Aaliyah "ROCK THE BOAT" tribute By : Nylon Keies

Once a "D" Girl Always a "D" Girl. That's the feeling you get when you think about the legacy of Vocalist, Dancer and Actress, Detroit's own Aaliyah. It has been well over 20 plus years since the untimely Death of the Superstar, But Detroit will never forget nor stop showing their gratitude for the inspiration and influence Aaliyah still has in music and especially in Detroit. So much so that Local Vocalist NYLON KEIES and her camp have decided to create their own version of the singer’s classic song "Rock the Boat", complete with their own visual content and treatment recreating the classic "Rock the Boat" music video to display the admiration and appreciation for Aaliyah and her music. Especially, to commemorate her induction into the National R&B Hall of Fame on September 24, 2023.
It's a Full on Labor of Love that brings the crew together which speaks to the effect Aaliyah still has on Generations of Music fans especially in Detroit NYLON KEIES, no stranger to performing started off as a part of a trio with her sister and has continued the dream along with a steady diet of performing and releasing music to the tune of some 100k in streams and a string of major performances around her native Detroit, Where Aaliyah's musical legacy is as revered as Motown itself. According to China Miller, NYLON KEIES Manager, when asked about any apprehension taking on the task, she replied" Of course, it’s Aaliyah her fan base don’t play about her. I just wanted it to be beautiful and to remind the World how much Aaliyah was loved and is missed. So many people donated their time and skills to make this happen. They showed up at 6:00 am on a dark cool morning with smiles and excitement. " That’s dedication as well as admiration to the fullest.
JOURNEY INTO SOUND
The production starts with the Music of course and that’s where Producers Sean "Lyriq" Matthews & Damon "Science" Martin came in to recreate the magic and the vibe that will drive the project. Putting together the sound and foundation with NYLON to not just give tribute, but to also give it its own identity as well. LYRIQ, a well-known Detroit producer and frequent collaborator with NYLON and many Detroit based artists, is a master of vocal production and without question will give the project the best interpretation of Aaliyah as if the Vocalist was in studio herself.
WHEN SIGHT MEETS SOUND
The Crew Lead by Thirty6 Vision's Fiston Ndele , Tracey Wilson and Carl Collins, took every step in to painstaking detail, to recreate the air of the original "Rock The Boat". From securing locations around Detroit and of course securing an actual Boat to Rock courtesy of Motown yachts Darryl Garret. A Big part of Aaliyah was her dancing as much as her music. The job of recreating and directing the choreography was done by Karen Pierson, along with an amazing set of dancers along with NYLON, who is an adept dancer herself much like Aaliyah. NYLON and her crew reincarnated the legendary video right down to the styling, clothing, makeup and all!! And it was an effort that no doubt Aaliyah herself would be proud and honored to see that her life has had such a lasting impact and effect, even in her physical absence.
EVERYONE involved donated their time and talents willingly. That demonstrates the love and honor to the project, as well as those who stepped up professionally from the dancers to catering. It was a full blown production from day one at 6am on Belle Isle, the legendary Detroit Island/ park where they filmed portions of the video.


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