On March 11, a look back at Hip Hop & R&B history

On March 11, significant moments in Hip-Hop and R&B history unfolded, unveiling career-defining chapters for artists who went on to make a mark in the mainstream music industry. From iconic album releases to record-breaking chart-topping singles, this date symbolizes milestones that reshaped the music scene.

In 1997, Scarface premiered his fourth studio album, “The Untouchable,” swiftly climbing to the top spot on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Another notable debut in 2003 was Killer Mike’s first studio album, “Monster,” soaring to No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 10 on the Billboard 200. The same year, R&B ensemble Blackstreet unveiled their fourth studio album, “Level II,” reaching No. 14 on the Billboard 200 charts, introducing fresh sounds to R&B enthusiasts.

Amidst these groundbreaking releases, Bow Wow, the teenage rap sensation, delivered the hit single “Let Me Hold You” in 2005, taken from his fourth album “Wanted.” The collaborative track with Omarion ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, solidifying his presence in the rap world. Rick Rock also marked a memorable moment in 2008 with the release of his second studio album, “Trilla,” swiftly capturing the No. 1 position on a multitude of charts including the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and Top Rap Albums.

March 11 also witnessed cultural breakthroughs that left a lasting impact on the music industry. In 1970, Aretha Franklin clinched a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for her timeless track “Share Your Love With Me,” while Joe Simon received the counterpart award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for “The Chokin’ Kid.” Additionally, 1991 saw Janet Jackson making history by signing a groundbreaking contract with Virgin Records valued at an estimated $30-$50 million, solidifying her as a formidable force in the music business.

More recently, in 2017, Future’s self-titled fifth studio album debuted at the summit of the Billboard 200 Albums chart, reaffirming his stature as a dominant figure in the music scene. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the prowess of artists who have left an indelible mark, shaping the landscape of Hip-Hop and R&B music history on March 11.