Aaliyah’s estate has hit out at “unauthorised projects” in the late singer’s name after her uncle’s label teased posthumous music.
The statement arrives after the emergence of a website titled aaliyahiscoming.com. The site features the hashtag #AaliyahIsComing and is plastered in a similar design to the artwork of Aaliyah’s 2001 self-titled album. Controversially, the site links to Blackground Records, which is owned by her uncle, and former manager, Barry Hankerson.
“For 20 years we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception with unauthorized projects targeted to tarnish,” the statement reads. “We have always been confused as to why there is such a tenacity in causing more pain alongside what we already have to cope with for the rest of our lives.
“Now, in this 20th year, this unscrupulous endeavour to release Aaliyah’s music without transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word – forgiveness.”
Aaliyah’s estate added they intend to “continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly,” and said they hope “preempt the inevitable attacks on our character by all the individuals who have emerged from the shadows to leech off of Aaliyah’s life’s work”.
The estate also noted it “desire[s] closure and a modicum of peace” to grow the Aaliyah Memorial Fund, which supports several medical and educational causes, “and other creative projects that embody Aaliyah’s true essence”.
Blackground Records are yet to comment on the allegations.