Aaliyah Barbie returns to honor the Princess of R&B

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00:00Aaliyah Barbie returns to honor the princess of R&B.

00:04When it comes to music, fashion, and cultural legacy, few artists have maintained the influence of Aaliyah.

00:10Now, Mattel has announced its official re-release, a celebration for fans old and new.

00:16Born Aaliyah Dana Houghton on January 16, 1979 in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit,

00:21the singer, actress, dancer, and model would go on to redefine R&B and hip-hop with her unique sound and style.

00:28Her second album, One in a Million, 1996, saw her collaborate with Timbaland and Missy Elliott,

00:35introducing futuristic beats and sultry melodies that influenced a generation of artists.

00:41Tragically, Aaliyah's life was cut short on August 25, 2001, at age 22,

00:46in a plane crash following the filming of the Rock the Boat video.

00:50The Aaliyah Barbie doll draws inspiration from the singer's iconic One in a Million music video,

00:56a turning point in late 1990s R&B, that redefined cool confidence and futuristic femininity.

01:04We wanted the doll to feel like Aaliyah, strong, mysterious, graceful.

01:08Aaliyah's brother, Rashad Houghton, who manages her estate, was deeply involved in the design process.

01:14The partnership wasn't about nostalgia, it was about introducing Aaliyah to a new generation through an iconic, collectible form.

01:20Aaliyah's return to Barbie's lineup places her among an elite group of legendary artists who have been immortalized as dolls.

01:28Released in 2023, the Mariah Carey Barbie paid tribute to the Queen of Christmas.

01:32The doll sold out within hours of release and remains one of the brand's most successful holiday additions.

01:38In 2022, Mattel honored Tina Turner with a Barbie modeled after her private dancer era.

01:44The release celebrated Turner's strength, resilience, and influence on rock and soul music.

01:50Released in 2024, the Alicia Keys Barbie focused on natural beauty and empowerment.

01:56The doll wore a black jumpsuit and braided hairstyle, embodying Keys' message of self-love and authenticity.

02:02From her futuristic sound to her minimalist fashion sense,

02:06Aaliyah laid the blueprint for 21st century R&B and hip-hop fusion.