She first gained recognition at the age of 10, when she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At the age of 12, Aaliyah signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records. She released her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number the album sold three million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry.
Aaliyah worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second album, One in a Million, which sold three million copies in the United States and more than eight million copies worldwide. In 2000, Aaliyah appeared in her first film, Romeo Must Die. She contributed to the film's soundtrack, which spawned the single "Try Again". The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely on airplay, making Aaliyah the first artist in Billboard history to achieve this goal. After completing Romeo Must Die, Aaliyah filmed her role in Queen of the Damned, and released, in 2001, her self-titled third and final studio album, which topped the Billboard 200. Unfortunately, the 22 year old singer's life was tragically cut short in a 2001 plane crash after filming her video for "Rock The Boat" in The Bahamas.
Aaliyah became famous in her own right during the mid-1990s with several hit records from the songwriting/production team of Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and their associate Steve "Static" Garrett. Notable for recording several hit singles, including "One in A Million" and "Try Again", Aaliyah has sold over 32 million records total worldwide, including posthumous releases. Two posthumous albums have been released since Haughton's death: I Care 4 U in December 2002, and Ultimate Aaliyah in April 2005, the latter of which was released as a box set that included her greatest hits and a documentary on her life. Haughton also ventured outside of music, modeling for Tommy Hilfiger and starring in two motion pictures (Romeo Must Die & Queen of The Damned) before her untimely death.
Beat 4 Da Streets
Aaliyah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up
You've just now entered
Into the next level (yes)
The new world of funk (aha)
As we do it one time
Creeping through the fog
(A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Creep, creep, creeping through the fog
Who that y'all?
(A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
I got the beats
For the streets
(A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Everything I make
Is so unique (hey)
(A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Say, "Hey" if you down with me
(Hey, L-I-Y-A-H)
If you step to me
There's no need
(A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Creeping through the fog
Who that y'all? ha
Damn she be the bomb
(Say what?) Dang
Creeping through the fog
Who that y'all? ha
Dang, damn she be the bomb
Wake up
Goodnight
The lyrics of Aaliyah's song "Beats 4 Da Streets" convey the message that the listener has now entered into the new world of funk as they do it one time. Aaliyah asks the listener to wake up and join her on this journey. She introduces herself as she creeps through the fog, and emphasizes this with the repeated phrase, "Who that y'all?" The lyrics convey Aaliyah's confidence and uniqueness, as she states that everything she makes is so unique, and all she needs from her listeners is a simple "hey" to show that they are down with her. She warns any potential challengers that if they step to her, there's no need, as she is in control.
The use of the phrase "creeping through the fog" sets a mysterious and slightly eerie tone to the song, which is complemented by the funky and upbeat instrumental. Aaliyah's repeated self-introduction adds to her confidence, and her warning to challengers not to step to her adds an air of authority to her voice.
Line by Line Meaning
Aaliyah, Aaliyah
Introducing the artist, Aaliyah
Wake up
Calling the listener's attention to listen and pay attention
You've just now entered
A metaphorical reference to a new experience or opportunity
Into the next level (yes)
There is an upgraded level of excellence or standards
The new world of funk (aha)
A new, innovative genre in music is being explored
As we do it one time
A one-time chance to experience excellence with Aaliyah
Creeping through the fog
Going unnoticed or unseen, trying to make progress
Who that y'all? (A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Asking for singularity and identity recognition
Creep, creep, creeping through the fog
Always finding a way to move forward, regardless of the challenge
I got the beats
The artist has created new music
For the streets (A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
Music is designed for the general public
Everything I make
The music created by Aaliyah
Is so unique (hey) (A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
The music is distinctive and original
Say, "Hey" if you down with me (Hey, L-I-Y-A-H)
Asking for support from the listener
If you step to me
Challenging those who oppose or try to bring down Aaliyah
There's no need (A-A-L-I-Y-A-H)
There is no reason to engage in conflict
Damn she be the bomb (Say what?) Dang
A metaphorical reference to being very impressive
Wake up
Reiterating the call to listen and pay attention
Goodnight
Closing out the song
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Melissa A. Elliott, Timothy Z. Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ThisIsMissyExclusive
Missy Elliott really does not get enough credit for all the songwriting, vocal arrangement and production she did for Aaliyah as the years progressed after this album. Her & Aaliyah were like lit dynamite, anytime they linked with Timbaland fire instantly exploded. 25 years later, this still remains the most legendary intro off any album, periodt. *EXTREMELY* ahead of its '96 time.
@Calmingsounds1234.
Right!! ๐
@SoftIce28
Right!!! Missy was DEFINITELY born to do REALLY great music! I LOVE when that women gets her hands on a song!!
@rashadallen9299
The best female rapper of all time to me
@1718Dance
Preach
@certifiedmadizion8799
Actually Missy Elliot bit the hand that fend her and then thought Aaliyah wouldn't make it without her on her last album
@tjmiles3145
This dead ass shoulda been a full song. Me and my sis used to run this back like it was a single.
@earlenehurst1178
I always loved this intro wished babygirl would have done more with the beat. She definitely had the beats for the streetz!. ๐ฏโค๐ฅ
@samaramacon1551
Totallyโบ๐
@jaywad8876
Me too.