25 Years Ago: Aaliyah Release Debut Album "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number"

On this day, 25 years ago, at the age of 15, singer and actress AALIYAH dropped her debut album Age Ain't Nothing But A Number via her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground label.

The 14 overall track LP features the singles: "Back & Forth", "At Your Best (You Are Love)", "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number", "Down With the Clique" & "The Thing I Like".

Produced by R. Kelly, Aaliyah's silky smooth and melodic vocals are the centerpiece on this album and has gone on to make her one of the most revered and influential female artists of her time.

Age Ain't Nothing But A Number peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200's Album Chart and No. 3 on the R&B Album Chart, would go on to sell three million copies domestically and six million copies worldwide.

Tell us your favorite track from Age Ain't Nothing But A Number.

New Music: Emerging Artist - Belle Renaí - “Forever Aaliyah”

Hailing from Philadelphia, emerging artist Belle Renaí released her debut single “Forever Aaliyah.” 

Paying homage to the late R&B princess Aaliyah, Belle Renaí cleverly used Aaliyah song titles and phrases to depict her feelings about a failing relationship. “Forever Aaliyah” was written by Tee Marie and produced by 540 Productions. 

Be on the lookout for Belle Renaí’s forthcoming EP, until then check out “Forever Aaliyah” here on all digital and streaming platforms. 

Missy Elliott, The First Female Hip-Hop Artist, Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

With a successful career that spans over twenty years, Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliott is getting her just due by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

Outside of her discography, Missy Elliott has penned hits for the likes of 702, Aaliyah, Total, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Fantasia, TLC, and more.  

The 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on June 13th, in New York City. 

#IndieArtistSpotlight: Danielle Sinclair - Interview

 This week's #IndieArtistSpolight goes to Danielle Sinclair. Danielle Sinclair is a singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. This past Thursday, RnB Junkie Official had the pleasure of interviewing this talented artist. We discussed her introduction into songwriting, her influences, her recent EP 'Ms. Jackson,' and more. Check out our interview with our #IndieArtistSpotlight Danielle Sinclair below.

How would you describe your sound?

Danielle Sinclair: Umm. It’s kind of hard because I don’t think that I sound like what’s out now. I think I have a different sound from what’s mainstream right now, but I will say I’m kind of on the classic R&B side. I would say I'm more classic R&B than what’s out now. I don’t know. I haven’t really pinpointed exactly what I sound like right now. If that makes any sense [laughs]?

When did you realize that not only could you sing, but you were a gifted songwriter as well?

Danielle Sinclair: Umm. I would say I realize that I could sing at a young age. I would probably say I was about seven or eight, and I was actually singing a Toni Braxton song. I believe it was “‘Unbreak My Heart,” and I was like “Oh, I sound kind of good!” So from then on, I started singing in church and choirs through school and stuff. I started actually writing poetry first, and I did that when I was about fourteen. I started writing poetry at fourteen and began writing songs at about sixteen years old.

Being that you’re a singer-songwriter, how important is it to bring your authentic life experiences into your artistry?

Danielle Sinclair: It’s very important, and that’s mostly what I do. If something happened in my life, I pull from that to write songs. It definitely makes people relate to you more because they'll realize that you’re going through similar things that they’re going through. So, it’s really important to pull from what I am going through and put it into my song and put it into my music.

Who are some of your top musical influences?

Danielle Sinclair: I would definitely say, Brandy. I like a lot of old school music like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Toni, and Janet Jackson, a lot of females. I like a lot of male R&B too. You know, Brian McKnight and Tyrese, people like that.  

Since today is ‘#ThrowbackThursday’, what are three albums you feel every artist, songwriter, or producer need to study?

Danielle Sinclair: Definitely ‘Full Moon’ by Brandy, for the 'Throwback Thursday.’ Umm. What’s another one I can listen to straight through? I’m sorry. I’m just thinking [laughs]. Aaliyah self-titled album that’s something I listen to straight through. I’m stumped on the third one, can we come back to that one [laughs]? 

You released an EP this year titled 'Ms. Jackson'. Can you tell us a little about the concept of the EP?

Danielle Sinclair: Yeah, really what I tried to do on my EP is try to pull from different parts of my personality, so each song kind of a different side of me. Like ‘Janet’s Them’ was the sensual, sexy, seductive side. The second song is called ‘Secrets,’ that’s kind of like I’m going through it. I’m heartbroken and finding out some information that I didn’t know about prior. ‘Sex Back’ is kind of like a liberation song. I’m trying to take back the power from someone who hurt me. ‘Paris’ is a turn-up song, you know a little ratchet [laughs], or a lot of ratchet but it still has an R&B vibe to it.

On your song ‘Sex Back,’ you showed that you could dabble in rap as well?

Danielle Sinclair: Yes, that kind of happened overnight. I think it was a couple of years ago when Monica did the #SoGoneChallenge. Everybody was like rapping; even the people who didn't usually rap. I’m just like "Oh, I should try this,” and I ended up doing the #SoGoneChallenge. I got such a huge response from it, like a positive response and then I started incorporating rap, (well I wouldn’t call it rapping I’m more like a lyricist), into my music. That’s how ‘Sex Back’ came about.

I truly enjoyed listening to your ‘Ms. Jackson’ EP. I admire your skillful usage of words and wordplay. It was refreshing, as well as showed your versatility. Which song from your EP do you feel like you connected with the most?

Danielle Sinclair: The one that pulls on my heartstrings is probably ‘Secrets,’ that’s the second one on the EP. Yeah, definitely ’Secrets.’ I vibe out the most to ‘Janet’s Theme,’ but ’Secrets’ is definitely like the most personal one to me.  

Will you be creating visuals to go along with the songs from your EP?

Danielle Sinclair: Yes, I am working on the visual for ‘Janet’s Theme’ now. That’s in the works, so I am excited about that. 

What’s next for Danielle Sinclair?

Danielle Sinclair: Next, I will be doing a show at the end of next month. Actually, I have a couple of shows coming up. I’ll be doing a show through a local radio station in my hometown, and then I’ll be doing my own show like an EP release of sorts. I’ll be doing that in October, so I am excited about that. I will be releasing a full album probably towards the end of next year.

Where can our followers find your music, as well as reach you on social media?

Danielle Sinclair: They can find my music it’s on all streaming platforms iTunes, Google Play, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon. It is literally everywhere. On social media, Instagram you can find me at @DanielleSinclairSing, on Facebook Danielle Sinclair, and on Twitter @DaniSingclair (that’s @-d-a-n-i-s-i-n-g-c-l-a-i-r).

Thank you for such a great interview!

Danielle Sinclair: Oh, no problem. Thank you for taking the time to do this because I mean as an independent artist it’s hard for us sometimes to get the exposure we need. I really appreciate it.

Aaliyah's Top 10 Best Songs ...Presented by RnBJunkieOfficial



In Aaliyah’s short 7 year career, she accomplished more than most could imagine from three multi-platinum albums, Grammy nominations to starring lead role in Blockbuster films. August 25^th marks 18 years since her untimely passing. @RnBJunkieOfficial felt it was only right to look back at her best songs and impact they’ve made spanning her albums and featured soundtrack appearances in our latest edition of Top ten Best Songs. We’ve also included Honorable mentioned cuts.

 

10 COME OVER

From the Album: I Care 4 U

 

A standout Johnta Austin cut that didn’t make Aaliyah’s third album and later used on her posthumous album. It became a top 10 R&B hit. Sidenote: R&B duo Changing Faces recorded a version for their third album Visit Me.

09 HOT LIKE FIRE (TIMBALAND’S GROOVE MIX)

From the Album: One In A Million

 

Often praised as the standout version over the original album version.

 

08 AT YOUR BEST (YOU ARE LOVE)

From the Album: Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number

 

At the tender age of 15, Aaliyah skillfully showcased her angelic and melodic voice on her cover of this Isley Brother’s classic. Reintroduced to both the old and new, Aaliyah made it a classic again in her own right.

07 MORE THAN A WOMAN

From the Album: Aaliyah

 

This Timbaland produced and Grammy-nominated song represented just what Aaliyah was. Released as the second single from Aaliyah’s final album it became a top 10 R&B hit.

 

06 IF YOUR GIRL ONLY KNEW

From the Album: One In A Million

 

Released as the lead single from Aaliyah’s sophomore album and the song that really put Timbaland & Missy on the map. The song became Aaliyah’s second No. 1 R&B hit up to that point.

 

05 MISS YOU

From the Album: I Care 4 U

 

Written by a young Johnta Austin for Aaliyah’s third album but after not making the cut, it was later issued on her posthumous album as the lead single and became her fourth and last No. 1 R&B hit.

 

04 TRY AGAIN

From the Album: Romeo Must Die Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

 

Aaliyah scored her second Grammy nomination with this song. It became her first and only single to top Billboard’s Hot 100’s chart.

03 ONE IN A MILLION

From the Album: One In A Million

 

Chosen as the second single in the US from Aaliyah’s sophomore album. While it missed both the Hot 100 and R&B charts, this Timbaland & Missy Elliott penned song would go on to become one of her most innovative and identifiable songs amongst critics and fans alike.

 

02 ROCK THE BOAT

From the Album: Aaliyah

 

Written by Static Major, this song is a bittersweet moment to music fans as Aaliyah was killed on impact shortly after the filming of the music video. The song went on to peak at No. 2 on the R&B chart and secured her a Grammy-nomination.

 

01 ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY? (FEATURING TIMBALAND)

From the Album: Dr. Dolittle Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

 

Paired with producer/rapper Timbaland and the late Static Major, this song earned Aaliyah her first Grammy nomination of her career and became her third No. 1 R&B single.

HONORABLE MENTION:

“I Don’t Wanna”

“I Care 4 U”

“4 Page Letter”

“Back & Forth”

“At Your Best (Stepper’s Ball Mix)”

“The One I Gave My Heart To”

 

HONORABLE MENTION ALBUM CUTS:

“Choosey Lover (Old School/New School)”

“Street Thing”

“I Refuse”

“Loose Rap” featuring Static Major

“Erica Kane”