Seven years ago, on August 25, 2001 — the music world lost one of its brightest up and coming stars. Aaliyah’s death affected me profoundly then, and still her shadow looms so large over the music scene now. Who can blame lesser emulators for trying to jack her swagger?

I just spent the evening browsing around YouTube, watching countless Aaliyah videos and wondering what could have been. There are some wonderful Aaliyah tributes out there, but I found myself becoming super depressed. It’s almost impossible for me to choose just one Aaliyah video. So here are three of my faves.

Hot Like Fire was my JAM back in 97, 98. Freshman year of college. Man, oh man. Memories.

At Your Best (You Are Love) can bring tears to my eyes to this very day. Aaliyah’s voice is so crystal clear and so sparklingly beautiful on that track. Love it.

And of course, One in a Million. That stuttering bass, her angelic voice floating over it. Your smile, your style, so fly, I can’t deny. This track never gets played out.

There were some cool online tributes to Aaliyah this past week. Fashionista 101 did a great Aaliyah-inspired beauty makeover. Her eye shadow blending skills are sick! Spinner did a clash of the cover songs, featuring Aaliyah’s original version of Are You That Somebody versus The Gossip’s cover. In tribute to Aaliyah, The Fader is featuring an exclusive freeload by DJ the Honorable Caps titled U R Missed. If you’re a fan, you should check it out.

Click here to visit the Aaliyah memorial fund. At just 22 years old, baby girl left us way too soon. I know I’m not alone in wondering what could have been.

Unfortunately I missed Hillary’s speech last night — a dinner party took up the whole evening, and by the time I flipped on the tube it was already over. But from everything I’m reading, HRC is working hard to put the past behind her, and support the chosen Democratic candidate.

But for every one of her remaining supporters who plans to do what Hillary’s encouraging them to do — no way, no how, no McCain — there are those who apparently can’t get behind that sentiment. As revealed in this Washington Post article, there are holdouts who simply refuse to cast their vote for Obama, even though his policies are so similar to their would-be candidate.

The end of the article really got me in the gut: ““I hate Obama so much that I’m going to devote as much time to McCain as I did to Hillary,” said Adita Blanco, a Democrat from Edward, Okla., who has never voted for a Republican. “Obama has nothing. He has no experience. The Democratic Party doesn’t care about us. You couldn’t treat [Clinton] any worse.”

Clinton will hold a private meeting with her top financial advisers Wednesday, and many donors plan to leave immediately afterward. Terence R. McAuliffe, Clinton’s campaign chairman and the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, also plans to leave before Obama’s speech. Many of the women from 18 Million Voices, Fiechter’s pro-Clinton group, booked tickets for Wednesday and Thursday because “we really are taking a position of being indifferent to Obama,” Fiechter said.”

To me, that indicates that Adita from Oklahoma and the others who feel like she does — would rather see victory go to someone who directly opposes many of their candidate’s policies, rather than someone who supports them.

Hillary’s whole speech is already online, so click here to watch if you haven’t seen it yet. I’ll be watching after my deadline today, and I’ll post my two cents in the comments later.

Did you watch Hillary’s speech last night, bellas and fellas? How did she do? And is there any hope for convincing those who were apparently unmoved by even their own candidate’s exhortations, or women like this, who are moved to tears at the prospect of voting for Barack?

Did you watch? I’m an open admirer of Michelle O, and I gotta give it up for my girl — she was stunning tonight. First of all — that dress. That color. GORGEOUS. Her makeup, flawless. And her words, poignant and resonant.

In case you missed the speech, Yahoo and CNN both have recaps. She shared her family background and her father’s struggles through illness, she explained her attraction and admiration for Barack, commemorated the historic significance of the timing of the Democratic National Convention — the 88th anniversary of women winning the right to vote, and the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech — and payed tribute to Hillary Clinton to thunderous applause. She said all of the right things to directly address those who would still question her patriotism and pride in America.

NPR has a transcript here. I just want to know — did you watch Michelle’s speech tonight? Did she nail it, or am I just hopelessly biased? What did you think?

For even more politics, check out Jack and Jill Politics, Pam’s House Blend, and Michelle Obama Watch for coverage live from the convention!

The Olympics are officially over and I’m sure I am not alone in that what-do-I-watch-on-TV-now panic. There was some big breakout stars this time around — none bigger or more talked-about than Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. This Trini to the bone was proud to see two silver medals go to Trinidad and Tobago athletes. But for sheer unabashed delight in unexpected victory, no athlete could top Jamaica’s Shelly Ann Fraser. I LOVE her!

Watching her win the women’s 100 got me feeling all kinds of emotions — jumping for joy right along with her, then verklempt at her heartfelt victory speech. Jezebel did a little tribute as well, celebrating her “brace face smile” and linking to the actual race itself.

Shelly Ann’s silvery grin made me instantly like her, and her words afterwards made me fall in love — she told the BBC, “A lot of yam, banana and dumplings produce top three!”

That’s when I knew Shelly Ann was a girl after my own heart. From her name alone — I immediately thought of that Nineties bashment Red Rat tune — I bet she heard no end of that in school. That girl, that girl Shelly Ann!

To see a girl from yard bigging up what we in the Caribbean call “Blue food” or ground provision on the BBC really warmed my heart. I could already tell she had to work hard to get where she is today, and watching this interview with her mom proved that.

For those of you who are patois-challenged, her mom is delirious with joy as she exclaims,
“We can come from the ghetto and produce good things out of the ghetto.” She gives up thanks to the people of Jamaica, to her family, to her pastor, and most of all to God.

My island people didn’t let me down — already there are nuff tribute videos to the Jamaican athletes who made waves in this year’s races. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCS5CS4wXL4">This one, using Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion, is my personal favorite.

Like I said last week, big up Jamaica! You made the whole Caribbean proud. Shelly Ann Fraser and Usain Bolt are living proof that we can come from a small place and do big, big things. I already can’t wait to root for you in the next Olympics!

(Photo courtesy of Jezebel, by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Thank you all so much for your kind compliments and awesome suggestions on the Goddess Zuri giveaway! Candace, the creator of Goddess Zuri, chose the winner herself — she has a real vision for her teeshirt and accessory line and each name has a special meaning. She chose Olivia!

Olivia on August 19, 2008 10:30 am wrote: “Miss Bella you are so beautiful, I love your confidence and it radiates :o) Any woman wearing those beautiful earrings are confident, loving life and loving themselves. ?Folami Hoops?, Folami is Nigerian meaning respect & honor me. Those earrings will always represent that when worn or adorn with an outfit.
Its really a treasure and Miss Bella you wear the earrings well.

Thanks so much, Olivia — I do feel beautiful when I wear them. Candace explained, “Goddess Zuri tries to express natural beauty with edge, confidence and attitude. The command meaning of “Folami” captures the essence of what we’re trying to convey. It’s a great name for the hoops. We love it!”

I’d also like to note that another reader, Mariska, suggested the same name later on. But Olivia made her suggestion a day before, so she’s the winner of these earrings. Congratulations to Olivia, and I’ll be in touch to get your mailing address ASAP.

And if you didn’t win this giveaway, don’t give up! I have some great Afrobella anniversary giveaways in store, and fingers crossed I’ll be hosting a big one this week. Keep reading, bellas!