On this day in 1977 (7/7/77), 7 Aurelius, the lesser known mastermind behind Murder Inc. Records, was born in Lexington, Kentucky.
On this day in 1979, Michael Jackson completed all studio work for his fifth solo album, “Off the Wall.” The top-selling R&B album of the year, “Off the Wall” produced hits such as “Rock With You” (sampled for Puff Daddy & Ma$e’s “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down”, “I Can’t Help It” (sampled for De La Soul’s “Breakadawn”) and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (sampled for Ma$e’s “Cheat On You”).
On this day in 1982, Barry Adrian Reese was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The “I’m A Hustla” star is known by most people as fo’real-adelphia pistolvania’s own Cassidy. ;-D
On this day in 1984, Prince’s smash hit “When Doves Cry” from his album “Purple Rain” reached number one for the second consecutive week on Billboard’s R&B chart. While the album has generally been sampled heavily by hip-hop artists, the song “When Doves Cry” was utilized in “Return to Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa & the Jungle Brothers.
On this day in 1987, Eric B. & Rakim released their classic debut album Paid in Full. Rolling Stone Magazine names it the 19th “Coolest Record” ever….that “Ain’t No Joke”!
On this day in 2006, Pink Floyd’s lead vocalist Syd Barrett passed away due to complications from diabetes. A rock legend, he and his band’s songs have been sampled by hip-hoppers ranging from 3rd Bass, The Beastie Boys, EPMD, Geto Boys & D12.
Also on this day in 2006, Suge Knight’s Death Row empire met a devastating blow as a federal judge ordered a bankruptcy trustee takeover of the company.
Also on this day in 2006, TV personality Big Tigger spent his last day co-hosting BET’s 106 & Park.
On this day in 2007, The Seventh Seal, Rakim’s latest album, is supposed to be out in stores. (Memo: new Rakim album is not out in stores...yet)
- Ivan
