Today marks a dark day in music history. August 25th, 2022 marks the 21-year anniversary of Aaliyah's death. However, she remains one of the most important figures in R&B. In the past two years, fans have finally received her catalog on streaming services following disputes between her estate and her record label.
It seems like a better time than any to bring back her single, "4 Page Letter" as this week's #TBT. While discussions about the state of R&B have been rampant, "4 Page Letter" was a record that encapsulated that feeling of love that many say is missing from the genre. From Timbaland's sly production to Aaliyah's vulnerable songwriting that finds her basking in love, "4 Page Letter" remains a quintessential anthem in her catalog that's lived on throughout the years.
Quotable Lyrics
People always say that I've played myself for you
They say that you don't even notice me
Baby, when I get the nerve to come to you
Promise me that you won't diss me
About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years.
Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021.
Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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