This summer has been full of news and rumors surrounding a new Aaliyah album, one which will apparently be helmed by her biggest celebrity fan, Drake. But one of the biggest stories surrounding the album is Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s exclusion from the project, a fact that has many fans and friends of the late singer crying foul. During a recent stop at New York’s Hot 97, Missy and Timbo finally gave their side of the story in the whole drama.
While promoting Missy’s new singles, “9th Inning” and “Triple Threat,” Missy and Timbo sat down for an interview with Angie Martinez and while talking about the new Aaliyah project, Timbo claimed that he doesn’t think it exists.
“I don’t even know if it’s an album, I don’t think that’s in the works. I don’t know, I think it’s blown out of proportion. I haven’t spoken to Drake yet. I have a hard time just hearing her music,” said Tim.
Missy added, “No call has been made to me. I have to respect her family, and until they come and say they’re ready to do an Aaliyah album, then I don’t really want to get into that because it’s very sensitive. It’s not records that already done came out, we’re talking about unfinished music. And we don’t know what her reasoning for not putting those records out. Maybe she didn’t feel like they were her best work. We just don’t want to tap into that, just spiritually something else you know … very very touchy. Unless her parents came in and conducted that.”
Timbo also discussed Drake’s famous Aaliyah tattoo and questioned the young rapper’s ink.
“To me … the tattoo part, did that man come in here and show y’all. Like lift up his shirt, I mean they said pictures are online,” said Timbaland.
However, Missy was more understanding of Drake’s adoration for Aaliyah.
“I think that the tattoo is real, I did see a picture of it,” added Missy. “You know what, let me be quiet … you know what it is, because he’s a human being too. A lot of people may not have met Michael Jackson, but feel they have a connection with him.”
Clearly, this story is far from over. Check out some of Missy, Tim and Aaliyah’s best collabos below. –nicholas robinson
