The Estate of late singer Aaliyah Haughton issued a statement on recent reports that her former label will be releasing unreleased music.
Aaliyah’s family has wanted more of the singer’s music to be released. Currently, only early singles and her 1994 debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” are available to stream.
Aaliyah was one of the hottest artists in the mainstream. She tragically died in a 2001 plane crash when she was just 22.
“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,” they said earlier this year.
However, Blackground Records recently created a brand new Instagram account as well as the website, aaliyahiscoming.com.
The record label is owned by her uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson. He also owns the majority of her masters.
Aaliyah’s estate is not here for it.
“For 20 years we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception,” the estate’s statement reads, “now, this unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah’s music without transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word – forgiveness,” but promises to “continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully.”
The statement continues: “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.”
Blackground Records has not publicly responded to the Estate’s remarks.
