By now, the news of Hip-Hop/R & B artist Aaliyah’s death is no secret, but students at The U of M are still feeling its effect.
According to authorities, Aaliyah and eight others were on their way back from the Bahamas (where the singing sensation had been shooting a music video) when the tragedy occurred.
Their aircraft was headed for Opa-locka, Fla. when it crashed minutes after taking off on Saturday. Aaliyah, a renowned singer and actress, died instantly.
In her life, the 22-year-old accomplished much. She had a platinum album and received Grammy nominations for her songs “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again.”
She had also made her mark on the movie industry with a role in last year’s Romeo Must Die, and was slated to star in the Anne Rice film, The Queen of the Damned and the two Matrix sequels.
U of M students had strong reactions to her death.
Carla Malone, 20, a junior criminology major said when she heard the news it saddened her because the singer was so young and talented.
“It made me think that no one is promised tomorrow,” Malone said.
Eric Anderson, 23, a junior communication major, also agreed the incident opened his eyes.
“It just lets you know that you can go at anytime,” he said. “God saw fit to take one of his children with him.”
Although she had only been on the music scene a short time, some students think Aaliyah has left a legacy.
Carlisa Garrison, 19, a sophomore accounting major, believes Aaliyah was a positive role model, and definitely will be remembered by all ages.
“She was original. She had a unique style, her fashion, her music, everything. Her music appealed to all ages. She will be deeply missed, “ Garrison said.
Willie Jackson III, senior computer engineering major, also agrees that she had a “style like no other.”
He said she would be remembered most by her positive image.
“You’d never really see anything negative about her in the tabloids like Lil’ Kim,” he said. Jackson added, however, though she had many fans, he did not think she would not be epitomized like the deceased Tupac Shakur or Christopher Walker (Notorious BIG).
Her death is said to have both positive and negative effects on the R & B industry.
A junior MIS major, Nieshela Poole, 20, believes her death will have a positive effect. Though her death was tragic, according to Poole, her album sales will benefit from it.
“I work at Best Buy, and all we’ve been selling is Aaliyah (CDs) and Romeo Must Die (videos and DVDs),” she said. “She was a very positive individual and good actress.”
Poole is not alone in her view. Malone admitted that her death made her want to buy her latest CD.
Anderson believes her death will have positive effects on both the industry and her fans. “She was living right. She had no flaws that I could see. Her death will bring people together,” Anderson said.
Shakorr Bryant, 21, a junior economics major, also believes the R & B industry will be impacted.
“Her music made a contribution,” Bryant said. However, he said he does not believe that the effect will be as great.
“She can not be compared to Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, or Aretha Franklin,” he added.
It is still uncertain what the cause of the crash was. Investigators have been examining the wreckage for clues. Early reports indicate that the plane may have crashed due to engine failure.
Aaliyah is survived by her mother, father and brother.
