The posthumous album “Unstoppable” by the late R&B legend Aaliyah, is set for release this year but fans are already criticizing the project. The album has been in the works for nearly four years under her former label Blackground Records. The owners of the label include Jomo and record producer Barry Hankerson, which is also Aaliyah’s uncle.
On January 16, which would have been Aaliyah’s 45th birthday, the record label teased the upcoming release of “Unstoppable,” on social media.
“Unstoppable” is said to include several big name recording artist such as Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Future, and Drake. Many fans are livid asking why does it include all features when there are an abundance of talented female artist that deserve the honor of being on a track with the music icon. Here’s what one fan, @AllThingsDante, wrote on X:
“imagine having the opp to create a new Aaliyah album with an entire generation of women that were directly influenced (Ciara, Teyana, Tinashe, Normani, Jhene, CxH, H.E.R., Sevyn, etc.) but instead we get Snoop Dogg, Neyo, Future, CB, a weird Weeknd song…yikes“
Another fan @FitFlyFellow also expressed his displeasure with the project.
“This man is literally just capitalizing off of her and it’s so disappointing. There was so much potential for a posthumous project, but this ain’t it.“
What is even more incredulous to fans is that reports are circulating that all profits from the album sells will not go to Aaliyah’s estate but to Blackground Records.
In 2021, a statement was released by Aaliyah’s estate explaining their battle against others they believe are attempting to capitalize on her legacy.
#ISTANDWITHAALIYAH
“PROTECTING AALIYAH’S LEGACY IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE OUR FOCUS. FOR 20 YEARS WE HAVE BATTLED BEHIND THE SCENES. ENDURING SHADOWY TACTICS OF DECEPTION WITH UNAUTHORIZED PROJECTS TARGETED TO TARNISH. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CONFUSED AS TO WHY THERE IS SUCH A TENACITY IN CAUSING MORE PAIN ALONGSIDE WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE TO COPE WITH FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES NOW IN THIS 20TH YEAR. THIS UNSCRUPULOUS ENDEAVOR TO RELEASE AALIYAH’S MUSIC WITHOUT ANY TRANSPARENCY OR FULL ACCOUNTING TO THE ESTATE COMPELS OUR HEARTS TO EXPRESS A WORD – FORGIVENESS”
“ALTHOUGH WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEFEND OURSELVES AND HER LEGACY LAWFULLY AND JUSTLY, WE WANT TO PREEMPT THE INEVITABLE ATTACKS ON OUR CHARACTER BY ALL THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EMERGED FROM THE SHADOWS TO LEECH OFF OF AALIYAH’S LIFE’S WORK. ULTIMATELY, WE DESIRE CLOSURE AND A MODICUM OF PEACE SO WE CAN FACILITATE THE GROWTH OF THE AALIYAH MEMORIAL FUND AND OTHER CREATIVE PROJECTS THAT EMBODY AALIYAH’S TRUE ESSENCE, WHICH IS TO INSPIRE STRENGTH AND POSITIVITY FOR PEOPLE OF ALL CREEDS, RACES AND CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD.”
.. THE ESTATE OF AALIYAH HAUGHTON
In an emotional 2022 exclusive interview with Billboard, Hankerson did admit his relationship with his sister (Aaliyah’s mother Diane) is not what is used to be before the untimely death of the R&B star. Hankerson also stated that Aaliyah’s mother previously wanted the music released, though the estate which is controlled by Aaliyah’s mother and older brother contradicts that statement now.
Hankerson also gave a response to the backlash he’s received surrounding the album release.
“It’s been hurtful at times because my intentions were honest and good. I wanted to bring the consumer all of the music that they wanted to enjoy again”. He went on to say, “We got a couple of features that we normally wouldn’t have had. Everybody that we asked to do a feature jumped at doing it. It was wonderful to see the love from so many superstars. It took awhile to do this and I hope the fans forgive me once they get it. The only part that has been a little distasteful was so many people angry with me because the music didn’t come out when they wanted it. But I learned to live with that.”
When asked if he had any regrets Hankerson stated, “We wouldn’t have shot the last video on Aaliyah.”
As you may know Aaliyah traveled to the Bahamas to shoot scenes for her final video “Rock The Boat.” After shooting the video, she and the film crew were heading back to the states when their plane went down shortly after takeoff at Marsh Harbour Airport in Abaco, Bahamas, killing everyone on board.
As the bitter battle over the release of “Unstoppable” continues we hope that an agreement can be reached on behalf of all parties involved. Aaliyah was truly an amazing recording artist and actress. Her accomplishments and the impact she made on the music and entertainment industry can never be duplicated. She is and will always be “One In a Million.”
Aaliyah Dana Haughton | January 16, 1979 -August 25, 2001