I can't say she'd be neck-and-neck with Beyoncé popularity-wise but I will say that Aalyiah was unique and special and had a very likeable quality to her that Beyoncé does not. Beyonce is very vain. While she is talented, her self-centered attitude can be annoying and a turn-off. I only want to hear her sing - not speak. And speaking of speaking, Aalyiah was a MUCH MUCH MUCH better actreess. The only time I think Beyoncé did any real acting was in Cadillac Records.

[Edited 3/23/11 10:36am]

MickyDolenz said:

I likes.................

These "neck and neck" comparisons if somone had lived trip me out these days. It's as if the deceased person's music should be the pattern for other artists to copy and try to recreate. The truth is, her music was just as dull as everyone else's of the last 20 years. If new artists should pattern themselves and try to be compared to a deceased artist's music, then they need to start trying to throwdown hard like somebody like Rick James because there's already too much dull stuff out there already and has been for years.

Unholyalliance said:

I think Aaliyah's passing was tragic and very sad (RIP). She was talented, beautiful and I liked some of her songs but lets keep it real she was never that damn great like people claim she was. I cosign with what some people before had to say: she became SO incredibly overrated after she died it's not even funny. Like I said, it's sad that she died and I thought she had a lot of potential but I'm not gonna give her a bunch of undeserved titles like she was some legend or pioneer when really, before she died she was just another R&B singer.

119 said:

This whole topic saddens me because it seems to lean towards the idea that only one black woman can be a star at a time. I personally don't care for any of these artists but why can't Brandy, Monica, Ashanti, Ciara, AND Beyonce co exist sucessfully? Why couldn't Aalyiah if she were still around? Frankly, none of them is/was doing anything more merit worthy than the other. They are all r&b/pop musicans. There shouldn't be room for just one.

Because of the ol' "One negro/negress at a time" rule. Nothing new, and obviously it hasn't changed.

oh nevermind

[Edited 3/24/11 6:56am]

[Edited 3/24/11 6:58am]

Aaliyah is way over rated! if she didn't have her looks and the help of Timbaland and Missy she wouldn't not made it anywhere.

Beyonce actually is talented but over rated. She is a artist that has hundreds of songs pitched at her and she just chooses what she wants to sing. Most of these same songs could of been given to other singers who could of made these same songs hits as well. Beyonce has sing and fine but has she ever written her own song??? I think beyonce is killing the R&B music seen. It seems like all the best songs from the best song writers seem to pitch all their best work towards her and the other artist are left in the cold. That's why there are only a few stars now adays compared to the early 90's. You have Beyonce and Rihanna on every hit song now a days.

jaimestarr79 said:

Aaliyah is way over rated! if she didn't have her looks and the help of Timbaland and Missy she wouldn't not made it anywhere.

Beyonce actually is talented but over rated. She is a artist that has hundreds of songs pitched at her and she just chooses what she wants to sing. Most of these same songs could of been given to other singers who could of made these same songs hits as well. Beyonce has sing and fine but has she ever written her own song??? I think beyonce is killing the R&B music seen. It seems like all the best songs from the best song writers seem to pitch all their best work towards her and the other artist are left in the cold. That's why there are only a few stars now adays compared to the early 90's. You have Beyonce and Rihanna on every hit song now a days.

Well...sometimes when a singer is really popular it is not uncommon for songwriters to try and push their songs on them. Having someone with a lot of slout get ahold of your songs will generate much more publicity for you as others will try and seek you out. If it's a hit, then the singer might want more for you which would mean more $$$. I'm not too familiar with the business, but this is my general understanding of things.

Could be wrong though...

jaimestarr79 said:

Aaliyah is way over rated! if she didn't have her looks and the help of Timbaland and Missy she wouldn't not made it anywhere.

Beyonce actually is talented but over rated. She is a artist that has hundreds of songs pitched at her and she just chooses what she wants to sing. Most of these same songs could of been given to other singers who could of made these same songs hits as well. Beyonce has sing and fine but has she ever written her own song??? I think beyonce is killing the R&B music seen. It seems like all the best songs from the best song writers seem to pitch all their best work towards her and the other artist are left in the cold. That's why there are only a few stars now adays compared to the early 90's. You have Beyonce and Rihanna on every hit song now a days.

The same could be said for Tim and Missy as well. She was the one that put them on the map.

Personally, I don't see Aaliyah as overrated. In fact, I think she deserves her credit. Besides, how is she overrated anyway? I dont see people saying stupid shit like "she sung better than whitney" "she danced better than janet" or anything of that sort. She put out amazing music and had EXCEPTIONAL TALENT.

Her last album was amazing as well as the videos for it. If Aaliyah would have died during oiam era or aanban era, her legacy wouldn't have been as strong and THEN I would say she was overrated. But she died during a time where she was going for the top and she was robbed of the chance. Shame.

Pressure said:

Personally, I don't see Aaliyah as overrated. In fact, I think she deserves her credit. Besides, how is she overrated anyway? I dont see people saying stupid shit like "she sung better than whitney" "she danced better than janet" or anything of that sort. She put out amazing music and had EXCEPTIONAL TALENT.

Her last album was amazing as well as the videos for it. If Aaliyah would have died during oiam era or aanban era, her legacy wouldn't have been as strong and THEN I would say she was overrated. But she died during a time where she was going for the top and she was robbed of the chance. Shame.

She's overrated because her stans make her out to be more than what she was. They think she was some sort of competition when nobody was scared of her.

musicjunky318 said:

Pressure said:

Personally, I don't see Aaliyah as overrated. In fact, I think she deserves her credit. Besides, how is she overrated anyway? I dont see people saying stupid shit like "she sung better than whitney" "she danced better than janet" or anything of that sort. She put out amazing music and had EXCEPTIONAL TALENT.

Her last album was amazing as well as the videos for it. If Aaliyah would have died during oiam era or aanban era, her legacy wouldn't have been as strong and THEN I would say she was overrated. But she died during a time where she was going for the top and she was robbed of the chance. Shame.

She's overrated because her stans make her out to be more than what she was. They think she was some sort of competition when nobody was scared of her.

People say that because she WAS becoming big but it never happened to it's full potential. Was she competition? No, but she was slowly climbing to that point. You don't have to agree.

I'd also like to make the point that the knives and guns are always pointed in Beyonce's face simply out of jealousy. She's the current queen bee of all black female artists so she garners the most attacks, often coming from black women themselves. Go figure. The game is obvious, it's been played before and it must be stopped. You (and when I say you I mean the collective you) don't have to like her but why feel obligated to be in spite of her success? We get it, Aaliyah is dead. It was tragic. But what on earth does that have to do with what was happening chart-wise when she was still here? What does that have to do with how talented she was? Like I said the other day, it's amazing what someone's passing can do to their legacy. It really is. Her voice was not unique, she couldn't outsing Beyonce, she couldn't outdance Janet, she couldn't out perform either one of them, never had the same type of hits...She was never the "it girl", wasn't on track to be the "it girl", never wrote anything, never produced anything, did no vocal arrangement. She didn't contribute jack. This is what's called being overrated. And she isn't the first to be gased up like this after death either.

ViintageJunkiie said:

trueiopian said:

If you're a "fan" then you should know that Janet is versatile as a singer and that no one can sing her songs but her. See: Destiny's Child rape "Let's Wait Awhile" and Brownstone fuck up "That's The Way Love Goes".

No one is gonna sing a song just like Janet, and I wouldn't want them to. My point is, none of her songs are "challenging". No one is gonna say "oh I don't think I can hit that note on this Janet record"

I would disagree with that, for me Janet sings really high, and i cant hit some notes.

Essayvee said:

ViintageJunkiie said:

No one is gonna sing a song just like Janet, and I wouldn't want them to. My point is, none of her songs are "challenging". No one is gonna say "oh I don't think I can hit that note on this Janet record"

I would disagree with that, for me Janet sings really high, and i cant hit some notes.

Janet don't have range, or power, but she has a "high sitting" voice.

musicjunky318 said:

I'd also like to make the point that the knives and guns are always pointed in Beyonce's face simply out of jealousy. She's the current queen bee of all black female artists so she garners the most attacks, often coming from black women themselves. Go figure. The game is obvious, it's been played before and it must be stopped. You (and when I say you I mean the collective you) don't have to like her but why feel obligated to be in spite of her success? We get it, Aaliyah is dead. It was tragic. But what on earth does that have to do with what was happening chart-wise when she was still here? What does that have to do with how talented she was? Like I said the other day, it's amazing what someone's passing can do to their legacy. It really is. Her voice was not unique, she couldn't outsing Beyonce, she couldn't outdance Janet, she couldn't out perform either one of them, never had the same type of hits...She was never the "it girl", wasn't on track to be the "it girl", never wrote anything, never produced anything, did no vocal arrangement. She didn't contribute jack. This is what's called being overrated. And she isn't the first to be gased up like this after death either.

Of course Aaliyah (at 22 years old) Could never outsing Beyonce (who had time to master and perfect at voice at 30). Janet is the queen of dance, no one could top that. and lol @ her voice not being unique. says WHO? She easily had one of the best female head voices of her time. All of her songs were specifcally tailored for her voice (see the dream BUTCHER her song for example) and She WAS on track to being a it girl. Movie deals, endorsements, Album selling DECENT (not amazing, but decnet), award show performances lined up, Planned tour, etc. I don't see how she wasn't on track when she was putting in work. Going from a # 18 album to a # 2 album that's Gold?

and Aaliyah was involved in her music. She gave songwriters (and producers) ideas for song topics and instruments. (Timbaland even said that when aaliyah died a bit of his creativity did as well). Just because someone isn't on the credit doesn't mean they didnt do anything. Beyonce just changes a word or two on her songs and she's listed as a "songwriter". Please. If Beyonce was REALLY this amazing "song writer" "producer" or etc, show me a song that she has done without 10 other people on the credits. Please.

and the fact that you were in elementary school playing with crayola crayons when aaliyah was alive says alot. She was in FACT on track to being a huge star. She was getting pushed towards the mainstream market than ever before (she was even scheduled to perform at the vmas, yeah, she was a total nobody:lol: )

and you wan't to criticize someone's talent when you Have Britney Spears, who was notorious for lipsyncing and being a full industry puppet in your avatar with stiff recycled dance moves and could barely sing out of the 1st octave.. the fuking nerve.

[Edited 3/24/11 16:40pm]

musicjunky318 said:

I'd also like to make the point that the knives and guns are always pointed in Beyonce's face simply out of jealousy. She's the current queen bee of all black female artists so she garners the most attacks, often coming from black women themselves. Go figure. The game is obvious, it's been played before and it must be stopped. You (and when I say you I mean the collective you) don't have to like her but why feel obligated to be in spite of her success? We get it, Aaliyah is dead. It was tragic. But what on earth does that have to do with what was happening chart-wise when she was still here? What does that have to do with how talented she was? Like I said the other day, it's amazing what someone's passing can do to their legacy. It really is. Her voice was not unique, she couldn't outsing Beyonce, she couldn't outdance Janet, she couldn't out perform either one of them, never had the same type of hits...She was never the "it girl", wasn't on track to be the "it girl", never wrote anything, never produced anything, did no vocal arrangement. She didn't contribute jack. This is what's called being overrated. And she isn't the first to be gased up like this after death either.

Listen someone needs to really you call you out... DON'T SPEAK about black women or for them or bring them into this mess. Because its not black women hating on beyonce. Most of her fan forums are filled with black women who absolutely LOVE HER, who is buying Dereon???? BLACK WOMEN. I swear People read one article and think that is the truth...

its EVERYONE HATING ON BEYONCE.

Other black female artist such as janet get love and support from black women. So don't try to bring jealousy into it, or black women hating on beyonce... when janet was at her peak and was the it girl, she was getting so much love from everyone especially the black community.

Jealousy. NO THANKS. its people tired of beyonce and seeing through her bullshit. And this is coming from a serious former beyonce fan.

Pressure said:

musicjunky318 said:

I'd also like to make the point that the knives and guns are always pointed in Beyonce's face simply out of jealousy. She's the current queen bee of all black female artists so she garners the most attacks, often coming from black women themselves. Go figure. The game is obvious, it's been played before and it must be stopped. You (and when I say you I mean the collective you) don't have to like her but why feel obligated to be in spite of her success? We get it, Aaliyah is dead. It was tragic. But what on earth does that have to do with what was happening chart-wise when she was still here? What does that have to do with how talented she was? Like I said the other day, it's amazing what someone's passing can do to their legacy. It really is. Her voice was not unique, she couldn't outsing Beyonce, she couldn't outdance Janet, she couldn't out perform either one of them, never had the same type of hits...She was never the "it girl", wasn't on track to be the "it girl", never wrote anything, never produced anything, did no vocal arrangement. She didn't contribute jack. This is what's called being overrated. And she isn't the first to be gased up like this after death either.

Of course Aaliyah (at 22 years old) Could never outsing Beyonce (who had time to master and perfect at voice at 30). Janet is the queen of dance, no one could top that. and lol @ her voice not being unique. says WHO? She easily had one of the best female head voices of her time. All of her songs were specifcally tailored for her voice (see the dream BUTCHER her song for example) and She WAS on track to being a it girl. Movie deals, endorsements, Album selling DECENT (not amazing, but decnet), award show performances lined up, Planned tour, etc. I don't see how she wasn't on track when she was putting in work. Going from a # 18 album to a # 2 album that's Gold?

and Aaliyah was involved in her music. She gave songwriters (and producers) ideas for song topics and instruments. (Timbaland even said that when aaliyah died a bit of his creativity did as well). Just because someone isn't on the credit doesn't mean they didnt do anything. Beyonce just changes a word or two on her songs and she's listed as a "songwriter". Please. If Beyonce was REALLY this amazing "song writer" "producer" or etc, show me a song that she has done without 10 other people on the credits. Please.

and the fact that you were in elementary school playing with crayola crayons when aaliyah was alive says alot. She was in FACT on track to being a huge star. She was getting pushed towards the mainstream market than ever before (she was even scheduled to perform at the vmas, yeah, she was a total nobody:lol: )

and you wan't to criticize someone's talent when you Have Britney Spears, who was notorious for lipsyncing and being a full industry puppet in your avatar with stiff recycled dance moves and could barely sing out of the 1st octave.. the fuking nerve.

[Edited 3/24/11 16:40pm]

that is exactly what i was thinking.....

MickyDolenz said:

I don't know what this has to do with anything (I could not be bothered to read this whole thread) but I enjoyed that video.

But in the spirit of the thread, I think Beyonce is a better singer, better dancer, and is prettier, but I like Aaliyah more and would rather listen to her music more.

NDRU said:

But in the spirit of the thread, I think Beyonce is a better singer, better dancer, and is prettier, but I like Aaliyah more and would rather listen to her music more.

Better dancer than Rihanna- yes, better than Aaliyah- heeeeeeeeeeeeeel no!

Solange said it herself, Beyonce dances like she's about to have a heart attack. She tries way too hard in my opinion.

Essayvee said:

NDRU said:

But in the spirit of the thread, I think Beyonce is a better singer, better dancer, and is prettier, but I like Aaliyah more and would rather listen to her music more.

Better dancer than Rihanna- yes, better than Aaliyah- heeeeeeeeeeeeeel no!

Solange said it herself, Beyonce dances like she's about to have a heart attack. She tries way too hard in my opinion.

maybe you're right. now that i think about it, I have heard aaliyah more than i've seen her

Essayvee said:

NDRU said:

But in the spirit of the thread, I think Beyonce is a better singer, better dancer, and is prettier, but I like Aaliyah more and would rather listen to her music more.

Better dancer than Rihanna- yes, better than Aaliyah- heeeeeeeeeeeeeel no!

Solange said it herself, Beyonce dances like she's about to have a heart attack. She tries way too hard in my opinion.

Nothing like the love of a sister.

HonestMan13 said:

Essayvee said:

Better dancer than Rihanna- yes, better than Aaliyah- heeeeeeeeeeeeeel no!

Solange said it herself, Beyonce dances like she's about to have a heart attack. She tries way too hard in my opinion.

Nothing like the love of a sister.

I know!

NDRU said:

HonestMan13 said:

Nothing like the love of a sister.

I know!

I can't breathe x 1000

If she was still alive Rihanna and Ciara wouldn't had a chance imo overall I was never that into her I liked songs here and there.

But had she been around during the R Kelly scandal, the media would've been stalking her.

trueiopian said:

Pressure said:

Dummy, So WNAR sounded like the hits of 01? Did it sound like U don't have to call? Independent WOman? All for you? Love don't cost a thing? answer the question. Enlighten me, please.

WNAR may sound like something from now, but back in 01 that song was TOTALLY different from what was booming on radio in "01.

and you didn't speak truth. You are in EVERY Aaliyah thread bashing the girl. If you don't like her, why waste the time? I don't get it. Your opinions and arguments about her are so one sided and bias it's ridiculous.

[Edited 3/22/11 6:34am]

[Edited 3/22/11 6:38am]

[Edited 3/22/11 6:39am]

[Edited 3/22/11 6:40am]

DEAD at all those edits. Poor you.

at this thread.

babybugz said:

If she was still alive Rihanna and Ciara wouldn't had a chance imo overall I was never that into her I liked songs here and there.

I think Ciara would still be around if Aaliyah was. She's brought a whole different vibe with the crunk scene and her dancing. She's more hardcore when it comes to her dancing than liyah.

And Rihanna, well i dnt know cuz i dnt even know what it is she brings to the table. What is it about her? non-existent vocal ability, lack of dancing skills, no entertainment value, just a dry artist. Is there a scientific/psychological explanation as to why she is so big. She's so dull to me.