Blackground Records finally blesses fans with Aaliyah music for the 20th anniversary of the singer’s death

Aaliyah Dana Haughton, the singer, songwriter, and performer who influenced the lives of many in her short life is finally able to share her music with fans again after a decade. Aaliyah died at the young age of 22 in an airplane accident.

With tons of new Aaliyah news this month, some of her most famous discography will be available to Spotify listeners only. The music will roll out over the course of two months, as follows:

The surprising moment was caught by fans on 8/4, a few days before the announcement. The #AaliyahIsComing hashtag started trending on Twitter when investigative fans caught Spotify’s social media accounts follow Aaliyah’s old record company, Blackground Records. Fans found the record company’s new social media handles and a newly created website.

There would be unforgettable experiences for non-Spotify listeners too. Barry Hankerson, founder of Blackground Records and Aaliyah’s uncle, said the label “would be rereleasing 17 albums from its catalog over the next two months, on streaming services as well as on CD and vinyl.” It would also release a posthumous album featuring the likes of Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Future and Drake.

Right now, the only Aaliyah album available for streaming is her debut album, 1994’s Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. Aaliyah’s sophomore album, 1996’s One in a Million, and final studio album, 2001’s Aaliyah, are not available on any digital platforms.

Hankerson started Blackground Records in 1993

The manager and producer has been surrounded by controversy since he introduced 12-year old Aaliyah to 24-year-old R. Kelly. The two eventually became romantically involved and got engaged when Aaliyah was just shy of 16-years-old. Problematic R. Kelly was 27.

Hankerson is also the sole legal owner of all Aaliyah masters. This is the “official original recording of a song, sound or performance,” and the source of all later copies. Therefore, he is the only person who profits from Aaliyah’s music and legacy.

Aaliyah’s family issued a semi-vague statement stating their dissatisfaction with the announcement of her music soon reaching streaming services. Their statement accompanied a hashtag of their own: #IStandWithAaliyah.

Some fans say the reports of Hankerson refusing to pay Aaliyah’s family for her name and likeness may turn them away from listening to the records on streaming services. 

“It feels eerie and lowkey disrespectful,” says one fan via Twitter. 

Over the years, plans to release Aaliyah’s music never materialized. This is very likely due to the conflict between the family’s estate and the label. On what would have been the R&B singer’s 42nd birthday, Aaliyah’s estate released a statement about the absence of the music from streaming platforms:

“We hear you and we see you. While we share your sentiments and desire to have Aaliyah’s music released, we must acknowledge that these matters are not within our control and, unfortunately, take time,” the statement read. “Our inability to share Aaliyah’s music and artistry with the world has been as difficult for us as it has been for all of you. Our priority has always been and will continue to be Aaliyah’s music.”

As Aaliyah’s family continues to fight for their “Babygirl’s” legacy, Hankerson continues to grow Blackground Records

He recently announced he would be relaunching the record company as Blackground Records 2.0. The first signee will be singer Autumn Marini, newly coined as the “First Lady of Blackground Records 2.0.” Blackground has not released an album since Timbaland’s “Shock Value II” in 2009. 

The record company not only announced the release of Aaliyah records, but long-time held JoJo albums as well. The 2004 breakthrough artist went through years of legal battles over her contract with Blackground Records.

As “Aaliyah Is Coming” billboards start showing up in cities all over the U.S., the debate continues.

It leaves Aaliyah fans with just one question: Will you be streaming? 

Originally published on FMHipHop.com.