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November 16 in music history [Hip-Hop]

Added 2020-11-16 23:13:23 +0000 UTC

Well, another November day, another past events. This time I would like to highlight 4 albums that were dropped on this day back in 90's. I guess you know all them very well.

[1999] Raekwon released Immobilarity, his 2nd solo album that later went Gold. Unlike the first album, it had no production input from the RZA, or any guest features from Ghostface Killah. However, the album does feature Method Man and Masta Killa, and is quite similar to the sound template of Wu's other 90's albums. Raekwon has stated that the title is an acronym for "I Move More Officially by Implementing Loyalty and Respect in the Youth". Might not be as classic as Raekwon's debut, but this one still has it's moments.

[1999] Another rapper released his second solo album the same day. However, it happened all across the US from where Raek was recording his LP. Kurupt's album Streetz Iz A Mutha represents the strong g-funk West Coast feel. This is an angry and a bit controversial record, mainly on the strength of the damning "Calling Out Names'' - diss track towards well known East Coast artists such as Ja Rule and DMX.

[1993] Another 2nd album on this day was dropped by non-standard hip-hop duo Das EFX. Man, their debut was dead serious and innovative as hell. Their rapid-fire vocal delivery and sample-laden beats mix together and are very enjoyable. This album is also dope, but the main flaw with it is the fact it was released approximately one week after Enter The 36 Chambers. So it was overshadowed by the big hardcore hip-hop crew. Das EFX album produced 2 fine singles 'Freakit' and 'Baknaffek'. You cannot argue that these cats influenced many young cats with their music in 90's.

[1993] Well if 1999 had 2 good LP's the same day, why shouldn't 1993 does the same? So enter the Queen Latifah's 3rd album 'Black Reign'. This album returned to more tough-talking, lyrically frank, frequently controversial material that had established her as arguably the finest female rapper when All Hail the Queen dropped in (1989). And I did not talk about the U.N.I.T.Y. yet... By 1993, Latifah was arguably the most influential female hip-hop emcee who was only 23 years old and already 3 albums to her name, but her influential single had much to say. It focused on the confronting disrespect of women in society, addressing issues of street harassment, domestic violence, and slurs against women in hip-hop culture. It's a classic song on a classic album that is still relevant today.

Preview tracks included as always, full ones might be found here -