Tag Archives: Ballerific Music

Eight years ago today, Kanye West released his second live studio album, ‘VH1 Storytellers’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ The album featured live editions of some West’s most popular songs such as “Good Life”, “Amazing”, “Touch the Sky” and “Flashing Lights”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Upon its release, the album received decent reviews such as …

On Dec. 30, 1994, rapper Notorious B.I.G. released his hit song “Big Poppa” from his first studio album ‘Ready to Die’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Sampling The Isley Brothers’ track, “Between the Sheets”, the single was an instant hit peaking number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Biggie a …

22 years ago today, 2Pac released his single “California Love” featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman.   After being released from prison in 1995, the single was dubbed as 2Pac’s comeback. It was also his first single as a Death Row Records artist.   To this day, the song remains …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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, …

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 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 …

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 …