THIS DAY IN HIP-HOP...ICE-T

​On this day in hip-hop history, Ice-T released his debut album Rhyme Pays on Sire.

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On July 28, 1987, the first level began as today in hip-hop history, Ice-T released his debut album Rhyme Pays on Sire.  The groundbreaking album was produced entirely by Zulu Nation member Afrika Islam and was the first by a hip-hop artist to be released on the Sire and Warner Bros. labels.

Rhyme Pays set the stage for West Coast gangsta rap with tracks like "6 in the Mornin'" and others that painted the picture of violent life on the streets of Los Angeles.  The album would peak at #93 on the Billboard 200 and #26 on the R&B chart.  Rhyme Pays sold over 300,000 copies despite a lack of radio play due to its explicit lyrics.

Also on this day...

1992 - EPMD released their fourth album Business Never Personal on Def Jam.

2007 - ​The Rock The Bells Tour hits New York City. 
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