^ I'm gonna keep making these for each "Today in Hip-Hop" segment
On this day in 1936, R&B and blues musician Syl Johnson was born. His classic song “Different Strokes” has been sampled by a (very!) wide array of hip-hop artists ranging from: 2pac, Boogie Down Productions, Brand Nubian, De La Soul, D.O.C., EPMD, Ice Cube, Kool G Rap, Kwame, N.W.A., Public Enemy, Scarface, TLC, Whodini and the Wu-Tang Clan, among many, many others. Keep in mind, that’s just one song!
On this day in 1967, Aretha Franklin’s classic “Respect” spent its second-to-last week atop Billboard’s number-one R&B hits chart. The Real Roxanne’s song “Respect” (amongst several other hip-hop tracks) featured a sample from the Aretha Franklin original.
On this day in 1971, Melissa Arnette Elliott was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. “Who?” Happy birthday Missy Elliott!
On this day in 1973, the United States DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) was founded. How would emcees react? B-Real: “D.E.A. can't keep Greenthumb in check.” The Notorious B.I.G.: “B.I.G., P-O, P-P-A / No info, for the, D.E.A.” (Biter) Lil Kim: “B.I.G., M-O, M-M-A / No info, for the, D.E.A.” Jay-Z: “F.B.I., D.E.A., I did crime, got away.” B-Real (again): “Hear the call to the D.A., fucking D.E.A.” Boots Riley: “The D.E.A. is filthy, yell not guilty.” Hell Razah: “Them three little pigs again with D.E.A. badges.” Fabolous: “Narcs wanna see me and my team in a chair…D.E.A. been lookin' for proof since 9-3.” The list goes on…
On this day in 1976, upcoming Florida rapper Plies was born. His album “The Real Testament” is set to be released on August 7th, 2007.
On this day in 1981, ex-Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam and current Inc. Records’ R&B songstress Nicole Wray was born.
On this day in 1987, LL Cool J released his sophomore album “Bigger and Deffer.” Though not as critically acclaimed as his landmark debut “Radio”, “Bigger and Deffer” featured the hip-hop-player classic “I Need Love”.
On this day in 1991, “We Can’t Be Stopped”, the Geto Boys’ fourth album, was released, to much acclaim. Arguably their best album to date, “We Can’t Be Stopped” featured the Geto Boys’ sole #1 track “Mind Playing Tricks on Me”, which was also released as a single on this day in ‘91.
Also on this day in 1991, Prince Rakeem released his first official EP on Tommy Boy Records titled “Ooh I Love You Rakeem.” For those that don’t know, Prince Rakeem is an alternate moniker for none other than the Wu-Tang Clan’s own RZA.
Also on this day in 1991, Stetsasonic released their third and final album, “Blood, Sweat & No Tears” (also on Tommy Boy Records).
Also on this day in 1991, Poor Righteous Teachers released their sophomore album “Pure Poverty.” New-schoolers pay attention: July 1st, 1991 was a big day! LOL
On this day in 1992, the HBO series Def Comedy Jam made its critically acclaimed debut on television.
On this day in 1995, The Notorious B.I.G.’s hit single “One More Chance” maintained its spot on the Billboard R&B charts after premiering on June 24th. The song stayed at #1 for nine weeks straight.
On this day in 1997, Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Family released “No Way Out.” The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
On this day in 2005, R&B and soul legends Luther Vandross and The Four Tops’ Renaldo “Obie” Benson both passed away.
On this day in 2007, Brooklyn emcee Papoose begins his UK tour to promote his upcoming album “The Nacirema Dream. “
Also on this day in 2007, “Curtis”, 50 Cent’s latest album, was supposed to come out. Will it ever? On this day (today!) 50 Cent’s new single “Follow My Lead” will be released along with a music video.
- Ivan
