Spotify finally confirmed the speculation on Thursday, announcing that the Princess of R&B’s second album
One in a Million would be coming to the streaming platform on Aug. 20, followed by the
Romeo Must Diesoundtrack and her third album
Aaliyah in September. In October, Spotify plans to release her posthumous
compilation albumsI Care 4 U and
Ultimate Aaliyah.
But Aaliyah’s estate and immediate family members appear to be opposed to the release of the late 22-year-old’s discography,
putting out a statement on Wednesday night calling the move an “unscrupulous endeavor.”
The matter is complicated because the new website’s social media accounts link back to verified pages for a revived Blackground Records, founded by Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson.
For 20 years we have battled behind the scenes, enduring shadowy tactics of deception with unauthorized projects targeted to tarnish,” Aaliyah’s estate said in a statement. “We have always been confused as to why there is such a tenacity in causing more pain alongside what we already have to cope with for the rest of our lives.”
“Now, in this 20th year, this unscrupulous endeavor to release Aaliyah’s music without any transparency or full accounting to the estate compels our hearts to express a word – forgiveness,” it added. “Although we will continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully and justly, we want to preempt the inevitable attacks on our character by all the individuals who have emerged from the shadows to leech off of Aaliyah’s life’s work.”
