18 years ago today, Trina released the track “Da Baddest B****” from her debut album with the same name. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The song charted on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 64. With this single and her previous tracks with Trick Daddy, Trina quickly established herself as a female …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: The Fugees Released “Fu-Gee-La”
On Dec. 13, 1995, the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees released their single “Fu-Gee-La” from their second album, ‘The Score.’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With their impeccable lyricism and Afrocentric vibes, the group had an instant hit on their hands. Lauryn Hill vocals sing out over the chorus, paying tribute to Teena …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Young Jeezy Released ‘The Inspiration’
11 years ago today, Young Jeezy released his second album, ‘The Inspiration: Thug Motivation 102’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With three leading singles : “I Luv It”, “Go Getta” featuring R. Kelly, and “Dreamin'” featuring Keyshia Cole, ‘The Inspiration’ was a successful album upon its release. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The album became Jeezy’s …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Common and John Legend Released Theme Song to ‘Selma,’ “Glory”
On Dec. 11, 2014, rapper Common released the single, “Glory,” featuring John Legend. Written by Common, Legend, and Rhymefest, the single was the theme song of the 2014 film ‘Selma,’ which told the stories of the 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Despite the song being a part …
Read More »BallerAlert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Ludacris Released ‘The Red Light District’
13 years ago today, Ludacris released his fifth album, ‘The Red Light District’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Similar to his previous albums, this body of work showcased Ludacris’ southern swagger and his witty lyricism. With singles like “Get Back” and “Pimpin’ All Over the World”, Ludacris landed himself two successful singles that …
Read More »BallerAlert’s Today in Hip-Hop: 7 Years Ago ‘The Breakfast Club’ Debuted on Power 105.1
On Dec. 6, 2010, the world of hip-hop radio was changed forever by ‘The Breakfast Club.’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Coined “The World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show,” ‘The Breakfast Club’ is a syndicated radio show on New York’s Power 105.1, featuring hosts DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Ice Cube Released Second Album ‘Death Certificate’
26 years ago today, rapper Ice Cube released his second album ‘Death Certificate’. Throughout his career, Ice Cube has continued to be a voice for the people of his community. So it’s no surprise that ‘Death Certificate’ was an unfiltered body of work that openly spoke about racial and political …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Fat Joe Released ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2)’
Eight years ago today, rapper Fat Joe released his ninth studio album, ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2).’ The album is the sequel to the Bronx native’s platinum-selling album ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy’ (2001). Featuring production from heavy hitters like Rico Love and The Inkredibles, with appearances …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Lil Wayne Released Hit Single “Go DJ”
On Oct. 5, 2004, Lil Wayne released his hit single “Go DJ” from his fourth studio album, ‘Tha Carter’. The legendary beat produced by DJ Mannie Fresh, along with Wayne’s catchy lyrics, was a sure sign that Wayne was on his way to becoming one the greatest rappers alive. …
Read More »Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Ja Rule Released ‘Pain is Love’ ⠀
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: 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: Cam’ron Released Sophomore Album,”S.D.E.”
17 years ago on Sep. 19, 2000, Harlem rapper Cam’ron released his second studio album ‘S.D.E. (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment).’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The album, originally titled “The Rough, Rough, Rough Album,” was intended to be released in 1999, but due to the date being pushed back, more songs were able to …
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. …
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