Aaliyah was a singer who was an influential 90s hip-hop musician whose career was cut short.
Aaliyah Dana Haughton ( [ ɑ : ˈliːə ] January 16 , 1979 -- August 25 , 2001 ) was an American singer , actress , and model . She has been credited for helping redefine contemporary R&B , pop and hip hop , earning her the nicknames `` Princess of R&B '' and `` Queen of Urban Pop '' .