Drake, Ciara And Ne-yo Join Aaliyah Tributes

Rapper Missy Elliott spoke out to commemorate her pal on Wednesday (25Aug10), marking the ninth anniversary since the star passed away in the accident in the Bahamas.

And now hip-hop star Drake has honoured the singer, admitting he was "crushed" after hearing news of the Try Again hitmaker's death.

The rapper, who sampled Aaliyah's vocals on his track Unforgettable, writes in a letter posted on RapRadar.com, "I've never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed...

"But you should know, we all listen to you every day and we remain inspired and moved by all that you've given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I'll continue to make music in your honour until the day we finally meet."

Other stars who remembered Aaliyah on Wednesday included Ciara, who wrote in a post on her Twitter.com page, "Rest in peace Aaliyah. U (sic) can NEVER be replaced!!"

Hitmaker Ne-Yo tweeted: "Today is the day that the R&B Angel Aaliyah passed on. We miss you babygirl!"

Nicki Minaj added, "We'll always love you Aaliyah."