Today in Hip Hop History: Importance of September 29th

We bet you didn’t know this yet, but today in hip hop history—September 29, 1998—is one of the most legendary days in hip hop history. This day is so remarkable that we should probably petition to make it an official holiday.

To find out the significance of September 29, let’s time travel back to the lit ’90s. On this day in 1998, groundbreaking albums from Outkast, Jay-Z, Black Star, Brand Nubian, and Tribe Called Quest all hit stores at the same time. Yes, it was a crazy busy kind of day that made music fans well-fed with a variety of hip hop bops.  

So, in the spirit of makeshift history classes, sharpen those pencils, ‘coz you’re about to get schooled on how the (hip hop) stars aligned on September 29, 1998.

September 29, 1998

The power of five was strong AF on September 29, 1998, and it’s officially been 24 years since this epic event in hip hop history. 

Outkast

First on our syllabus is Outkast with their album, Aquemini. The timing of the album release was explosive, given that there was a long period of time when people were sus about the group disbanding. 

Luckily, the album was the answer that everyone was hoping for. 

We know what you all are thinking: the album title is so dank—what does it mean? Well, Aquemini is a combo of the group’s zodiac signs: Aquarius (Big Boi) and Gemini (Andre 3000). 

On top of that, the tracks were an equal mix of Andre 3000’s innovative flair and Big Boi’s recent changes in life translated into lyricism. 

The album went platinum in November of 1998, literally only two months after it dropped. Snatching our wigs for a second time, it hit double platinum status in 1999. And the third time is a charm when it peaked at the number two spot on the Billboard 20 with bits like “Rosa Parks” and “SpottoeOttieDopaliscious” featuring Sleepy Brown. 

As we speak, Aquemini still reigns as one of Outkast’s most critically acclaimed and most popular albums ever. Sskkrrt, from outcast to leader of the pack real quick. 

Jay-Z

NGL, Jay-Z is a hip hop icon who remains relevant to this day. 

Moving in telepathic sync with Outkast, Jay-Z also made waves on September 29. On this day in hip hop history, Jay-Z solidified his status as a legit mainstream success. His third album, Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life, was legendary. 

This collection of bops slayed in terms of sales, as it sold over five million copies in the United States. It featured hits like “Money Ain’t a Thang” and “Jigga What, Jigga Who.”

Black Star

Legends collided on September 29, and that includes Black Star.  

Black Star is composed of Talib Kweli and Mos Def. This duo is the CEO of woke, as they transformed from underground emcees into iconic hip hop stars. Their debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, was brimming with thought-provoking notions that totally hit different.

This pair of young rappers made huge contributions to redefining conscious rap in an era when it wasn’t exactly a thing.

It wasn’t long before they joined forces with like-minded hip hop acts such as Questlove, D’Angelo, and Common to create Soulquarians Collective. 

Brand Nubian

It was a long time coming, but September 29, 1989 was the day that Brand Nubian members Grand Puba, DJ Alamo, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar finally reunited for their highly-anticipated album, Foundation. 

Foundation was the first album to feature the band’s original lineup since their debut in 1990. So this day in hip hop history wasn’t just an album release date for Brand Nubian— it was a reunion of epic proportions. 

A Tribe Called Quest

To cap off this legendary list, we have A Tribe Called Quest, who made fans smile and cry on September 29, 1998. 

It was 24 years ago today when A Tribe Called Quest dropped their album, The Love Movement…AND announced their disbandment. OMG, plot twist. *CUE THE CINEMATIC GASPS* 

The earth-shattering announcement happened during their summer tour with the Beastie Boys. The reason for their breakup was their desire to express themselves in their respective ways. It was the end of the TCQ chapter but the beginning of a new one for each member. 

The Love Movement is driven by laid-back beats that debuted at the number three spot on the Billboard 200 and went gold. As the cherry on top, the album features cameos by legendary hip hop acts like Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Noreaga, and Redman.

Witness Hip Hop History In The Making At Exodus

History repeats itself all the time. It may be presented in a different package every now and then, but there’s never a shortage of epic events in the hip hop scene. 

Witness hip hop and EDM history unfold at the Exodus Festival. Spanning four nights and featuring eight artists for one low price, this Las Vegas premier party weekend experience will live in your head rent-free.

Secure your passes today to see what all the hype is about!