This Day in Hip-Hop and R&B History: March 18
March 18 is etched in Hip-Hop and R&B history because of numerous pivotal events and groundbreaking moments. American singer, producer, dancer, and actor Vanessa Williams was born on March 18, 1963. She is best known for her 1992 ballad “Save the Best for Last,” which peaked at No.1 on the Adult Contemporary, Billboard Hot 100, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Williams was also the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1984.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
This date marks the release of many genre-defining singles and albums in hip-hop and R&B:
- 1983: Wild Style, widely regarded as the first hip-hop motion picture, was released in cinemas across the U.S. The soundtrack from the film has influenced some of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time, including Ilmatic by Nas, Cypress Hill’s Black Sunday, and Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest.
- 1986: R&B and soul icon Whitney Houston released her major hit “Greatest Love of All.” Recorded for her 1985 self-titled debut album, the song reached No.1 in the U.S., Canada, and Australia and charted in the top 20 in several countries, including the U.K., Italy, and Sweden.
- 2014: American rapper YG released his debut studio album, My Krazy Life. It featured guest contributions from Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign, Rich Homie Quan, and Meek Mill and received wide critical acclaim, with Billboard listing it as the best rap album of 2014.
- 2018: Atlanta-based Hip-Hop trio Migos release the single “Walk It Talk It,” featuring Canadian rapper Drake. The song, which was featured on the group’s acclaimed third studio album Culture II, was certified six-times Platinum by the RIAA.
- 2022: American hip-hop group Cypress Hill released its 10th studio album, Back in Black, through Ruff Nation and MNRK. Solely produced by rapper, producer, and songwriter Black Milk, the album peaked at No. 69 on the Top Current Album Sales chart.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Throughout the years, March 18 has also witnessed some significant incidences:
- 2009: New Orleans R&B singer and pianist Eddie Bo died aged 78. The legendary musician is best known hits such as “Hook and Sling,” “The Rubber Band,” and “Check Your Bucket.”
- 2022: Maryland rapper Goonew was shot and killed in a District Heights parking lot in a suspected robbery. The fallen rapper’s embalmed body was later propped up at a DC nightclub, sparking controversy on social media.
March 18 will go down as one of the most consequential dates in Hip-Hop and R&B history. This day has seen everything from memorable music releases to the passing of leading industry figures, all of which have left a lasting impression on the music industry.
