This Day in Hip-Hop & R&B History: February 20
Feb. 20 is not just any other date in Hip-Hop and R&B history. This date saw celebrated artists sweep awards at the 33rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1991. Check out these other interesting milestones that happened on Feb. 20.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
We’ve seen a variety of milestones on Feb. 20 including:
- 1990: Above the Law released their debut studio album, Livin’ Like Hustlers. The album had two hit singles, “Untouchable” and “Murder Rap,” which both reached number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs.
- 1991: At the 33rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, M.C. Hammer won Best Rap Solo Performance, Luther Vandross took home Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, and Anita Baker won Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.
- 1993: Whitney Houston released “I Have Nothing,” her third single from The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
- 1996: Jay-Z released “Dead Presidents” as a promotional single for his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The single charted at number four on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs.
- 2016: Drake’s “Summer Sixteen” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Cultural Milestones
This date has recognized famous birthdays and significant cultural events that have left an indelible mark on the music industry:
- 1975: Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys was born. He became a leading member of the successful boy band.
- 1988: Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known by her stage name, Rihanna, was born. She became an award-winning artist after signing with Def Jam Recordings in 2005.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Feb. 20 has hosted showstopping performances by legendary Hip-Hop and R&B artists:
- 1991: M.C. Hammer delivered a flawless performance of his hit single, “U Can’t Touch This,” at the 33rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, leaving the crowd buzzing.
- 1991: En Vogue and Take 6 delivered a soothing rendition of the song “Who’s Lovin’ You” at the 33rd Annual GRAMMY Awards as part of the ceremony’s opening acts.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The hip-hop and R&B scene has experienced some highs and lows on this date:
- 1991: Despite being nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, Public Enemy boycotted the 33rd GRAMMY Awards ceremony, accusing the organizers of bias.
- 1996: Snoop Dogg, formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg, and his bodyguard were acquitted of murder after the jury deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial. The case was officially closed in 2024.
- 2002: A jury in Los Angeles awarded a woman $40,000 for wrongful dismissal from her job at a company owned by James Brown.
- 2014: 50 Cent left Interscope Records, citing creative freedom as the reason behind the move. The rapper signed with Caroline Records, an independent label at Capitol Music Group.
We’ve seen iconic GRAMMY performances and 50 Cent leaving his record company for an independent label on this day. Rihanna was born and we saw new releases from Whitney Houston and Jay-Z.
