The much talked about biopic surrounding “More Than A Woman” singer Aaliyah is on hold. According to her uncle and Blackground Records CEO Barry Hankerson, the movie is on hold until the family approves production, but a 16-track album is being worked on as of right now.
“The Aaliyah Biopic is currently on hold until the Haughton family agree to go forward with it. Before the controversy Warner (who would fund the movie) wanted Keshia Chante to play the lead role, and Aaliyah friends play themselves. We can’t go forward until Aaliyah’s family agree to let us,” Hankerson shared with That Grape Juice Saturday. “We’ve always been sympathetic to Aaliyah’s mourning, and we’ll always love the graceful and angelic girl she was to the Haughton family. To us, she’ll always be ‘baby girl’.”
According to Hankerson, a negative undertone surrounding the forthcoming album’s release was expected, following the announcement that Drake and Noah Shebib are executive producing. Still, he insists their motivation is to introduce Aaliyah to a new generation and to remember her legacy.
“We always expected an unpleasant welcome to this album.Due to the fact that we have control over the estate and authoritative over royalties, we will be moving forward with this album,” says Hankerson. “We never wanted the bad press that’s come with the album. The family might of made statements about us not supporting their “daughter” but the fan support and peaceful intent behind it is the reason we’ve decided to go forth with it.”
Contrary to rumors, the album’s production is open to those who worked with Aaliyah before. That includes Damon Dash.
“The intent is not to disrespect the family, nor do BlackGround Records want to shed any bad light around Aaliyah’s legacy. We’d like to go in a different direction with the 16 tracks and have been more than open to work with past collaborators,” says Barry Hankerson.
All of this said, it looks like the project is going forward. Are you in support of the album ?
