Missy Elliot: 'Aaliyah is an inspiration'

Missy Elliot has reportedly said that another artist will never duplicate the late singer Aaliyah's success.

Speaking to MTV News as the ninth anniversary of the 'Try Again' star's death approaches, Elliot insisted that current musicians like Ciara continue to be inspired by Aaliyah's innovative music videos.

"I think it's hard for Aaliyah to be duplicated, because she had her own lane," she said. "We knew when she dropped a record, we couldn't wait for the video. I think Aaliyah has influenced artists like Ciara."

The rap producer added that she would honour the anniversary by thinking about the great experiences she had with the singer and how successful the popstar would have been if she had lived.

"We've had so many memorable times," Elliot said. "Too many memories to state them all! If she was still with us, she would still be at the top. Because she always stayed pushing herself to be better."

A movie based on the life of the 'Miss You' star, who died in a 2001 plane crash, is rumoured to be in the works.