July 5 holds significant importance for hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts. On this day in 1973, R&B singer Joe was born. His debut album, “Everything,” released in 1993, reached No. 105 on the Billboard 200, with the lead single “I’m In Luv” hitting No. 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Joe gained international fame with his third album, “My Name Is Joe,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
July 5 is marked by several influential releases and achievements:
- In 2005, Kanye West released “Gold Digger,” the second single from his album “Late Registration.” Featuring Jamie Foxx, the track topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming West’s second No. 1 single on the chart, and also reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- In 2019, Dreamville released its third compilation album, “Revenge of the Dreamers III,” featuring artists like T.I., DaBaby, and 6LACK. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- Also in 2019, Machine Gun Kelly’s “Hotel Diablo” entered the Billboard 200 at No. 5 and peaked at No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Cultural Milestones
Several key events in the music industry took place on July 5:
- In 1965, Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records, appeared on the game show “To Tell The Truth,” followed by a performance from The Supremes.
- In 1986, Janet Jackson’s third album, “Control,” topped the Billboard 200 chart 20 weeks after its release, staying on the chart for over two years. It was her first No. 1 album in the U.S. and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Industry Changes and Challenges
July 5 has also seen some somber moments in hip-hop and R&B:
- In 2001, R&B singer Ernie K-Doe passed away at 65 due to liver and kidney failure. He is remembered for his 1961 hit “Mother-In-Law,” which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- In 2020, U.S.-based Ghanaian rapper Jay Gunz was fatally shot outside his home in The Bronx, New York, alongside his friend Eno, a Nigerian rapper.
From Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” release to Janet Jackson’s “Control” topping the charts, July 5 remains a memorable day for hip-hop and R&B fans worldwide.