The legacy of Aaliyah lives through me in this moment. Here I would like to explore what we share in common, beyond a middle name.

Inspiration vs. Imitation

I would like to share a private disclaimer about my intentions with this blog in relation to my source of inspiration (the late, great singer Aaliyah). There is a major difference between being inspired by someone as opposed to flatly imitating someone. There is also a danger when connecting the two—this is definitely something that the younger generation should consider.

Being born and bred into the Information Age has its many perks, but it also has several disadvantages that can stunt the growth of individuality that the world desperately needs. Recognize when you are inspired by someone, but also recognize when you are imitating them. You will feel the difference: one is active while the other is inactive, and thus a lazier and more passive approach to life. This is the reason why plagiarism is perceived as one of the highest crimes in regards to intelligence standards.

I detest imitation and prefer to be inspired by those I admire most. Inspiration should always feel like it is your own; it breeds action that solely derives from you as an original source.

When it comes to my inspiration from Aaliyah, the majority of it surmises from my childhood experiences of watching her from her debut as a musical artist until her tragic death. Introduced to our home through my older sister, I quickly adopted Aaliyah’s aura and presence as a standard to achieve, but I was always destined for my own path and that fact was perfectly clear to me. Only now, at the age of 33 and with many years of my own life experiences to draw from, can I truly stand in the truth that when it comes to being more than a woman, Aaliyah Dana Haughton and I share a new, deep seated purpose.

Aaliyah: One in a Million

Expressing oneself and setting yourself apart as a unique individual is extremely challenging, especially in our new world of copy and paste. Aaliyah defined the entire time in which she was existing, while simultaneously permitting the freedom of individuality to all those who borrowed from her style. In her absence, my presence has grown, and now I feel as though the command that took me so long to collect is finally in my total control. It’s the sexiest vibe I’ve ever had going on for myself. To the outside world looking at me, I am fully aware it’s defined in their eyes by the body (what you see in the flesh), but for me, ultimately I recognize it’s what you don’t see that truly holds the power.

DANA DNA

Introducing Dana: the first known pUnk rap star 💫

This look is punk rap**Photographer Daniel Curtis Lee helped make this “punk rap” look by getting a box cutter and shredding the a shirt so that the frayed edge became almost like a light ruffle underneath the skimpy topTry it for yourself! A good l… — This look is punk rap*
*Photographer Daniel Curtis Lee helped make this “punk rap” look by getting a box cutter and shredding the a shirt so that the frayed edge became almost like a light ruffle underneath the skimpy top
Try it for yourself! A good look that can be both personalized and protective for your pockets (cool look for cheap $!) #IceAdvice
Instant #punkrap! 🤘🏾😎🤓

Blonde Braids with A Bang!

Aailyah’s life was cut too tragically short for her style to evolve the way the world needed it to. But, for that brief, beautiful moment she lived on earth, her iconic hairstyles will always be the mark of her identity and set the standard for her time. I would like to extend this inspiration with these extensions—the true marking of my identity.

Tombelle

The total tomboy nature of my upbringing is definitely the significant connection as to how I identified so closely with Aaliyah. Although we looked, sounded, and moved completely different, we both shared the experience of being performers: her on a stage for her audience, and me on the court for my audience. My new definitive look solidifies this aspect; it also takes my personal style to the next level by experimenting with a new signature color.

Some (Dana) punk rap lyrics:

I’m not the greatest nothing
I just want to make into Heaven and be something
Be someone
Not afraid
And rock to Jesus while I’m rocking long braids

Aaliyah the actress

Her ability to be seen as a force beyond the singing and dancing talent to which the world was introduced is by far her most groundbreaking accomplishment. This is where I now stand in my identity as Dana moving forward for the rest of my life. It has been almost impossible for me to break out of the manufactured mold of how the world viewed me—solely as a professional athlete—and this day in time marks the era where I feel that old mold for me has been broken.

2020 = Champagne + Blonde

The year of 2020 has opened locked doors and broken down walls that used to contain me. Letting go of the past is terrifying, yet tremendously rewarding. Above all, it holds a freeing power that you have to feel in order to believe. This is a celebratory moment for me, and I encourage anyone reading this to look for your very own moment to celebrate your spirit—that is what’s already living deep inside you (and hidden from the outside world).