Normani’s single “Wild Side” recently dropped, attracting attention with its prominent sample of Aaliyah’s hit song “One in a Million.” But the late singer’s uncle said this week that Normani wasn’t granted permission to sample the song.
Barry Hankerson, Aaliyah’s uncle and owner of her master recordings, told TMZ that it would have been “more honorable” if Normani had requested clearance for “One in a Million.” Nevertheless, he said Aaliyah would have been “pleased” to see her legacy kept alive.
“I will not stand in the way of something that brings to light the incredible staying power of Aaliyah,” he said. “So in that light, wishing Normani well with the song and overall career. God bless. I think Aaliyah would be pleased.”
Hankerson, who founded Blackground Records to launch his niece’s music, added that Aaliyah “always encouraged young women pursuing their musical and entertainment careers to achieve their dreams.
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