Aaliyah’s uncle issues statement on releasing her music


Aaliyah‘s uncle, producer Barry Hankerson, has issued a statement regarding the digital re-release of the late singer’s second album, ‘One In A Million’.

Hankerson, who founded Aaliyah’s former label Blackground Records and owns all of the artist’s masters, announced earlier this month that her entire catalogue would be re-released digitally.

‘One In A Million’, the singer’s 1996 album – produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliot – was released to streaming platforms on August 20 following a new partnership with independent label EMPIRE. Her debut album ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number’ was previously the only one of her three albums available digitally.

As reported by Complex, Hankerson expressed his gratitude in a statement released yesterday (August 21) to those involved in the project – particularly Aaliyah’s parents and managers, Diane and Michael Haughton.

Hankerson wrote: “As the owner of Aaliyah’s catalog and label Blackground Records, I want to thank you all for allowing ‘One In A Million’ to chart #3 in the world.

“I cannot take the credit for managing Aaliyah as that was never a title I held. That title belonged to Diane Haughton and her husband who managed Aaliyah from the start of her career until her passing.

“I want to thank Diane, Aaliyah’s manager, for allowing and choosing Blackground Records to become her label.”

Hankerson continued, thanking his son, Jomo Hankerson, for his role in the process before concluding with thanks to Aaliyah’s fans. “Thank you to all of her many fans for keeping her music alive,” he said.

“I’m sorry it took so long, but when you lose a family member so unexpectedly, it takes time to deal with that type of grief. I decided to release Aaliyah’s music in order to keep her legacy alive.”

Upon the announcement of Hankerson’s intention to release the catalogue, he was met with backlash from Aaliyah’s estate, who called his intent an “unscrupulous endeavor”. A strongly worded statement was issued via the R&B icon’s social media with the hashtag #IStandWithAaliyah.

“For 20 years we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception with unauthorized projects targeted to tarnish,” the statement reads. “Now, in this 20th year, this unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah’s music without transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word – forgiveness.”

Aaliyah’s estate said that it intends to “continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly.”

Aaliyah’s third and final album, 2001’s ‘ΛΛLIYΛH’, will be reissued on September 10, before compilation albums ‘I Care 4 U’ and ‘Ultimate Aaliyah’ are added to streaming services on October 8.

You can view the original article HERE.

Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!