Album Anniversaries

On Aug. 3, 1993, legendary rap duo Kris Kross released their sophomore album, ‘Da Bomb,’ which is kind of an understatement.

On 'Acura Integurl,' Frank Ocean sings, "When you met me I was Three 6, Pimp C, Bun B, 8Ball and MJG." Even for an R&B artist as young as Frank, it was clear that 8Ball & MJG were music staples for a southern kid from New Orleans. The rap duo's official debut album, 'Comin' Out Hard,' came out 20 years ago on Aug. 1, 1993, and would make an incision on southern rap's trajectory,

Monica's sophomore album, 'The Boy Is Mine,' celebrates its 15-year anniversary this week. Released on July 14, 1998, the singer's effort was replete with symbolism of her ascent into womanhood.

The Beastie Boys have always been the standard-bearers of cool with their rap-rock sound. But with 'Hello Nasty,' released on July 14, 1998, the legendary trio showed off their true b-boy style and wit.

As LaFace's first female solo signee, Toni Braxton was all about the voice. At a time when Whitney Houston was reigning supreme off 'The Bodyguard,' Toni seemed to be a response for a cooler more urban vocalist. She had the voice and the appeal for a young crowd listening to new jack swing.

As a member of the Juice Crew, legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane has provided the world with not only a number of memorable performances but also a collection of great music. However, despite the seven albums that are under his belt, it's the first LP, 'Long Live the Kane,' that's given some special recognition today as it turns 25.

New Edition were enjoying their spot in the limelight in the '80s. However, when Bobby Brown decided to launch his own solo career and eventually left the group in 1988, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant weren't too sure about the future of New Edition. But after enlisting Johnny Gill to be New Edition's new fifth member, it seemed like their future would look brighter wi

On June 20, 1988, Bobby Brown went from being a teen idol (after his success with New Edition) to the bad boy of R&B with his second solo album, 'Don't Be Cruel.'

In 2003, Monica was a household name, known to be a singer who had racked up numerous hits -- and Grammys -- by singing about the relationship woes of grown women. Yet she was barely one herself -- she released her debut LP, 'Miss Thang,' at the age of 15. "I just sang from my heart," she told Ask Men in an interview about her youthful singing years. But by the time the southern songbird

The year was 1993, and it seemed rapper LL Cool J could do no wrong. At 25, he was the poster boy for commercial success in hip-hop with four major selling albums under his belt. So his fifth studio LP, ’14 Shots to the Dome,' was highly-anticipated when it was released on this day, 20 years ago.