To the excitement of fans all around the globe, Aaliyah’s estate announced that her YouTube channel is finally under its control and that fans can expect a launch of the channel in 2021.
“Thank you for all of your love and support,” the estate’s Instagram post said. “We are proud to announce that the Estate is now in control of the “Aaliyah” YouTube account. 2021 will the year of Aaliyah! See you all in the new year!”
On the 19th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death, the estate revealed that there were talks regarding the accessibility of her music catalogue on streaming platforms.
“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!”
After her untimely demise in 2001, fans were disappointed to find out that her music was not available on popular streaming platforms. For years, there was speculation that Blackground record label head Barry Hankerson, who is also Aaliyah’s uncle, was the one responsible for preventing fans and the industry from having access to the late singer’s catalogue.
Notably, the person actually running Aaliyah’s estate has not been named publicly and the reasons why her catalogue would be restricted from public access have yet to be revealed. However, many believe the conspiracy theory that Hankerson was coerced to hold her music in order to “allow” other singers to establish their legacies in the music industry.
Others believed that the withholding was the result of several litigations targeting the record label and Hankerson. Even if the powers that be tried to bury the memory and impact of Aaliyah, it evidently didn’t work with dedicated fans around the world keeping the R&B icon’s name alive — as they have with the likes of John Lennon, Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and Nipsey Hussle.
It’s been a long, frustrating road for fans who understand Aaliyah’s cultural impact and the significance of her music catalogue. Not only were fans bereaved by the absence of Aaliyah’s music, but the subsequent news over the years regarding her legacy angered them, as well. Misrepresentations of the star were further instigated by constant comparisons to other singers and a sudden revival of her connection to disgraced singer R. Kelly.
To add insult to injury, an unauthorized biopic released by Lifetime in 2014 irresponsibly presented an inaccurate representation of the “Try Again” music artist, with one of her most aggrieved critics, Wendy Williams, at the producing helm.
Her star still shines in spite of the mishandling of her legacy — the result of an incredible work ethic that established an unforgettable imprint. During her career, Aaliyah managed to chart on Billboard 15 times, with her most famous single “Try Again” landing in the No. 1 spot. She would chart with posthumous singles “Miss You,” “Rock The Boat,” “More Than A Woman,” and Chris Brown’s “Don’t Think They Know,” to name a few. She was also a five-time Grammy nominee, selling over 30 million records worldwide.
Fans are crossing their fingers that they will have access to her music and unreleased tracks in the upcoming new year.
