Static Major’s Wife Avonti Garrett Interview via 'YouKnowIGotSoul.com': Talks Plans For Posthumous Album & Legacy

As always, here at Aaliyah Archives we try to cater to everyone, including all our Static Major fans. Recently, YouKnowIgotSoul.com did an interview with Static's wife, Avonti Garrett, who touches on a number of subjects pertaining to Static's legacy, upcoming projects as well as a posthumous album soon to be released. Read below for the full scoop! 😉 Enjoy!

"YouKnowIGotSoul has made a conscious effort to keep the legacy of the late Static Major alive through different interviews and articles to highlight his artistry. His impact on the industry is still there with the likes of Drake and Chris Brown sampling his music. Recently we had an opportunity to speak with his wife Avonti Garrett about Static’s music and the plans that she has for releasing the new music. Prior to Static’s passing in 2008, he was gearing up to put out his debut album “Suppertime” on Blackground Records. Unfortunately the album never came out, but that may change very soon as Static’s family is planning for some major projects including a mixtape, a tribute show and the debut. We talked to the wife of the legendary singer/songwriter about the future of Static Major and also about a petition that she has set up for something in Kentucky.

YouKnowIGotSoul: It seems like there’s been some new Static content being released recently, so what sparked that?

Avonti Garrett: It’s been sparking for awhile but with anything, nothing comes before its time. You’re probably seeing it more, but I’m doing a tribute in November this year. This is our third tribute we’ve done and we usually get together every year for his birthday. This time I wanted to do something a little special. Everything is timing.

YouKnowIGotSoul: What kind of things can we expect in the future?

Avonti Garrett: Right now I’m working on a mixtape of released music. We’re remaking music that’s already been released. We’re reproducing it and the singers will be able to perform at the tribute show coming up November 25th.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Is this going to lead to the release of Static’s debut album “Suppertime”?

Avonti Garrett: Hopefully it’s going to create the buzz that I want it to. I want to bring out the project in a way that people will know it’s coming. I don’t want to just drop it. I want people to anticipate it. It’s coming, it’s definitely coming.

YouKnowIGotSoul: What’s the goal for you when releasing the album?

Avonti Garrett: I definitely would love for it to be on the radio. Static left a huge catalog and as a wife. I know how hard he worked. He was a studio rat and I’d like his music to come out properly. He was a legit songwriter and I’ll handle his catalog as such. He had lots of music and he would want the music to be properly released, so that is my goal.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Drake and Chris Brown have sampled Static’s music in recent years. How do you think that has impacted his legacy?

Avonti Garrett: It’s actually amazing. He’s always managed to keep himself relevant. It amazes me every time I hear something because it’s like “There’s Static!”. His music still works in the industry. His music was so classic and it’ll always be heard.

YouKnowIGotSoul: From my understanding, you guys also have a petition set up in Kentucky for a banner? Talk about that.

Avonti Garrett: In Kentucky, we have something called a Hometown Hero. That’s where different people who have come up out of a Louisville and achieved fame, they get to a chance to get their picture on the side of a building. i think the last one was Jennifer Lawrence. It was most between her and Static. She ended up getting it, so I’m hoping this time he’ll have his shot to get that. I’m shooting for that. There is a petition, so that they can at least consider him again. I’m trying to get at least 15,000 people and we’re almost at 4000. Hopefully this time next year we’ll have it. It takes a little time. You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/greater-louisville-pride-foundation-glpf-static-major-s-hometown-hero-banner

YouKnowIGotSoul: Talk about this tribute show you’re putting together.

Avonti Garrett: I just want to remember who he was and where he came from. I’m going to highlight different events in his life like his first time singing as a kid. It was a gospel song and it was actually on Playa‘s debut album “Cheers 2 U”. It’s just going to be different events in his life. Then we’re going to be some local artists that I’ve been working with. I’m going to give them an opportunity to sing some of his music and then I’m going to release his mixtape. After that, get ready for the release of “Suppertime” and some of his other music.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Are you going to be releasing Static’s music independently or through a major label?

Avonti Garrett: We don’t have a major situation set up. It’s all about calculating how to do this. Without Static, we don’t have an actual artist to promote. We’re trying to think of the best way to release it. We’re looking to have the proper stage and marketing for it. That’s what I’m going to be working on now. With the internet now and with streaming, that helps a lot. We’ll see!

YouKnowIGotSoul: Has anyone reached out to you about a documentary about Static’s life?

Avonti Garrett: A lot of people have reached out to me about that. I would definitely like to work on something like that. I had reached out to “Unsung” before and everyone there told me that Static was not unsung. I think he deserves maybe a VH1 documentary or it could be a little more to it. I would definitely love to do it if it’s with the right people.

YouKnowIGotSoul: What do you want people to take away from Static’s music when it comes out?

Avonti Garrett: I think Static with his music, I think he was able to find a certain vibe. I think with music now, the vibe is kind of off to me. We don’t have the richness or fullness of music like the way he used to do it with his harmonies. It’s so microwaved now with all the autotune. Static didn’t record like that. He was a real artist and he was good at what did.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Anything you’d like to add?

Avonti Garrett: I’d like to thank you guys and everybody who has been responsible for keeping his legacy alive. I’m here and as long as I’m here, I’m going to continue what I can do to keep his legacy alive. He left the world some great music and it’s up to me as a wife to make sure that it comes out. I won’t let his legacy die and I’ll keep it going for as long as I can and hopefully when I’m done, his kids will continue with that."

(Source: http://youknowigotsoul.com/interview-static-majors-wife-avonti-garrett-talks-plans-for-posthumous-album-legacy)

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!

Naughty By Nature Discuss Memories With Aaliyah & Big Pun and Kay Gee’s Divine Mill Label

What's good people? Since it's been awhile, I thought I would post a recent interview courtesy from You Know I Got Soul who talk to legendary Hip-Hop group Naughty By Nature. As some of you Aaliyah fans are aware, Aaliyah worked with both Kay Gee and Treach, she even appeared as a cameo in one their videos called 'Holiday'. Below, the group share their fondest memories of our beloved Babygirl.

YouKnowIGotSoul: We’ve known Kay Gee for awhile and supported everything he’s done in r&b. Can you talk about the respect level you had for him when he started his Divine Mill record label and had success with it?

Naughty by Nature (Treach): I was mad as hell, I didn’t want him doing shit but Naughty by Nature! *Laughs* Nah. Kay is one of the most talented producers out there. It really shows when you can go from different genres of music like hip hop which we started in, and then we see him going and doing Zhane, Koffee Brown, Jaheim. He wasn’t just our homey, we weren’t just saying he was a dope producer because he was with us. Once he started doing that r&b stuff, we knew he was a world class producer.

Naught by Nature (Kay Gee): They knew I had soul!

Naughty by Nature (Treach): You could see everything he’s done throughout the years, he’s right there. We never questioned why he was doing stuff outside of hip hop, a producer is a producer. When a producer is a real producer, he can do all types of music. I felt like my brother was doing something that I was proud of. You see your brother like in sports, I felt like he made it. He wasn’t just a hip hop producer, I was telling people “My DJ is one of the dopest.” Once he started doing r&b and other genres, I was like “See!”

YouKnowIGotSoul: Talk about the collaboration you guys had on “We Could Do It” with Tony Sunshine and Big Pun.

Naughty by Nature (Treach): You know Pun, he could write right there! Certain artists you give them the track and they go off for a month or two and come back with the track. Pun would be right in the studio, writing right there, lay it down right there, the song was done that day.

Naughty by Nature (Kay Gee): He could flow too, the flow was just ridiculous man. We miss Pun out there. We’ve got a lot of fallen soldiers in hip hop, you miss them all, but we definitely miss Pun especially for what he’s done for Latin Hip Hop.

YouKnowIGotSoul: We do a lot to keep Aaliyah’s legacy alive. What do you guys remember most about working with her?

Naughty by Nature (Treach): One thing I remember about her was that she was so much of a mega star and you would never know it. You would sit and talk to her like you grew up with her. It was no super star, it was no diva; she was the largest at the time. It was no extra.

Naughty by Nature (Kay Gee): She kept her family with her, her mother and her brother. She was one of those people where if you saw her, you just knew she was a star; it just came off like that. Even working with her, we were working with her in a small room in Battery Studios, with Renee (from Zhane). We were working on “Are You Ready” from the “Sunset Park” soundtrack. It was incredible. I just cherish the moment and I’m glad I had the chance to meet her and say I’ve known her and had the chance to work with her. There are some people you put on a pedestal and say you want to work with, and she’s one I’m glad I had the chance.

Wow! What a beautiful interview to read! :o) I have to say that 'Are You Ready?' is probably one of my all time favorite Aaliyah songs. I always get that Hip-Hop vibe every time I listen to it, but now it clearly makes more sense. Another important thing to note, is how Kay Gee points out on how Aaliyah ALWAYS kept her family close by her side. FAMILY meant EVERYTHING to her. So for all those who think us Aaliyah fans are talking nonsense in reference to The Haughtons and the Aaliyah movie, the proof is in the pudding, even from people Aaliyah worked with, so I say no more... ;) Anyhoo, you can also watch the full video of the interview shown below here. Enjoy! :o) 

The Aaliyah Archives News: Nicole Wray Shares Her Memories on Aaliyah and Static Major

Rare photo courtesy of Timbaland. Throwback from 97/98 with Nicole Wray, Ginuwine and Aaliyah.

Hey guys, so as you all know I am a big fan of YouKnowIGotSoul, and I happened to come across this interview by them featuring Nicole Wray (Which I am sure all the Nicole Wray fans will be loving right now!) where she shares some of her earliest memories of our beloved Babygirl, Static Major and of course Missy Elliott. I have to say that this was such a joy to read, you could tell that Aaliyah was such a kindred spirit both inside and out, and that Static Major had quite a sense of humor on him too! Lol! Anyhoo, peep the written interview below, or watch the full video via YouKnowIGotSoul. One love <3

YouKnowIGotSoul: Talk about this journey you’ve been with Lady the band and where it’s taken you

Nicole Wray: Wow, Lady the band was a very organic project. I was in New York about three years ago. I was up here doing some music with Damon Dash and his little enterprise at the time. They had a lot of things going on. I went down here to work on a project and I met Terri Walker from London. She was working on some music and doing a film at the time. We just clicked like sisters. We started hanging out and eating together. We started doing shows together in the village and in the city. She was like “I want you to meet my guys” and I was like “Who are your guys?” She told me about Truth & Soul and I think we had a show and they saw us perform. From that moment on, they were like “We love you guys. How do you guys feel about being a girl group?” At the time, I was still focusing on my own solo project and Terri was doing her solo project. We were like “Let’s just see how this feels”. We went over to the studio and they played us a couple of tracks. We were just having some fun in Brooklyn. Before you know it, we had like eight songs done. Songs were getting done and everyone was getting so excited. Terri and I looked each other and we were like “We have something”. We put our own solo projects on hold for awhile just to see how this thing was going to go. We did a situation with Truth & Soul records and we put it out. We began to tour with Lee Fields. Shout out to him. We did an international tour and we opened up for him. Then we were shortly interrupted, Terri went back to doing her thing. Like I try to explain to people, we were both solo artists. Everybody knows I started out with Missy Elliott and Timbaland in 1998. I came in the game from Virginia and I was a baby. Terri was overseas doing her thing at the same time. We shared the same story because she was like “We know so many of the same people”. We never knew we were going to collide and meet each other and do an album together. Even though we’re not doing an album now, I’m still thankful and blessed to have met Terri and to have been able to put this project together and put these beautiful songs out. We both struggled with management, labels and family. We’re very passionate with our music and with this game, you’re here today and gone tomorrow. Not like death, but as far as your career. Us meeting each other, we had so much to share. We had a bond, it was super organic. She’s doing her own thing now and I stayed on with Lady. I love it and I couldn’t let it go. I just fell in love with it and I’m going to put my own project on hold and work on this. I do a lot of songwriting too, so I’m all over the place. I rap, sing soul music and I’m writing a children’s book. I just felt like once I got on the stage and I was able to open for Lee Fields, I was like “This is what I want to do”.

YouKnowIGotSoul: This sound you have with Lady is a throwback sound and it’s totally different from the music people know you for. How did you transition from the Hip Hop sound into this soulful sound?

Nicole Wray: Shout out to Missy Elliott. I have been singing loud and powerful since I was eight years old. When I got with Missy, she tamed my vocals because I was all over the place. I was raised in church, my family sang in church. It’s in my heart. I never really transitioned, it was always in me. Missy would be like “Nicole, this isn’t the song for screaming and yelling” because it was always there. I always had it. I was finding my voice and finding myself as an artist. I think once the whole situation with Missy and I, we separated and I found my voice. I began to sing what was already there in my heart and belted it out. I wasn’t writing in the beginning with Missy, I was a little protégé. I was young and I was like a baby. I basically just found my voice and my inner-self soul and when I met Truth & Soul, they had the soundtrack to my life. Everything that I had been through, coming into the game with my mom and then missing class to go on the road to tour with Aaliyah, Ginuwine and Timbaland. I loved what I did and I just found my voice and my soul. Truth & Soul brought the music so I could write and sing from my heart.

YouKnowIGotSoul: You’ve had one successful album with Lady. Are you planning to work on another one with them?

Nicole Wray: Yes, we are actually in the demo stages of the album. It’s sounding really good. We may travel outside the country to finish up the vocals and stuff. It’s working its ways. It’s coming along and it’s sounding really good. It’s more colorful this time. The first album with Terri and I was really from the heart. We didn’t think about it. It was just organic. We didn’t have the time to think about what we were going to write. The guys were in the room and we were drinking whisky. We were having a good time and lyrics were just flowing. This album is more personal and more fun. We’ll still have those love stories, but we’ll talk about the struggles. I want to reach out and be relatable to people who live everyday life.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Are we going to hear another solo Nicole Wray album in the future and what would be the sound of the project?

Nicole Wray: It’s going to be R&B. I’m going to give the fans what they want. I let them guide me because without them, there wouldn’t be any me. I wouldn’t even exist as an artist. There wouldn’t be Lady or Nicole Wray. I listen to my fans and I thank God for social networking. When I first came out with Missy Elliott, there wasn’t really that much social networking. It was just word of mouth. If the label liked you, they would sign you and you would go do your thing and go on tour. Now there’s so much going on like Twitter and Instagram, it’s so easy for artists. Then you get those reality shows that you can get on and be vocal and show your talent. When I started, I was super young. I was like fifteen when I met Missy Elliott. She was like “I got you” and my mom was like “Make sure you take care of my daughter”. The game has changed a whole lot, but I will definitely listen to my fans. It’s in me. I can do any type of music.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Talk about some of the memories you had with Static Major and Aaliyah because I know you were close with both of them.

Nicole Wray: I remember my mom living in this apartment in Virginia and Missy came over because her mom lived in the same neighborhood. She came over and got on the phone. She called some guys from Derby City. She was like “I got this little girl sitting here and she’s amazing. I’m going to let her sing to you on the phone”. I sang “Weak” by SWV to Static on the phone and he was like “Say no more. I’m coming to Virginia and we’re going to work on your album”. I wasn’t writing, I was young. He came in the studio and he had so much swag. He had that swag. All of Playa did. Black, Smokey and Static had “Cheers 2 U” and they were working on their album too. We were working in Virginia Beach in the studio and Missy was just sitting in the studio with him. My mom was in the studio too, she was managing me at the time. I had a boyfriend at the time and we were so in love and I was so young and stupid. *Laughs* We had an argument and I was irritated in the studio. Static was like “Don’t worry about it. Just tell him to raise his frown”. He started singing “Raise Your Frown” and I was like “Oh my god!”. It’s like he watched me as a young girl and like I do now with artists because I write now too thanks to Static. Like he opened up that portal for me because I didn’t know I could do it. I was just singing songs that everybody wrote for me not knowing I had my own story. He was basically watching my life and he wrote those songs that were beautiful. It’s like he studied me, it was awesome.

YouKnowIGotSoul: You mentioned earlier to me that you toured with Aaliyah?

Nicole Wray: We had a “Superfriends” tour in 1998 or 1999. We did a big tour. We went everywhere. I think we started out in LA. When I first met Aaliyah, we were shooting my video for “Make It Hot”. Everybody was there. I was so nervous, this was my first video. They pulled me out of school to go shoot a video. All I would see is TV and seeing Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and The Fugees. Finally it was my time. I was so nervous. Where I come from, we’re not nervous people. For some reason, the lights and the camera were on me and I had a wardrobe. They were making clothes and my mom was there. Missy Elliott was like “Aaliyah is here! Go say something to her”. Aaliyah was like “You’re my sister, I’m here to support you. I love your music and I love your style”. From there, I would always see her and we would talk to each other. We had a cute friendship, but it was short-lived. God bless her soul, she was super talented. I’m just thankful that all of those guys came to my video shoot because they were already established. I was just coming into the game. We were probably the same age but she was already more established. I was thankful she came to my video shoot and showed me so much love.

YouKnowIGotSoul: Since the “Make It Hot” album, you’ve had a lot of material that you worked on over the years and I know a lot of them never saw the light of day. Is there a song that you can think of that you would have loved the fans to hear?

Nicole Wray: My favorite show right now is Netflix is “Orange Is The New Black”. The new theme song is called “Time” or something like that. When I was on Roc-A-Fella, I made a song called “Time” because I knew a lot of people in and out of jail. The way I did it, it was beautiful. It was raunchy, but it was really personal and it was dedicated to the mothers and fathers who are waiting. Then the show comes out years and years later and I was like “I already recorded a song like that!” It never saw the light of day. Once we finish this album, I want to put out a mixtape like what Nas did with “The Lost Tapes”. I have so much music. I started writing after the “Make It Hot” album and I have so much music. I worked with Pharrell, Teddy Riley, Timbaland and Scott Storch when he was on his game. The list is crazy. I have those songs just sitting in my laptop.

Snippet Of Aaliyah Track Produced By Jaylien Featuring Chris Brown

Shout out to You Know I Got Soul, favouritethingsbyazzizz and Aaliyah Always for all their reliable information that I'm about to lay out for everyone out there. As you know, I am always one for sourcing where I find my information, and never take credit for something by copping it out as my own as some people do. So I would like to make it clear that anyone who does find any information on my page, be sure to give credit to myself and others where the credit is due respectfully, that is all. Right, now that I've made that clear lets get down to business with this whole buzz that is currently happening at the moment. 

So it appears that a snippet of an unreleased track from R&B group Playa titled 'Charge It To The Game' which also features vocals from our beloved Babygirl, has been used by producer Jaylien Wesley featuring the likes of Chris Brown. You Know I got Soul had confirmed that this unreleased track was around for awhile, which you can clearly see from what Aaliyah Always had said to another fan inquiring about this track. So it looks like we are going to see another song from Chris Brown which apparently might be titled 'No Love'  judging from the video snippet below which you can view for yourselves. A quote from the video uploaded on Instagram, which Jaylien posted goes on to say this...

Jaylien: "Since Drake released a snippet of his Aaliyah contribution a couple weeks back..here’s a sneak of one I produced, coming 2014. Aaliyah x CB x Jaylien. deleting soon."

And there you have it! Now although normally I would be happy about something like this, I don't feel it's right for someone to claim money on someone who is already deceased, especially with vocals that even us as fans have not even had the chance to hear. Not to mention having used the vocals from a Playa track. Now don't get me wrong, I think it's great hearing fresh, new vocals from Aaliyah, but one thing in mind is something we should all remember as true, loyal fans. If her family have no involvement or support around this project, than I strongly believe it should not be out. Case closed. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to comment below and share your opinions on this matter

Static Major: CEO (Demo Song Originally For Aaliyah) EXCLUSIVE

Ok I am completely hyped right now because guess what? CEO has officially been uploaded by You Know I Got Soul. If you remember from one of my last posts, we were left with a teaser, with just the lyrics and no backing track or vocals to go together, but now we finally get to hear what would of been something that Aaliyah would of released had she still been alive. Below you can listen to the track produced by our man Bud'da. The demo itself was done by Static Major back in 2000, and seeing that the 25th of this month will mark 6 years since Static Majors passing, You Know I got Soul felt that it was the right time to release the track. All I can say is that this sounds so hot and fresh! Definitely would of been a hit for sure! I'm am in such awe right now, I can actually imagine Babygirl singing this! Now you can all enjoy this track with the lyrics too! Happy listening! :o)

CEO Lyrics

Verse 1

Being in love is hard (it’s like a job)
That’s why I make it a point to step to, each issue we go through (it’s always something new)
I gotta keep up my guard (being in charge)
Can’t let no one give me heart breaks
It’s one thing when you explain (minds do change)

Pre-hook

Who you fussing with?
I’m the only boss that can boss around here
I’m the CEO, Stay on your job, Or you can be replaced
Don’t you order me, Cuz I’m calling the shots that go on around here
You can’t tell me no, I send you home
Thought I’d let you know that

Chorus

I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show

Verse 2

I’ve got to wear the pants in a true romance,
That’s the only way we’ll ever stand a chance
So I ain’t taking orders from a man, You got to understand
See I can work with you, long as you are true
Change out the blue and I’ll start taking interviews
Let me give you a list of my demands, never raise your hand

Pre-hook

Who you fussing with?
I’m the only boss that can boss around here
I’m the CEO, Stay on your job, Or you can be replaced
Don’t you order me, Cuz I’m calling the shots that go on around here
You can’t tell me no, I send you home
Thought I’d let you know that

Chorus

I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show

Bridge

I’m gonna keep handling my business baby
Cuz I’m a real lady
And I hope you take care of your business baby
I wanna be your lady

The Aaliyah Archives: News

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long, but I have some great news for you all out there. Now many of us Aaliyah fans out there have been waiting on a different version of Steady Ground for quite some time now, since You Know I Got Soul confirmed awhile ago last year of different arrangements/vocals without Static Major. However here is the official J-Dub remix of Babygirl's Steady Ground, who was also responsible for the production of the original version. I'm guessing J-Dub decided to keep Static Major's parts after all, which I'm kind of happy about since Static Major was responsible for a lot of Aaliyah's lyrical content. Above you can see that J-Dub describes the new remix as "different arrangement. Different mix. Longer then original ". 

Simple yet effective! I love it! All I can say is thank you so much for this remix. It has truly made my day and I hope it does for all of you folks out there too! The intro alone has already got me hooked. Anyone who would like me to send them this remix personally, or for any questions/queries you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me via theaaliyaharchives@gmail.com Happy Listening everyone! :o)

Aaliyah: Unreleased Song Titles From 'Down Under'

Now, some of you may have already come across this like myself, but for those who have not, here is the official track list of songs which Aaliyah recorded whilst working on her self titled 'red album' in Australia. In 2010, Tim Barnett decided to share this with everyone, which I am truly grateful for so thank you so much for that! You've made a lot of Playa/Static Major/Aaliyah fans very happy! :o)  

Now some of you may be wondering hmm...where are all the other joints from the red album like We Need A Resolution? Most of the other tracks which were produced by Timbaland, were done after the trip to Australia. From what I have already shared with you, we can confirm that all of the tracks on the CD are most definitely Aaliyah songs, some of which we have yet to find and discover. I shall no doubt be on the hunt and look out for these when they do arise, so watch out! :o) 

There is however one particular song from the bunch titled 'CEO' which Static Major wrote, and Bud'da produced on. On this occasion, Bud'da kindly shared with everyone, insight into this particular track.

Bud’da: “Aaliyah was super close to [finishing] the song. We cut the hook and Static finished a couple of other things on there and then we ran out of time, and then she just never got back around to cutting it. I think that was a big song though. It was a girl empowerment song. It was pretty cocky honestly, but the way it was done was great.”

Even though we do not know what this joint sounds like, we do have the actual lyrics which gives us a little taste as to what exactly Aaliyah was trying to aim for. Knowing that this song is a female empowerment song, shows us that she was definitely way ahead of her time, and ready to change the game. Songs like Destiny's Child's – Survivor & Independent Woman and Kelis's – Bossy immediately come to my mind. All I can say is that thanks to Aaliyah, who has helped paved the way for many female artists out there to this very day. Anyhoo, peep the lyrics below and imagine Aaliyah singing these verses and chorus's. I can honestly say, that the lyrics alone are just fire! I can only imagine how this sounds! Enjoy my lovely's! :o)

(Source – You Know I Got Soul)

CEO Lyrics

Verse 1

Being in love is hard (it’s like a job)
That’s why I make it a point to step to, each issue we go through (it’s always something new)
I gotta keep up my guard (being in charge)
Can’t let no one give me heart breaks
It’s one thing when you explain (minds do change)

Pre-hook

Who you fussing with?
I’m the only boss that can boss around here
I’m the CEO, Stay on your job, Or you can be replaced
Don’t you order me, Cuz I’m calling the shots that go on around here
You can’t tell me no, I send you home
Thought I’d let you know that

Chorus

I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show

Verse 2

I’ve got to wear the pants in a true romance,
That’s the only way we’ll ever stand a chance
So I ain’t taking orders from a man, You got to understand
See I can work with you, long as you are true
Change out the blue and I’ll start taking interviews
Let me give you a list of my demands, never raise your hand

Pre-hook

Who you fussing with?
I’m the only boss that can boss around here
I’m the CEO, Stay on your job, Or you can be replaced
Don’t you order me, Cuz I’m calling the shots that go on around here
You can’t tell me no, I send you home
Thought I’d let you know that

Chorus

I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show
I’ll be running the show, I’m CEO, I’m in control, that’s how it rolls
If you didn’t know the scenario, I run the show

Bridge

I’m gonna keep handling my business baby
Cuz I’m a real lady
And I hope you take care of your business baby
I wanna be your lady

The Aaliyah Archives : News

Hey guys! I know it's been so long, but I am back with some latest news I came across via You Know I Got Soul. They have interviewed a lot of Aaliyah's producers, writers and people behind the scenes etc... So you can rest assure that this is a reliable, trustworthy source. Knowing that there are many more unreleased songs, arrangements and vocals only makes us as Aaliyah fans more curious, eager to find out the latest. But hmmm...I wonder how this arrangement would sound without Static Major?