On this day in 2006, Lupe Fiasco released his debut album Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor. Lupe had already had a buzz due to his acclaimed Fahrenheit 1/15 mixtape series and his monster verse on Kanye West’s “Touch The Sky.” Food & Liquor was a continuation of the social commentary themes from Lupe’s mixtapes, and included subjects like broken families, gang violence, racism, and gun culture. The album also included production by Soundtrakk, The Neptunes, Mike Shinoda, and Kanye West. Food & Liquor was commercially successful, peaking at #1 on the US Top Rap Albums chart and #8 on the US Billboard 200 chart. More importantly, Lupe’s incredible and thought-provoking bars and classic singles like “Kick, Push” give the album a spot on the list of hip-hop fans’ best albums, 10 years later.
Tag: Today In Hip-Hop History
Today in Hip-Hop History
Today in 1996 was the day that Tupac Shakur died. Shakur was shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 7th, 1996 and died at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada six days later. He left behind an incredible legacy, being listed as one of the greatest MCs of all time in several publications and networks, including VH1, Vibe, The Source, and Rolling Stone. He has an incredible discography that includes 8 platinum studio albums, 4 of which were released posthumously. He also had a successful acting career, starring in the movies Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above the Rim. Today, 20 years after his death, Shakur is still an incredibly strong influence on many modern hip-hop artists like J. Cole who sampled “Hail Mary” on his Friday Night Lights mixtape and Kendrick Lamar who famously included an interview with Pac at the end of his album To Pimp A Butterfly. He’s also been listed as an influence by mega rappers like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Lil’ Wayne and younger West Coast rappers YG and Nipsey Hussle. A Tupac biopic titled All Eyez on Me will be released soon in theaters. See the second trailer for the movie below.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day back in 1963, Anthony Ray was born in Seattle, Washington. In the 1980s, Ray transformed into the hip-hop superstar we all know and love, Sir Mix-a-Lot. This legendary MC was a pioneer in the positive body image movement and appreciated the beautiful and unique shapes of women around the world. Don’t call him a one-hit wonder; Sir Mix-a-Lot was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Just Da Pimpin’ in Me” at the 1994 Grammy Awards. However, there is only one song that changed the world forever. One song that gave men everywhere the confidence to speak up about what they love and to be unashamed. One song that will haunt karaoke bars until the end of time. Thank you, Sir Mix-a-Lot for “Baby Got Back.” Sir Mix-a-Lot spends his time these days on social media, thrilled with Nicki Minaj for sampling his masterpiece in the most genius way and defending Blake Lively for using his lyrics as a caption on Instagram. Protect “Baby Got Back” at all costs.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1996, A Tribe Called Quest released their fourth album Beats, Rhymes and Life. Though not as highly regarded as ATCQ’s other albums, particularly Midnight Marauders and The Low End Theory, this album had some impressive flows and lyrics, and it introduced the world to Consequence. The entire album was produced by The Ummah, which consisted of Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Q-Tip and the late great J Dilla. This album also made some new moves for ATCQ. It went in the direction of the rest of the mid-late ’90s with hard-hitting beats and sweet female vocals. Faith Evans and Tammy Lucas were big reasons why the singles “Stressed Out” and “1nce Again” did so well on the charts.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1996, UGK released Ridin’ Dirty, their third studio album. If albums like Reasonable Doubt and It Was Written made 1996 what it was in New York and All Eyez on Me put on for the West Coast, Ridin’ Dirty and ATLiens completed the equation in the South. Ridin’ Dirty is UGK’s most popular album, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and 15 on the Billboard 200. Two of UGK’s greatest hits “Murder” and “One Day” are from this beloved album, and it was immortalized when Jay-Z used Bun B’s lyrics from “Touched” in verse 3 of “99 Problems.”
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1988, Eric B & Rakim released their second album Follow the Leader. This album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, performing better than the duo’s previous album Paid in Full. Follow the Leader continued with the elements that made Eric B & Rakim famous like genius sampling and game-changing flow, and the album had well-known hits like the title track and “Microphone Fiend.” It remains a critically acclaimed album, still in the “best hip-hop albums” conversations today.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 2007, Blu & Exile released Below The Heavens. A debut album for Blu, Below The Heavens was an incredible introduction to a new artist. Each track was produced by Exile, and the album showcased the duo’s incredible chemistry. It also featured a young Aloe Blacc and a virtually unknown Miguel. Blu tackled tough topics concerning growing up in LA and became highly respected in the hip-hop community due to his raw delivery.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1998, Beastie Boys released their fifth studio album Hello Nasty. Hello Nasty was a return for Beastie Boys, as it was released four years after their prior album Ill Communication. Beastie Boys came back hard and strong with the smash “Intergalactic” and “Body Movin,” the latter of which had one of the most creative and unique videos of that time, parodying the Italian action film, Danger: Diabolik, and directed by the late great MCA. Hello Nasty was recognized on top albums of 1998 lists for various publications, including SPIN and Rolling Stone. The album also won two Grammys: Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1996, Nas released his sophomore album It Was Written. What sophomore slump? It Was Written was arguably just as good as the agreed-upon hip-hop Bible Illmatic, if not better. Nas tackled street themes, drew out a legendary gun metaphor (“I Gave You Power” is a gem), and took a step in squashing the then-prominent East Coast/West Coast beef by working with Dr. Dre. He also put his team on, introducing the world to The Firm, a group composed of himself, AZ, Cormega, and Foxy Brown.
Today in Hip-Hop History
On this day in 1971, Missy Elliott was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Aside from being a legendary MC with five platinum albums, Missy along with Timbaland has also written for and produced numerous hits, helping along the careers of dozens of artists, including Aaliyah, 702, and Tweet. After well over 20 years in the biz, Missy continues to perform and release new music.