Aaliyah’s Gothic Legacy: Why Queen of the Damned Deserves More Respect

Aaliyah portrayed Akasha in the film Queen of the Damned (2002). Despite the enduring impact of Black women in metal, their contributions are frequently overshadowed. My research examines the intersection of race, gender, and vampires in connection with nu-metal. This genre, which thrived in the early 2000s, melded metal's intensity with rap's rhythmic flair, heavily influenced by Black artists.Though Aaliyah did not perform vocally in Queen of the Damned, her image was pivotal to its marketing. The film, which faced critical derision with a 17% Rotten Tomatoes score, remains relevant due to Aaliyah's compelling representation. The rise of nu-metal and AMC's Interview with the Vampire (2022-present) has reignited discussions about her legacy and the need for nuanced acknowledgment of Black women in music.