New Music, Possible MAC Limited Collection: How Aaliyah Still Lives On

In the 14 years since her death, no one has come close to doing it better than Aaliyah: fusing smooth, sultry, ethereal vocals into the illest Timbaland and Missy Elliott-made beats (*cue the baby coos from “Are You That Somebody?”) then taking the film world by complete storm with slayer-worthy roles in Anne Rice’s Queen of the Damned and the widely-acclaimed Romeo Must Die.

In the 14 years since her death, no one has come close to doing it better than Aaliyah: fusing smooth, sultry, ethereal vocals into the illest Timbaland and Missy Elliott-made beats (*cue the baby coos from “Are You That Somebody?”) then taking the film world by complete storm with slayer-worthy roles in Anne Rice’s Queen of the Damned and the widely-acclaimed Romeo Must Die.

Aaliyah as vampire queen Akasha in “Queen of the Damned” (2002).

So it’s no wonder why the original ‘Princess of R&B’ continues to be a strikingly relevant force in the entertainment industry over a decade after her passing.

Earlier this month, a petition created by the late singer’s fans surfaced. The request, entitled “Aaliyah for MAC” Limited Edition Collection (with an accompanying hashtag #AaliyahForMac), has fans pleading to beauty giant MAC Cosmetics for a makeup collection in honor of Aaliyah—a similar treatment that was given to the late Tejano singer, Selena, this past July. The makeup line would include eyeshadows, lipsticks, lip liners, glosses, contouring and highlighting products as well as beauty powder, false lashes and eyebrow pencils.

#AaliyahForMac. Source: Change.org

The movement, launched by fans Jennifer Resigner and Trae Anna Burke and backed by Change.org, has garnered much attention and support—with 5,301 signees (including yours truly!) as of this writing.

A very special supporter of #AaliyahForMac is the late singer’s brother, Rashad Haughton. Recently, Haughton stated that he “approve[s] of the idea for a Limited Edition collection by MAC for her.” The 38-year-old film director/writer said that his sister was a “huge fan” of MAC products, stating that her favorite products were Chelsea Lipstick, Cherish Lipstick, Chestnut Lip Liner, Espresso Eyeshadow and Biscuit Eyeshadow.

Future Makeup Icon.  Source: Fanpop

On the Change.org website, the petition declares their purpose for wanting the tribute collection:

Mac Cosmetics, We want an Aaliyah for Mac Limited Edition Collection. Aaliyah stands for Mac’s mission of ‘All ages, All races, All sexes.’ She was a risk taker, innovator, edgy, street but sweet, and R & B’s Princess. She continues to influence today’s mainstream artist[s] & people around the world still love and celebrate her life and music every year!

New music and possibly a new album may also be on the horizon for Aaliyah fans. A few weeks ago, word travelled to every corner of the Internet that Timbaland, possessing unreleased tracks by the late singer, may have a plan up his sleeve for what’s to come with the material.

Source: Biography

On his Instagram page, Timbo teased his followers with a very interesting message:

Attention!!!!! People ask me all the time do I have any babegirl music we haven’t heard !!!!!well the answer is YES!!!!!!!! TIMBO x BABEGIRL !!!!! Sneak Peak coming !!!!!!!

Source: @Timbo the King Instagram

Since then, Timbaland has not confirmed a date on when the secret tracks will be released and 2,199 signees are still needed to reach the #AaliyahForMac petition’s goal of 7,500 signees, as of this writing.

Regardless, from artists such as Chris Brown and Drake utilizing Aaliyah’s music within their own to biopics that attempt to capture the Queen of Urban Pop’s life and legacy, Aaliyah—the “most highest and exalted one”—continues to be an entertainer we cannot get enough of nor let go. And why should we?

Aaliyah on the set of “Romeo Must Die” (2000).

RIP, Baby Girl. Your music, your art, and your presence forever remain.