On December 4, 1990, Brand Nubian released their classic Five Mic debut album One For All on Elektra Records. Boasting production Dante Ross, Skeff Anslem, the SD 50s (Stimulated Dummies), Jam as well as their own hands on the boards, Brand Nubian arguably released one of the most influential debut albums in Hip Hop history. The Source Magazine’s Record Report of All For One gave the LP a perfect rating, stating AFO, “overflows with creativity, originality, and straight-up talent. […] the type of record that captures a whole world of music, rhymes, and vibes with a completely new style.”
Over 30 years ago, Grand Puba Maxwell of the Masters Of Ceremony linked up with the Gods Derrick X and Lord Jamar Allah, recruited X’s childhood pal Alamo as the DJ to form the four-man crew of Brand Nubian. The crew pioneered the sound of the Gods, infusing the knowledge and wisdom of the 5% Nation in their lyrical content, and used the music to attract many young Black youths of that era to Black consciousness. Together the quartet has only released this album, but Lord J and Derrick X, who is now known as Sadat X, have dropped two additional projects under the Brand Nubian flag. Even with all of their respective solo endeavors, their collective impact on the culture of the rap game is forever embedded in the fabric of Hip Hop.
Salute to Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat, Alamo, Stud Dougee(RIP), Dante Ross, Skeff, and everyone at Elektra who was involved in bringing the people such an important part of Hip Hop history!
Today marks the 31st anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s debut album, What’s The 411?. This was her introduction to the world and Puff Daddy before he called himself Diddy and proclaimed Mary as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”. This was one album that totally dominated not only the 90’s but also r&b music. During that time, she wasn’t your average r&b singer as she talked about love, lost, and heartbreak and she dressed in hip hop clothes instead of your typical gowns & dresses.
She released her first single, “Real Love”, which sampled rap duo Audio Two”s hit single, “Top Billin”. The album featured collaborations from rapper Grand Puba from Brand Nubian and then labelmate/boyfriend K-CI Hailey from Jodeci. She even put a spin on Chaka Khan’s single, “Sweet Thing”. Despite not being the number one in the country at the time, the album still remains a favorite among today’s singers. Some of the singles off the album still being sampled in today’s music.
Since the release of the album, Blige went on to become one of the biggest r&b singers in the world and even performed for President Obama when he was sworn into office for the first time and still continue to influence today’s singers.
On this date in 1989, Dana Owens aka Queen Latifah dropped her first full-length studio album All Hail The Queen on the now-defunct Tommy Boy Records.
As the first artist on N.J. based Flavor Unit collective, Latifah filled a void for female emcees with her regal appearance and her commanding rhyme style, which at that time, was only rivaled by the males. Social consciousness, African awareness, and civilization were at the forefront of Latifah’s image and music, thus, the album’s title, All Hail The Queen.
The songs that led and propelled the album’s momentum include the lead single, “Wrath Of My Madness,” which was actually released the year before the album dropped and “Ladies First,” an anthem celebrating femininity within Hip Hop culture, while introducing a British accented Monie Love spitting a verse alongside Latifah.
Salute to Queen Latifah, Shakim, Mark The 45 King(RIP) and the rest of the Flavor Unit for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
Snoop Dogg has had one of the most celebrated careers in hip-hop history. While he did have to deal with some legal issues throughout, especialy early on, he is easily one of the most beloved figures. He has blessed us with tons of classic tracks and projects over his now three-decade long run. However, arguably his best effort has to be 1993’s Doggystyle.
Yes, it has already been 30 years since his debut tape. It feels surreal that we have made it this deep into Snoop’s story within rap, but here we are. To celebrate this incredible milestone, the California icon had decided to give his fans a 30th anniversary edition. There are quite a few unique touches to this new version as well.
Listen To Doggystyle (30th Anniversary Edition) By Snoop Dogg
One of them is the inclusion of a track that was left off later versions of the record. “Gz Up, H**s Down” had a difficult go of it when clearing the sample used. However, it officially sees the light of day on Doggystyle. In addition to that, there will be some special vinly discs available. According to Revolt, you can grab a copy in black or clear. Or, if you decide to head to your local Walmart or shop online with Amazon, there are additional colors to choose from. At the store you can find the disc in a clear and light blue edition. On the online-shopping powerhouse are a few options. One of which is a clear and black smoke color.
What are your initial thoughts on this anniversary edition of Snoop Dogg’s, Doggystyle? Do you think Snoop would have released this on its 30th anniversary if their were no inclusion of another track? Will you buy one of the unique discs that are now available to purchase? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Snoop Dogg, as well as all of the best album drops.
Almost two decades since OutKast’s last album, Andre 3000 is finally gracing fans with his solo debut offering, titled New Blue Sun. It’s almost unbelievable that the world hasn’t gotten a project from the acclaimed rapper all these years. He’s remained in the mix with a handful of features but, admittedly, fans had lost hope on the release of a solo project. However, with this recent development, many are understandably beside themselves with excitement.
Earlier in the year, André appeared on “Scientists & Engineers” with Killer Mike, who hinted at Andre 3000’s solo album before walking back on his claims. Over time, these sparse appearances are all listeners have come to expect from him. As a result, the announcement of the release of New Blue Sun took us all by surprise. Set to drop very soon, here’s what we know about the album that has already garnered praise from Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean.
As aforementioned, New Blue Sun is technically Andre 3000’s debut album. Up until very recently, he had intentionally kept fans in the dark about the release of new music. Moreover, for reasons best known to him, he chose to keep a tight leash on his creative process. Surprisingly, one of the only reliable bits of information about the album before its announcement came from Killer Mike. In an interview on Sway in the Morning in June 2023, Mike mentioned an upcoming André 3000 album. Given André’s time away from the spotlight, some fans were initially skeptical about the authenticity of this claim. However, it turned out to be very true. On November 14, 2023, André 3000 announced that his solo debut album, New Blue Sun, would soon be released.
What To Expect On New Blue Sun
Andre “3000” Benjamin 12591_RD_224.JPG during Andre “3000” Benjamin And Cartoon Network Present “Class of 3000” Premiere Event at The Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)
After coming down from the high of the album’s announcement, there’s an important detail for fans to confront. If you’re looking to hear Andre rapping like the rent’s due, you may be disappointed with his solo offering. The 87-minute sonic experience will be devoid of bars, according to the “Hey Ya” rapper. In an exclusive interview with NPR, he shared that “it’s not a rap album, though.” “I don’t want to troll people,” he continued. “I don’t want people to think, ‘Oh, this André 3000 album is coming!’ And you play it and like, ‘Oh man, no verses.’ So even actually on the packaging, you’ll see it says, ‘Warning: no bars.’”
According to NPR, André does not sing on the album either. It is a completely instrumental body of work that sees André playing a lot of flutes. An excerpt from the piece states, “No bars, no beats, no sub-bass. André doesn’t sing on this joint, either. What he does do is play flute, and plenty of it — contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, bamboo flutes — along with other digital wind instruments.”
New Blue Sun: Tracklist and Guest Features
The tracklist for New Blue Sun is quite unorthodox. Each song title contains complete sentences and mentions everyone from Jeffrey Dahmer to Ghandi. Meanwhile, he hasn’t confirmed any features on the project. Here is the tracklist for André’s upcoming debut album:
1. “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time” 2. “The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off The Tongue With Far Better Ease Than The Proper Word Vagina . Do You Agree?” 3. “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control … Sh¥t Was Wild” 4. “BuyPoloDisorder’s Daughter Wears A 3000 Button Down Embroidered” 5. “Ninety Three ‘Til Infinity And Beyoncé” 6. “Ghandi, Dalai Lama, Your Lord & Savior J.C. / Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, And John Wayne Gacy” 7. “Ants To You, Gods To Who ?” 8. “Dreams Once Buried Beneath The Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout Into Undying Gardens”
As announced on November 14, 2023, New Blue Sun will be released on Friday, November 17, 2023. While it is André 3000’s first project in years, we certainly hope it won’t be his last. Fans of the rapper are eager for him to follow it up with another project soon. Hopefully, they won’t wait another 17 years for the next one.
John Legend’s 2004 debut album, Get Lifted, marked a pivotal moment in contemporary R&B and soul music. Before its release, Legend was already a respected musician known for his collaborations and session work. However, Get Lifted catapulted him into the spotlight as a leading artist. The album was a masterful blend of soulful melodies, gospel-infused backdrops, and poignant lyrics. It showcased Legend’s depth both as a vocalist and a songwriter.
Get Lifted was more than just a collection of songs. It was a narrative woven through soulful rhythms and heartfelt stories. Legend’s approach to music on this album was refreshingly authentic and deeply rooted in classic soul and R&B traditions. The album resonated with audiences seeking musical depth and emotional sincerity. It set the stage for a career characterized by both innovation and homage to musical roots.
Get Lifted: A Soulful Tapestry
Get Lifted represented a significant moment in John Legend’s career. The album’s production, marked by its lush piano arrangements and smooth rhythms, created a contemporary and timeless sound. This fusion was a nod to Legend’s musical influences while also establishing his distinct voice in the R&B genre.
The album features a collection of tracks that highlight Legend’s versatility as an artist. The lead single, “Ordinary People,” stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth. It was driven by Legend’s expressive piano playing and rich, soulful vocals. The song became a critical and commercial success, resonating with audiences for its raw portrayal of relationships. Similarly, tracks like “Used to Love U” and “So High” demonstrated Legend’s range. They flowed from upbeat, gospel-infused tunes to soaring, romantic ballads.
Get Lifted also showcased Legend’s collaborative spirit, with contributions from artists like Kanye West and Snoop Dogg. These collaborations added diverse textures to the album, further cementing its appeal across various musical tastes. Throughout the album, Legend maintained a balance between soulful introspection and accessible, relatable themes. It made Get Lifted a standout debut in the R&B scene.
Chart Triumph & Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, Get Lifted soared in both commercial success and critical reception. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and rapidly gained traction. It eventually earned a multi-platinum certification in the United States. This commercial success clearly indicated Legend’s widespread appeal and the resonance of his music with a diverse audience.
“Ordinary People,” the album’s standout single, substantially contributed to this success. It peaked high on various charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. It further became an anthem known for its heartfelt lyrics and classic sound. The album’s other singles, such as “Used to Love U” and “Number One,” also received significant airplay, further cementing the album’s status.
Critically, Get Lifted was met with widespread acclaim. Reviewers praised Legend for his soulful approach to R&B and the authenticity of his songwriting. The album’s fusion of traditional and contemporary styles was noted for its originality and depth. The critical and commercial success of Get Lifted solidified John Legend’s status as a significant figure in music and earned him several prestigious awards, including multiple Grammys.
The Enduring Impact Of Get Lifted
The lasting legacy of John Legend’s debut album, Get Lifted, extends well beyond its initial commercial success and critical acclaim. As a seminal work in modern R&B, it played a crucial role in shaping the genre’s evolution in the early 21st century. The album established Legend as a powerful voice in music and set a benchmark for soulful storytelling blended with contemporary R&B.
Get Lifted has been recognized for its influence on subsequent artists, inspiring a return to more traditional, soul-infused sounds in R&B. Legend’s marriage of classic piano-driven melodies with modern production paved the way for a new wave of artists who seek to bridge the gap between old-school soul and contemporary rhythms. His approach to songwriting, characterized by its emotional depth and authenticity, has also been a model for musicians aiming to convey genuine stories and sentiments.
Furthermore, the album’s success contributed significantly to diversifying the landscape of R&B music. It demonstrated a robust audience for music that combined classic soul elements with modern styles. Over the years, Get Lifted has continued to be celebrated for its artistry and is often cited as a favorite among fans and critics alike.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Method Man released his debut solo LP Tical. Sticking to RZA’s plan on industry domination, Method was the first to roll out his solo LP after the ridiculous success group debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). In the early years of the Wu, Method Man had grown become the public face of the group. His larger than life persona and a multitude of styles won over the hearts and ears of fans after the groups first single “Protect Ya Neck” had “Method Man” on it’s B-side.
Tical delves deeper into the sinister villainous style previewed on 36 Chambers. Method Man creates a dark anti-hero on this album who hungers for the career of wack rappers and perpetrators. It was truly a violent introduction to one of the most outrageous members of the Wu, second only to ODB in theatrical personality.
Considered a “two-man show” by critics, the album was almost entirely produced by RZA. As the Wu’s architect, RZA created specific sounds for each member. Method unique sonic was the most film inspired. Meth continued to build a character likened to the many crime bosses and master villains that starred in his beloved Kung-Fu flicks. Aside from the image, lyrically the album is on another level. Method Man flawlessly juggles synonyms and metaphors with a flow that weaves in and out of the beat to create a hardcore symphony of Shaolin style.
Commercially, the album was a hit and only added on to the cipher of success revolving around the Wu-Tang Clan. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart selling a million copies within a year of its release. It kick-started a wave of successful solo albums and keep afloat RZA’s five-year plan to becoming the greatest rap group in history.
On this day at the turn of the century, Prodigy, the lyrical half of the legendary QB duo Mobb Deep, dropped his debut LP, H.N.I.C., released under the Loud/Violator/Steve Rifkind Co./Infamous Records imprints.
Produced by behind-the-board experts like his partner Havoc, The Alchemist, Rockwilder, and Just Blaze, this album became the first part of the P’s H.N.I.C. (Head Nigga In Charge) trilogy. It also inspired other similar album titles in the 21st century from premiere artists such as Kendrick Lamar (Y.H.N.I.C.) and Wiz Khalifa (O.H.N.I.C.).
Prodigy showed off his versatility on this project, which included love songs(“Trials Of Love”), renewed history tracks (“Infamous Minded”), crew love tracks(“Can’t Complain”, “Dealt With The Bullshit”), and of course, the album-leading, no chorus having “Keep It Thoro”.
Salute to Prodigy in his physical absence, however, his music will forever be etched in Hip Hop History!
Australia’s boy wonder, The Kid LAROI, was dealing with a lot personally leading up to the release of his debut album. A couple of months ago, he shared what has been troubling him in a heartfelt message to his fans. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bit silent. Been going through a lot recently. I’m good but I’ve just needed space to focus on processing my feelings & work.”
LAROI continued, “Here to let you know that a lot of videos have been shot these past couple weeks, I shot the album cover & I’m working with the label to get you a date. I also added more songs to the record. It’s done though. I love you. Thanks for staying with me. ” For a teenager dealing with this massive wave of fame, a lot can come with that, especially negatively. Relationships, mental health, and plenty of other important things are put on the back burner because of your new responsibilities.
These are some of the topics that the now 20-year-old breaks down on his first official album. “SORRY” is the ultimate tone-setter and the lyrics certainly hit heavy. LAROI also mentioned that he was evolving as an artist. That rings true with the cuts like “WHAT’S THE MOVE?” with Future and BabyDrill. “Rap s***, alternative s***, kind of pop s*** on there, too, R&B.” He delivers on that promise and you hear it for yourself with the links above.
What are your initial thoughts on The Kid LAROI’s debut album, THE FIRST TIME? Which song is the best on the project so far? Is this an improvement from his mixtape, F*CK LOVE 3+: OVER YOU? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around The Kid LAROI, as well as all of the hottest album drops.
THE FIRST TIME Tracklist:
SORRY
BLEED
I THOUGHT THAT I NEEDED YOU
WHERE DO YOU SLEEP?
TOO MUCH with Jung Kook, Central Cee
TEAR ME APART
STRANGERS (Interlude)
NIGHTS LIKE THIS
WHAT’S THE MOVE? (feat. Future and BabyDrill)
STRANGERS PT 2 (Interlude)
CALL ME INSTEAD (feat. YounBoy Never Broke Again & Robert Glasper)
It is safe to say that PinkPantheress was anxious to release her debut album, Heaven knows. It does not help that she had only been pushing music out on streaming for two years before the release. On top of that, people were already eager to hear what she could do. Even though we got a mixtape in 2021, to hell with it, the nerves are valid. Delivering your first true album comes with a lot of mixed emotions and she expressed that tenfold in a couple of interviews.
In a chat with Pitchfork, the English pop singer about the heavy weight of expectations she was feeling. “I’m scared of putting out music now. There’s more on the line, there’s more pressure, people expect a certain standard.” In addition, PinkPantheress also said she wanted to take some different artistic directions as well. In her chat with NME, she explained that she wants to start “making a shift towards other styles of music.” Furthermore, the Bath-born artist preached how important it is to be well-rounded. “I feel like it’s so important as an artist to show versatility.”
Well, she certainly has a lot of tools at her disposal. Pantheress bolsters that by bringing on guests such as Central Cee and Rema to dip her toes in other directions. While she does have “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” on here we encourage you to check out the deeper cuts to truly appreciate what she has going on. PinkPantheress is here to stay and we cannot wait to see what is up next.
What are your initial thoughts on PinkPantheress’ debut album, Heaven knows? Is she one of the best female artists going right now? Which tracks are you gravitating toward the most so far? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around PinkPantheress, as well as all of the hottest album drops.
Button Down Embroidered”
” For a teenager dealing with this massive wave of fame, a lot can come with that, especially negatively. Relationships, mental health, and plenty of other important things are put on the back burner because of your new responsibilities.