Aaliyah’s presence continues to be felt. Ten years after her untimely death, the R&B icon’s lasting legacy is being celebrated by her fans and friends in the industry. The love could be felt all over Twitter as Keri Hilson and Solange shared fond memories of their idol, frequent collaborators Missy Elliott and Timbaland remembered their close friend, and Drake cherished an angel gone too soon. Read some of the stars’ heartfelt tributes.

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Aaliyah was dear to many in the music industry, but she shared a special connection with her producer, mentor, and close friend Missy Elliott. On the 10-year anniversary of her death, the rapper remembers the late singer who she affectionately called Baby Girl. She celebrates her talent and recalls fond memories of joking and making music together in a touching tribute via CNN.

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Ten years ago today, music lost an angel when Aaliyah Dana Haughton was killed in an airplane crash en route from the Bahamas to Florida. After appearing in concerts with Gladys Knight at age 11, the R&B songstress signed to her uncle’s Blackground Records, who released the then 15-year-old’s debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number, in 1994. Written by mentor R. Kelly, the album’s mix of traditional R&B and New Jack Swing helped Aaliyah sell more than 3 million albums and make her an instant star.

1996’s One in a Million and 2001’s Aaliyah would follow, but despite leaving behind a scant catalog, the singer’s immutable grace and soulful vocals made her one of R&B’s most respected artists. While we’ll never know Aaliyah’s full potential, Rap-Up.com celebrates her legacy with 10 classic songs.

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Omarion pays tribute to the late Aaliyah with his cover of “One in a Million,” included on his new DJ Drama-hosted mixtape The Awakening. “Paying homage like we should. We love you Aaliyah. We do this for you,” says the R&B crooner before putting his spin on Babygirl’s classic, like The-Dream before him. Listen below and let us know what you think of O’s version.

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Another year has gone by since the birth of Aaliyah Dana Haughton, an angel who left this world too soon. Throughout her life, the gentle singer captivated audiences with standout singles “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,” “Are You That Somebody?” and “We Need a Resolution,” distancing herself from her R&B peers by getting in touch with her sensitive side, and always remaining genuine and heartfelt. Though Babygirl’s life was taken almost 10 years ago, we celebrate her contributions to musical history on her birthday, and will always remember her through the genre-defying work she left behind.

What is your favorite Aaliyah memory? Share it below.

It’s been nine years since the world lost its angel, Aaliyah Dana Haughton. Though her life ended too soon, the promising young starlet left behind music to remind us of how special she was not just as a musician, but as a cultural figure. Her smooth, seductive voice, complemented by Timbaland’s sexiest beats, graced timeless tracks like “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “We Need a Resolution” and “More Than a Woman,” among many others. Aaliyah wasn’t just one in a million – she was one of a kind. R.I.P. Baby Girl.

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The-Dream takes on the tough task of covering Aaliyah’s classic “One in a Million” for his upcoming mixtape Love Sessions. We repeat, tough task.

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Today is Aaliyah’s birthday. The singer-actress would have been 31 years old. Below is a rare interview with her from 2001, where she discusses her nicknames, her likes and dislikes, her unlikely inspiration, meeting Stevie Wonder, her most embarrassing memory, and much more. It reminds us of how special she truly was. Thanks to Chet for sending it in.

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