Today in Hip Hop and R&B History: January 11
January 11 is a significant day in the world of hip-hop and R&B, with important developments that have shaped the industry. One notable figure born on this day is Mary J. Blige, a nine-time GRAMMY-winning singer who is often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Blige is credited with pioneering the hip-hop soul subgenre of contemporary R&B, a unique blend of gritty hip-hop beats with soulful, gospel-inspired singing. Her debut album, “What’s the 411?” released in 1992, is recognized as the first to seamlessly blend these genres. The album achieved great success, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and reaching No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Another significant figure born on January 11 is Big Bank Hank in 1956, a member of the pioneering hip-hop trio, the Sugarhill Gang. The group is best known for their crossover hit, “Rapper’s Delight” released in 1979, the first rap single to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36.
Throughout the years, January 11 has seen the release of several notable albums and singles. In 1994, Tony! Toni! Toné! released “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” the third single from their third album, “Sons of Soul.” The song achieved success, peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2011, Lecrae dropped his fifth album, “Rehab: The Overdose,” debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and topping the U.S. Billboard Christian Albums and Gospel Albums charts. The same year, ScHoolboy Q released his debut album, “Setbacks,” reaching No. 100 on the Billboard 200 and No. 25 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2018, “King’s Dead” by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake was released, winning a GRAMMY for Best Rap Performance.
On January 11, 1992, Boyz II Men received the award for Outstanding New Artist at the 24th annual NAACP Image Awards, alongside other big winners like Patti Labelle and The O’Jays. In 1999, Will Smith’s debut album, “Big Willie Style” became the first hip-hop album to win an American Music Award for favorite pop/rock album, featuring his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.”
January 11 remains a memorable date in the history of R&B and hip-hop, marked by the release of influential albums and singles and the recognition of artists with various awards. The legacy of this day continues to be celebrated in the industry.