Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The age of Drake is sometime after Aaliyah and her run, but the Canadian-born rapper was still touched by her music. While he was working on Thank Me Later, Drake talked about the people who helped him hone his skills. Among the influences of his style, Drake listed Aalyah. For his debut album, Drake had plans of channeling stars of years passed, recruiting Sade, among others.
However, due to his newness, Drake was turned down by Sade, and a few others. One collaboration Drake refused to let pass was one with Aaliyah. Saddened because they could never actually record together, Drake sampled her for his “Unforgettable” track with Young Jeezy. Since his album came out earlier this summer, the song has been getting a lot of play.
Most fans who listen to Drake probably do not realize who the voice on “Unforgettable” belongs to. But, with Wednesday being the nine year anniversary of her death, hip hop heads across the world are dishing out the facts. Not forgetting where he came from, Drake wrote a letter to the original princess of hip hop and R&B.
In the letter, Drake mentions how he has yet to truly lose someone close to him, but he was heartbroken when he learned of her death. Much like other young boys during this period, Drake had a major crush on Aaliyah and it always hurts to lose someone like that. Concluding the letter, the Young Money rapper says the world will forever mourn and never forget Aalyiah.
The official video of“Rock the Boat” 2001, the final video to feature Aaliyah alive. This was the second single off her third studio album, Aaliyah.