This Day in Hip Hop & R&B History: January 26
Jan. 26 is a momentous date in R&B and hip-hop in many ways. Eight-time GRAMMY-winning songstress Anita Baker was born on this day in 1958. She shot to mainstream prominence…
Jan. 26 is a momentous date in R&B and hip-hop in many ways. Eight-time GRAMMY-winning songstress Anita Baker was born on this day in 1958. She shot to mainstream prominence with the release of her second album, Rapture (1986), which reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 404 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Baker shares a birthday with British R&B/soul legend Jazzie B, who was born in 1963. He is the founder of Soul II Soul, known for hits such as “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” and “Keep On Movin',” both featuring Caron Wheeler on lead vocals.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Many iconic records have been released on this day.
- 1993: Paperboy released his debut album, The Nine Yards. With guest features from Angela Dauphiney and Rhythm D, it reached No. 48 on the Billboard 200 and No. 26 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- 2018: Migos launched their third album, Culture II. Featuring guest appearances from Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Gucci Mane, and Drake, among others, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the trio's second US No. 1 album.
- 2024: Kevin Gates dropped his fourth album, The Ceremony. It charted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- 2024: Benny the Butcher released his fourth album, Everybody Can't Go. Featuring production by The Alchemist and Hit-Boy, it peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard 200 and was his fourth release to make it onto the chart.
Cultural Milestones
January 26 is also remembered for significant cultural milestones.
- 1980: Prince performed on American Bandstand, also giving his first-ever interview on national television. The episode, which was pre-taped on Dec. 16, 1979, saw the star perform the hits “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad” and “I Wanna Be Your Lover.”
- 2014: Justin Timberlake bagged three awards at the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards for his work on The 20/20 Experience. He won Best Music Video for “Suit & Tie,” Best R&B Song for “Pusher Love Girl,” and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Holy Grail.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
This day has seen the industry suffer tragic losses.
- 1989: Donnie Elbert passed on at 52 following a stroke. He is remembered for hits like “Where Did Our Love Go” and “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” which peaked at No. 15 and No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.
- 2011: Gladys Horton died at the age of 65. She was a member of the Motown girl group The Marvelettes, known for their 1961 smash single, “Please, Mr. Postman,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Motown's first number-one pop hit.
When it's all said and done, Jan. 26 will forever be a memorable date for R&B and hip-hop fans. It's a date that has seen some of these genres' most defining moments, including groundbreaking record releases, unforgettable television appearances, and more.
