And it's so funny that they were so closely associated with her because those waist length box braids were already a huge trend even before Poetic Justice came out. Like that Jade video came out a year before.
I honestly never heard of Aaliyah being so influential until I joined ATRL. Brandy is way more known to the GP.
I love Brandy, but she doesn't get nearly as much coverage now that Aaliyah does. Brandy is quite forgotten outside of a couple of jokes about that accident. I don't think people remember too much about her. Aaliyah's death has definitely made her more of a "legend" than Brandy.
influential 
I'm legit surprised. 
this song. kelly's niche is a bit all over the place.