Did you know Jay-Z’s birthday is on December 4? The Brooklyn-born superstar is famous for hits like “Empire State of Mind,” “Crazy in Love,” and “Run This Town.” He has collaborated with top artists, including his wife Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West. Jay-Z has won over 20 GRAMMY Awards and holds one of the highest numbers of No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
On this day, several notable albums were released. In 2012, Wiz Khalifa dropped his fourth studio album, O.N.I.F.C., which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and sold nearly 150,000 copies in its first week. The single “Work Hard, Play Hard” made it to the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2015, Jeremih released his third album, Late Nights: The Album, featuring hits like “Don’t Tell ‘Em” and “Oui.”
December 4 has also seen significant events in music history. In 1988, Roy Orbison performed his final show in Ohio, passing away two days later at 52. In 1991, Paula Abdul received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating her multiple No. 1 hits. In 2001, Gene Simmons released his autobiography, giving fans insight into his life.
Sadly, this day has also marked losses in the music world. In 1987, Madonna filed for divorce from Sean Penn, only to withdraw her request shortly after. In 1993, Frank Zappa passed away from prostate cancer at 52, known for his hit “Valley Girl.”
