y'all should check out since she can sing and rap!), and I feel a part of him has finally woken up and realised what is missing from the music industry. With that being said, I am positive that we shall be hearing some greatness from Timbo in the new year to come. :o) ;)

Aaliyah & Static Major: The Demos

Track List:

1. Nothin' But A 'B' Party, Ya'll (feat. Magoo, Timbaland & Playa)
2. Never No More (Aaliyah Demo)
3. You Saved My Life (Kieran Demo)
4. We Need A Resolution (Aaliyah Demo)
5. Read Between The Lines (Aaliyah Demo)
6. Come As You Are (Brandy Demo)
7. Fire Lovin' (Pleasure P Demo)
8. Ghetto (feat. Southernaire All-Stars)
9. More Than a Woman (Aaliyah Demo) (First Version)

Now, I was meant to do a dedication a good few weeks ago for Static Major, since it would of been his birthday on 11th November, but juggling work, family and friends is a tricky business, so my next few posts will be in dedication to the man who was behinds Aaliyah's music style and lyrical content. A lot, of Aaliyah and Static Major/Playa fans will already know about this mixtape above, but for those who have been trying to look for this, or have simply come across this now, you have come to the right place. Any one who would like to get a hold of this please contact me via theaaliyaharchives@gmail.com

Personally, I always find it quite intriguing listening to demo versions, as these are the versions where you are testing out exactly how you want the final cut version to sound vocally. Above, you can find listed a majority of the tracks that Static Major sang over on Aaliyah's tracks, among other artists such as Pleasure P and Brandy.

Kendrick Lamar ft. Aaliyah: We Need A Drank (Mash Up)

Here's a little Wednesday treat for you all! :o) Now normally, I'm not a big fan of remixes/mash ups, but I gotta say when I heard this rendition I was blown away! The person who made this –Raheem D is someone who I have to give huge props to for making such a carefully though out piece, staying true to our beloved Babygirl's style. In all honesty, I actually prefer this version to Kendrick Lamar's original, since the arrangements blend so well. Good work Mr! Just to show some love check out his mixtape: Aaliyah The Mash Up Mixtape which you can purchase here via http://raheemdtv.bandcamp.com/. In the description for the mixtape he goes on to say –

"Finally, my Aaliyah mashup mixtape has arrived and has been finished! It features some of my most successful Aaliyah mashups from the past year and also includes a few new mashups. It features the likes of Robin Thicke, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and more. It includes the highly popular mashup 'Thinkin' Bout A Million' that currently has over 50 thousand views on YouTube and also includes 'Come Over And Demonstrate' a mashup which was shared by the very talented Jojo herself. I hope you enjoy this mashup mixtape and although we will never hear new music from Aaliyah herself I feel that making mixtape's like these help keep her legacy alive"

 All I can say is that you won't be disappointed! Oh and because I am so nice, I've also added another mashup joint of his down below! Happy listening everyone!  :o)

Lil' Kim ft. Aaliyah & The Notorious B.I.G.: Queen Bee

Released: November 12th 1996

Recorded: 1995 – 1996

Label: Undeas/Big Beat

Hey guys! :o) Here's a track which Aaliyah is featured on with 90's Hip-Hop Queen Lil' Kim and Hip-Hop legend Biggie Smalls. I discovered the track from the mixtape – The Aaliyah Duets Album which showcases some of Babygirl's best duets alongside other performing artists and groups. You can download the mixtape here via http://www.datpiff.com/Aaliyah-The-Aaliyah-Duets-Album-mixtape.10680.html.

The track itself is called Queen Bee in comparison to the uncensored version called Queen Bitch which obviously Babygirl is not featured on. Aaliyah isn't really singing much on this, however, when she sings the hook 'I'm the Queen' all I gotta say is yess! Bow down! lol! Aaliyah was the Queen in her own right, the way she sings it sounds so hauntingly beautiful it's captivating. Now again, you know all me, I like to know where all the samples come from. If we look at the very core roots of the sample, it actually originates from Roberta Flack's – Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye. If you listen to the song carefully at 2:50 you will hear the piano riff which has been sampled. You can check this out down below to compare and contrast. 

Now, I'm not done yet, because I have heard this same classic piano riff in so many other songs, that it's only fair I share it with you guys. When we talk about Lil' Kim, we all know how close she was with Biggie both on the mic with their lyrical content and off the scenes with their relation. Biggie in fact helped Lil' Kim on this lyrically, since she was learning the ropes of how a rapper should deliver, so below I have also uploaded the original Queen Bitch which was written by Biggie himself. Last but not least, we have Mary J. Blige ft. Lil' Kim's – I Can Love You. Again this song also samples the piano riff, and who can blame them, it's so catchy that it would make anyone want to listen to it. Anyhoo, for all you music lovers out there, sit back, listen and enjoy! :o)