Steven Greenberg, Kelly's lawyer, said of his and Aaliyah's relationship during a 2019 interview with Good Morning America, "My understanding is that she did not claim to be 15, and in order to get married, she had to lie about her age." An autopsy report concluded that her survival was unthinkable" on account of the extensive burns and major head trauma she suffered. Rapper DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died a week after suffering what his family said was a "catastrophic heart attack." However, Aaliyah's estate, run in part by Haughton, issued a statement preempting Blackground 2.0's announcement, denouncing an "unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah's music without any transparency or full accounting to the estate". She had finished filming the music video for her hit song 'Rock the Boat' when she and eight others decided to travel back to Florida almost immediately on August 25 2001. While it was her mothers idea for Aaliyah to drop her last name, it was the now-infamous singer R. Kelly who made Aaliyah famous at 15. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Rock Icon KISS Is Saying Goodbye (For Real), Rihanna and 10 Other Great Pregnant Performances, Burt Bacharachs Legacy: 5 Notable Collaborations, 2023 Grammy Awards: Six Winners Who Made History. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Long before the singer Aaliyahs death, she was determined to be a star. Celebrities Share Prayers for DMX Following Rapper's Heart Attack, DMX Remains in Coma, Will Undergo Brain Function Tests: Manager, Prayer Vigil Held Outside NY Hospital for Rapper DMX, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, Fight for NY Casino License Heats Up as Developers Drop Coney Island Boardwalk First Look, NYC Rapper Indicted in Long Island Mansion Shooting, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Flight Attendant Hit the Ceiling': 7 Hospitalized After Severe Turbulence Diverts Flight to Virginia, Rapper DMX has died at the age of 50, his family said Friday; he had been hospitalized since April 2 after suffering a heart attack, An autopsy will be conducted to confirm his cause of death; DMX has long struggled with drug addiction. Subsequently her parents had it annulled the following year. Disturbing Details Discovered In Aaliyah's Autopsy Report. A Warner Bros. Warner Bros. PicturesJet Li and Aaliyah in Romeo Must Die (2000). Premature rumors about the rapper's death swirled on social media since his hospitalization. One of those passengers was the singer's security guard. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Often dubbed 'The Princess of R&B', the 22-year-old was said to "have a smile that would light up a room". She should still be here, and I think that's the saddest part about it. While she publicly downplayed their fresh relationship as platonic, Dash later told MTV that they had seriously discussed getting married. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! The flight took off at 6.50 pm - but it had only got between 60 and 100 feet in the air before nosediving back down to the ground. R Kelly's brother Carey confirmed that the pair had married when she was 15. The family said they would share information on memorial services for him once the details are finalized. He also suffered asthma since he was a child; his family says memorial services are being planned, Born in Mount Vernon in 1970 and raised in nearby Yonkers, DMX released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards. "People didn't really understand how she always wanted to have this tomboy chic look," Lee said. We will bring down anybody who tells us how to mourn our own." The Tragic Story Of Aaliyahs Death And The Plane Crash That Killed Her. Raju posited that Aaliyah had endured such physical shock that she wouldve likely died even if she survived the crash. CNN revealed the cause of the accident was because the plane was "overloaded by hundreds of pounds" and the weight had not been distributed properly. She had her own thing going and she was growing bigger and bigger at the time of her loss, Tionne T-Boz Watkins of the group TLC recently told CNN of her fellow artist. According to CR, she wanted to start her own clothing line before her death and was supposedly on the brink of starting a Japanese-inspired clothing line. Though she went on to be one of the most adored stars in the world, Aaliyah had to deal with bullies growing up. But there seemed to be hope for streaming Aaliyah's music in August 2020 when a message was posted to her official Twitter account, which is managed by her estate, offered fans hope. [3][4] He and his younger sister Aaliyah (1979-2001) were born 17 months apart. Eventually, Russell says, a member of Aaliyah's team came to check on her. He then shared his sentiments that the New York Post should take action against the journalist for what he claimed were "shocking and racist" remarks. Aaliyah and six of the eight others on board were killed instantly. Aaliyah began auditioning for television shows while still in middle school and appeared on the popular Star Search talent program when she was 11 years old. Though it's difficult to believe now that anyone didn't want to work with Aaliyah, there was actually a time when the star was struggling to find producers to collaborate with. R Kelly's brother Carey confirmed that the pair had married when she was 15. Its an unfortunate closure, but I needed to hear she didnt want to get on that plane; I needed to know that, Iandoloni told The Daily Beast. On November 17, 2003, pathologist Dr. Giovander Raju stated at the corner's inquest that the "One in a Million" singer died of severe burns and a blow to the head. How did he die? [1][2] Haughton has African-American and Native American (Oneida) heritage. WebMichael Mark Haughton was the father of Aaliyah and Rashad Haughton, He was born on January 10, 1951. View our online Press Pack. Signed to a recording contract at the age of 12, Aaliyah became an overnight R&B sensation. DMX. How high would her star have risen? John Frank, the executive director of the Cessna Pilots Association, said the way Aaliyah's team distributed the extra weight was problematic. When production started on the "4 Page Letter" video, Haughton completed the video synopsis within two hours, fitting it in between his studies at Hofstra University. Her tragic death, coming hours after she completed filming the music video for her single Rock the Boat in which she floats in the ocean like an ethereal angel, left fans grief-stricken. Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor. His wife, [] We were coming off of a multi-platinum debut album and except for a few relationships with Jermaine Dupri and Puffy, it was hard for us to get producers on the second record," he claimed in a 2014 radio interview with V-103. Rock Icon KISS Is Saying Goodbye (For Real), sultry teen singer had married the 27-year-old Kelly, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Aaliyah, Birth Year: 1979, Birth date: January 16, 1979, Birth State: New York, Birth City: New York, Birth Country: United States. 1 on the R&B charts, was a pop crossover hit, and earned Aaliyah her first Grammy Award nomination. "She went on the airplane asleep.. As it turns out, Aaliyah even had musical legends in her family. A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. At that age, Aaliyah left this beautiful world. Aaliyah rose to fame with a laid-back, edgy style. Damon Dash also claimed his relationship with the late star was used for ratings when he appeared on the reality series "Growing Up Hip Hop." Her time was coming; [she] was just about to explode.. DMX was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on Dec. 18, 1970. In 2003, a pathologist testified at a Nassau coroners inquest that she was killed from severe burns and head [7][8], In 2000, Haughton wrote and directed The Mim Rose. The star's funeral took place in New York City on August 31, 2001 and saw a hearse drawn by horses lead her body through the streets of the Upper East Side. He told the crowd, "I'm outraged, and I think all decent people are outraged. The lifesize figure was modelled on Aaliyah's iconic "Try Again" outfit and makeup. She ultimately found healthier mentors in Timbaland and Missy Elliott, who produced her follow-up album in 1996. Here is all you want to know, and more! Aaliyahs plane crash occurred within feet of Marsh Harbour Airport, and Aaliyah died on impact after being thrown 20 feet from the fuselage a shining star snuffed out at the height of her brilliance. (Kelly has pleaded not guilty to all charges.). Michael Haughton died from Kidney Disease. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Prosecutors said he concocted a multiyear scheme to hide millions of dollars in income from the IRS and get around nearly $2 million in tax liabilities. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Scroll through the gallery to see some of her best looks from the 1990s and early 2000s. Kelly went on to become her mentor, as well as lead songwriter and producer of her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number. Meanwhile, outpourings of love and support from the music and entertainment worlds have been flowing in since news of his hospitalization broke -- and more flooded social media feeds Friday upon news of his death. AALIYAH: (Singing) The time has finally come to save my beats with the funky hip-hop swing - the funky swing I might add - oh, check it. [21], On February 10, 2002, at the Hollywood Black Film Festival's closing night, Haughton accepted the Inspirational Spirit Award given to Aaliyah posthumously for her lifetime of excellence in entertainment. While a student in the dance program at Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (she graduated in 1997), Aaliyah released her sophomore album, One in a Million (1996). Haughton dealt with the media promotion: "We wanted to create a line where the minimalism is there. "You always have to deal with people who are jealous, but there were so few it didn't even matter," she said while sharing her experience with bullies before finding fame. AISHA HARRIS, BYLINE: And that album and the song, the title song, have been pretty much considered at this point to be sort of a harbinger for all of the R&B sounds that we would get after that and today. The 50-year-old rapper was in grave condition after suffering a heart attack at his home in New York, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX.". DMX released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards over the course of his storied musical career. That sort of tough girl, sweet girl mix.. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.". Did you encounter any technical issues? 8. Iandoli noted how outspoken rapper Drake has been about Aaliyahs inspiration (he has also sampled her music and in 2010 penned a letter to her in honor of the anniversary of her death) as evidence of how she remains influential. The rapper had struggled with drug addiction since his teenage years, first becoming addicted to crack cocaine when he was just 14. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, the young singer competed unsuccessfully on the television program Star Search at age 11. On her way home from a music video shoot in 2001, a plane crash killed Aaliyah and eight members of her film crew. I was almost upset with her. [13] Additionally, Haughton wrote and directed Love Like Aliens[14] in 2011 and Muga Shozoku[15] in 2015. Earls music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever," his family said in a statement Friday. Aaliyah and seven other people, including the pilot, were believed to have died instantly, while a ninth passenger died later at a Bahamian hospital. Billboard 200, but the first single, We Need a Resolution, peaked at 59 and early high album sales began to wane. But in her upcoming book, Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah, music journalist Kathy Iandoli believes she's finally uncovered the truth. ", Mom 'stabs 3 of her kids to death and wounds 2 others in unsupervised visit', Daughter of murdered couple linked to Delphi case reveals paranoia, Serena Williams stepmom's debts continue to spiral amid crumbling home battle, Alex Murdaugh heckled after court with eerie warning about son being 'next', 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, The R&B singer tragically died in August 2001 at the age of 22, A plane she boarded with seven members of her entourage nosedived moments after take-off, A witness claims he the star didn't want to get on board and was handed a pill before being carried on unconscious, Aaliyah had been in the Bahamas filing what would end up being her final music video, The video was for her song 'Rock the Boat', Her body was found 20 meters from the crash, still strapped in her seat, Aaliyah and six of the eight others on board were killed instantly, The revelations are made in the book Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah, by music journalist Kathy Iandoli, Music video for Aaliyah's classic hit Rock The Boat. Aaliyah met Kelly though Barry Hankerson, her uncle and his manager. In an Instagram post, his team said he apologized for the canceled shows and thanked his fans for the continued support. "She always greeted you with a smile. In 2016, The Wrap reported that a clothing line featuring images of the late star was hit with a copyright lawsuit from a photographer who claimed his photo was used on an item without their permission. The team member then handed Aaliyah a pill, Russel claims, which she took before falling "into a deep sleep". Singer and actress Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. She was set to appear in "The Matrix" franchise and, per MTV News, had already shot scenes for the 2003 sequel, "The Matrix Reloaded.". The video was directed by Daniel Pearl. Much of her award show success also came posthumously. Back then, she was a multiplatinum recording artist just embarking on an acting career. At what age did Aaliyah die? NBC New York's Phil Lipof reports. The pilot of the doomed flight, who was not qualified to fly the plane, was also found to have traces of cocaine and alcohol in his body. Later that year, tabloid reports surfaced claiming that the sultry teen singer had married the 27-year-old Kelly, but Aaliyah denied the union and the marriage was reportedly annulled. While DMX made his mark as one of hip-hops most recognizable names for his rap artistry and as an actor, the rapper was personally stifled by his legal battles -- was repeatedly arrested and jailed within a decade and drug addiction. The last day, Saturday, was one of the best Ive had in this business. August 25 is a tough day every year for celebrity stylist Derek Lee. Nobody heeded Morales warning that the plane was overloaded, leading to Aaliyahs death. At the same time, members of her entourage were reportedly arguing with the pilot after he told them the plane would be too heavy for eight passengers and all of their luggage. Aaliyah won a fewmajor awards before her death, but the bulk came in the four years that preceded it, as well as plenty of industry recognition and praise. Singer Aaliyah passed away on Saturday August 25, 2001 in a horror plane crash (Image: Getty Images) The group had reportedly been anxious to get going so that they could land in Miami for the evening, after the plane was later arriving on Abaco island. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour Airport on the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. Aaliyah Cause of Death On August 25, 2001, the singer Aaliyah died at the age of 22in a plane crash in the Bahamas. Her body was found 20 feet from the wreckage. Shortly after takeoff, the small airplane crashed. After almost 20 years of blocking access to her music, Hankerson reluctantly reached a distribution deal with EMPIRE and Spotify wasted no time announcing a slow rollout of her music starting August 20, 2021 (per Harper's Bazaar). She was extremely relatable and I think thats what this next generation is identifying with, the relatability, he said. "Aaliyah was, like, the sacrificial lamb for all that because she didn't deserve none of that. What was Aaliyah's cause of death? A few years later, DMX wassentenced to a year in prisonfor tax fraud. The awards were presented just 12 days after Aaliyah's death, on September 6, and originally she was booked as one of its presenters. In a video posted to Instagram in July 2020, he accused the president of eOne's unscripted television department of "trying to exploit [his] story with Aaliyah for [Lifetime]." [26][27][28], In August 2021, it was reported that the One in a Million album and Aaliyah's other recorded work with Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and streaming services in a deal between the record label and Empire Distribution. NASSAU, Bahamas (CNN) -- The small aircraft that crashed last weekend on the island of Abaco, killing singer Aaliyah and eight others, was overloaded by hundreds of pounds, officials said Thursday. But it wasn't just in the music world where Aaliyah made serious waves and grabbed attention. Helmed by the well-known pop producer Timbaland and featuring rap performer Missy Elliott, One in a Million portrayed the 17-year-old singer as a sultry hip-hop chanteuse with a self-confidence well beyond her years. As Ferrell wrote, "She once very forcefully checked a fellow actor who was continually taunting a gay crew member on the set of Romeo because the man was flamboyant," adding that Aaliyah supposedly "set him straight and made him apologize in front of the entire crew.". She was also an executive producer of the movie's soundtrack and performed the hit single "Try Again," which netted her a second Grammy nomination as well as two MTV Music Video Awards for Best Female Video and Best Video From a Film. And when Aaliyah saw the size of the plane she then refused to board it, he recounts in the book. AALIYAH didn't want to get on the doomed plane that crashed and caused her death but she was carried on board unconscious after being given a sedative, a book The second Aaliyahs plane crash occurred, the fuselage burst into flames, killing all aboard. As well as making waves in the music world, her acting career was just getting off the ground and she had big things in the works before her death. TALENTED singer Aaliyah had a future of musical success before her life was tragically cut short. He passed away in 2012 from cancer and was buried alongside his daughter. And I think now we're seeing a lot of people really begin to trace those influences that Aaliyah had back then onto what we're seeing now. The ceremony also saw 22 white doves released in tribute to her. An inquest heard the singer had suffered 'severe burns and a blow to the head' as the result of a fatal plane crash. "Our time together meant so much that when we got more time, we felt like that [engagement] would be next," he said during an interview with Billboard's Juice in 2011, calling her "one of the best people I ever met." It was later found that the small twin-engine plane had exceeded its maximum weight limit by several hundred pounds. "Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. During the exchange, Russell says the singer reiterated that she didn't want to get on the small plane and that she wasn't feeling well. [29][30][31] One In A Million was reissued on August 20, 2021[32][33][34] and re-entered the UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40 at number eight[35] and reached the top ten for on the Billboard 200 in the US for the first time at number ten, selling 26,000 album-equivalent units in the week ending of August 26. He claimed he believed Aaliyah would have not have supported the Trump administration and revealed how she stood up against injustice, particularly aimed at the LGBTQ+ community. According to her cousin Jomo Hankerson, Aaliyah was "villainized" for their relationship. She was 22 years old at the time of her death. The album garnered favorable reviews and sold two million copies. Sadly, those who didn't get to experience Aaliyah's music when it was first released can't get familiar with her tracks on streaming services. When asked byCBS Chicagoif hebelieves the claims against Kelly are true Carey cited the singers marriage to pop star Aaliyah who was only 15 at the time. Sending love to his family. There have been years of contention about Aaliyah's music being available on-demand, and, as of April 2021, it's still not possible to stream the albums "One in a Million," "Aaliyah," or her posthumous release, "I Care 4 U." It was unveiled by Haughton to an invited audience. He added, that "even with the pain [he] felt" following her tragic death, he "would do it all over again.". TALENTED singer Aaliyah had a future of musical success before her life was tragically cut short. In 2004, Haughton was featured on "Fork In The Road" (with 1200 Techniques), which peaked at number 55 on Australian Charts. Twenty years ago today, on August 25, 2001, a small Cessna plane crashed. In addition to appearing in the 2000 movie "Romeo Must Die"and 2002's "Queen of the Damned,"CR reported she was offered a role in the 2001 movie Get Over It which eventually went to Zoe Saldana. After selling two million copies and breaking into Hollywood, Aaliyah was an official A-lister. Aaliyah Haughtons life was tragically cut short 20 years ago, but the Princess of R&B is still on top of music charts, headlines, and hearts, today. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. The plane was headed for Miami, Florida. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Her given name is derived from the Arabic Ali, which translated to highest or most exalted one. Aaliyah was naturally drawn to performing, which her vocalist mother, Diane, wisely noted by enrolling her in voice lessons as a child. However, the Editor-in-chief at the time, Col Allan, disagreed and claimed Dreher "had a right to express an opinion.". Aaliyah during Urban Aid benefit concert in New York City. She added that "the majority of kids"she went to school with were supportive of her, which she called "wonderful," but admitted she'd learned not to let the nasty comments get to her. But shortly after take-off, the plane crashed in Abaco Islands, the Bahamas. However, on Aug. 25, 2001, she wrapped a music video with director Hype Williams in the Bahamas Abaco Islands and her team was eager to return to Florida. Shed protested the small plane and refused to get inside, opting to sit in her taxi and wait. Aaliyah at the 2001 Essence Awards in New York City. 1994 - Present: Acting, writing and directing, UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40, "Aaliyah's Parents Diane & Michael Haughton", "Vibe Magazine's Emil Wilbekin: Remembering Aaliyah", "Aaliyah Week: How 'One In A Million' Pushed The Envelope Of R&B", "This Day in Horror: QUEEN OF THE DAMNED Was Released in 2002", "1200 Techniques "Fork In The Road" (feat. The plane was late arriving at the airport by two hours, Russell said. The R&B singer tragically die Hundreds of supporters and family members held a vigil outside the hospital earlier this week. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Best Known For: Signed to a recording contract at the age of 12, Aaliyah became an overnight R&B sensation. In May 2002, Aaliyah's parents filed a negligence lawsuit against operator Blackhawk International Airways Corp., Skystream Inc. and Gilbert Chacon, and Atlantic Flight Group. One victim was found alive, but later died in a Miami hospital. She had just this sort of effortless style, effortless cool. The album went on to see great success, too. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for Come Back in One Piece on the films soundtrack. He tried to barricade himself in his bedroom but emerged when a SWAT team entered his home. Aaliyah Dana Houghton was just 22 when she died. In a separate statement, White Plains Hospital extended its "deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Dash also shares sons with his former girlfriends Linda Williams and Cindy Morales. The news of her death was a blow, Gladys Knight told Rosie magazine in February 2002, according to People. It was critically acclaimed and charted at number two on the U.S. The Hollywood Reporter claimed that "One In A Million" had sold 8 million copies worldwide as of August 2011, and was certified double platinum in 1997 (per RIAA). Everyone felt part of something special, part of her song.. The person who I thought had the most common sense in the world had common sense not to get on the plane. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. She also earned a Grammy nomination for one of its singles, "Try Again.". An autopsy will be conducted to determine DMX's cause of death. Aaliyah cut ties with Kelly after the accusations of illegal marriage. WebThe death of singer and actress Aaliyah and eight other people in a plane crash in the Bahamas stunned the world on Aug. 25, 2001. Those four days were very beautiful for everyone, he told MTV. Within four weeks, Aaliyah would be dead after suffering severe burns and a fatal blow to the head after she boarded a Cessna 402 twin-engine light aircraft that crashed seconds after takeoff. Her body was found 20 feet away from the wreckage. She was still strapped into her seat and slumped over to her left. He said: It don't get no truer than that.. The beloved singer and dancer inspired many notable entertainers, including Usher, Beyonc, and Rihanna. HARRIS: I think there's a newfound respect for her. She then traveled to the Abaco Islands with her production crew to finish the video. They took her out of the van; she didnt even know she was getting boarded on a plane, Russellrecounts in the book. AALIYAH didn't want to get on the doomed plane that crashed and caused her death but she was carried on board unconscious after being given a sedative, a book has claimed. FADEL: That's Aisha Harris, the host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour. The rapper said he suffered from asthma. Per ABC News, one of the biggest happened in Detroit (her hometown) where hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects. During 1994 it was widely reported Kelly and Aaliyah had secretly married, but both denied it. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones. WebOn October 27, 2001, Aaliyah was scheduled to perform a duet with Seal at Breathe, a benefit concert for breast cancer treatment and research. Aaliyah cut ties with Kelly after the accusations of illegal marriage. The tragic death of R&B phenom Aaliyah was sudden and shocking, but it took two years for the disturbing details of her autopsy to be revealed. All rights reserved, had been on life support at a hospital in White Plains. [9], In February 2002, Queen of the Damned, a film which starred Aaliyah as Queen Akasha, was released. It starred Aaliyah as Melissa. Why the aircraft was cleared to take off in the first place has largely remained a mystery since the devastating crash almost two decades ago. She was still strapped into her seat and slumped over to her left. Aaliyah met Kelly though Barry Hankerson, her uncle and his manager. He welcomed his fifth child, his first with his fiance Raquel Horn, in November 2020, confirming the news on Instagram. As recently as Thursday night, DMX's manager denied those rumors and asked people to stop spreading them out of respect for the rapper's family. Her third album, Aaliyah, was released in July 2001 and reached No. Mario Tama/Getty ImagesFans watching R&B singer Aaliyahs funeral procession towards St. Ignatius Loyola Church.