May 10, 2017

Billboard: Hot Rap Singles (May 10, 1997)

Billboard: Hot Rap Singles (May 10, 1997)

Ok, so as promised, I'm continuing the Top Rap Singles from Billboard/Soundscan going back exactly 20 years to the date. What you'll quickly realize is that not a whole helluva lot changes from week to week. Biggie's 'Hypnotize' spends its 3rd consecutive week at #1, and everything else remains about the same too. I may have to consider doing these monthly, or else if you think it's dope for archiving purposes, I'll just keep doing them weekly. Still, it's dope to see Redman, Capone-N-Noreaga, Frankie Cutlass, Shamus, 2Pac, Jeru, Cru, Camp Lo, Akinyele, Lost Boyz, Outkast, Jay-Z, The Roots, KRS, Killarmy and more get so much support. There was a time when artists you'd now consider 'underground' received love on the charts, and were able to get mainstream recognition (and $$$). Even on the Hot R&B Singles, Biggie is #1 there, too. Nas and Allure charted with 'Head Over Heels,' and Tracey Lee's 'The Theme,' KRS's 'Step Into A World' and others successfully crossed over making both lists. Click HERE for last week's list, which included a playlist of the same tracks.