Aaliyah’s Catalog Available on Streaming Platforms After Nearly 20 Years

Aaliyah’s “One in a Million” album was released on streaming platforms on Friday, nearly 20 years since the singer’s death.

The singer tragically passed away at the age of 22 in a plane crash, and ever since fans have been missing the singer’s voice.

Many fans of the singer are excitedly posting on social media after her music’s release to streaming platforms.

Aaliyah’s music had not been streamable due to a dispute between her estate.

Barry Hankerson, her uncle and founder of Blackground Records, announced that her catalog would be on streaming platforms on August 20 and that her albums “ΛΛLIYΛH” and “I Care 4 U” would be streamable September 10 and October 8.

The delay of the music came from a disagreement between Hankerson and her estate, which had expressed that they had no desire to have her catalog on the market.

“There was a conversation we had that (Diane Haughton, Aaliyah’s mother) didn’t want the music out, and whatever my sister told me, I tried to do what she wanted me to do,” Hankerson said during a Billboard interview earlier this month.

In a statement responding to the deal, Aaliyah’s estate’s attorney Paul LiCalsi said they weren’t aware of the streaming release.

In the statement, her estate said, “For almost 20 years, Blackground has failed to account to the Estate with any regularity in accordance with her recording contracts. In addition, the Estate was not made aware of the impending release of the catalog until after the deal was complete and plans were in place. The Estate has demanded that Blackground provide a full account of its past earnings, and full disclosure of the terms of its new deal to distribute Aaliyah’s long embargoed music.”

The estate had previously made a statement about the artist’s absence from streaming platforms which read: We hear you and we see you. While we share your sentiments and desire to have Aaliyah’s music released, we must acknowledge that these matters are not within our control and, unfortunately, take time.”

Despite all the obstacles that had to be overpassed to have her music on streaming platforms, many fans are beyond excited to be able to listen to the Princess of R&B’s music once again.

“Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, and Timbaland were a special team that gave us timeless music. Glad the family & label are able to start getting Aaliyah’s music on streaming.” tweeted fan @checktherhyme1

Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, and Timbaland were a special team that gave us timeless music.

Glad the family & label are able to start getting Aaliyah's music on streaming ❤ pic.twitter.com/kDk1dNiycT

— Ruben | Check the Rhyme (@checktherhyme1) August 20, 2021