Today (Aug. 25) marks the 19-year death anniversary of Aaliyah, who was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas after filming the music video for the single “Rock the Boat.”
In honor of the late singer, her estate released a statement giving fans an update on her music, which is not yet available to stream.
“To our loyal fans,” the statement began. “We are excited to announce that communication has commenced between the estate and various record labels about the status of Aaliyah’s music catalogue, as well as its availability on streaming platforms in the near future. Thank you for your continued love and support. More updates to come!”
The estate’s official statement about the status of Aaliyah’s catalog wouldn’t be the first time fans anticipated the release of her music on streaming platforms. Earlier this year, an account impersonating her uncle Barry Hankerson, whose Blackground Records owns all her masters, promised her songs would be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Prime Music on the late singer’s 41st birthday.
After hearing some of Aaliyah’s songs in Verzuz battles between Timbaland and Swizz Beatz and Ne-Yo and Johnta Austin, the singers’ fans created the hashtag #FreeAaliyahMusic with hopes to get access to the music released following her debut album, which is already on music platforms. Now, it seems they’re one step closer to getting their wishes!
In the meantime, Aaliyah’s loved ones have been praising the late singer with heartfelt tributes.
“Your music has always been 10 STEPS AHEAD & Your sound is still FUTURISTIC,” close friend and collaborator Missy Elliott penned in a tweet. “Your fashion always been ONE OF KIND. You rocked your outfits with SWAG & SAUCE! Just know that you are still inspiring generations til this day. We love you #Aaliyah.”
Timbaland, who also worked closely with Aaliyah, posted a throwback photo alongside the caption “R I P🙏🏽🙏🏽 BABEGIRL 👑👑♥️♥️♥️.”
Austin also shared some loving words to the “Try Again” singer on the anniversary of her death.
Next to a photo of him and Aaliyah during their first studio session together, he wrote, “I post at least twice a year about you, but I lose track of the actual times that I think of & remember you, your humor, your work ethic, your attempts to learn ATL slang (which were successful) & the way you seemed to light up any environment you entered. Keep saving my place by the 🔥 I’ll be along when I can.”