This Day in Hip Hop & R&B History: November 1

Lil Uzi Vert performs at the Coachella Stage

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Nov. 1 is a day to remember for many music enthusiasts. It marks the start of National Hip-Hop History Month, honoring the genre's lasting influence on culture and its contributions to the industry. Follow along to explore more significant events linked to this date.

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

Nov. 1 was a good-charm day for these seasoned and new-generation artists releasing breakthrough hits:

1988: Slick Rick released his debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. It topped the U.S. Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
1994: Brand Nubian dropped their third studio album, Everything Is Everything. The album logged at No. 13 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
2011: Wale released his second studio album, Ambition. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and the Top Rap Albums charts.
2011: Tyrese released his fifth studio album, Open Invitation. It logged at No. 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
2019: Rod Wave announced his arrival by releasing his debut album, Ghetto Gospel. The Platinum-certified album peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
2024: Lil Uzi Vert released his fourth studio album, Eternal Atake 2. It earned the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

Cultural Milestones

This date marked the achievement of several cultural milestones:

1998: NBC aired part one of The Temptations, a four-hour TV mini series based on the history of the vocal group.
1998: The Recording Industry Association of America certified Gold "The Love Movement" by A Tribe Called Quest, a month after its release.
1999: The Canadian Association of Broadcasters inducted Celine Dion into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding achievement and contribution to the industry.

Notable Recordings and Performances

Nov. 1 witnessed a few standout performances from new and seasoned music artists:

1981: Gladys Knight & the Pips delivered a soulful performance of their best hits aboard the Navy aircraft carrier USS Ranger.
2023: English singer and songwriter Arlo Parks performed a full set at the Tiny Desk Concert. She sang her popular songs, including "Pegasus," "Eugene," and "Blades."

Industry Changes and Challenges

On Nov. 1, the hip-hop and R&B scene had its highs and lows:

1959: Ray Charles left Atlantic Records after his contract expired for a more lucrative deal with ABC-Paramount.
1985: The RIAA agreed to the Parents Music Resource Center's warning label policy for albums containing offensive or obscene lyrics.
1991: Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations was discharged from hospital after lung surgery.
1993: Police arrested and charged Public Enemy's Flavor Flav with attempted murder, criminal weapon possession, and reckless endangerment. The rapper allegedly tried to kill his neighbor when he fired at him with an unlicensed gun during a domestic dispute.
2008: Shakir Steward of Def Jam Recordings died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, aged 34.
2008: Nathaniel Mayer died aged 64 after experiencing a series of strokes.
2022: Takeoff of Migos hip-hop group was fatally shot and killed by a stray bullet outside 810 Billiards & Bowling in Houston.

Nov. 1 remains significant in hip-hop and R&B history. Several artists released their debut albums and others got their big break.

Lil Uzi Vert Tyrese

Bianca BarrattWriter