Ballerific Music

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 …

25 years ago today, rapper Dr. Dre released his critically acclaimed album, ‘The Chronic.’ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ‘The Chronic’ was not only Dre’s first solo album after his split from the rap group, N.W.A.; it was also his first album on his record label, Death Row Records. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Though the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ …

Mase has officially had enough. Shortly after Cam’ron and Jim Jones settled their differences to reunite the Harlem rap group, Dipset, the former Bad Boy rapper dropped a Cam’ron diss track, calling out him for his shady business. Although it remains unclear what actually reignited the beef between the two, …

Riff Raff has gone EDM. The celebrity personality, who rose to fame back in 2009 after appearing on MTV’s reality show, “From G’s to Gents,” recently joined forces with music producers, Jonathan Hay, Ranna Royce and Mani Ajami to redirect his sound to Electronic Dance Music. The rapper, who has …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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.”   …

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 …

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 …

There has been a lot going in the world within the last month with natural disasters. We have seen Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Harvey, earthquakes, and more destroy homes and communities. To help support those that were affected, Queen Bey has collaborated with J. Balvin and Willy William on the remix …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …