On this day in 1858, Austrian composer Hans Rott was born. So not only does he have my same birthday, he's also got my same last name. Now that's trippy...
On this day in 1920, Madison Square Garden was filled to hear the words of Black nationalist Marcus Garvey. Garvey has influenced various thinkers as well as such Afrocentric and/or conscious emcees as Nas, AZ, Lord Jamar, KRS-One, MC Zion and more.
On this day in 1942, acclaimed musician (and pothead) Jerry Garcia was born in Frisco, California. I'm certain that Proof has "found him" by now. Double R.I.P.
On this day in 1960, Public Enemy #1 Carlton Ridenhour a.k.a. Chuck D was born. By default, fellow PE member Professor Griff was born on this day as well.
On this day in 1963, West Coast emcee Coolio was born. The fantastic voyage begins.
On this day in 1970, Stevie Wonder's single "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" found it's way to the top of Billboard's R&B charts. It'd stay up there for the following five weeks.
On this day in 1971, The Concert For Bangladesh took place at Madison Square Garden from noon to 7:00 PM. Organized by The Beatles' George Harrison as well as Indian composing legend Ravi Shankar, the concert featured an all-star lineup including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Billy Preston and more. Not much of a "hip-hop story/event", but a great and noteworthy one nonetheless.
Ironically on this day in 1978, Dhani Harrison, son of previously mentioned George Harrison, was born.
On this day in 1981, MTV was launched with it's aim of showing Music on TeleVision. Music on television? Ha! Look what it's become...
On this day in 1985, Michael Jackson spent some of his pocket change ($47 million) acquiring the publishing rights to most of The Beatles' music. So basically MJ can do whatever he wants to some ol' Beatles songs, but if DJ Danger Mouse tries it, the EMI Group gives him sh*t.
On this day in 1987, Hip-Hop Is Read blogger Ivan was born. ;-D
On this day in 1990, South Central/Bay Area rapper Too $hort released his 6th album Short Dog's In The House. It was his 2nd album to go platinum.
On this day in 1992, Sir Mix-a-Lot's infamous single "Baby Got Back" spent its last week on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts after staying up there for the previous 4 weeks.
On this day in 1995, Wu-Tang emcee Raekwon (the Chef) released the Rizoh-post-influencing classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., often regarded as the greatest solo Clan album.
On this day in 2000, Big L's album The Big Picture was released a year and a half after the Harlem-bred emcee's untimely death. It featured some classic songs including a personal favorite of mine, 'Ebonics.'
Also on this day in 2000, The Godfather of Soul a.k.a. James Brown signed his will.
On this day in 2002, 50 Cent released one of his infamous early mixtapes No Mercy, No Fear which featured the breakout hit 'Wanksta.' "...you know who droppin' dimes..." SMH...LOL
