Sep 8, 2025
"In 1999, four superstars posed for a now-iconic image. But at the time, they were just having fun. We revisit the shoot that brought Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Lil' Kim, and Da Brat together to celebrate the rise of women in hip-hop."

When considering Aaliyah's track record, it's befitting that her name means "The highest, most exalted one, the best." Her parents, Diane and Michael, decided on the name based on the high hopes and expectations they would have if they had a daughter. Her success as both a recording artist and actress actually makes the name of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Aaliyah made her dreams come true. At 22, she not only had a very successful recording career but also established herself as a motion picture actress and an accomplished business woman....

In her precious 22 years, Aaliyah achieved more than many do in several lifetimes...

An illuminating factor was her conviction to touch and help others. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund was created as a vehicle whereby her fans, friends, and family can contribute to and support causes that Aaliyah found important. The Aaliyah Memorial Fund was started in 2001. For Aaliyah and her comrades that left us August 25th, 2001, there is much we can do as a benevolent community to keep Aaliyah's dream & legacy alive.