How is Aaliyah remembered and celebrated 25 years after her untimely passing at age 22? Do you remember where you were when you found out the tragic news?

Aaliyah’s fast rise from a teen R&B idol into global superstardom showed so much promise for what could have been. From her final critically acclaimed self-titled album to a potential world tour, to being a highly sought-after film star, and whether she could have been a fashion and cosmetics entrepreneur like Rihanna, these are all possibilities that will never be realized.

Returning guest and veteran music journalist brittany spanos and I discuss the pop culture impact of Aaliyah’s legacy, from her early upbringing, controversial pairing with R. Kelly, her introduction of Missy Elliott and Timbaland, who would change the R&B landscape, the trajectory that her final album released weeks before her passing would have taken her into, and her promising film career after her debut in the hit movie alongside Jet Li, “Romeo Must Die.”

We talk about the messy rollout of her posthumous legacy, led by her uncle Barry Hankerson, where for a long period, her music (except her debut album) was out-of-print and not available for digital purchase or streaming, leading to years of squandered opportunities to honor her legacy and introduce Aaliyah’s music to a new generation. We think of the impact that she is making today and where it can lead to next.

Bio:

Brittany Spanos is a renowned music journalist and former senior writer for Rolling Stone. Throughout her tenure at the magazine, she authored more than 15 cover stories, profiling era-defining artists including Lorde, Adele, Harry Styles, Janelle Monáe, Jennie and Addison Rae.

Beyond her long-form profiles, Spanos has gained acclaim for her insightful commentary on music history and internet culture. She currently produces BRIT POP, a weekly newsletter where she reviews new music and rounds up the week’s most essential pop news for a dedicated community of subscribers.

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