Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah - by Kathy Iandoli

Book Synopsis

The definitive biography of Aaliyah--the talented R&B singer and artist whose tragic death at only twenty-two years old shocked the entertainment world and solidified her as an unforgettable music legend, featuring new in-depth research and exclusive interviews.

By twenty-two years old, Aaliyah had already accomplished a staggering amount: hit records, acclaimed acting roles, and fame that was just about to cross over into superstardom. Like her song, she was already "more than a woman" but her shocking death in a plane crash prevented her from fully growing into one.

Now, two decades later, the full story of Aaliyah's life and cultural impact is finally and lovingly explored. Baby Girl features never-before-told stories, including studio anecdotes, personal tales, and eyewitness accounts on the events leading up to her untimely passing. Her enduring influence on today's artists--such as Rihanna, Drake, Lana del Rey, and many more--is also revealed, providing Aaliyah's discography a cultural critique that is long overdue.

Eye-opening, moving, and as unforgettable as its subject, Baby Girl is a necessary read for anyone who has been touched by Aaliyah's music and story.

This book was written without the participation of Aaliyah's family/estate.

Review Quotes

"Baby Girl is filled with insights and details into a too short life filled with profound controversy, dynamic collaborations and iconic hits. Iandoli does a deep dive into a much discussed but too little understood life." --Nelson George, author and filmmaker

"Aaliyah was one of the rare artists that made everyone feel like she was their sister. She felt familiar -- like family -- even though we didn't really know her story. Baby Girl changes that by shedding light on the promise and pain of someone who meant so much to the culture. After reading it, Aaliyah and her legacy mean so much more."--Robert Glasper, Grammy Award winning artist

"There has never been a real, comprehensive story on the life of Aaliyah and her impact on music, until now. Baby Girl takes you on the journey with Aaliyah--through her ups and downs--while showing how she influenced the generations of Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B artists that followed. An excellent homage to a star who left this planet too soon."--Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson

About the Author

Kathy Iandoli is a critically acclaimed hip-hop journalist and author of God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop. She's written for numerous publications including Vibe, The Source, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, and many more. A professor-in-residence of music business at New York University, Kathy routinely serves as a TV and radio panelist for discussions on hip-hop and gender. She lives in New York City.