There was much speculation regarding Aaliyah and disputed R&B king R.Kelly’s relationship. An upcoming book by Demetrius Smith Sr. alleges that Kelly had impregnated the late star. “I think she’s pregnant’ he said, in a voice that sounded as if he wanted to burst out in tears. ‘Oh man, Rob’ was all I could say at the time. Derrel McDavid arranged for a car to pick Aaliyah up at O’Hare airport and she had a hotel room available on arrival. This was crazy! How were we going to get through this without causing ill feelings with Barry Hankerson.

‘How you gone marry Aaliyah Rob?’ I asked in bitter sadness. I wanted him to relinquish his idea on how that was going to happen.”