Aaliyah (born Aaliyah Dana Haughton) was an American singer, actor, dancer, and model. Born in 1979, she signed her first record deal at age 12 and released her double-platinum debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number in 1994. The album featured hits including the title track, Back & Forth, and a cover of The Isley Brothers’ At Your Best (You Are Love). 

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Aaliyah's sophomore album One in a Million boasted hits such as the lead single If Your Girl Only Knew, and 4 Page Letter, and paired the singer’s laid-back vocal stylings with futuristic production by Timbaland and Missy Elliott. Her third and final studio album, Aaliyah, showcased her artistic evolution—the project drew together elements of R&B, soul, and pop—and featured hits like We Need a Resolution, More Than a Woman, and Rock the Boat.

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Her impact on pop culture extends beyond music. In addition to starring in films like Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned, she's often credited with popularizing baggy clothing through her “around-the-way girl” aesthetic. Many of today's biggest R&B and hip-hop artists, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake, have cited her as an influence. Aaliyah’s life was cut short in 2001 when she died in a plane crash on her way home after a music video shoot in the Bahamas. She was 22 years old.