To me, Aaliyah has always stood out in the crowded world of R&B. She had a soft, soothing voice which she used perfectly to complement her music; she never 'oversang' or strained herself by trying to make her voice sound more powerful than it was. On top of her good looks, she had a cool, sexy-yet-modest style and a maturity about her that I found very attractive. She had excellent production by my favorite producer, Timbaland, and sang songs with themes I could appreciate. Songs like Man Undercover, which gives props to low-key guys who don't flash all the money or sport the latest gear; or Try Again, with a self-explanatory message are examples of songs with simple, positive themes that are refreshing amidst a sea of materialistic, 'no-good-brotha'-type songs.

While already a star to most of the African-American population, she was poised to turn into a full-fledged superstar with her acting career gaining much momentum. Aside from Romeo Must Die and the sequel to Interview with a Vampire, Queen of the Damned (not yet released), her upcoming roles in the Matrix sequels would've surely propelled her to a worldwide audience.

Honestly, one day I was really looking forward to meeting Aaliyah. People like her, doing such big things at her/my age, inspire me to work so I can leave my mark. She did what she enjoyed for a living and became a success. That is a great legacy to leave.

- D