On July 25: Hip Hop & R&B History Today

July 25 has marked significant moments in the history of hip-hop and R&B. Born on this day in 1992, rapper Lil Phat rose to fame after his appearance on Webbie’s 2007 hit “Independent.” Tragically, his career was cut short when he was fatally shot in 2012. Also sharing a birthday on this day is Kevin McCall, an American artist known for his collaborations with Chris Brown and his solo tracks such as “Start All Over” and “Strung Out.”

Throughout the years, July 25 has seen the release of several notable albums in the hip-hop and R&B genres. In 1989, the Beastie Boys released their second album, “Paul’s Boutique,” which achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony debuted their second album, “E. 1999 Eternal,” in 1995, which topped the Billboard 200 chart and garnered a Grammy nomination. Pharrell Williams dropped his debut album, “In My Mind,” in 2006, featuring collaborations with industry heavyweights like Jay-Z and Kanye West.

On a cultural front, July 25 has been a day of significant milestones. In 1966, The Supremes released “You Can’t Hurry Love,” which became a chart-topping hit and cemented the group’s status in music history. In 2001, Aaliyah delivered her final televised performance on The Tonight Show, singing “More Than A Woman” before her tragic death in a plane crash.

Not all moments on July 25 have been celebratory. In 1984, Big Mama Thornton, known for her rendition of “Hound Dog” that influenced the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, passed away at the age of 57. More recently in 2024, Hannan Hossain Shimul faced imprisonment for his song “Awaj Uda,” which resonated with protestors during a tumultuous period in the country.

From artist birthdays to album releases and untimely deaths, July 25 holds a mix of joyous and somber events in the annals of hip-hop and R&B history. This day continues to resonate deeply with fans of these genres, serving as a reminder of the industry’s rich tapestry of moments and personalities that have left enduring marks on the music world.