Rashad Haughton


Rashad Hasan Haughton is an American writer, film director, actor and screenwriter. Haughton is the older brother of the late American singer and actress Aaliyah and nephew of Blackground Records founder Barry Hankerson.

Early life

Rashad was born on August 6, 1977 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City to Diane and Michael Haughton. Rashad has African-American and Native American heritage. He and his sister Aaliyah were born two years apart. When he was seven years old, the family moved to Detroit. He attended a Catholic school, Gesu Elementary, with his sister Aaliyah. He graduated Aquinas High School in 1995 and Hofstra University in 2000.

One in a Million (1996)

When it came time for Aaliyah to film the video for her fourth single "4 Page Letter" from her 1996 album One in a Million, Rashad would complete video preparations within two hours while studying at Hofstra University. On the B-side of the "4 Page Letter" single, Rashad recorded a song with his sister entitled "Death of a Playa".

Queen of the Damned (2002)

In February 2002, Queen of the Damned, a film which Aaliyah starred as Queen Akasha, was released. Before its release, Rashad was called into re-dub several of his sister's lines during the post-production ADR process. Upon its release, the film debuted at number one and was dedicated to Aaliyah. Rashad was also in talks of producing and releasing several of Aaliyah's unreleased recordings from the Queen of the Damned onto Aaliyah's second posthumous album.

Proud and First Single (2004)

Proud is the true story of the only African-American crew to take a Navy warship into combat in World War II, in which Rashad played the role of Naval saxophonist Hank Fields.
Rashad also saw the release of his first single, though it was not released in the US: "Fork In The Road", which made it No. 55 on Australian Charts. The single showcases Rashad's vocal ability.

Chrysalis (2006)

Chrysalis is a short film written and directed by Rashaad.

Singles

Aaliyah's Legacy

2001 MTV Video Music Awards

Rashad appeared at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards to pay tribute to his sister along with Aaliyah's role model Janet Jackson and her close friends/coworkers Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, and Timbaland. The awards were presented just 12 days after her death, on September 6 and originally she was booked as one of its presenters.

Breathe Benefit Concert

On October 27, 2001, Aaliyah was scheduled to perform a duet with Seal at Breathe, a benefit concert for breast cancer treatment and research. Instead, Rashad presented the $41,000 check and introduced a tribute performance to Aaliyah by Seal.

2002 Hollywood Black Film Festival

On February 10 at the Hollywood Black Film Festival closing night, Rashad accepted the Inspirational Spirit Award given to Aaliyah posthumously for her lifetime of excellence in entertainment.

2002 NAACP Image Awards

On February 23, Rashad accepted the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Female Artist on Aaliyah's behalf.

Father's death

Rashad's father Michael Haughton lost a long time battle to kidney disease in November 2012. His tombstone is on top of Aaliyah's tombstone and coffin.