On February 9, 2018, Kendrick Lamar released *Black Panther: The Album*, the soundtrack for the Marvel movie *Black Panther*. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 150,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The album featured hits like “All the Stars” and “King’s Dead,” both of which reached the Top Five on Billboard’s Hot 100.
February 9 has seen many significant album releases over the years. In 1970, The Doors released their fifth studio album, *Morrison Hotel*, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. In 1993, Paul McCartney dropped *Off the Ground*, reaching No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the U.K.
This date is also known for unforgettable performances. In 1964, The Beatles played on the *Ed Sullivan Show*, attracting around 73 million viewers and kicking off Beatlemania in the U.S. They performed hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You.” In 1972, Paul McCartney and Wings held their first live concert at Nottingham University, featuring UK Top 20 hits.
The music industry has faced challenges on February 9 as well. In 1997, Brian Connolly, the frontman of The Sweet, passed away at 51. He had 15 Top 40 hits in the U.K. but didn’t find solo success. In 2022, Ian McDonald, a founding member of King Crimson and Foreigner, died of cancer at 75. That same year, Snoop Dogg announced he had acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group.
