The Fader, the definitive voice of emerging music, presents its annual Icon Issue, this time highlighting the life and legacy of the revolutionary songstress, Aaliyah. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, Aaliyah Dana Haughton entered the music scene with her first album, "Age Aint Nothing but a Number" at the age of 15. From that point forward, Aaliyah began to revolutionize the popscape with a quick and effortless swoop, embodying what the editors of The Fader love right now; her influence in 2008 an omnipresent force from the futuristic megahits dominating the airwaves to the demure pop sensibilities fluttering throughout the underground.
Before Aaliyah's life was cut short in 2001, the Grammy-nominated artist sold millions of records worldwide--collaborating with producers and artists including Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Although Aaliyah was only in the spotlight for a short time, she had a major impact on these artists personally, and many others professionally including Mark Ronson, Ciara, Method Man, Beth Ditto, and Kid Sister. These artists and more were all interviewed, offering their take on how Aaliyah's impact has transcended over the years, long after her death.
"It only took Aaliyah a few albums to make an indelible mark on the world of pop music, but today her influence can be felt across numerous genres," said Chris Richards, Executive Editor of The Fader. "This issue not only tracks that influence, but also offers a more personal glimpse into the life of a true pop visionary."
Also popping up in Fader 54 is a feature on Sweden's newest pop maverick, Lykke Li: a product of Sweden's pool of talented musicans and about to release her first album, Youth Novels. Recorded in Stockholm and New York, her album is set for US release this summer. With the help of Bjorn Yttling, producer and member of Peter Bjorn and John, the album is a collection of dance beats, quirky instrumentation and Li's breathy vocals. Also between the pages is a portrait of England's emerging bassline scene--an genre of dance music that's providing a melodic counterpart to the frustrated energy of London grime; followed by El Guincho--an artist whose dance beats and vocals sprung from Barcelona and spread like wildfire in Spain, his album Alegranza! only to be picked up for US and UK release only four months later. As always, F54 will also be available via iTunes in its entirety, with corresponding audio podcasts, and as a free download at Thefader.com.
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