Music
05 Aug 21

Aaliyah's estate denounces 'unauthorized' projects as her uncle's label prepares to release her music

The strongly-worded statement said they were working "diligently" to release the late R&B singer's music digitally.

Aaliyah's estate has issued a statement blasting her uncle's record label, after it appeared to tease the release of music from the late singer.

A new website, called aaliyahiscoming.com, appeared on August 4 – branded with an #AaliyahIsComing hashtag, and a design similar to the one on the cover of Aaliyah's 2001 self-titled album. The website encourages users to sign up for updates, but redirects to social media accounts for Blackground Records, the label owned by Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson.

The social media pages are empty, but verified, and it appears that they have rebooted as Blackground Records 2.0.

Today (August 5), Aaliyah's estate issued a statement in response to the website, alongside 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 says. “We have always been confused as to why there is such a tenacity in causing more pain alongside what we already have to cope with for the rest of our lives.

“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 added that it intends to “continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly,” and expressed its desire 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,” the statement continues.

In January, the estate said that they were "working diligently” to put her music up for digital release. “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 wrote. “Our inability to share Aaliyah’s music and artistry with the world has been as difficult for us as it has been for all of you.”

Blackground Records has yet to respond to the statement.