On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, SERENE SESSIONS, my alternative R&B listening experience [Tix and details here] returns. During this series, I’m exploring the modern shapes of R&B.

Halfway through my DJ mix, I usually invite rising and indie artist hosts, who represent one of those shapes, do a storytelling interlude. This is to bridge the gap between artists and alt-R&B lovers. But this time around I’m pausing the artist hosts for a special edition icon tribute to celebrate 25 years of ‘Aaliyah’, the collaborative force that was Baby Girl and songwriter Static Major, and the many artists they inspired in modern alt-R&B. I’ll be playing the album front to back Wednesday at 7:30p.

Aaliyah’s Red Album era began April 2001, with the hit single, “We Need A Resolution.” It is one of many that helped define future soul for the new millennium and it’s only right we pay respects! Below is a look back at the album and 14 songs from my set that embody the influence of Aaliyah and Static Major.

Aaliyah was “the first girl on the scene” according to her peer Brandy, pointing to an era of Black teen girl R&B-pop stars carried also by the likes of Monica and Destiny’s Child. By 2001, at the age of 22, Aaliyah was seven years into her major label career with two commercially successful albums under her belt, and was slowly crossing over into mainstream pop. She seemed to have the whole world in her hands.

Enlisting Timbaland and Missy for her sophomore album, One in A Million, proved she had a penchant for taking the weird and making it cool, as the project was considered unlike anything heard in R&B before its time. Now with more life experience and creative actualization, Aaliyah desired more risk-taking edge for her sound and the concepts she built around it.

25 years ago, in April 2001, our introduction to the RED ALBUM was “We Need A Resolution” — produced by Timbaland and co-written by Static Major — an seductive, eerie and scattered rhythm that stood out from her peers. (It featured the sample “Tricks of the Trade” by John Ottman from the film Incognito’s soundtrack). On the 15-track album, released July 2001, Aaliyah directed songwriter Static Major and a team of forward-thinking producers to create a classic in the spirit of Black experimentation and nonconformity.

Whether the vibe was classic or avant-garde, the production on this project served to advance Aaliyah’s story into the new millennium instead of rehashing her ‘90s success.

Producer Bud’da layered horns and a Latin flair into “Read Between the Lines” while infusing “I Can Be” with a gritty blend of R&B and rock.1 Keybeats partners Eric Seats and Rapture Stewart leaned into the future, crafting the jittery, electronic, and atmospheric soundscapes that define tracks like “Loose Rap” and “Rock the Boat.” Meanwhile, “I Care 4 You,” a yearner’s anthem penned by Missy Elliott, was a leftover from the One in A Million era, but it found a home on the self-titled. Its timeless sound meant no one could tell it was years old.

And by the time Static worked with Aaliyah on the RED album, he had known her for at least three years. He was a protégé of Jodeci’s DeVante Swing’s “Da Bassment” (or Swing Mob) collective, a songwriter responsible for the national treasure that is Ginuwine’s “Pony,” and a member of the R&B group Playa. He had written Aaliyah’s hit singles “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again,” making it a no-brainer that their collaboration was magical and resonant enough to lead the songwriting for her self-titled. He was central to the album’s alchemy. His collaborators called him a once-in-a-generation talent who wrote music quickly in his head and seemed possessed by something when doing so.2 His melodies and flow were uniquely syncopated, bridging street wit and futurism, and finding pockets that made his songwriting sticky.

The making of Aaliyah was a marathon of creative endurance. Recorded in Australia at Sing Sing studio while Aaliyah was filming Queen of the Damned, the process was a grueling duality: she would film during the day and record through the night. All of the producers transported their MPCs, Rolands, and Tritons overseas to work with her on location.3

Despite the workload, the atmosphere was like a family. Aaliyah would float between four different rooms of producers, hopping on whatever track resonated with her.4

Aaliyah was clear about her direction: she was a “young adult now,” and she wanted that maturity to be reflected on the album. She also understood her position as an R&B protagonist — to be a keeper and channeler of emotions we don’t always say out loud on this journey.

This philosophy manifested in songs like “Loose Rap,” where she used multi-perspective storytelling to address “haters” ranging from the public to romantic interests. Or “I Can Be,” written by Tank, where she intentionally chose a dark, depressing soundscape to capture the mood of a person discontent with being the “other woman.” On “Never No More,” she details domestic violence. Because she always had an affinity toward the shadow side of the human experience, she wasn’t ashamed to tell the taboo stories and make the music a lesson.

Aaliyah wasn’t simply a muse or an aesthetic; she was an architect and a creative director. Her feminism lay in creating through community instead of competition. She saw the talent in those around her and knew how to pinpoint the right players to present possibilities beyond what labels deemed marketable. She understood that innovation starts with establishing a kind atmosphere in which everyone feels safe to express. She knew that art was supposed to be human, messy, unpredictable, distorted, surreal, and deep. Aaliyah understood the discipline of defining eras in a 5D way: visuals, style, prose, vocals, and production. She embodied that Black musicians should not be limited to one commodified genre, that they use whatever is necessary, authentic, and intuitive to them in the moment. Whether rock, soul, classic, future, Latin, electronic, or atmospheric, The RED ALBUM showed us that an album could traverse time and space, yet still feel rooted in the same creative source.

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Today, the remnants of Aaliyah and Static Major’s individual and collaborative energy are everywhere. We hear them when The Weeknd samples “Rock the Boat” on “What You Need,” or Teedra Moses citing it as an inspiration for how she crafted Complex Simplicity. We hear her sensual, atmospheric cool on SZA’s “Hit Different,” Normani’s “Wild Side,” and Rochelle Jordan’s “Lowkey,” or when Kelela uses “One in A Million” for a live mashup at a MET Gala after party. Static, himself, went on to pen Lil Wayne’s mega-hit “Lollipop” and plenty of material for Pretty Ricky. In the modern era, Steve Lacy calls Static his biggest R&B influence. And Drake, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, and Natanya, through sampling Static, borrowing his adlibs or hooks, and building on his demos, acquired a guaranteed upgrade of swag and wit to their records.

Below is a sample of 14 songs inspiring my modern soul set at Serene Sessions 04, Wednesday evening (and short, short commentary) that directly and indirectly feel like remnants of Aaliyah and Static Major’s influence in R&B! I’m sure many would love a virtual playlist, but I’m keeping it exclusive for those who pull up tomorrow.

1. The Weeknd — “What You Need” (2011)

As soon as this song drops, you hear a sample of Aaliyah’s voice, “Now hold me close,” from “Rock The Boat.” I appreciate that The Weeknd brought a yearner’s spirit to this. The whole song feels like a response to that sample.

2. Teedra Moses — “Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Remix)” (2013)

There would be no Complex Simplicity without “Rock The Boat,” which Teedra says was the mood board for her album, including the hit single “Be Your Girl,” which has taken on timeless form via Kaytranada’s remix of it.

3. Victoria Monét — “Moment” (2020)

When it comes to wit, smooth-talking, and intention from a woman’s perspective, Victoria will always take the trophy. When I hear “Moment,” I can’t help but feel the same confidence boost to go for what I want romantically as I do when hearing “I Care 4 You.”

4. Normani — “Wild Side” feat. Cardi B (2021)

By sampling “One In A Million,” Normani and her team leaned into the rhythmic complexity that Timbo pioneered with Missy Elliot.

5 & 6. SZA — “Hit Different” (2020) / “Love Language” (2022)

SZA’s “Hit Different’ has that Aaliyah aura and bounce. Even though The Neptunes produced this, it’s darker, slower drag feels more like a nod to their fellow Virginians, Missy and Timbo. SZA later sampled “Hit Different” on “Love Language,” which interpolates lyrics from Aaliyah’s “I Don’t Wanna.”

7. Rochelle Jordan — “Lowkey” (2014)

Rochelle Jordan’s moody, dark, smooth delivery on this track aren’t necessarily reported as being inspired by Aaliyah. However, the song carries the elements of the cool, calm, collected, and confident feminine and direct presence in R&B, which Missy often wrote for singers like Aaliyah and beyond.

8. Syd — “Know” (2017)

The layered, yearning, and soulful background vocals paired with the futuristic, hyperactive beat take us to an Aaliyah Timbaland studio session immediately. Syd truly floated on this. It’s my favorite solo record from her.

9. Steve Lacy — “Infrunami” (2020)

Since I saw this video of Steve Lacy saying Static Major was his biggest inspo in R&B back at the 2023 Grammys, it’s hard for me to listen to Steve without thinking of Static. Of all the records that come to mind that feel most like homage, it’s this lo-fi one.

10. dvsn — “Too Deep” (2015)

Toronto artists always show deep reverence for the Swing Mob pocket. This song is undeniably a descendant of this source as it samples “So Anxious” by Ginuwine, produced by Timbaland and co-written by Static Major.

11. Sonder — “One Night Only” (2018)

Cool, nocturnal feels. Brent Faiyaz and producers Atu and Dpa just belong in the conversation.

12. Drake — “After Dark” feat. Ty Dolla and Static Major (2018)

Drake has always been obsessed with Static and Aaliyah. This one is a no-brainer as it’s one of the more popular records featuring a posthumous Static vocal.

13. Rihanna — “Jump” (2012)

Rihanna’s “Jump” borrows the hook of Ginuwine’s “Pony,” and that’s all Static’s pen brought into the 2010s. The weird maximalism fusion of pop and dubstep is something I feel Static would have approved.

14. Natanya — “On Ur Time” (2025)

Natanya is up next. This song borrows the adlibs of “Are You That Somebody” sung by Aaliyah and penned by Static. Though it’s just a sprinkle of a reference, the whole vibe of this song feels out of the textbook of the syncopated, warpy, urban-pop the duo was making as the new millennium came to be.

[Tix and details for Serene Sessions 04 here.]

Tix prices go up at midnight Wednesday 5/12!!!

Aaliyah’s Red Album era began April 2001, with the hit single, “We Need A Resolution.” The album is one of many that helped define future soul for the new millennium and it’s only right we pay respects! In a subsequent newsletter, I’ll be sharing more thoughts on its impact.

For many years, I’ve been writing essays, conducting interviews, reviews, and recording mixes centering on R&B’s many shapes. Now I’m expanding this exploration to real life with my latest DJ listening series/residency for the lovers of the sound.

note: tix needed for entry.

Serene Sessions 04 focus:

- ‘10s + ‘20s mix featuring artists inspired by Aaliyah + Static Major.
- ‘Aaliyah’ 25 playback @ 7:30p
- Storytelling tribute to Aaliyah & Static’s experimentation

Tix include: ‘Aaliyah’ word search keepsake, supports my series efforts to feature rising and indie artists and to build connection in real life around modern R&B cultural storytelling.

Welcome to SERENE SESSIONS, your alt-R&B listening experience exploring the many ways R&B shapes modern music. Those shapes?

Alt Blues/Soul: SZA, April + VISTA, Frank Ocean
Funk: Anderson Paak, The Internet, Thundercat
Dance/Electronic: Kaytranada, Kelela, Rochelle Jordan
Fusion Genres: Bryson Tiller, Party, H.E.R.
Caribbean Fusion: Lila Iké, Shenseea, Skeete
Afro-Wave: Wizkid, Tems, Odeal
Classics: Aaliyah, Kelis, The Neptunes, Beyoncé
Sing-A-Long Anthems: Summer Walker, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, ‘00s

…and much more!

[JOIN THE EXPERIENCE]

Souvenir: The first 10 arrivals will get a special card that links to a playlist inspired by the evening’s set.

Shape Serene Sessions: Write down artists that you’d love to hear in forthcoming sets and leave it in the drop box at the event.

[JOIN THE EXPERIENCE]

DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026
TIME: 6:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

On Sunday, March. 22, 2026, SERENE SESSIONS, my alternative R&B listening experience [RSVP and details here] returns. During this series, I’m exploring the many modern shapes of R&B.

Halfway through my DJ mix, my artist hosts, who represent one of those shapes, does a storytelling interlude. This is to bridge the gap between artists and alt-R&B lovers. Ahead of the event, I’m sending out two preview newsletters to spotlight our two artist hosts: Part one here is April + VISTA and Part two below is Tyjhier.

artist host: Tyjhier

3/22, 4:30 PM – Tyjhier’s interlude

I’m excited to welcome rising artist Tyjhier, who will guide us through a LISTEN of 2 songs from their catalog. *This is a storytelling segment, not a performance*

While digging for new music a few months ago, I came across Tyjhier’s album Bloom Where You’re Planted, released in September 2025, and became an immediate fan of the album’s jazzy, soulful, polished delivery and its affirmative messages.

Tyjhier is a rising singer, songwriter and producer based in Brooklyn — and originating from Syracuse, N.Y. — who covers a unique blend of chill out R&B and neo soul that she self-describes as “a breath of fresh air.”

“This project explores the emotional journey of someone navigating internal struggles, family expectations, generational patterns, and the tension between staying in the familiar and pursuing personal growth,” Tyjhier shared via her Bandcamp page.

Similar to her idols Stevie Wonder, Amel Larrieux, SZA, and Cleo Sol, she makes her inner world find common ground with that of the listener. Songs like the self-written and self-produced “How I Love You” and “Rain (Freestyle)” are soothing serenades exploring a spectrum of feelings. Her preferred sonics — synths, keys, and natural elements like birds chirping and water — enhance the tranquil atmosphere of her music.

[RSVP and details for Serene Sessions 03 here ]

Tyjhier is a spreading her down-to-earth frequency by performing at local showcases like her first Sofar Sounds show early this winter. Before moving to Brooklyn, the Syracuse-native made notable strides in her hometown, winning Best New Artist and Best R&B Recording for her album The In-Betweens at the 2024 SAMMY Awards, an annual celebration of the Syracuse music scene.

Tyjhier’s love for music led her to study and graduate from SUNY Oswego in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in audio recording and a minor in arts management. The musician credits her mother for giving her the confidence to pursue her career when she wrote her first song at the age of five.

“…My mom had me singing it for all her friends,” Tyjhier told me. “Very Black mom coded. From there I had a feeling I would be singing and writing for the rest of my life!”

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Listen to Tyjhier’s song “Bloom Where You’re Planted”

Origin: Syracuse, N.Y.

Project out now: Bloom Where You’re Planted (2025)

Inspirations: Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Amel Larrieux, SZA, Cleo Sol, Alex Isley

Songs to Know: “Better Off,” “Better Days,” and “Need”

What sounds do you love to incorporate in your music?

Tyjhier: I really love synths, keys, and incorporating natural elements — birds chirping, water, etc.

How do you know you’re ready to give a song to the world?

Tyjhier: I know the song is ready when I feel an undeniable feeling of other people “need this” and are ready to receive this. It’s this overall feeling of knowing it’s served its purpose as a release for me and that sharing it is the best way to honor that feeling by allowing others to hear it and potentially resonate.

Watch Tyjhier’s Live on the Red Couch below…

[RSVP and details for Serene Sessions 03 here ]

Welcome to SERENE SESSIONS, your alt-R&B listening experience exploring the many ways R&B shapes modern music. Those shapes?

Alt Blues/Soul: SZA, April + VISTA, Frank Ocean
Funk: Anderson Paak, The Internet, Thundercat
Dance/Electronic: Kaytranada, Kelela, Rochelle Jordan
Fusion Genres: Bryson Tiller, Party, H.E.R.
Caribbean Fusion: Kranium, Shenseea, Skeete
Afro-Wave: Wizkid, Tems, Odeal
Classics: Aaliyah, Kelis, The Neptunes, Beyoncé
Sing-A-Long Anthems: Summer Walker, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, ‘00s

…and much more!

[TICKET: FREE RSVP HERE]

Storytelling Interlude: We have two artist hosts — special guests and indie mainstays, April + VISTA, and rising act, Tyjhier. Each will share a storytelling interlude about 2 songs from their catalog.

Souvenir: The first 10 arrivals will get a special card that links to a playlist inspired by the evening’s set.

Shape Serene Sessions: Write down artists that you’d love to hear in forthcoming sets and leave it in the drop box at the event.

SAINT JAMES LIBATIONS: SERENE SESSIONS will take place at the spacious oasis that is Saint James Libations, a Black women queer owned wine bar in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn.

[TICKET: FREE RSVP HERE]

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2026
TIME: 3:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, SERENE SESSIONS, my alternative R&B listening experience [RSVP and details here] returns. During this series, I’m exploring the many modern shapes of R&B. Halfway through my DJ mix, my artist host, who represents one of those shapes, does a storytelling interlude. This is a way to bridge the gap between artists and alt-R&B lovers who want to discover new sounds. Ahead of the event, this newsletter spotlights the next artist host, SHAUNY.

artist host: SHAUNY

12/7, 4:30 PM – SHAUNY’S INTERLUDE

I’m excited to welcome rising artist SHAUNY, who will guide us through a LISTEN of 2 songs from her catalog. *This is a storytelling segment, not a performance*

A little background on how we met: SHAUNY is a Brooklyn-born, Harlem-raised singer-songwriter, whom I connected with through TikTok in recent years. That is where I was introduced to her clear, angelic, soulful vocals floating over spacey feel-good house beats via her single “LOTDF” (Lovers on the Dance Floor). Following up on the song’s buzz, the self-proclaimed Cyber Disco Queen released her June 2025 debut EP, Wallflower, showcasing her signature sound fusing pop, soul, funk, electronic, and disco, and mixing nostalgia and futuristic feels. It includes dance-friendly numbers, like “Play” featuring indie star Durand Bernarr and “Control” featuring Denzel White + ASHTNMRTN.

Outside of recording, SHAUNY is a regular at showcases around the city. But you must know about her brainchild, The Living Room Series, a free live music showcase and open mic held every Wednesday at The Se7en lounge in Brooklyn. The collective focuses on highlighting artists and creatives of the African diaspora. There, SHAUNY and friends rotate hosting and leading performances of originals and covers, before offering anyone in the crowd a chance to share their gifts with a warm, highly receptive room. When I visited a few weeks ago, Renée of Zhané, a regular in the space, popped up and sang their classic bop “Hey Mr. DJ,” and a duo expressed that they drove from Ohio to perform. It proved to be an experience full of raw talent and surprises, and the good energy in the space made the three hours I spent there fly fast.

Stepping into SHAUNY’s world, from her recordings to her event production, it’s clear she’s dedicated to keeping a thriving music scene and community alive and accessible in New York City. More fun facts about her below.

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Origin: Brooklyn-born, Harlem-raised

Current project out: ‘Wallflower’ (2025)

Inspirations: EWF, Prince, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Phyllis Hyman, Sarah Vaughan, Big Maybelle, Minnie Riperton, CeCe Peniston, Blue Magic, Spinners, Beyoncé, Usher

Songs to Know: “Play” feat. Durand Bernarr and “Control” feat. Denzel White + ASHTNMRTN

What sounds do you love to incorporate in your music?

SHAUNY: I definitely need keys or guitar to sing over, since they determine the chord progressions of the music before the rhythm section (bass & drums). On most of my songs I double the bass line.

How do you know you’re ready to give a song to the world?

SHAUNY: This is hard to answer. I guess the easiest way to know my song is ready is when it feels complete. I don’t feel like anything is missing: whether it’s a word, instrumentation or mixing.

my DJ mix

For this newsletter, I’m highlighting alt-R&B fan suggestions. During my first experience, I asked participants to drop songs/artists they want to hear in future sets as a way to learn more about their palettes. I received 16 suggestions, including Radiant Children, Yaya Bey, berlioz, Jordan Ward, Louis Culture, which I will be incorporating into my next set.

last thoughts

[RSVP here]

If you can’t make it, I’ll be back in the spring with this concept. You may follow my IG for the event series where I’ll be posting recaps. Thanks again for reading!

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Welcome to SERENE SESSIONS, your alt-R&B listening experience exploring the many ways R&B shapes modern music. Those shapes?

Blues/Soul: SZA, Ravyn Lenae, Frank Ocean
Funk: Anderson Paak, The Internet, Thundercat
Dance/Electronic: Kaytranada, Kelela, Rochelle Jordan
Fusion Genres: Bryson Tiller, Party, H.E.R.
Caribbean Fusion: Kranium, Shenseea, Skeete
Afro-Wave: Wizkid, Tems, Odeal
Classics: Aaliyah, Kelis, The Neptunes, Beyoncé
Sing-A-Long Anthems: Summer Walker, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, ‘00s

…and much more!

[TICKET: FREE RSVP HERE]

Storytelling Interlude: Excited to share space with rising artist SHAUNY, who will give us a storytelling interlude about 2 songs from her lovely catalogue around 4:30 p.m.

Souvenir: The first 15 arrivals will get a special card that links to a playlist inspired by the evening’s set.

Shape Serene Sessions: Write down artists that you’d love to hear in forthcoming sets and leave it in the drop box at the event.

SAINT JAMES LIBATIONS: SERENE SESSIONS will take place at the spacious oasis that is Saint James Libations, a Black women queer owned wine bar in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn.

[TICKET: FREE RSVP HERE]

DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2025
TIME: 3 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, I’m kicking off SERENE SESSIONS, my alternative R&B listening experience [RSVP and details here]. During this series, I’m exploring the many modern shapes of R&B. Btw, I am approaching 350 RSVPs, which is really exciting. Ahead of the event, this newsletter delves into my ethos, a spotlight on the first artist host, S…

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