Story
New Aaliyah Biography Book Will Release For 20th Anniversary Of Her Passing
Much like her lyrics in the title track off One In A Million, Aaliyah’s legacy has continued to live on and on and on. With her music finally expected to hit streaming services in the near future, plus the 20th anniversary of her passing arriving next summer, it goes without saying that now is a very special time for fans of the late music icon. That’s why it comes as a glorious surprise that veteran music journalist Kathy Iandoli has officially announced that she’ll be releasing an official biography book on the life of our eternal “Princess of R&B,” fittingly titled Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah.
Image: KMazur/WireImage/Getty
A play off Timbaland’s classic line during his verse on the 1998 smash hit “Are You That Somebody?,” Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah promises an in-depth look at her life like never before, including never-before-heard stories, personal recollections from the people that knew her personally and fan accounts from those who were around when she was alive and the many across the world keeping her legacy alive in 2020. According to Billboard, the book will be distributed under Simon & Schuster/Atria Books, and cover even the touchy subjects such as the investigation behind the plane crash that took her life on August 25, 2001, as well as the infamously illegal marriage to R. Kelly.
In regards to Kellz, here’s what Kathy wrote about his addition to the book:
“For all the Aaliyah fans out there, I just want to make something very clear: with regard to R. Kelly, I have chosen to discuss how despite his abusive patterns, Aaliyah survived and became an icon. The book in no way glorifies his predatory behavior, nor does it take up a large chunk of the book. Quite frankly, he doesn’t deserve it. I know news outlets have chosen to make that tiny piece their whole headline, but trust that’s not what the book will reflect. This book is about a musical genius who is the reason most artists of today even have a career, but in order to discuss her enduring strength, I had to discuss a little bit of what made her so strong.”
Peep the cover reveal for Kathy Iandoli’s Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah biography book below:
Artist Spotlight
The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.
Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.
Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”
With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.
“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.
The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.
Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.
Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoYG Kayboe merges soul and street savvy on the potent “By The Way”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoThe AYAMI unveils a soft anthem of rebirth on new release “Good Morning”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoThe trapheaux gracefully glides over in new release “Marble Floors”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoGarth Adam unveils a beautiful piano arrangement on “Here We Are Emotional – Radio Edit”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoNIHLNØTHING unleashes increased tides on new release “ocean” Power
-
Artist Spotlight1 day agoMamz’elle BEE Swing Orchestra revives swing with “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoFrançois Marius & Bérénice reimagine a classic groove on new release “Billie Jean (Reggae Version)”
-
Artist Spotlight1 day agoFrançois Marius & Bérénice becomes rhythmic with new release “Life’s A Festival”