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Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Turns 35 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip Hop history in 1988, one of the culture’s most prolific duo’s Eric B. & Rakim released their sophomore LP Follow the Leader. Coming shortly after their game-changing debut Paid in Full, their second album showed that not only did the two find a formula of success but that they had yet to hit a ceiling. The refinement of both Rakim’s lyrical prowess and Eric B’s beat-making ability is evident in large part on this album. Follow the Leader had everything one could ask of an album from the Golden Era of Hip Hop.

Selling 500,000 within the year of its release, the album received gold certification as well as the #22 spot on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. Two of the four singles from the project, “Follow the Leader” and “Microphone Fiend” also made appearances on multiple Billboard music charts. Critically, this album received praise across the board being praised as more consistent and cohesive than the duo’s debut. Critics from numerous publications noted the growth of Eric B and Rakim as both rappers and pop icons. Although it may not have sold as many copies or made as much noise, Follow the Leader is in more ways than one a more polished project than Paid in Full and is in large part the reason for the duo’s longevity and status.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Turns 35 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Turns 35 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: 2 Live Crew’s Debut Album ‘2 Live Crew Is What We Are’ Turns 35 Years Old!

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On this date in 1986, 305-based Hip Hop trio 2 Live Crew released their debut album 2 Live Crew Is What We Are on their independent imprint Luke Skyywalker Records.

This album serves as the main precursor to the legendary Miami bass sound as well as predicates almost all other modern, R-rated and X-rated Hip Hop music. Featuring lead MC Luther Campbell aka Luke Skyywalker, Brother Marquis and the late Fresh Kid Ice, the debut album from the nastiest group in the game had titles that made radio DJs cringe such as “Throw That D**k”, We Want Some P***y”, which both became popular anthems of Miami Hip Hop.

Salute to the iconic 2 Live Crew for their unprecedented contribution to Hip Hop music on this album and all those that followed. RIP to Chris Wong Won aka Fresh Kid Ice, who passed away earlier this month at age 53. The Crew is forever etched in their place in Hip-Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: 2 Live Crew’s Debut Album ‘2 Live Crew Is What We Are’ Turns 35 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: 2 Live Crew’s Debut Album ‘2 Live Crew Is What We Are’ Turns 35 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: House Of Pain Dropped Their Debut LP ‘Fine Malt Lyrics’ 31 Years Ago

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Way back in 1992, a Hip Hop revolution was occurring and there were only certain critical albums that were a part of that musical metamorphosis. House Of Pain’s Fine Malt Lyrics is one of those albums released during the peak of Hip Hop’s diversified authentic artists. This album came out during the same era as the premier of emcees like B-Real & Cypress Hill, The Beatnuts, and of course, the apex of 3rd Bass.

Fine Malt Lyrics, which was produced by the legendary DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill and DJ Lethal, churned out the all-time classic smash “Jump Around”. The song is considered one of the greatest of all time, making at least ten silver screen theme music appearances and even more in football and baseball entrances.

Other dope tracks include “Put Your Head Out” featuring B-Real, House And The Rising Son” featuring Funkdoobiest, and of course, the “Jump Around remix by Pete Rock.

We salute Everlast, DJ Muggs, and DJ Lethal for this 3.5 Micer and because of you guys, we will forever lose it when we hear Jump Around!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: House Of Pain Dropped Their Debut LP ‘Fine Malt Lyrics’ 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Cam’Ron’s ‘Confessions Of Fire’ LP Turns 25 Years Old!

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Wearing goggles, gloves, and overalls, Cam’ron stood with a sledgehammer in hand, at a foundry as he was ready to make his mark on Hip Hop. On this day 25 years ago he released his debut album Confessions of Fire. 

Many had come to know him as a member of Harlem’s Children of the Corn, a group that also included Big L, Ma$e, and Cam’s cousin, Bloodshed. Following the untimely death of Bloodshed, the group disbanded and Cam’ron went solo.

Highlighted by leadoff singles “357,” “Horse & Carriage” featuring Ma$e and “Feels Good” which featured Usher, the album also saw appearances from N.O.R.E., Jermaine Dupri, and Charlie Baltimore to name a few.On this album, Cam’s mix of hardcore street appeal and pop-infused ballads would prove to be effective as the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and No.2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Propelled by the Trackmasters-produced “Horse & Carriage” which reached No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, the album would sell over 500,000 copies and achieve gold certification.

These days we have come to love him as the head of Dipset and one of the biggest style influences in the industry. However, Confessions of  Fire laid the foundation for the star Cam became.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Cam’Ron’s ‘Confessions Of Fire’ LP Turns 25 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Cam’Ron’s ‘Confessions Of Fire’ LP Turns 25 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Happy 54th Birthday To Lyrical Legend Kool G Rap!

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Today, July 20 marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop’s most innovative emcees of all time, Kool G Rap. The Golden Era icon turns 54.

Along with DJ Polo, the Corona, Queens wordsmith was recruited into the Juice Crew by Marley Marl and launched his debut album Road to the Riches– solidifying the blueprint of mafioso rapping. With the use of stacked syllables and intense delivery, G Rap detailed the journey of the ideal Black male youth in New York City. Not just any young Black male. The Black male who was born into an impoverished foundation who wishes to embellish the lifestyle of a millionaire in a mob-like method. Owning the job to tell the New York street narrative, G Rap went on to lay out the blueprint for hardcore storytelling. His ability to paint the picture of an average day is deemed to be complex and the post-generation influence is evident on classics such as Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Reasonable Doubt.

Two years ago, the Hip-Hop legend dropped his fifth solo album, Return of the Don, an overall comforting trip through his legacy as a mafioso rap pioneer. The album hoard several collaborations with renowned mafioso rappers among the likes of Raekwon, N.O.R.E., and Sheek Louch, which overall confirm G Rap’s grand influence. Without a shadow of a doubt, Kool G Rap is one of Hip-Hop’s most straightforward, yet complex personalities to ever contribute to the rap element and street tale spits are vital to his legend.

Happy Birthday to the Kool Genius of Rap, Kool G Rap!

The post Happy 54th Birthday To Lyrical Legend Kool G Rap! first appeared on The Source.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Cypress Hill’s Second LP ‘Black Sunday’ Turns 30 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip Hop history, stoner trio Cypress Hill released their second and most popular album, Black Sunday. Selling 261,000 copies in its first week, Black Sunday was recorded as the highest Soundscan for a rap group at the time, peaking at #1 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop and Billboard 200 charts.

This album’s success came in large part from the project’s first single “Insane in the Brain,” which grew to be a crossover smash hit and a timeless relic of stoner culture. Thanks to Cypress Hill’s heavy metal aesthetic, the branding of this single appealed heavily to a fan base that wasn’t reached with their debut. The single’s crossover appeal led to promotion and praise of the album by both Hip Hop and Rock ‘n’ Roll publications.

Across the board, the album has been regarded by music critics and listeners. The album received outstanding reviews from all leading music publications and was even nominated for a Grammy. Singles from the project were used in popular films such as the cult classic How High, where Cypress had a cameo appearance. Commercially, the album is a classic, selling 3.4 million copies and being certified triple platinum by the RIAA.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Cypress Hill’s Second LP ‘Black Sunday’ Turns 30 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Cypress Hill’s Second LP ‘Black Sunday’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Chlöe Enjoys Her First Carnival in St. Lucis: ‘Best Time of My Entire Life’

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Chlöe Enjoys Her First Carnival in St. Lucis: 'Best Time of My Entire Life'

Chlöe is taking a well-deserved break and hit up St. Lucia for her first carnival. Sharing images and her costume online, Chlöe shared: “baby’s first carnival with @legendscarnival !!! had the best time of my entire life”

Chlöe is expanding her first-ever live shows supporting her debut album, In Pieces.

The talented artist will kick off the second leg of The In Pieces tour on August 20th in Sacramento, joined by special guest Rosegold. The tour will stop in Anaheim, Toronto, and other cities before concluding in Ft. Lauderdale on September 10th. Fans can now purchase tickets for the shows, which promise to celebrate Chlöe’s impressive album.

In Pieces, a project two years in the making, features Chlöe’s writing, arranging, and production skills. The album includes the previously released hit “Body Do” as well as the new single “How Does It Feel” featuring Chris Brown. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Chlöe’s official website at chloebailey.net.

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The post Chlöe Enjoys Her First Carnival in St. Lucis: ‘Best Time of My Entire Life’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Chlöe Enjoys Her First Carnival in St. Lucis: ‘Best Time of My Entire Life’ appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: MC Eiht Dropped His Debut Album ‘We Come Strapped’ 29 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, West Coast legend MC Eiht released his debut LP, We Come Strapped. Featuring his group Compton’s Most Wanted, this gangsta rap classic is one of California’s pre-G Funk hits. Riding the popularity that came from his breakthrough single “Straight Up Menace” featured in the film Menace II Society, this album took the rap game by storm creating a new star on the West Coast.

Coming off group success, MC Eiht was no rookie and knew exactly what putting out a good album entailed. We Come Strapped followed a simple yet effective formula resulting in its success. This project is straight and to the point; no drawn out skits, no filler, and no big name features. Aside from a cameo from Spice-1, Redman, and his fellow Compton’s Most Wanted members, the album is entirely MC Eiht spiting cold gangsta rhymes over DJ Slip’s jazzy, keyboard heavy production.

Commercially the project was quite a success, peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. The album was certified gold shortly after its release and continues to sell copies today. This album serves as MC Eiht’s most successful project to date.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: MC Eiht Dropped His Debut Album ‘We Come Strapped’ 29 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: MC Eiht Dropped His Debut Album ‘We Come Strapped’ 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Chlöe Announces New Dates for ‘The In Pieces Tour’

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Chlöe Announces New Dates for 'The In Pieces Tour'

R&B singer/songwriter/producer Chlöe is expanding her first-ever live shows supporting her debut album, In Pieces.

The talented artist will kick off the second leg of The In Pieces tour on August 20th in Sacramento, joined by special guest Rosegold. The tour will stop in Anaheim, Toronto, and other cities before concluding in Ft. Lauderdale on September 10th. Fans can now purchase tickets for the shows, which promise to celebrate Chlöe’s impressive album.

In Pieces, a project two years in the making, features Chlöe’s writing, arranging, and production skills. The album includes the previously released hit “Body Do” as well as the new single “How Does It Feel” featuring Chris Brown. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Chlöe’s official website at chloebailey.net.

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The post Chlöe Announces New Dates for ‘The In Pieces Tour’ first appeared on The Source.

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Today In Hip Hop History: BDP’s ‘Edutainment’ LP Dropped 33 Years Ago

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Produced primarily by the Blastmaster KRS himself along with the Human 808 D-Nice, Edutainment is arguably one of BDP’s best albums before KRS began to venture into solo projects. The title was definitive of its contents; education through the entertainment of Hip-Hop music. This album was also the most populated in terms of members of Boogie Down Productions, with appearances from Ms. Melodie, her sister Harmony, Jamal Ski, D-Nice, Willie Dee, Mc Boo, and Kris’ brother Kenny Parker. Prior to this, BDP only consisted of D-Nice, KRS, and the late DJ Scott La Rock.

The 21 song track listing included songs and skits, which were called “Exhibits”, where The Teacha and Black Power icon Kwame Ture spoke to cheering crowds about various subjects pertaining to Black people. Joints like the premier single “Love Is Gonna Getcha”, “Breath Control II”, and “Blackman In Effect” not only showed Kris’ cultural and political knowledge, but magnified his lyrical ability to adapt to any subject. “100 Guns”, which was remade by Ja Rule and Fat Joe during their beef with 50 Cent, further solidified the album’s street cred. From “Beef”(healthy eating) to “30 Cops Or More”(police brutality), Edutainment carried the appropriate title for what was in store for its listeners.

Supreme salute to KRS, the whole BDP crew from that era, and the entire BX. Peace!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: BDP’s ‘Edutainment’ LP Dropped 33 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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