Rest in Peace and Power - Aaliyah Dana Haughton aka Babygirl

You see this picture right here? Not only is this a vinyl record of "If your girl only knew" but it's a PROMOTIONAL copy! So, you already know it's a lot more valuable. In fact, it's one of the most priceless things I own. Anyone that truly knows me can tell you how big of an Aaliyah I am. I've told the story before but basically a week after she passed I was soo distraught because I always wanted to meet her. I did. In my dreams, I was able to see her, hug her, and talk to her in a really deep conversation. Everything felt so real. I never met her in the physical realm, but I did meet her in the spiritual realm. I've never had a dream like that before or after I saw Aaliyah. Here are a few of my favorite videos by Aaliyah! Enjoy!

Drake and producer 40 (Noah Shebib) to executive produce Aaliyah posthumous album

I have to be completely honest right now. I have no idea how well this project is going to come off. In fact, I still haven't listened to the new Aaliyah track with Drake yet. I don't know if I can. I guess that's the big Aaliyah fan in me. She is someone dear to my heart. I mean, when you have a dream like I had with Aaliyah and the conversation that took place, you'll always have a deep spiritual connection that cannot be broken. One thing I will note is that 40 and Drake do have some good ears, so melodically and sonically I think the project has a lot of potential. And also the fact that Timbaland is on board to produce a few tracks and probably Missy Elliott. If they can bring back the old magic and mix it in with the movement they bring for today on some non beef ish, this could work. I'm very hopeful because Aaliyah deserves her music presented in a correct manner. She DESERVES it. I really hope they take their time with this if it does go down. I know Aaliyah's fam does not approve (who can blame them), but if the project comes out very well with the respect, love, care, and genuine heart that Aaliyah possessed - that's all that matters in the end.

Timbaland talks about creating "Are you that somebody"

I'm not a producer by any means, but I love hearing behind the scenes stories such as this especially when it involves Aaliyah (RIP Baby Girl). "Are you that Somebody?" is one of my favorite Aaliyah tracks. In fact, I think it is my favorite. Everything from the video, the looks, the dances, the matches in choreography to the little details in Timbo's track (who creates break downs in tracks these days?). I'll let Timbo tell the story. Also, check out the video for "Are you that somebody?" and Timbo's new hit, "Break ya back" featuring Dev. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Aaliyah!!

Well, here is one of my more personal blogs. Aaliyah is someone I've admired, had a crush on since I was around 8 years old. She always had this mystic, cool, secretive vibe about her that I always loved. From the time that she was producing her songs with R. Kelly to the times of Missy and Timbo, she had a great track record and was nowhere near the height of her career! In fact, that joint was simply STARTING to take off.

I remember when Aaliyah passed away, I couldn't contain myself at all. I was extremely sad..I rarely cry but I definitely cried when she passed. Although, I had not met her, she had a strong presence in my life. Her character, her goofiness, her elegant voice, her playful nature was just so authentic. She didn't have to be sexy, she was just naturally beautiful, period. She was going hard on songs with DMX and brought that polish to a rough diamond. She was rocking baggy jeans, timbs, and a tanktop. Still killing a lot of these females nowadays rocking skimpy clothing.

I still recall time and time again when I had a dream about Aaliyah probably a few days after she passed. It was so vivid, it felt so real! Like the air was slapping my face in a good way, and she was right there in person. I always wanted to meet her in real life and never got the chance to, but God wanted me to meet her in a spiritual form. That made it even more special. We were just chillin in my neighborhood. I have no reason why because I didn't ask. She was just a real chill, cool person. No celebrity to her. She just really enjoyed the simple things in life. She was telling me that she had to go the Bahamas in a couple weeks to shoot her video "Rock the Boat". I felt like a prophet because I already knew what happened. I said to her, "Aaliyah, please don't go on that flight...you won't return home. Your plane will crash." She said to me with the most convincing voice and most piercing, gentle eyes, "If I'm to die, then I have no control over it. It's up to God. If it's my fate, then so be it." She simply smiled right after this to me. My dream ended.

Now, you see..hearing this in a dream was just so eerie but made so much sense. I honestly became much more spiritual after I had this dream. I realized that although I had not met Aaliyah in a physical form, God allowed me to see her in a spiritual and most personal format. From that moment on, I always felt like Aaliyah was a guardian angel of mine. Always somehow looking down on me. Checking up on me. I haven't had anymore dreams about her since that moment, but for me...that's good enough.

Aaliyah, your legacy will continue on through your family, your friends, your fans, and your music. We will NEVER forget you. Rest in peace.

A few joints i'm feeling

Here is Mos Def's History video featuring Talib Kweli. I think it's a really dope video. I love black and white videos. The lighting is really dope, and I like the imagery (Muhammad Ali..amongst other things). Mos Def and Talib Kweli always make a dope team together. The vibe is really classy....it shows different sites of NYC - like Brooklyn, etc. Mos Def imho is a very underrated artist - it sucks in this world of ringtone rap and catchy hooks and dances - that true raw to the bone art is pushed back. However, I'm glad cuz the ones that do have more than just ears and eyes can truly see the precious gems in these music videos. Props to Mos Def for doing his thing.



The next joint I wanna get into is Jay-Z's "On to the Next One" ft Swizz Beats. This video is stirring up a lot of controversy due to it's "seemingly" satanic/demonic/occult images, but that's truly not the case. I feel it's more of a mock off of everyone saying that he practices masonry. But more importantly, it's a tribute to another black artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (R.I.P.). I think the video is really dope - the black and white, the lighting is really crisp, the images are ill, the different costumes, and just the flow of the video. It's just a really classy/cool/urban but retro vibe. I think Sam Brown definitely did his thing on this video. Jay-Z is coming toward the beginning of the Fall (Season) of his life. And you can definitely the finesse he has with his style and the maturity he's bring with age and longevity in the music world. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for not only the Blueprint, but the next LP he's working on. Props.





The last one for now is Timbaland's "Say Something" featuring Drake. First off, Timbo is a legend in the game producing for tons and tons of ppl like Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Aaliyah (R.I.P.) so you already know his music catalog is beyond on point. I will say that although this is not Timbo's most impressive track, the simplicity of the song makes it shine by itself. The beat is simplistic but it's infectious. Not only that, Drake's vocals on the song fit perfectly. The hook is also nice, so I'm definitely feeling this. A lot of people are knocking Drake because of the accolades he's getting without releasing an official album, and I can understand that. All I'm saying is give this dude a chance...he's coming from a different perspective. I don't put him in my top 10 or even 20 fav emcees, but I think he's got some good material. And if he keeps putting out consistent songs and stays true to himself - I think he has the chance for some longevity. I'm not just getting on the bandwagon, either. I've been a rebel since day one, but I will say this - I've been listening to this cat since "Comeback Season" in 2006-2007. This was before mad ppl knew who the hell he was, and I've watched Degrassi since 2001. This kid got talent. So check out the vid....