16 years ago, Ja Rule released his third album, ‘Pain Is Love’ on Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings and PolyGram. Upon its release the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was commercially successful with two number one singles: “I’m Real” and “Always on Time.” …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Public Enemy Released ‘Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes Black’
On Oct. 1, 1991, legendary hip-hop group, Public Enemy, released their fourth album ‘Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black’. In true Public Enemy fashion, the album is filled with provocative lyrics that encourage a sociopolitical agenda. One thing fans could never deny is Public Enemy’s ability to remain true …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: T.I. Released Sixth Album, ‘Paper Trail’
Nine years ago today, rapper T.I. released his sixth studio album ‘Paper Trail’ on Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. The title of the album is befitting for what the Atlanta native was experiencing at the time. Tip began writing for the album as he awaited trial for federal …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Nelly’s “Dilemma” Peaks at No. 1 on Hot 100 for Seventh Consecutive Week
On Sept. 28, 2002, Nelly’s hit song “Dilemma” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 7th consecutive week. Released on his second album ‘Nellyville,’ the song was a duet featuring former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland. The song was an instant success, reaching number …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Common Released “I Used to Love H.E.R.”
23 years ago today, Chicago rapper Common released one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Released on his 1994 album ‘Resurrection,’ “I Used to Love H.E.R.” is one of Common’s most influential tracks to date. Its authentic hip-hop feel with a …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Lil’ Kim Released ‘The Naked Truth’
On this day, twelve years ago, rapper Lil’ Kim released her fourth album ‘The Naked Truth.’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Ironically, the album was released on the first day of Kim’s sentencing, where she served nearly a year in jail on perjury charges. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With the same grit and hardcore lyrics …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Rapper Shyne Released Self-Titled Debut Album
17 years ago today, rapper Shyne released his self-titled debut album on Bad Boy Records. The release of the album was highly anticipated due to the similarities in Shyne and another Bad Boy member, Notorious B.I.G.’s flow. Shyne was also in the press after being convicted in June 2000, …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: 2Pac Released “Trapped” from Debut Album ‘2Pacalypse Now’
On Sept. 25, 1991, rapper 2Pac released a single from his debut album ‘2Pacalypse Now’ titled “Trapped.” Though the song was released over twenty years ago, the subject still holds true in today’s society. Through his impeccable storytelling, 2Pac tells the story of police brutality that people of color …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: A Tribe Called Quest Released Sophomore Album ‘The Low End Theory’
26 years ago today, the famous rap group A Tribe Called Quest released their sophomore album ‘The Low End Theory’. After a highly successful first album, there were many questions about ATCQ’s concerns about the ‘Sophomore Jinx’, but for group members Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: One Year Since the Death of Shawty Lo
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One year ago today, the world lost Atlanta native and rapper Shawty Lo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Born Carlos Rico Walker, Shawty Lo got his start in music in 2003 as a founding member of the rap group D4L. Alongside other group members, Fabo, Mook-B and Stoney, the group had much success …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Craig Mack Released ‘Project: Funk da World’
23 years ago to date, rapper Craig Mack released his debut studio album, ‘Project: Funk da World’. As the second album release on Bad Boy Records, released just one week after The Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Ready to Die’, Mack’s album was a major success eventually reaching Gold-RIAA sales. The album’s …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: ‘Lean Back’ Peaks at No. 1 On Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs Chart for 6th Consecutive Week
On Sept. 18, 2004, Terror Squad’s hit song ‘Lean Back’ peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart for the 6th week in a row. ⠀⠀ Released as the second single of the group’s album ‘True Story’, ‘Lean Back’ featured verses from rappers Fat Joe and Remy Ma. …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’
On September 16, 1979, Sugar Hill Gang introduced the rest of the world to a new sound that would change music forever. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With the release of ‘Rapper’s Delight’, hip-hop became a mainstream genre, introducing people all over the world to the sounds that were once only familiar to …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Releases ‘N**** Please’
On September 14, 1999, Russell Tyrone Jones, better known as Ol’ Dirty Bastard, released his second and final solo album, ‘N**** Please’. Within the first week of its release, the album debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 charts with 93,000 copies sold. After only three months, the album …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Notorious B.I.G Releases Debut Album ‘Ready to Die’ ⠀
On this exact day, 23 years ago, Notorious B.I.G released his debut album ‘Ready to Die’. Not only was this the album to launch the iconic emcee’s career, but it also catapulted the reputation of Bad Boy Records, as the first album to release on the label. ⠀⠀⠀ Whether it …
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