Sex appeal that was implied, but not blatant
The adult Aaliyah’s image was very much “grown woman,” but she retained some of the “sweetness” that she displayed earlier in her career. She was constantly referred to as one of the sexiest artists in music, and there was an undeniable sultriness to her voice and look. But, she never seemed to be forcing the issue, it was a subtle sexiness. Her songs were laden with innuendo and winking euphemisms, as opposed to explicit come-ons. That may have changed over time (it did with Janet), but it’s worth noting how unique that approach was in the “freakin-me, freakin-you” era of R&B.
