Fridae

It's always disappointing when artists at the height of their career, or those nearing it, suddenly pass on. However, the deaths of the likes of Billie Holiday, Tupac, and Biggie never appeared so "sudden" after all�drug overdoses or shootings often justify them.

The death of 22-year-old Aaliyah Dana Haughton, however, seems horribly unjust. Not was she just pretty and young, she was also a diva in the making who didn't do drugs or involve herself in the squabbles of the hip-hop community. Her career in music and film didn't end after 15 minutes of fame�all it took was a plane crash to literally and physically bring her down. And quoting a comment from a friend of mine, "it's almost always in a twin-engine Cessna".

Her third, latest, and last self-titled studio album, Aaliyah, offers a different take on the stale R&B/hip-hop industry with tracks that stand out each on their own and crosses over boundaries determining what jazz, classical, and rock are. Lyrics are mature and uncommon coming from an artist as young as her; they aren't overly at-your-face nor obscurely subtle.

True to the theme of unconventionality, the first single, We Need A Resolution, doesn't throw blame to one person (which is common if you've listened to Destiny's Child or J.Lo), but questions both with "Am I supposed to change / are you supposed to change / who should be hurt / who should be blamed." Similarly I Care 4 U takes sides with the male counterpart: "Hey sexy baby / why'd a girl leave you in pain / to let a fine man like you go / she must be insane."

Other worthy tracks include the suggestive Rock The Boat, the jazzy Never No More, and the orchestral I Refuse.

I'm sure this won't be the last that we'll see of her, at least in spirit. Greatest hit compilation, unreleased tracks, and tribute CDs (not to mention a new movie) will keep the shelves fresh for at least a few more years.

Rest in peace, Aaliyah.