Polow Da Don: "Me & Ciara Are Like Timbaland & Aaliyah"
Hit-maker Polow Da Don spoke with MTV.com recently about working on Ciara’s forthcoming ‘Fantasy Ride’ LP. During the interview, the ‘Promise’ producer made an interesting comparison about himself and Ciara and the late Aaliyah and Timbaland:Ciara’s upcoming album, Fantasy Ride, may feature a slew of hitmaking producers, including Tricky Stewart (Rihanna’s “Umbrella”), Danjahandz (Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”) and Missy Elliott (Jazmine Sullivan’s “Need U Bad”). But according to Polow Da Don, only he and CiCi have something special enough to become the new Aaliyah and Timbaland.
“We both came up and were raised in the same camp,” Polow explained to MTV News. “We’ve known each other for a long time. We actually just have this natural chemistry that I don’t even have with some of my own artists.
“I understand her and I understand what she should be doing,” the producer added.
“And one thing people do say about when I work with Ciara is that I make her sound better than ever,” he continued. “I make her sound like a vocalist versus the other stuff she may do that’s more performance, where she can get on the dance floor. It’s kind of the same thing with Aaliyah. She may not have been the best singer, but her voice was so unique and her sound — she had her own lane, and I think Ciara is like that same thing.”
I’m sure this one will have tongues wagging…
Your thoughts?
Filed Under: Mariah Carey, The Dream
YES IMA BITCH
January 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm
THIS BITCH NEED TO SIT DOWN
HE CANT COMPARE AALIYAH 2 CICI AALIYAH HAD A VOICE CICI SOUNDS LIKE A CAT ON HEAT
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Uh I like Ciara but I disagree. He's only produced one good song for her and that was "Promise". "Never Ever" is trash. Aaliyah and Timbs classic cannot be touched.
One In A Million>>>>>>>Ciara's whole career.
delroy
January 9, 2009 at 4:34 pm
i can’t wait to hear the album and laugh at him comparing them with timbo and Aaliyah (r.i.p baby girl).
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 4:39 pm
AALIYAH COULD SANG CIARA WHOLE CAREER OFF THE CHARTS! POLOW SIT DOWN!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Blasphemy!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 4:53 pm
This fool is trippin. He should Never ever (no pun intended) compare him and Ciara to Baby girl and Timbo. That’s just… wrong!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Polow needs to get one thing straight. timberland didnt make aaliyah sound like a singer. thats who she was…she was a singer with or without him. maybe he iddnt listen to any of her albums but the girl could blow and had a pretty wide range, (i.e. “care 4 u,” “the one i gave my heart to,” “i refuse.”) what their chemistry did was help them make each other bring out the best in themselves. Aaliyah brought out timbs best work and timb brought out the best vocals. he didnt make her nor did she make him. and how dare you n ciara to late and greats?!?!!? u just started gettin know and ciaras album was supposed 2 been come out due to lack of feedback from fans. last time i saw ciara in concert, she was booed! he vocal ability is there but the range doesnt stretch too far and your production all sounds the same and depending what the artist brings to the table, makes ur shit a hit or miss. get some more credit under ur belt before u belt out shit like that!! man he got me pissed!!!!!! lmao!
mrpunk2u
January 9, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I luvs me some CC but she wouldn’t even be here if Alliyah was still around
beast
January 9, 2009 at 5:38 pm
aaliyah was not that great ppl needs to stop tripping. her last album was not saleing well until… yeah you guess it… she died.
no disrespect but…- wtf? i don’t care. ciara is better then aaliyah! this dude… he ain’t better then timbo
djswagga
January 9, 2009 at 5:45 pm
to compare ciara and aaliyah, vocally, is laughable. the difference between the two is that aaliyah could actually blow and on top of that, aaliyah’s artistry far surpassed ciara’s mediocrity. aaliyah was someone who could truly do it all, and do it damn well, singing, dancing, and acting.
and to the cat that said aaliyah’s album didn’t sell until she died needs to check their facts. her album already sold over gold (500,000+) BEFORE she died.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Aaliyah always had great vocals when she came out. Do anybody think Ciara could sing “At Your Best” from Aaliyah’s first album? There is no comparsion with those combination. Would have been real interesting of how Ciara career would have went if Baby Girl was still here RIP Aaliyah
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I THINK HE SAYING MOSTLY THAT THEY CONNECT TOGATHER HOW AALIYAH AND TIM DID WHEN SHE WAS ALIVE RIP BABY GIRL….BUT SOME PEOPLE TAKE IT TOO FAR IT JUST A COMPARSION WHEN I LOOK AT CIARA I SEE AALIYAH BECAUSE SHE LIKE THE GIRL NEXT DOOR AND VERY SWEET AS TOO WHAT CIARA IS I DONT EVER THINK SHE TRYIN TO BE AALIYAH SHE JUST WANTS TO BE HER SELF WHICH SHE IS IN A WAY AALIYAH SEEMS TO LIVE IN CIARA CAUSE WE SEE SO MUCH THAT THE TWO DO THE SAME….AS FAR AS VOCALS YES AALIYAH HAD STRONGER VOCALS BUT AALIYAH BEEN SINGING SINCE SHE WAS YOUNGER CICI HASNT TILL ABOUT 15 IS WHEN SHE STARTED TAKEIN IT SERIOUS BUT WHEN U THINK ABOUT IT WHAT SINGER MUSIC COMES CLOSE TO AALIYAH CIARA’S DOES CAUSE CIARA STAY THE SAME SHE NEVER CHANGE AND AALIYAH DIDNT CHANGE TILL HER SELF TITLED CD SO I THINK ITS NOT REALLY OF MUCH WHOS BETTER IT JUST THERE THE SAME IN SOME WAYS
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:07 pm
“She may not have been the best singer, but her voice was so unique and her sound — she had her own lane, and I think Ciara is like that same thing”
Totally Agree!
beast
January 9, 2009 at 6:36 pm
of course ppl memory are shady now but she was not aelling that well (like when she was younger) before she died. but thats not the issue the issue is. ciara is a better performer a better dancer then aaliyah was. singing? they both are/were mediocre none can blow like beyonce so it doesn’t matter.
Ewwww
January 9, 2009 at 6:45 pm
How dare him compare himself to Timabaland. Timbalands beats are way more creative. Although Aaliyah and Ciara are similar in certain ways at certain times, Aaliyah is a way better singer. Well maybe his was comparing them chemistry wise and not song wise. Oh and by the way, Ciara’s new song is not that great.
Yuck
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Some of your comments are just ludicrous. To say Aaliyah wasn’t a great singer is just blasphemous!!!! And to Beast I would love see what your talents are, please I’m sure you ugly, a low life and a loser to sit here and just be plain disrespectful to somebody who isn’t alive. How dare you!!! I hope you learn your lesson.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Some of your comments are just ludicrous. To say Aaliyah wasn’t a great singer is just blasphemous!!!! And to Beast I would love see what your talents are, please I’m sure you ugly, a low life and a loser to sit here and just be plain disrespectful to somebody who isn’t alive. How dare you!!! I hope you learn your lesson.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:53 pm
OMG SOMEONE PLEASE TELL THAT NIGGA BEAST TO SHUT THE FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK UP AND SIT DOWN. I don’t give a damn what anyone says Aaliyah’s shit came out 8 years ago and still to this day that shit kills all these wack ass bitches in the game. BEYONCE my ass…That bitch could never be as unique as Aaliyah. Hell “One in a Million” still shits on bitches and thats not even her last offering. We all love ciara and B but shit lets just leave Aaliyah out of it. She is the only chick who kept shit edgy and different, from the clothes, to the beats, and all the way down to the dance. FUCK YOU BEAST YOU CAN SUCK A DICK!!!!!!! STUPID ASS BITCH!!!! YOU WISH AALIYAH SUCKED. OH MY GOD THESE COMMENTS KILL ME. If only we can fuck dumb bitches like you up every time you leave a stupid ass comment.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Ciara’s whole image, sound, and music is mere a replica of Aaliyah. Please Ciara is beyond wack, she has had a FEW decent songs ya but overall she will never amount to holding a significant position in the music industry EVER!!!! Plus her album is close to being non-existent and your a diva??? right next!!!!!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Ciara whole image, sound, and music is mere a replica of Aaliyah. Please Ciara is beyond wack, she has had a FEW decent songs ya but overall she will never amount to holding a significant position in the music industry EVER!!!! Plus her album is close to being non-existent and your a diva??? right next!!!!!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:01 pm
If you think Aaliyah wasn’t a good singer, please please please go watch her SANG “Journey to the Past” at the Academy Awards on YouTube.
And then compare that performance to any of Ciara’s singing performances.
KBYE!!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Polow please sit your nappy headed ass down somewhere. He is sooooooo arrogant it’s disgusting. With your hit or miss beats NEGRO please, Timbaland is a legend and has an imagination beyond belief!!!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:04 pm
wow why must people start dis drama over aaliyah and ciara damn grow the fucc up yall act like fuccin kids……..there both driffrent move on with ur life WTF
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I know who cares if he made a comparison lol they make it seem like it’s the last day on earth LMFAO, bloggers need to sit down.
Corey
January 9, 2009 at 7:42 pm
POLOW Smelling his azz!
Lol but he is correct Ciara and Aaliyah have soft sweet voice thats ABOVE a whisper like Janet LMAO! But still Aaliyah was the best because she have better control and hit higher notes and hold a note longer. Ciara is getting there!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Most of the comments are my exact thoughts about this post. LOL. Please, he wishes the chemistry was the same as Timbaland and Aaliyah. There is no comparison to either arist and never will be. Aaliyah’s whole discography is proof enough.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:54 pm
HA! Polow i love your music and Ciara is my girl there will never be another AALIYAH or another CIARA for that matter! Timbo HA! is such a joke but he(polow) is a good producer Timbo is legendary!
If anything her and Jazzy Pha was the next Aaliyah n Tim. Both producers fat n short lol. But made good soulful music and some futurstic sound to it.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Not even close polow. Not even close. Just like you not liking black woman lol. He wishes he could even touch what Tim and Missy did for Aaliyah. It’s nice to boost himself up like that though.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 8:08 pm
oooohh i smell some haters in the atmosphere ..
and a lot of them talkin SHIT
buht guess what ??
YOURLL WILL NEVER EVER (yes pun intended )STOP Ciara
Super C babii get yours never mind the negativity
ps in case yourll din know this by now
09 belongz 2 PRINCESS CC
whoop whoop all aboard 4 the FANTASY RIDE !!
My Fetish Is Saving Lives
January 9, 2009 at 8:10 pm
LMFAO!!!! Is this supposed to be some kind of JOKE!!! Aaliyah would sing circles around Ciara and anyone who thinks differently is tone deaf!! and polow who?? seriously imma need for him to take a seat because his beats are no where near as creative and innovative as Timbaland so he needs to shut up and stop tryna insult us.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Why are people hating on Ciara lol im convinced she is the most hated chick in the game! Just for being her and sweet person.
Anyways get it cici nevermind what the haters or people that cant accepts Aaliyah’s death. Yall really need some Keyisha Cole in your life and LET IT GO! Its 09 baby new year!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 10:05 pm
If there was no Aaliyah or Aaliyah hadn’t died Ciara would have never had a career. Same with a couple others aswell.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ciara would have a career Aaliyah didnt do anything for Ciara. If anything it was Michael then Janet that opened doors for all artists like Ciara Aliyhah Usher Beyonce Chris Brown Omarion etc. You name it! Aaliyah stans can get over themselves!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 10:21 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
origdjeh1 on youtube. DON”T GIVE UP!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Young One
January 9, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I think folks need to chill on this AALIYAH thing. I mean I like her but let her rest ALL TOGETHER!!! Before she died she wasnt selling that damn much, Triple Platinum the most! Now that she’s deadyall want to put her shit next to Thriller. Fall Back!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 10:34 pm
YOUNG ONE DIE SLOW YOU HAVE NO RESPECT……….
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Thank you Young One you truly have some damn issues and nerve to say some s%#^ like that. I wonder what people will think once your ass is gone!!!!
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 11:02 pm
He should listen to Aaliyah’s album cause she can sing….Ciara not
MagnificentMeka
January 9, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Everytime I read something this man says it makes me think he is high. Polow Da Don always talking on some stupid shit, if he think him and Ciara are the new Aaliyah and Timberland then he got to be high. Whoever was doing the interview shouldn’t have even let him say that. Aaliyah could actually sing while Ciara sounds like a dying cat. All the songs I have heard off Ciara up and coming album she sound like she trying to have a ghetto hip hop opera going and it sounds a hot ass mess. The song she got coming out as her new single sucks balls. Around this time next year Ciara will be dumped from her label and we will see if he still believe they are the next Aaliyah and Timberland. If Aaliyah didn’t die at such a young age half these chicks that are “HOT” now wouldn’t even be out, she would be the hotess thing in female music. She is actally the only one that could give Beyonce a run for her money.
Anonymous
January 9, 2009 at 11:20 pm
aaliyah fans takein it way to far……damn if aaliyah was here yall know she wouldnt let this get to her come on now grow up
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 12:28 am
Ciara will never garner as much critical acclaim and respect than Aaliyah. Polow doesn’t hold a candle to Timbaland. Compare Tim’s classics list to Polow’s. I thought so. Oh, and the chemistry between Aaliyah and Timbaland was unparalleled. They set the standard and raised the bar in music. period.
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 12:33 am
Aaliyah stans act like she was Beyonce or something when she was alive. She wasn’t even on Brandy’s level in terms of star power or sales. Rest in peace Aaliyah.
Now Polow is known for running his mouth and this is nothing new. He and Ciara do have great chemistry and they make magic together. That’s true he didn’t need to bring other people into that.
Ciara’s swag is off the chain right now and I’m looking forward to seeing her new video.
Young One
January 10, 2009 at 12:42 am
@Anon 9:34
Why should I die, BECAUSE I'M RIGHT?Yall are a trip, whenever Ciara get some success or whatever, yall quick to throw AALIYAH's name out your asses. But not too long ago, when the word was that AALIYAH's family was being questioned about her & R.Kelly's relationship, thats when yall want to LET HER REST IN PIECE!!! Thats not right, I'M SAYING LET HER REST ALL TOGETHER, MEANING dont use her death to take away Ciara's success. Thats not cool at all. Polow is just speaking on his relationship with Ciara, he didnt say she was better or anything, he's just saying that he has a similar bond with Ciara as Tim did with Babygirl. SO CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 12:55 am
PREACH YOUNG ONE!
Aaliyah didnt determine anyones success but her own!
Every artist out there except for one artist whos career is such a fluke! Hint she changes her music style all the time and lately its been pop punk rock aka fefe dobson style. Have worked for where they are at even swagga jacking BEYONCE!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 1:00 am
Mary,Monica and Brandy owned Aaliyah while she was on Earth. If it wasnt them it was all the girl groups DC3 Spicegirls etc. Then the burst of pop female acts Jessica Britney and Xtina Aug. Aaliyah never had strong success and been out what 7+ yrs in music and only had #1 hit single and ok album sales. Please stop knocking Ciara Beyonce or anyother artist out there doing it big. If yall got so much respect for Aaliyah let her rest and stop bringing up her name every second when it comes to Ciara. Yall Said the SAME thing about Ashanti saying if Babygurl was here she wouldnt be around. Now that Ciara and Rhianna is here she at no where to be found!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 7:41 am
GREAT BUT CHECK OUT THE ORIGINATOR JJJJAAANNNEEETTT JJJJAAAACCCCKKKSSSOOOONNNNN KILLLLLING IThttp://www.msspecial.com/rwtourvideos.htm
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 7:45 am
Is it me or all these annoymous’s from ciara flopped campaign? LOL
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 9:37 am
@6:45 It’s not just you LOL. I’ve noticed the same thing on other blogs. Anyway, the comparison is way off, ain’t no way in hell…
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 9:44 am
LMAO. please, brandy and monica never owned aaliyah. if aaliyah made bubble gum r&b music like the other two, she could've sold just as many albums. aaliyah sold records based on the timeless quality of her music and her talent alone. she didn't need to be mass marketed like brandy with the corny barbie dolls and tv sitcom to help promote herself. in 2000 when aaliyah's movie dropped was when her career hit it's momentum and there was no stopping her. aaliyah was a consistent artist in terms of album sales and she was only getting better and gaining more fans with time. and no one is acting aaliyah was on some beyonce type status because she wasn't. had she been here, they would be neck and neck.
not to take anything away from ciara because i think she's an awesome performer, but she will never be on aaliyah's level.
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 9:46 am
and it’s funny how after almost 8 years later, people are STILL talking about aaliyah. just goes to show how relevant she still is and that people do miss her genuine talent.
Nick
January 10, 2009 at 11:18 am
I honestly think they are alike, AALIYAH was NOT a GREAT singer people, she was ok-I LOVED HER & her music, BUT they got the same style voices (very low, kinda weak) — anyway, the comparisons tho! SORRY BOO BOO TIMBALAND IS SICK! & they made some TITE MUSIC, PROMISE is it 4 u guys & NEVER EVER is USHER PT.2, its like a watered down version…uggghh-NEXT!!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Ohhhhh Nick I wish I could just beat your ass for once again writing a dumb ass comment… Aaliyahs voice low and weak. What the fuck is wrong with you!!!!!! “Let me know when Ciara can pull an I CARE 4 U off, or an I REFUSE for that matter. There is a difference between style and weak. And who the fuck cares about Beyonce. There is nothing timeless about any of her records since the 1st one, and even with that one her biggest hit was a rip off of Amerie’s “ONE THING” How can someone who copies so many peoples shit be the best in the game???? Fuck we know she can sing… but so can TAMIA, and all the rest of the under rated bitches and they all have their own styles without coping. Even the glove in single ladies is copied. (Kylie M) Her beat in Diva is copied (Lil Wayne) But shes the baddest chick in the game. One beat from Aaliyah and all her songs are done… WE NEED A RESOLUTION, TRY AGAIN, ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY, ONE IN A MILLION, oh my god we can go on for ever. When these bitches can find some innovation then hate. And lets not even get on the videos!!!!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Is it me or Aaliyah’s family is all up and through these blogs and Ciara stans and anti-Aaliyah fans are on full throtle! LOL Let this girl REST in PEACE!
Anyways wish much luck to Ciara im feeling her new song.
God Bless Everyone!
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I just Cant believe they have the nerve to say Aaliyah couldn’t sing… or even say that ciara and her are in the same boat. WTF Everyone knows Aaliyah was the shit and still to this day her shit is the best timbo ever did. Fuck fuck fuck all the haters. 8 years later and Aaliyah is still the queen.
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 2:34 pm
It’s just Polow’s opinion. He was just trying to make a point. And a valid one at that.So what?
This era of stanning needs to end soon. People can’t even have opinions with a mob of mindless stans attacking this artist or the next. It’s so immature.
Ciara’s new song is the ish too. Polow did his thing.
My Fetish Is Saving Lives
January 10, 2009 at 5:00 pm
For those who think Aaliyah couldn’t sing or think her voice is “weak” why dont you go and listen to one of the following songs:
Street Thing
Never Giving up
I Care 4 U
Journey To The Past
The One I Gave My Heart To
Giving Up
4 Page Letter
Take your pick…
Jade
January 10, 2009 at 5:10 pm
@ beast you’re entitled to your opinion and all, but Beyonce can’t even sing all that well unless you classify screaming at the top of your lungs as singing. Whatev… People are so quick to downplay Aaliyah’s vocals but I bet those same people have only heard the songs she released as singles when they really should look around and find some unreleased tracks from her and maybe change their “opinion”
Neisha
January 10, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Wow some of ya’ll are so ignorant and disrespectful trying to disguise your insults by saying R.I.P Aaliyah or “she was talented but…” Get the fuck outta here with that shit for real
Anonymous
January 10, 2009 at 9:05 pm
GO CICI loving the new record and wish you well!
Babygurl RIP no one will ever be like you and NO ONE is trying to take her spot Aaliyah STANS! Get over it!
Timbaland is super hot and a legend.
Polow yeah you hot and done great work with Cici but stop smelling your azz and get the fuk off your high horse.
Anyways cant wait till Fantasy Ride drop and Never Ever video!
CiError
January 10, 2009 at 11:15 pm
She ain’t no divaaaa
U wish Ciara was an Error!
January 11, 2009 at 2:04 am
Cilover at 10:15 stop disrespecting Ciara and Aaliyah like that goofy!
you know who aint no DIVA the biatch singing it originally BEYAWNSAY who swagga jacks everything!
The Divas are Mariah Carey Whitney Houston Celeine Dion Aretha Franklin Diana Ross Tina Turner Patti Labelle Mary J Blige Janet Jackson Madonna Cher Mahilla Jackson Ella Fitzgerald Etta James Billie Holiday Ertha Kit need I go own!
Anti-Beyonce
Team whoever ( your fave artist from Rihanna Brandy Monica Fantasia C Milli Amerie Jlo Jhud and my faves Alicia Keys Mariah Mary J Janet Ciara Aaliyah)
Akeys Ciara Rihanna and Jhud 4eva!
January 11, 2009 at 9:43 pm
FUK YALL thats anti- Ciara! Thats my POOH!
GET IT GIRL new single and material is on FIRE!!!
Anonymous
January 12, 2009 at 9:50 am
yall need to calm down yes Aaliyah could sing and dance but she was not the best out just being honest. Ciara is not on her level but she is okay and stop saying if Aaliyah was alive such and such wouldn’t be around yall don’t know that. May she rest in peace but when she was alive it’s true people didn’t make this big fuss over her nor where her album sales that great but suddenly she owned the whole game. That’s a lie and it’s uncalled for. Brandy and Monica were out back then and I remember quite clear that they were just as good and as popular. If she didn’t stop them what makes any one think she would stop Beyonce, Ciara or anyone else. Lets give her all the props she deserved while respectng her memory but we don’t have to lie or put down others to do that.
Anonymous
January 12, 2009 at 4:36 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(origdjeh1 on youtube) DON’T GIVE UP!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!