Rap-Up.com || Timbaland and Missy Elliott Will Be Involved in Aaliyah Album

Timbaland and Missy Elliott helped craft Aaliyah’s trademark sound, and now fans will be able to hear them make magic once again on a posthumous album.

In an interview with Billboard.biz, Aaliyah’s cousin Jomo Hankerson, who runs Blackground Records with his father Barry Hankerson, confirmed the hitmakers’ participation.

“I can tell you that Timbaland will definitely be involved, Missy will definitely be involved,” said Hankerson, who added, “One of the records that we had that was never released was a Missy record that we obviously are going to be refreshing.”

Just days ago, Drake said that he and producer Noah “40” Shebib would be “commanding the new Aaliyah album,” but Hankerson denies the claim. Instead, he says that he and his father will executive produce the project, which they hope to release by the end of the year. They are pulling from 16 unreleased Aaliyah recordings and calling on “contemporary artists.”

He did reveal, however, that Drake will appear on “more of the records” in addition to the single “Enough Said,” and that 40 is “heavily involved.”

“We really felt like it was time,” explained Hankerson. “There’s a real new generation that doesn’t know her necessarily, and we wanted to continue her musical legacy with this new generation. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to do very contemporary music. We didn’t want to make it a nostalgic project; we already did that with the I Care 4 U album.”

While his exact role remains unclear, Drake can’t wait for Aaliyah’s fans to hear new material from the late singer, who died 11 years ago. “40’s just doing some incredible, incredible music right now,” he told MuchMusic. “To get 13, 14 new Aaliyah songs, everybody should be excited. It’s not about me, it’s not about 40. It’s really about her and her fans and us just getting the opportunity to give you something that we feel is great.”

UPDATE: Blackground Records has now confirmed to Billboard.biz that Drake and Noah “40” Shebib will indeed co-executive produce the Aaliyah album alongside Blackground Records.

Posted in Aaliyah, Drake, Missy Elliott, Timbaland | Permalink

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88 Comments

yeetv
August 9th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
yee!

[Reply]
NICKIFAN101 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@yeetv, They need to get Lil’ Kim on that album. She was really good friends with Aaliyah also.. -_-

[Reply]
101 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@NICKIFAN101, I agree, we need Aaliyah ft Lil’ Kim – Queen Bitch part 3… (a lot of people dont know aaliyah was in part 1)

[Reply]
AAA Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@101,ummm no

[Reply]
AJ Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
@AAA, umm yes!

[Reply]
Pure Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@yeetv, Great 2 hear.

[Reply]
MinajRules2012 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@yeetv, Ummm, I dont want Kim, Missy or Timbaland a part of this project, they are ALL HAS BEENS!!!! The Queen Minaj has a spot on this project calling her name. Mark my word.

[Reply]
Ant21 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@MinajRules2012, nicki minaj SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED IN THE SAME SENTENCE AS AALIYAH!

[Reply]
AJ Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@MinajRules2012, i died reading this, LMFAOOOOO U are nuts!

[Reply]
joey Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
@MinajRules2012,

[Reply]
INCAS Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
@MinajRules2012, hey CU’NT

[Reply]
MinajRules2012 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@INCAS, hey baby di*k.

[Reply]
Rasan8250 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@MinajRules2012, Stop smoking that shit!!!

[Reply]
Jay
August 9th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Yessssss! I just hoped it’s not any half done songs are them bringing in people to sound like her an record records, becuase thats wat they did wit michael jackson This is it album smh

[Reply]
Pure Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Jay,
I hope it’s not a ton of features from people out now! SMFH…
They should mix Static Major & her on a song 4-sure!

[Reply]
MinajRules2012 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Jay, I dont want Missy a part of this project, she is a Has Been now!!!

[Reply]
Ant21 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@MinajRules2012, @MinajRules2012, nicki minaj SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED IN THE SAME SENTENCE AS AALIYAH!

[Reply]
stina Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@Ant21, AMEN! @MinajRules2012 Nicki aint even onnnn Aaliyah’s level.

@David D. THANK YOU! Drake & 40 should STFU. Tim & Missy KNOW Aaliyah. These other two fools would only be ruining her sound, her legacy.

[Reply]
:)
August 9th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Now I’m so excited!

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JussSaying
August 9th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Its only right that they are involved.
Who knew her best? Who created her signature sound? Missy and Timbaland.
Drake does give a 2012 spin to Aaliyah but it is Timbaland and Missy that will make this project one that we will all love.
I was kind of scared we were gonna end up with a
Aaliyah Feat. Lil Wayne, Baby & Drake
Aaliyah Feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross
Aaliyah Feat. Drake, Tyga

lmfao..

[Reply]
why Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@JussSaying, girl dont forget Aaliyah ft Nikki..ugh

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AAA Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@JussSaying, your so stupid, thats beause drake was doing an album dose not mean all of them would be on there

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aaliyah Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 4:37 am
@AAA, He/she wasn’t acting like that was set in stone or anything. It’s just not that far fetched. I personally don’t think he would have done that, but that’s besides the point.

And I love with when people call someone stupid writing ‘your’ instead of ‘you’re.’ Nice

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MinajRules2012 Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@JussSaying, Girl how did you forget the Queen Minaj? I’m not impressed with this one.

[Reply]
JussSaying
August 9th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
OH and by the way.

WHY DRAKE GOTTA BE A LIAR??? SMDFH

YMCB love controversy!

[Reply]
YG Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@JussSaying, he didn’t lie… read the update

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real
August 9th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
gud stufff!!! the new song enough said is a smash waiting to happen…

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joey
August 9th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
drakes such a douche for talking out of his ass, but im happy miss and tim will be involved

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Roman
August 9th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Bow to Drake being a HUGE stan and making this happen tbh.

Aaliyah ft. Nicki Minaj is what I wanna see.

Space Bars stay pressed.

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incognegro
August 9th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
This really does my heart good, as I am an ultimate Aaliyah fan, and my appreciation/love for music has changed since she passed; however, I must say that I am also really skeptical about this project. Aaliyah’s best friend/brother, Rashad made a statement that the family will not support an album, and although Barry Hankerson is her uncle and Jomo Hankerson is her cousin, I feel that their motives are more financial than anything else. Yes, Aaliyah is and will always be a gem of an artist, but releasing music is simply Blackground’s way of striking gold after they poorly managed Jojo’s and Toni Braxton’s record deals. I do think that Drake intentions are pure, as he is a huge fan like many of us; but I think that he is being used as pawn to push forward a project that probably should not happen. Either way, I am excited about the new material; however, as we’ve seen before (i.e. Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, etc.) these are the moments when the record industry needs to respect the wishes of the family as opposed to the demands of the record labels.

[Reply]
aaliyah Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 4:39 am
@incognegro, Agreed!

[Reply]
Roman
August 9th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
ooh Aaliyah ft Ciara would be cute.

[Reply]
Yup Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@Roman, HELL to the NO

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Kalin
August 9th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Thank God, now the Drake haters can stop bitching about “it’s not right. He never knew her.”

[Reply]
incognegro
August 9th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
This really does my heart good, as I am an ultimate Aaliyah fan, and my appreciation/love for music has changed since she passed; however, I must say that I am also really skeptical about this project. Aaliyah’s best friend/brother, Rashad made a statement that the family will not support an album, and although Barry Hankerson is her uncle and Jomo Hankerson is her cousin, I feel that their motives are more financial than anything else. Yes, Aaliyah is and will always be a gem of an artist, but releasing music is simply Blackground’s way of striking gold after they poorly managed Jojo and Toni Braxton’s record deals. I do think that Drake intentions are pure, as he is a huge fan like many of us; but I think that he is being used as pawn to push forward a project that probably should not happen. Either way, I am excited about the new material; however, as we’ve seen before (i.e. Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, etc.) these are the moments when the record industry needs to respect the wishes of the family as opposed to the demands of the record labels.

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Cr00ks
August 9th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Lil’ Kim would be a great artist featured on at least one of the tracks, they were good friends.

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Natalie
August 9th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
NICKI MINAJ? NO! DA BRAT
DRAKE? NO! DMX
LIL WAYNE? NO! STATIC MAJOR
TYGA? NO! NAS
BABY? NO! GINUEWINE
RICK ROSS? JUST NO!

I really hope Drake and Noah don’t fuck this up, but I’m happy to see Tim & Missy are going to be involved.

[Reply]
@RVYLE Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@Natalie,
They will. It’s not about Aaliyah at all – all about their legacy!!!

[Reply]
peace
August 9th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
No features, please. I hope it will not have any features to promote/help sell artists of questionable longevity. The album should be all about Aaliyah, her voice and good production. Only Missy and Timbo are allowed; it has to be PURE.

[Reply]
Yasmine Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@peace, Wishful thinking. Project will def have features…and clearly isn’t not just Missy and Timbaland since 40 and Drake are involved as well. Hell, R. Kelly should be allowed since he was her husband! “Pure” lol

[Reply]
Ewan Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@Yasmine, lol co-sign 100%

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Trace Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@peace, Right, because there were NEVER any features on any of her albums smh

[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
@peace, “Questionable longevity.” Oh, the irony. We don’t know she wouldn’t have gone the pop route like so many artists have done today. Those ready to go to war over this album would probably be calling her a “sellout.” Aaliyah’s longevity itself is, and will always be questionable because of how her life ended.

[Reply]
Lance Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
@Kyle, CRYING. You’re absolutely right.

[Reply]
peace Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Kyle, No, her longevity is NOT questionable. Is Nirvana‘s or Joy Division‘s (a band which wasn‘t even popular at its time) longevity questionable? The very fact that there is an audience which cares about her music and discusses how it should be presented proves that after 11 years her music is still relevant. Saying that she would have taken the pop route (or any other route) is nothing more than an unfounded speculation.

[Reply]
JSTAR
August 9th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
REALLY THIS IS NO SURPRISE!!!LOL

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@RVYLE
August 9th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
It is about Drake _ 40. Drake thinks his sound is something beyond the word “GREAT” – let’s be honest it’s nothing crazy or wildly original! I’m soooo against the album, her legacy is still growing _ we don’t need no music! If music was to be released I would only support it if Tim or Missy released it w/ a label. To show it’s real.

[Reply]
AJ Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@@RVYLE, can you read?

[Reply]
@RVYLE Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@AJ,
w/ (without)!!!

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youwannaknow
August 9th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
This minajrules bitch needs to have a seat,im tired of u delusional fans trying to put nicki on every track there is,rap,pop,rnb,soul,next u gonna try to put the girl on an gospel track.stop it.i love nicki,but she doesnt need to be on everything….she didnt even know the girl and u want her on the album.Lil Kim,Missy,Da Brat,DMX,R,kelly,TIMBO, knew her personally,how can legends be has beens??this young generation needs to catch up on they history.i was not to please to hear that drake was doing this alone,but now that tim and miss on aboard,im supporting this to the fullest

[Reply]
Juniorrr Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
@youwannaknow, I soooo agree with you. As I was reading the comments this lil ass kid was making me wanna throw my computer at the wall. Aaliyah is a legend. Im sooo glad shes back with something fresh. I LOL’d on the gospel track part. :D I grew up listening to Aaliyah and the minute she died, I was sad. Her music is sooo much better than the “music” we have today. These current “artists” put REAL music to shame.

[Reply]
youwannaknow Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 1:02 am
@Juniorrr, right..finally somebody with common sense..but i say,if they cant bring something good to the table,then leave her legacy alone.we want to remember her by the many hits she gave us.dont get me wrong hearing her is a bless from god.but if they going to do it,they need to do it right…its to much going on already,missy tweeted and said,she didnt know anything about an album.so it frustrates me already,if there have so much miscommunication,how can they put out an album??and ur right,these new artist have put or real music to shame…drake is an good rapper.but to be honest,i dont want him working on this,period

[Reply]
Thandie
August 9th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Oh boy…it was bound to happen. At least they waited some years before deciding to make money off of her. 11 years is respectful enough. Looking forward to hearing what they come with though!

Miss you, Aaliyah! ^_^

[Reply]
Fa
August 9th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Let the sell out begin!
RIP AAliyah!
Thank god you are not here to see this mess!

[Reply]
Miles
August 9th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Yall all act like Timbaland is this amazing legendary producer. He isn’t that great of a producer, especially now. Aaliyah just had amazing vocals over his production

[Reply]
Unk Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@Miles, He is an amazing producer, beat maker with the supafriends (missy,genuine,Magoo, playa,Aaliyah) changed the music industry with their sound Tim even said some of his creativity died with her some of y’all need to go back and listen before you start talking nonsense drake and 40 got a lot of work to do because we know missy and Tim will bring their a-game for baby gurl

[Reply]
Miles Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
@Unk, In My opinion 40 is a better producer than Timbaland

[Reply]
Soaring Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@Miles, And in my opinion it’s vice versa. The beat to “Enough Said” can’t even stand next to “If Your Girl Only Knew”, “Are You That Somebody”, “Try Again”, etc.

[Reply]
? Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 10:22 pm
@Miles, Go listen to Missy’s first 3 albums… You need to refresh your memory of Timbaland.

[Reply]
Miles Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
@?, I don’t think Timbaland is a bad producer, but in MY OPINION he is not all that. He is just ok to me. I think he is just an average producer who produce for amazing artist. Like how Will Smith isn’t that great of an Actor, he just gets great rolls. And i produce myself, and 40 is my main inspiration for production, so maybe thats why i like him better

[Reply]
Jstamir Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Miles, Timbaland is a great producer for porducomg for great artists .. Tim changed the sound of music more than once , 40 brings genuine sound but he ain’t Tim , please . n I’m saying as a Drake 40 fan of ovoxo movement . Don get twisted
DrakeTakeCare
August 9th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
sukkas what’s up now?
everybody wanna hear new songs from aaliyah and drake was the one who came up with the idea..
but i’m cool with that..with timbo and missy on the album so y’all can’t blame drizzy for it if it’s bad..
anyway i can’t wait to hear it, especially new parts from drizzy and the 40production!

[Reply]
MmmHmm
August 9th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
>_

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Tee.Tiger
August 9th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
i sooooo can’t wait i’ve been waiting forever for this i pray it’s everything and then some!

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Old School Era
August 9th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Wow all the information is all over the place first its Drake and 40 are executive producing the project then its Aaliyahs Uncle and Cousin are executive producing then its Aaliyahs family doesnt agree with it. Thats when people start to jump to conclusion and hate on Drake. Im glad we finally got it 100% clarified. I know Drake wouldnt be doing this without the permission of Aaliyahs family how would he even be able to obtain Aaliyahs unreleased recordings? Now the Haters can stfu.

[Reply]
Hank
August 9th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Y’all act like the broad was a legend. She was mad pretty with an ok voice and that’s IT. There are heavy-set, dark skinned girls that could sing circles around her but obviously didn’t get signed because of society’s standards of “beauty.”

[Reply]
Vance Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@Hank, Real shit!!

[Reply]
Soaring Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@Vance, HILARIOUS that the two of these comments were posted at the same time. LMAO!! Way to disrespect the deceased. Smh. Aaliyah was a trained vocalist. You can hate all day, but where will that get you? Grasp your life please.

[Reply]
aaliyah Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 4:52 am
@Hank, Well yeah she wasn’t the best singer, but there’s something about her that many people loved otherwise they wouldn’t be interested in this project at all. Some people are taking it to the extreme I will admit that, but it doesn’t mean that just because she didn’t sing like Beyonce (etc) she shouldn’t be getting all this attention.

I don’t know..she is deceased so you never know if she would have increased her skills. I know people don’t think Rihanna can sing, but she sings a lot better now than when she started.

[Reply]
Ray
August 9th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Wait how many times have we asked Missy and Timb to do something for Aaliyah but now since they see Drake doing something they wanna hop up.

[Reply]
Zayn
August 9th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
So, when her album is released, is she gonna show up for the video sh … oh, wait.

[Reply]
No Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
@Zayn, that wasn’t funny at all.

[Reply]
NuBLOSSOM Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 6:46 am
@Zayn, Not funny. Not cool.

I think they should just exclude any kind of music video and just let the album be great. Maybe one video which shows behind the scenes w/ the making of the album and all who were involved but that’s about it…just my opinion:>

And once again, not cool!

[Reply]
justinAngel
August 9th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
I’m all for this project being released, as long as it’s done the right way. They should definitely pull in not just Timbo & Missy but collaborators who knew the sound like Aaliyah did like R.Kelly, Dallas Austin,& Darkchild. As for features, they should keep that to a minimum. Ginuwine, J.Cole, or Jay-Z would sound good on the album too. I would love to hear a contribution from Kanye on this who we all know is a genius at what he does. I understand that her family at Blackground probably tapped 40 & Drake for this but having them co-executive produce seems a lil much. Give the more experienced producers more charge & say on what goes. I just hope they don’t mess this up like labels did with every other posthumous album

R.I.P. BabyGirl

[Reply]
TheDreamer
August 9th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Glad to see Timbo and Missy involved. I’m hoping this album is good, usually people mess up posthumous albums. Either way, i’ll just be glad to hear Aaliyah’s beautiful rich voice again.

[Reply]
yooooooooo
August 10th, 2012 at 6:52 am
AAiliyah ft Keri HIlson would be a dream come true!

[Reply]
yo tambien Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 8:54 am
@yooooooooo, agreeeeeed!

[Reply]
Kliyah G
August 10th, 2012 at 7:29 am
awsome

[Reply]
Jordan Gabriel
August 10th, 2012 at 9:50 am
“contemporary music”? “contemporary artists”? This doesn’t sound good to me……

[Reply]
Lil' Roman
August 10th, 2012 at 10:11 am
I’m so excited! I think all the artists that were super close to her should definitely be on it…. as for Drake, yes, anyone that goes as far as tattooing her name on them should be given the chance to make beautiful music with her and help keep her name alive! I’m on top of the list for buying this album when it comes out :D

[Reply]
David D.
August 10th, 2012 at 10:16 am
Drake should shut the fuck up!

Aaliyah feat. Drake or Nicki Minaj?? WTF
You all stupid?!?
This album should be Aaliyah featuring… NOBODY!

Drake & 40 should step aside and let Tim & Missy produce it! Only Tim & Missy or R. Kelly can make an Aaliyah album feel and sound like Aaliyah would wanted it to feel& sound!

And it should be FREE
‘Cause it’s disrespectful to make money out of the death!

[Reply]
stina Reply:
August 10th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
@David D., Word. Drake & 40 are onlyy going to ruin her sound, legacy. Tim & Missy know what Aaliyah would’ve wanted.

[Reply]
bloodynightmare Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 12:47 am
@David D., they said they dont want a completely nostalgic project, they want some new sounds of todays artists mixed in, so i understand 40 & Drake being apart of it, but like you said i just dont want an album full of nicki minaj, tyga and all the sh%t

[Reply]
WTF
August 10th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
HELL NO! Nicki Minaj has no fucking business with this album. Only female rappers that should have anything to do with this is Missy & Lil Kim. Keep that minaj shit out.

[Reply]
ed
August 11th, 2012 at 4:16 am
i remember seeing a track list with this song included: Girl please – Aaliyah feat. Brandy – can somebody confirm if this is real? it was supposed to be a compilation album that was not released.

[Reply]
Sarah
August 11th, 2012 at 9:39 am
SHUT THE FUCK UP. You are all so pressed about nicki being on the album when NOTHING has even been closed to being brought up about her being on this project. you sound fucking retarded, go take a nap. ANYWAYS, Drake & 40 have a refreshing sound that 90′s sound that timbaland is used to won’t cut it in today’s world so i understand why they wanted them. Drake is a great song writer also. I’m just excited for new Aaliyah music i was really young when she passed away.

[Reply]
yep!
August 12th, 2012 at 11:46 am
drake is about to KILL AALIYAH’s LEGACY…he is gonna put all of YMCMB on the album and its gonna be TRASH!

If we are not getting classic Aaliyah on Timbo and Missy tracks then we dont want it…

I dont want to see nicki, drake, wayne, dj khaled and all of ymcmb on her album…AALIYAH WOULD NOT APPROVE OF THAT SHYT…

drake need to just go back to jerking off to Aaliyah posters and sit the eff down!

[Reply]
yep! Reply:
August 12th, 2012 at 11:49 am
@yep!, If Aaliyah friends such as…DMX…Missy…Left Eye…Lil’ Kim…Ginuwine…Tweet…Nas…and Tank dont make the album then we dont want it..

[Reply]