Lil Jon had created this new Crunk&B sound at the time, and it was kind of a big deal since it went against the grain of traditional pop music. Ciara says she's proud to be a part of that movement, which also spawned Usher's #1 smash 'Yeah.' Back then, I remember people saying she was the new Aaliyah because she was also a dancing, soft voiced protege of Missy's. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I just didn't see it. Maybe I was overprotective over Aaliyah's legacy. I didn't want the comparisons since Aaliyah's passing was still fresh three years later. My first thought was... "she really isn't that pretty" (I think she's beautiful now though), and I know that's harsh but I thought the comparisons were offensive and I suppose being passive aggressive towards Ciara was just my way of dealing with it.