Aaliyah

Aaliyah Remembered By Drake, Mary J. Blige

25 Aug 2011 20:19:10 EDT

Collaborators and friends Missy Elliott and Timbaland also pay homage to the singer on the 10-year anniversary of her death.
By Gil Kaufman

Aaliyah in 2000
Photo: Dave Allocca/Getty Images

Friends and admirers of late R&B star Aaliyah took to Twitter on Thursday (August 25) to pay tribute to the One in a Million singer, who was killed 10 years ago in a Bahamas plane crash.

One of her closest musical collaborators, Missy Elliott, tweeted, "Aaliyah til this very day u r still in Your own Lane! Ure music is Timeless! We miss u!" Fellow Aaliyah confidant Timbaland offered a simple, "#ripaaliyah miss you babygirl." Another friend, rapper Q-Tip, couldn't believe how long it's been since his compatriot passed. "RIP 2 my girl Aaliyah," he wrote. "Man seems like yesterday ... Aaliyah and I were very close. We used 2 stay snapping on folks. She had a crazy sense of humor." Beyoncé's baby sister, Solange Knowles, had a lot to say about how influential Aaliyah was to her own musical career, ripping off a series of tweets in which she gave props to A. "I sang about crushes and realized just how abstract and wonderfully obscure you were with this ... genius video," she wrote, linking to the captivity-themed video for the seductive "4 Page Letter." Solange added, "I've grown up to you, idolized you, watched others try to capture what you had to no avail. You are the one & only Aaliyah! Never forgotten," noting that her 13th birthday party had a celebrity dress-up theme and that she came as Aaliyah and sang "One in a Million" on a karaoke machine. Plenty of contemporary stars also had Aaliyah on their mind, including Drake, who wrote, "RIP Baby Girl...in my ear at every show letting me know the next move I should make. Love you." Also weighing in was VMA-nominated MC Kreayshawn, who shared, "RIP Aaliyah! I miss you! Can't imagine the music and waves you woulda been makin this day!" Estelle wrote, "R.I.P. Aaliyah. #latebut miss her music," while Nick Cannon and Diddy also weighed in. Ciara wrote, "AALIYAH...A PRECIOUS SPIRIT...ONE OF A KIND...CAN NEVER BE REPLACED," and Mary J. Blige paid homage as well, reminding her followers to "take a moment to remember our sister Aaliyah!!!" Share your memories of Aaliyah in the comments section.

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Aaliyah: Celebrating Her Legacy, 10 Years Later

25 Aug 2011 07:03:14 EDT

We unpacked vintage footage, including the 'One in a Million' singer's 2001 MTV 'Diary' episode.
By Rebecca Thomas

Aaliyah in 2001
Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images

In pop music, five years between albums can seem like 500. But on the eve of the release of her self-titled third LP on July 17, 2001, Aaliyah — with two multiplatinum discs nailed to her wall and a fawning fanbase patiently waiting on her — had her stilettos firmly planted in the pop-cultural soil; the 22-year-old's grip on the game had only grown tighter since 1996's sophomore smash, One in a Million.

So that summer, the New York-born, Detroit-bred beauty took off on a dizzying promotional run for what she called her "most personal album" ("I'm hoping that people really feel me on this one," she told MTV in an interview). Among the to-do's dotting her datebook were in-store CD signings with fans, photo shoots for glossy fashion mags, appearances on shows like "Live With Regis and Kelly," presenting with Diddy at the '01 MTV Movie Awards and jet-lagged trips abroad to meet with foreign press. And MTV was there capturing it all for a special episode of the artist-narrated documentary series "Diary." "I am truly blessed to wake up every morning and do something that I love. There's nothing better than that," she says in the epi. From age 15, when she dropped her 1994 debut, the mature-beyond-her-years Age Ain't Nothing But a Number, Aaliyah had gotten to do exactly what she loved, as the bandana-rocking tomboy teen blossomed into a bewitching triple threat. While her untimely death, 10 years ago on Thursday (August 25) in a Bahamas plane crash, ended a bursting-at-the-seams career, fans still hum her infectious tunes, ape her slinky choreography and swoon over the catalog of stunning visuals she left behind. Rather than dwell on the loss, MTV News went digging in our vast store of beta tapes and turned up some choice on-air interviews with her (click the embedded video to see for yourself). "Everything is worth it," she says of her success, on "Diary." "The hard work, the times when you're tired, the times when you're a bit sad. In the end, it's all worth it because it really makes me happy." The year before she dropped Aaliyah, her sultry recording of the Timbaland-produced "Try Again," from the soundtrack for her feature-film debut "Romeo Must Die," netted her a Grammy and a Video Music Award, among other accolades. By 2001, Hollywood was fully on notice, sending her scripts, which led to roles like a high-profile part in the "Matrix" sequels. "I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'm also a bit of a workaholic and I want everything to be perfect," she adds after a grueling rehearsal with her dancers. But it wasn't all work, no play. Baby Girl, as frequent collaborator Missy Elliott and others affectionately called her, could be as goofy as the next girl. Backstage in another scene, with little prodding from hairstylist Eric Foreman (donning a lopsided wig), Aaliyah begins to harmonize to the Ashford & Simpson soul classic "Solid." Gripping her toy-store mic, she can barely keep it together before collapsing into laughter. While she had largely evaded the kind of scandal that can trip up other young pop stars, A was reflective, too, about success. "The best way to deal with fame is to have that personal life," she says at another point. That meant spending good time with her ever-present "glam squad," family, friends and then-boyfriend Damon Dash, the onetime Roc-a-Fella mogul. In the end though, Aaliyah had a central purpose, one that probably helps explain her enduring legacy. "It's all for the fans, it's so they know you and they can get into you," she says after a stream of alternately crying and screaming admirers pack an FYE record store to meet her. "Not just your music but to you as a person; it's something that's totally necessary." Share your memories of Aaliyah in the comments section.

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Michael Jackson's 'Hold My Hand' And More Posthumous Music Videos

09 Dec 2010 17:37:54 EST

Aaliyah, Tupac Shakur, Elvis Presley and more late superstars have popped up in videos after their deaths.
By James Montgomery

Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment

On Thursday (December 9), the late, great Michael Jackson returned to the music-video world with "Hold My Hand," a clip from the upcoming Michael album, which pairs his vocals with production work from some of today's top producers.

And much like that album, the "Hold My Hand" video is very much a retrospective affair, loaded with triumphant MJ performance footage and uplifting imagery (smiling children, sunrises, bright blue skies), not to mention a whole lot of Akon. And while fans can debate whether the clip is a worthy addition to the King of Pop's massive music-video legacy, it certainly carries on the tradition of the posthumous video, a rather ignominious — and incredibly profitable — wing of the music-industry machine. Yes, ever since Elvis Presley shuffled off this mortal coil, record labels have been churning out videos by deceased stars, for reasons that run the gamut from tribute to pure profit. Out of necessity (since the star is no longer with us), these videos are usually by-the-numbers affairs, full of stock footage and performance clips, the occasional use of animation and, of course, the odd celebrity cameo. More often than not, fans love them — which is why we keep seeing them. And since "Hold My Hand" has just been unveiled, we decided to take a look back at some of the most notable examples of stars who may no longer be with us, but continue to make music videos. Here's our Posthumous Playlist. Aaliyah
She died tragically in a 2001 plane crash, but her videos kept showing up on MTV. "I Care 4 U" was a collection of clips from the Japanese anime "Macross Pluss II," which feature her as a ghostly figure. "Miss You" was a tribute vid, starting with a heartfelt monologue by DMX and featuring cameos by the likes of Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim and Toni Braxton. "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" is a combination of footage from her old videos and newly animated bits, which reimagine Aaliyah as a superhero in a skintight getup. Elvis Presley
He died in 1977 but found chart success once again in 2002, when a remixed version of his song "A Little Less Conversation" was featured in a Nike World Cup commercial. A video, featuring performance footage of the King playing on a TV monitor (and a bunch of hyperactive dancers and models re-enacting his famous "Jailhouse Rock" video) was quickly assembled to capitalize. It was appropriately massive. John Lennon
Murdered outside his New York City home in 1980, Lennon's (then) just-released Double Fantasy quickly rose to #1 on the album charts and even won the Grammy for Album of the Year. The follow-up, Milk and Honey, was also a hit and featured the single "Nobody Told Me," which came with a posthumous video, complete with photos of Lennon as a child, his iconic wire-frame specs and even some of his illustrations. Nirvana
After the death of Kurt Cobain, there was no shortage of Nirvana sundry released, though the video for "You Know You're Right" — one of the last songs he recorded with the band — is the true standout, full of performance clips and backstage footage that capture the grunge icon at his most powerful, moody and, strangely enough, happy. The Notorious B.I.G.
He was killed in 1997, but his talent — and the prodigious amount of pre-recorded material he left behind — survives to this day. There truly is no shortage of posthumous Biggie videos, though the most notable are probably the flossy, glossy "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems," Spike Jonze's riotous "Sky's the Limit" (which stars nothing but children) and "Notorious Thugz," a team up with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony that features his ghost rapping inside a studio. Sublime
Frontman Bradley Nowell died just before the release of the trio's breakout self-titled album, and so — mostly out of necessity — Nowell (and his beloved dog, Lou) continued to turn up in the band's videos, including "What I Got," "Santeria" and "Wrong Way." TLC
Just before the release of their 2002 album 3D, founding member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was killed in a car accident in Honduras. The group's two remaining members pressed on, releasing a series of videos that paid tribute to their late friend. In the video for "Girl Talk," they wear outfits emblazoned with her name, and she shows up in animated form too. "Turntable" is a more traditional posthumous clip, made up of performance footage of the trio taken from their live shows and videos. Tupac Shakur
Unlike most late stars, Tupac left behind so much material that he never really left. The vaults were mined for more than a decade following his 1996 death, to the point where some believe he may actually still be with us. Not surprisingly, there are no shortage of posthumous music videos out there, including "I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto," which picks up after he was shot (and was filmed from his "point of view"); "Changes," a solemn tribute clip made up of news footage, scenes from his videos and movies and still photos; and "Until the End of Time," a more sparse affair, featuring clips of him onstage and in the studio. What is your favorite posthumous clip? Let us know in the comments.

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Aaliyah Remembered By Nicki Minaj, Diddy, T.I.

25 Aug 2010 19:04:04 EDT

'We'll always love you Aaliyah,' Nicki Minaj tweets.
By Mawuse Ziegbe

Aaliyah
Photo: Ebet Roberts/ Redferns

Nearly a decade has passed since R&B icon Aaliyah's death, and her impact is still being felt. On Wednesday (August 25), the ninth anniversary of the star's tragic death at age 22, Missy Elliott and Drake sounded off about the later singer's effect on music, and several of her celebrity fans took to Twitter to reflect on her enduring style and influence. Funky songstress Janelle Monáe credits Aaliyah's unique look and mesmerizing footwork with keeping her on the straight-and-narrow. "Aaliyah was an inspiration," the Midwestern-born artist tweeted. "Always kept me & my friends in [Kansas City] out of trouble. Too busy in the mirror doing her 'swoop' bang & dance moves.:)"

Many stars co-signed each other's thoughts about the late hitmaker, who died in a plane crash in the Bahamas after shooting her "Rock the Boat" video with Hype Williams. DJ Drama re-tweeted Trina's "R.I.P Aaliyah 'We Will Always Love You' " shout-out. Rick Ross re-tweeted T.I.'s "R.I.P. Aaliyah" message, while Mary J. Blige re-tweeted Ne-Yo's missive about the fallen star. "Today is the day that the R&B Angel Aaliyah passed on," the singer-songwriter wrote. "RT if you loved her the way I did!!WE MISS YOU BABYGIRL!!!!" "We'll always love you Aaliyah," Nicki Minaj tweeted. Minaj's Dream Team associate Diddy revealed that an unheard Puffy/Aaliyah collabo cooked up in the Caribbean is somewhere in the vaults. "Unknown fact: Aaliyah + I recorded a track in Trinidad that was never released- I wish I could find those tapes now," Diddy tweeted. "Damn. RIP AALIYAH." Timbaland protégé Keri Hilson said she felt a strong connection to the "One in a Million" singer. "#ripAaliyah I feel like you were a sister I've nvr had the pleasure of meeting," Hilson tweeted. "No one will ever replace your shine, nor should one try." Ciara, whose agile moves, belly-bearing tops and sassy vocals are reminiscent of the late singer's, agreed with Hilson that no one will be able to fill the void Aaliyah left behind. "RIP Aaliyah," the ATL songstress typed. "U can NEVER be replaced!!" Share your favorite Aaliyah memories in the comments below.

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Drake Writes A Letter To Aaliyah, Nine Years After Her Death

25 Aug 2010 18:12:59 EDT

'We remain inspired and moved by all that you've given the world,' he writes to the late singer.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Drake
Photo: FilmMagic

Drake's appreciation for Aaliyah is well-known, from the way he's spoken of the late singer in interviews to sampling her voice for his "Unforgettable" track with Young Jeezy. In honor of the nine-year anniversary of Aaliyah's death, Drake penned a letter to the "Rock the Boat" singer that was posted on RapRadar.com.

"Dear Dana," Drake begins, referring to the singer by her middle name. "I've never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed." The Thank Me Later rapper went on to explain that he was one of Aaliyah's biggest fans and that he was "truly in love" with her. He complimented the star's appearance, the way she carried herself, and the confidence she communicated in her music, be it about love or heartache. Now that he's become a professional musician, he lamented that he and Aaliyah would never get the chance to collaborate. "But you should know, we all listen to you every day and we remain inspired and moved by all that you've given the world," he finished. "I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I'll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet." Share your memories of Aaliyah in the comments.

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Missy Elliott Remembers Aaliyah, Nine Years Later

25 Aug 2010 06:50:56 EDT

'I miss her every day,' late singer's collaborator tells MTV News.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Aaliyah in 2000
Photo: Dave Allocca/Getty Images

It's been nine years since Aaliyah Dana Haughton died in a plane crash and left an immense void in the hearts of her family, friends and fans. The singer's star was still rising when her life was cut short. She released multiplatinum albums and had just started her film career, but there was always a sense that her journey would be a long one, destined for greatness.

Traces of her style and influence are apparent in contemporary artists, but her legacy is most evident in her collaborators, including Timbaland, Ginuwine and Missy Elliot. Missy spoke with MTV News via e-mail and shared some of her favorite Aaliyah memories. MTV: When you look around today at some of the current R&B stars, who do you see traces of Aaliyah's influence in? Missy Elliott: I think it's hard for Aaliyah to be duplicated, because she had her own lane. But Ciara is an R&B singer who loves to dance, and Aaliyah was that same kinda artist. We knew when she dropped a record, we couldn't wait for the video. I think Aaliyah has influenced artists like a Ciara. MTV: How do you spend a day like this, where everyone is mourning the anniversary of your friend's passing? Elliott: I plan to spend my day the same as any other day, because there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of [Aaliyah] or watch a video or play her music. I miss her every day. MTV: Do you know of any update on the plans for an Aaliyah movie? Elliott: As far as a movie for Aaliyah, I've been hearing some things but don't know how true they are, and out of respect for her family, I would wait until they announce it. That way we will know it's a fact. MTV: I'm sure you have so many memories of Aaliyah. What was it like the first time you met her? Elliott: When me and Tim first went to work with her, we were so nervous. She was such a big star, and I was scared she was gonna be some diva, sipping on tea, with people fixing her hair and nails, and she would say, "What is this music you got! It's wack!" But when we walked in the studio, her smile made the whole room glow! She was like "Heyyyyy!" and gave us big hugs and made us feel like we were her cousins from down South. She was a very sweet spirit! Never seen her angry as long as I've known her, and in this business, that's unheard of! MTV: What memory do you revisit most when you think about Aaliyah? Elliott: We've had so many memorable times. My most memorable is when me, her and Tim wore outfits alike! It was burgundy Pony outfits to the awards. Mind you, Aaliyah was petite so her Pony outfit looked so cute on her, but I kept looking at mine during the awards whispering to her saying, "I feel like a big-ass pony for real!" And we laughed and laughed! Too many memories to state them all! If she was still with us, she would still be at the top. Because she always stayed pushing herself to be better. Share your memories of Aaliyah in the comments.

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Remembering Aaliyah

25 Aug 2009 07:24:00 EDT

The R&B singer died after a plane crash eight years ago today.
By

Aaliyah in 2001
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

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Aaliyah: Remembering Her Legacy Eight Years On

25 Aug 2009 07:21:00 EDT

On the eighth anniversary of her untimely death, we look back on her accomplishments and wonder what might have been.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Aaliyah in 2000
Photo: Dave Allocca/Getty Images

One of the last hits from Aaliyah's all-too-brief career was the track "More Than a Woman," released posthumously from her self-titled third LP. The song and the video both showcased Aaliyah Dana Haughton, then 22, at her finest: flirty, reserved, sultry and, most importantly, it left listeners and viewers with a palpable sense that there was indeed more to come from this talented artist. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying her and her entourage crashed shortly after takeoff. Her death — which occurred exactly eight years ago — still feels like it happened entirely too soon.

Ever since the Detroit singer and dancer debuted in 1994 with Age Ain't Nothing But a Number, we all watched Aaliyah blossom. Her initial look of dark sunglasses and baggy clothes evolved into a more adult look on her next album, One In a Million. She was always beautiful, but later as a young woman she exuded the kind of appeal that was as sexy as a whisper in your ear — so subtle that it never had to be overtly pointed out. She also possessed the type of talent and charisma that led many to believe her future was as bright as a supernova. "Aaliyah was one of the finest young women I have ever worked with. She was a consummate professional, an amazing talent with limitless potential and, most importantly, an exceptional person," Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who worked with the singer on the film "Romeo Must Die," said in a statement after her death. "Her passing is a huge loss to her many friends here at Warner Bros. and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and to those who loved her as we did." Her credits are easy to remember: three albums that were each certified double-platinum along with the aforementioned "Romeo Must Die," which helped to put her on Hollywood's map. Another film, "Queen of the Damned," was released after she passed. Her legacy is slinkier — immense yet understated, just like her voice. Traces of it lie the way Ciara moved in the video for "Promise." It's there in Rihanna's runway-fashion sense. Keri Hilson's around-the-way persona and Nicole Scherzinger's simmering sexuality share a debt to her. And the sense of what her career could have ultimately become is evident in Beyoncé's multimedia presence.




	Aaliyah: A Life In Photos

During Aaliyah's rise, she and her contemporaries shared a number of similarities, most notably an affinity for going by just one name: Brandy, Monica, Mya, etc. All of them did well from the very beginning. Since then, of course, they've continued to experience success, but each with the usual ups and downs that fame tends to dish out. Aaliyah undoubtedly would have gone on to accomplish more. But she always felt different, more mature than her age — and her ascent also felt more gradual and firm, and when she passed there was a sadness that resonated because she was set to soar. "I'll be more than a lover, more than a woman," she sang. "I'm gonna be more. I don't think you're ready." There truly was no way we could have been.

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For The Record: Quick News On Eminem, Aaliyah, Panic! At The Disco, DMX, Beyonce, Britney Spears & More

25 Aug 2006 18:39:00 EDT

Em auctioning kicks for charity; candlelight vigil held for Aaliyah; Panic frontman hit by bottle.
By MTV News staff report

Photo: Bill Pugliano/ Getty Images

Eminem has teamed with Nike to auction off a limited-edition series of Air Max sneakers to benefit the rapper's Marshall Mathers Foundation and NineMillion.org, an agency dedicated to protecting refugees worldwide. The partnership will see the Shady Records CEO design eight models of the popular shoe, and they will be available to bid on at Nike stores and via eBay. "We're always looking for new ways to try to raise money and awareness for the foundation, so when Nike approached us we jumped at the chance," Eminem said in a statement. "When we got the info on NineMillion.org, it made even more sense. Who wouldn't want to design their own line of Nikes? And to do it for charity makes it that much better." Only 64 pairs of sneakers will be made available, with each set autographed by the multiplatinum star. The four-week auction begins Thursday. ... A candlelight vigil for Aaliyah will be held Friday night (August 25) in New York's Central Park at the weeping willow tree that was planted in the singer's memory. The memorial, being held five years after her tragic passing, will take place at 7 p.m. Services took place earlier in the day at Ferncliff Cemetery, where Aaliyah is buried. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund recently partnered with Zingy, which is devoting 100 percent of the proceeds from sales of Aaliyah ringtones and wallpaper to the nonprofit organization. Fans who want to make a direct donation to the fund or send letters can do so at MemorialFund.Kintera.org. ... Panic! at the Disco frontman Brendon Urie got a rather rude welcome to the stage at the Reading Festival on Friday: a bottle to the face. The band had just launched into the opening chords of its first song on the main stage at Reading — one of the U.K.'s oldest summer festivals — when someone in the crowd launched a bottle that clocked him square in the kisser. Urie immediately collapsed and was surrounded by his bandmates and roadies before getting back on his feet. Urie was OK, and Panic finished their set without further bottle-related hijinks. ... DMX has done it again. The unpredictable rap star, who was scheduled to perform for troops in Kuwait and Iraq on a United Service Organizations tour this week, failed to arrive for his flight on Wednesday, the organization announced Thursday. "We are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked us to arrange for him," a USO spokesperson said in a statement. "[He] let a lot of people down." X was initially scheduled to depart on Tuesday, but the rapper's representatives asked to postpone the flight by a day. The next morning, however, X was a no-show. "DMX missed the flight," his management responded via e-mail. "[But] we did not anticipate that this would lead to the entire tour being canceled. He was extremely disappointed and saddened. This trip was planned with the greatest of intentions. He admires these soldiers and wants the troops and the USO to know that he will do anything to make it up to them." ... If you like Beyoncé's "Ring the Alarm," you ain't heard nothing yet, says the track's producer, Swizz Beatz. "That's just one of the many presents I gave her for her B'Day," he said. "I have the most tracks on her album as a single producer, and just wait till you hear the other three. I've never heard a singer singing on tracks like this. It hasn't been done in R&B yet, and if she can pull this off, it's going down. We're taking stuff to the next level." ... Swizz promises something just as groundbreaking for the new Britney Spears album, which he's currently working on with songwriter Sean Garrett. "That's my partner in crime right there," Swizz said. "The Britney stuff, we're creating just for her. It's a lot of tempo, a lot of hard drums, a lot of sonic changes. It's just something that when you hear it, you get goose bumps. She's back for real." ... Also keeping Swizz busy with his beats is Jennifer Lopez, who's working with the producer on her upcoming ska-pop album. "It's coming out incredible," he said. "We're putting together some great things, and not what everyone's expecting. Think a little Jamiroquai, a little Sade. It's real feel-good music." ... Beck has decided on "Cell Phone's Dead" as the first single from his new album, The Information, due October 3. Michel Gondry directed the video ... Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton will be on the sidelines when the band begins its Route of All Evil Tour with Mötley Crüe on September 14 in Holmdel, New Jersey. Hamilton, who just finished a seven-week course of radiation treatment for throat cancer, will be with his family until he rejoins the band in mid-October. David Hull, who played with Aerosmith's lead guitarist in the Joe Perry Project, will be filling in. ... Plenty of "American Idol" top-10 finishers have released albums, but a 13th-placer? Make way for Ayla Brown, 18, the basketball-playing almost-finalist from the most recent "Idol" season who announced Thursday — just hours after her "Idol" obligation lapsed — that she is releasing her debut, Forward, on October 17 on the Double Deal Brand Records label. According to the singer's Web site, the first single, "Know You Better/ I Quit," will be released on September 12. The album is slated to feature songs written by Grammy winner Diane Warren, David Eriksen (Clay Aiken, Lindsay Lohan), Ruby Amanfu, singer Jonatha Brooke and Phil Thornalley (Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn"). ... A man who claimed to be the illegitimate son of producer/singer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds pleaded guilty on Thursday to a misdemeanor intimidation charge for his role in trying to extort millions from the singer. According to the Indianapolis Star, John Travis Clark will spend three months in a work-release program and be on probation for six months after threatening to go on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and announce he was Edmonds' son unless he was paid $20 million. Edmonds did not attend the hearing, but said in a statement, "I want to make it emphatically clear that John Clark is not my son. I do not know his mother. [He] sought to ruin my reputation by broadcasting his lies to the entire country, which would not only destroy my family but would resonate loudly in the music industry." ... Moby and John Digweed will headline Ultra.NY, a live DJ event scheduled for September 22 at Rumsey Playfield in New York's Central Park. Soulwax Nite Versions, Junkie XL, Benny Benassi, Boris and David Waxman are also on the bill. ... "I Trust You to Kill Me," a documentary following Kiefer Sutherland as a tour manger for Rocco DeLuca & the Burden in a jaunt through Europe, will hit select theaters beginning September 8 in New York and a week later in Los Angeles. Rocco DeLuca is the first act on Sutherland and Jude Cole's Ironworks label. 08.24.2006 Proud papa Mathew Knowles says enough is enough — people should stop picking on his daughter. In the wake of the latest rumor that Beyoncé's B'Day is being pushed back from its September 5 release date, the singer's manager has come out swinging. On Thursday (August 24), he released a statement attacking the haters. "It is apparent that there is a consistent plan by some to create chaos around Beyoncé's B'Day album release on September 5 in the U.S.," he said. "First, it was a petition against the single 'Deja Vu,' then a rumor regarding conflict between Beyoncé and Rihanna, seizures caused by the 'Ring the Alarm' video, putting out a single to compete with LeToya's album and now, to add to all the ridiculous rumors, my plan to postpone the release of her B'Day album. What will be next? Beyoncé's cut off all her hair? Dyed it green? Maybe she's singing the songs in reverse with some hidden subliminal message!" Knowles went on to say he is pleased with the success of "Deja Vu" and outlined a plan for his daughter to have three singles in the marketplace at once. He also noted that B has not been thrown off-course by the distractions. ... Volkswagen sponsored a VIP screening and listening party for Outkast's "Idlewild" film and soundtrack on Wednesday night in New York. The screening kicked off at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 in Manhattan, where Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma and radio personality Miss Info took in the film. Donnell "Ashy Larry" Rawlings of "Chappelle's Show," Mario and model Tyson Beckford partied at club Providence afterward. ... Looks like Tokyo can handle Britney's bod after all. Promotional posters for the Japanese edition of the controversial Harper's Bazaar issue featuring a nude shot of Spears on its cover had been deemed "too stimulating" for posting, but now Tokyo Metro has agreed to present the image in full form as an exception to its obscenity rule, The Associated Press reports. The screening team said it understands publisher HB Japan Inc. had intended to portray Spears as a happy mother, not be sexually explicit. "I'm glad the subway officials understood the meaning of the photo," Kayoko Higashino, deputy chief editor of the magazine's Japanese edition, told AP. In the censored area, the publisher had intended to write, "in this place we are not allowed to exercise the same level of freedom of expression as the original Harper's Bazaar." ... The Black Eyed Peas will be without tourmates Pussycat Dolls for three dates on their current tour. PCD will miss shows on Thursday (August 24) in Mansfield, Massachusetts; Friday in Wantagh, New York; and Sunday in Syracuse, New York, after <

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Aaliyah's Label Can't Sue Video Producer Who Booked Ill-Fated Flight

07 Jan 2005 09:21:00 EST

Court rules only singer's parents have right to sue for wrongful death.
By Alyssa Rashbaum

Photo: Blackground

A New York court has ruled that Aaliyah's record company cannot sue the video producer who booked the private jet that crashed in the Bahamas in 2001, killing the singer. The Manhattan appeals court reversed its June 2004 decision, which had allowed the company to file suit, saying on Thursday that only Aaliyah's parents had a right to sue for wrongful death (see "Aaliyah Killed In Plane Crash"), which they had already done in 2003 and received compensation for, according to The Associated Press. The June ruling allowed Blackground Records to file suit because Aaliyah was considered the prime "asset" of the company and not just an employee. According to the AP, Frank Penski, Blackground's appellate lawyer, said as of Thursday he had not seen the decision and did not know if his client would further pursue a lawsuit against the producer. For complete coverage of the Aaliyah tragedy, see The Aaliyah Reports.

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