Babyface Drew Inspiration From Aaliyah When Writing “Sittin’ Up In My Room” for Brandy
#NOLAZINE - One of the most memorable R&B records of the 1990s, Brandy's “Sittin' Up in My Room,” reportedly has a surprising creative connection to the late R&B superstar Aaliyah.
Released in 1995 as part of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, the song was written and produced by legendary hitmaker Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and became one of Brandy's signature records.
According to accounts attributed to Babyface, Aaliyah's youthful energy, effortless delivery, and ability to express emotion through music helped inspire the creative direction of the record.
Although Babyface crafted the song specifically for Brandy's voice and personality, Aaliyah's understated approach to R&B reportedly influenced the mood he wanted to capture.
The result was a timeless record about young love, attraction, and the excitement of having someone constantly on your mind.
“Sittin' Up in My Room” became a major commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping establish Brandy as one of the leading voices of 1990s R&B.
More than 30 years later, the song remains a fan favorite and an important part of R&B history.
While the specific account of Aaliyah's influence deserves confirmation from Babyface's original interview, the story highlights how artists can inspire one another without ever appearing on the same record.
Do you think “Sittin' Up in My Room” is one of Brandy's greatest songs? And who had the bigger influence on 1990s R&B, Brandy or Aaliyah?
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