Author: DJ Rays Music

Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to NELLY!

DJ Rays Music

Nelly, is an American rapper and songwriter who started his career (in 1993) as a member of the mid-west Hip-Hop group, St. Lunatics. Several years later, he embarked on a solo career and released a string of hit singles, including “Hot in Here”, “Grillz”, “E.I.”, “Just a Dream”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). Throughout his career, he has won multiple accolades, including 9 Billboard Music Awards and 3 Grammys. On this very day, November 2nd 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (known professionally as…

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Chart Toppers 

“HOT CHILD IN THE CITY” by NICK GILDER

DJ Rays Music

“Hot Child in the City” is a seventies pop song that was recorded by British-Canadian musician, Nick Gilder. The lyrics within convey the many challenges and dangers faced by a young girl who’s navigating the streets of Los Angeles on her own. After reaching platinum status (and winning two Juno Awards), this song went on to top the charts in his native country, Canada. On this very day, November 2nd 1978, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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Chart Toppers 

“I’LL BE THERE” by JACKSON 5

DJ Rays Music

The song, “I’ll Be There” is a classic soul ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Jackson Five. It’s considered as Motown Record’s most successful single to be released during it’s “Detroit Era” (that took place between 1959-1972). With a young Michael Jackson on lead vocals, this track was ultimately inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 2011). On this very day, November 1st 1970, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SOPHIE B HAWKINS!

DJ Rays Music

Sophie B. Hawkins is an American singer and songwriter who gained recognition (in 1992) with her debut album, “Tongues and Tails”. Her biggest singles include songs like “Right Beside You”, “As I Lay Me Down”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link). On this very day, November 1st 1964, Sophie Ballantine Hawkins was born in New York City. In celebration of her birthday, I’ve chosen a contemporary track that Slant Magazine included on their list of the “100 Best Singles of the…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to VANILLA ICE!

DJ Rays Music

Vanilla Ice is an American rapper who gained fame with his hit single, “Ice Ice Baby” (which became the first hip-hop single to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart). Along with the Beastie Boys and House of Pain, he was one of the earliest white rappers to attain major success. For 8 months (between 1991-1992), he dated the legendary Madonna, while they were both at the peak of their careers. In 1991, Vanilla Ice won a total of two American Music Awards, including “Favorite New Pop Artist”. On this very day, October 31st…

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Chart Toppers 

“MONSTER MASH” by BOBBY “BORIS” PICKETT

DJ Rays Music

“Monster Mash” is a Halloween novelty song that was recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers. The lyrics within describe a party where classic monsters such as Dracula, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein all come together to perform a special dance (called the “Monster Mash”). Narrated in a Boris Karloff-style voice, in 2021 (nearly 60 years after its release), “Monster Mash” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #37. On this very day, October 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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Chart Toppers 

“THEN CAME YOU” by DIONNE WARWICK & THE SPINNERS

DJ Rays Music

“Then Came You” is a soulful R&B track that was recorded by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners. With vocals and harmonies that are second to none, this song went on to achieve gold certification, and in 1974, it was grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, October 30th 1974, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link. Released in July 1974, here’s…

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Heaven & Earth 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SNOW!

DJ Rays Music

Pop artist, Snow, is a Canadian rapper who is best known for his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop. His most notable songs include “Girl, I’ve Been Hurt”, “Everybody Wants to Be Like You”, and today’s song choice (that can be listened to by clicking on the provided link).Top of Form Among his accolades, he has won a Juno Award and a Billboard Music Award. He also won 8 Billboard Latin Music Awards for Daddy Yankee’s 2020 song, “Con Calma” (which samples today’s song choice). On this very day, October…

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