August 27th: This Day in Hip-Hop

What's up, On August 27th, hip-hop history were punctuated by significant events that shaped the genre's trajectory, showcasing the diverse and transformative nature of the culture. In 1975, the illustrious Mason Durrell Betha, better known as Ma$e, was born alongside his twin sister, Stasson. Originating from a family of six children, Ma$e would later establish himself as a prominent Harlem rapper. His cameo appearances on chart-topping tracks like "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," "Honey," and "Mo Money, Mo Problems" propelled him into the spotlight before his 1997 debut album. The acclaimed "Harlem World" album made an impactful entry onto the scene, soaring to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earning Grammy nominations. With time, this seminal album achieved quadruple Platinum status, boasting sales exceeding 4 million copies. The year 1991 witnessed the release of Biz Markie's third studio album, "I Need a Haircut. The twelfth track, "Alone Again," reshaped the hip-hop industry's landscape when songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan and Warner Bros. Records sued Biz and his label for copyright infringement. In 1996, the legendary rap duo OutKast released their second album, "ATLiens." A mere blip after their appearance on Martin, the album gracefully debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and achieved double Platinum certification. Boasting a self-produced majority, "ATLiens" captured the essence of originality and creativity, embodying the spirit of true artistry. MC Lyte, a pioneering figure in female hip-hop, etched her name into history in 1996 by unveiling her fifth album, "Bad As I Wanna B." A collaboration with producer Jermaine Dupri yielded hit tracks like "Keep On, Keepin’ On" featuring Xscape and "Cold Rock a Party" featuring Missy Elliott. Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige further enriched the hip-hop landscape in 1996 with the release of "Can't Knock the Hustle." Emerging from Jay-Z's debut album "Reasonable Doubt," the track's raw beats, produced by Knobody in his mother's kitchen, harmonized perfectly with its poignant lyrics about drug dealing and street life. Mary J. Blige's resonant chorus, inspired by Meli’sa Morgan’s 1985 hit "Fool’s Paradise," infused the song with authenticity, delivering a message of survival and respect for diverse hustles. Born on this day in 1999, American rapper and singer Rodarius Green, known as Rod Wave, hails from St. Petersburg, Florida. Signed to Alamo Records, he stands out for his robust voice and unique fusion of hip-hop and R&B elements, solidifying his place as a trailblazer of the soul-trap movement. The year 2002 saw a slew of significant releases. Trina's sophomore album, "Diamond Princess," stormed into the scene, securing its spot at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. In a parallel triumph, rapper Eve embarked on an "Eve-Olution" journey, defying competition and achieving international acclaim with platinum-certified hits like "Gangsta Lovin'." KRS-One left his indelible mark on the year with "The Mix Tape," a precursor to the subsequent release of the "Kristyles" album. The legacy of N.W.A. continued in 2002 with the release of "The N.W.A. Legacy, Vol. 2," a compilation featuring tracks from original members and other Ruthless Records artists. Meanwhile, Devin the Dude's "Just Tryin' ta Live" album, characterized by its underground appeal and collaborations with artists like Nas and Xzibit, contributed to the evolving hip-hop landscape. Houston's Lil Flip cemented his presence with his major-label debut, "Undaground Legend," in 2002. The album marked its territory by debuting at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and boasting the hit single " The Way We Ball," eventually attaining Platinum certification in December of the same year. Lastly, in 2011, a collaborative masterpiece emerged as rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West's album "Watch the Throne" ascended to the summit of the US Billboard 200 chart. This monumental album's global reach extended to Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and the UK, solidifying its place in hip-hop history. Thanks for watching!