Aaliyah (album)

Aaliyah is the third and final studio album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on July 7, 2001, by Blackground Records and Virgin Records. Primarily an R&B and hip hop soul album, Aaliyah also incorporates elements of funk, electronica, and alternative rock.

The album was recorded primarily in New York City and Los Angeles between 1998 and 2001, with Aaliyah serving as executive producer alongside Barry Hankerson. Producers and songwriters who contributed to the album include Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Static Major, J. Dub, and Rapture.

Aaliyah received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sophisticated sound and Aaliyah's vocal performance. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 187,000 copies in its first week. Following Aaliyah's death on August 25, 2001, the album rose to number one on the Billboard 200.

Several singles were released from the album, including "We Need a Resolution" featuring Timbaland, "More Than a Woman," and "Rock the Boat." "Try Again," originally featured on the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, was also included as a bonus track. The album was commercially successful and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Aaliyah is considered by many to be Aaliyah's most mature and critically acclaimed work, influencing subsequent R&B and hip hop artists. Its release and subsequent success were tragically cut short by Aaliyah's untimely death.