After two decades of her tragic death, we can rejoice after her record label announced that they would release the majority of her music. The label owns her masters, so we can expect that we might enjoy some surprises too. Everything will go to streaming platforms so that you can listen to this queen of R&B whenever.
Blackground Records 2.0 says that they will begin the re-releasing with her second album, One In A Million. We can expect its release online on August 20. However, they haven’t confirmed any other date for the rest of her music. On the other hand, there are multiples controversies involving this label, so we can’t be sure about anything.
What is the matter with the label?
Blackground Records 2.0 was co-founded and co-owned by Aaliyah’s uncle, Barry Hankerson. For her later releases, he joined forces with the indie label EMPIRE. As you might know, there is a little of her music online, like her first album, produced by R. Kelly, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number. In addition, you can find some early singles that weren’t completely owned by the label.
Blackground Records didn’t keep up with technology, which affected many people other than Aaliyah. In 2016, an investigation done by Stephen Witt for Complex revealed that Aaliyah’s absence in streaming service happened due to the inaction of her uncle.
Are there other important re-releases?
There are plenty of labels that are re-releasing the best of the best of the important late artist. One example is Welcome 2 America, and a 12-track album released not so long ago with the best of the best from Prince. But, unfortunately, he passed away in 2016, at age 57, which was a huge blow to the music industry.
Another big release coming soon is The Book of Mac, an intimate portrait of Mac Miller. With this release, the late rapper’s family announces another big release, a box set names Swimming In Circles, a bundle of his final two albums.
