In a heartfelt revelation that resonated with R&B and hip-hop fans across generations, media personality and former 106 & Park host Free recently disclosed that Aaliyah personally invited her to attend the filming of the iconic “Rock the Boat” music video. This invitation, a gesture of friendship and creative connection, ultimately went unfulfilled due to scheduling conflicts. “She invited me to come down to the shoot,” Free recounted in a recent interview. “I couldn’t make it because of work… and I’ve thought about that moment ever since.” The “Rock the Boat” video, filmed in the Bahamas in August 2001, would sadly become Aaliyah’s final project before her untimely passing. For Free, the missed opportunity holds a bittersweet significance…not only as a fan but as someone who shared stages, interviews, and

experiences with Aaliyah during her rise to fame. Free’s reflection serves as a reminder of how fleeting even the most significant invitations can be. Amid the whirlwind of careers, deadlines, and obligations, often the moments we miss become the ones that linger the longest. The intrigue of this story lies in its quiet intimacy. Aaliyah didn’t just invite Free as a media personality; she welcomed her as a friend, a peer, a woman navigating visibility, creativity, and connection in the industry. This gesture highlights Aaliyah’s character—generous, inclusive, and always considerate of others. As fans continue to celebrate Aaliyah’s legacy, stories like Free’s add depth to the narrative. They remind us that behind every music video, red carpet moment, and chart-topping hit, there are personal stories….some joyful, some regrettable, all deeply human.