R.I.P.

I vividly remember the morning of August 25^th 2001. The smell of my mother’s morning coffee filled my lungs as I entered our kitchen to see the Calgary Herald open on our table made of dark cedar. While the exact headline eludes me, the news that hip hop artist, singer and actress Aaliyah had passed broke my pre-prepubescent heart. I was 12 at the time and just beginning to discover the world of hip-hop, rap and RnB. My emotions were on high volume and my raging hormones almost drove my parents to take up a vicodin addiction. There was something about Aaliyah’s beauty and voice that diminished my teenage angst and subconsciously told me everything would eventfully be alright. While my feelings for Timbaland have changed since the early 00’s, Aaliyah’s collaborations with the notorious hit maker produced undeniable billboard hits. She was at the top of her game in 2001 and was taken from us far too soon. You’ll forever be missed.

While I’ll admit my love for Drake is becoming a borderline obsession, I couldn’t help myself.

Dear Dana,

I’ve never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you. I am pained that we will never get to connect now that music ended up being my career path. But you should know, we all listen to you everyday and we remain inspired and moved by all that you’ve given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I’ll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner’s on me!

Love you always and forever,

Drake