Aaliyah signed her first record deal at age 12 and released her debut album at 15.
She was a trained gymnast whose flexibility influenced her smooth, controlled performance style.
Aaliyah's tomboy fashion, including baggy pants and crop tops, became iconic and normalized women's duality.
Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty
10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Aaliyah
Aaliyah Dana Haughton wasn’t just a singer — she was a cultural shift.
From redefining R&B style to quietly changing how women moved in hip-hop spaces, Aaliyah’s influence still echoes decades later. While most people know her for hits like Try Again and Rock The Boat, there’s so much more to her story. Here are 10 facts about Aaliyah you probably didn’t know.
She Signed Her First Record Deal at Just 12 Years Old Aaliyah was signed to Jive Records before she even became a teenager. Her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number was released when she was only 15.
2. She Was a Trained Gymnast Before music fully took over, Aaliyah studied gymnastics. Her flexibility and balance later influenced her smooth, controlled performance style on stage and in videos.
Love Entertainment? Get more! Join the 106.7 WTLC Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription.
3. She Attended the Prestigious Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts Aaliyah wasn’t just naturally gifted — she was formally trained in music, dance, and performance at one of the most respected performing arts schools in Michigan.
4. She Helped Redefine Tomboy Fashion for Women Baggy pants, crop tops, sunglasses, and sleek hair became iconic because of Aaliyah. She normalized women owning both softness and edge at the same time.
5. She Was Offered Major Movie Roles Before Her Passing Aaliyah was set to star in several major films, including a role in The Matrix sequels that ultimately went to Nona Gaye.
6. She Was Extremely Private Despite her fame, Aaliyah rarely did messy interviews, drama-filled appearances, or tabloid antics. She intentionally protected her peace and personal life.
7. She Was Nicknamed “Baby Girl” by Her Team Those closest to her called her “Baby Girl” because of her kindness, humility, and how she treated everyone with warmth — from executives to backup dancers.
8. She Loved Horror Movies Aaliyah was a big fan of horror and thriller films. She often watched them while on tour to relax.
9. She Was Working on Multiple Projects When She Passed At the time of her death, Aaliyah was recording music, filming movies, and preparing new fashion collaborations. Her career was just entering its next chapter.
10. Her Influence Still Shapes Artists Today From Beyoncé to Rihanna to SZA to Normani, Aaliyah’s vocal style, fashion, and energy continue to inspire generations of artists who never even met her.
