Mainstreaming the B-girl aesthetic in R&B
On top of being at the forefront of the “hip-hop soul” musical movement, Aaliyah was one of three female acts that were the first to embrace, not only hip-hop musical production, but a look that was identifiably hip-hop centered. While the previous incarnation of female New Jack Swing singers still preferred a more “glam” image; from 1992-1994, early TLC, Mary J. Blige and Aaliyah made it cool and sexy for girls to rock saggy pants, du-rags and boots while singing catchy tunes.
