These are the defining hip-hop events that made history today.

1. J. Cole Released “2014 Forest Hills Drive” (December 9, 2014)

One could argue that 2014 Forest Hills Drive is J. Cole’s best album… actually, I don’t think it’s arguable at all. After dropping a run of classic mixtapes where he was rapping his heart out—and a couple projects that didn’t quite move the needle—this album arrived and revealed a more grounded, freer, and genuinely fun version of Cole.

There’s something incredibly pure about this project, from the iconic cover art to the balance of vulnerable storytelling and nostalgic production. It feels like Cole finally let go of expectations and made the album he always wanted to make.

Our favorite tracks? “Apparently,” “Role Modelz,” and “Wet Dreamz.” Each one captures a different side of Cole’s honesty, charm, and craftsmanship—and together, they help explain why this album remains a defining moment in his career.

2. Post Malone Released “Stoney” (December 9, 2016)

If you only recently got hip to Post Malone—Country Post, with the tight jeans and cowboy boots—you’re probably shocked when you see the original Stoney album cover. Back then, Posty was rocking braids and posing the same way OGs in the hood used to for their mixtape covers. While he was dropping hip-hop staples like “White Iverson” and “Congratulations,” you could already hear hints of the artist he’d eventually become. Tracks like “I Fall Apart” showed flashes of those alternative, emotional textures, complete with cracked vocals and raw delivery. It’s wild to look back now and realize the signs were always there.

3. SZA – SOS (December 9, 2022)

SZA really put her blood, sweat, and tears into SOS, and it shows. Between the original release and the deluxe LANA edition, the album has become one of the highest-selling female R&B projects in decades. That success comes from SZA’s rare ability to make blunt, eclectic, and brutally honest music feel playful, catchy, and universally relatable.

For an album to dominate for years is wild—but it’s also a testament to how strong the original tracklist was and how perfectly timed and calculated the deluxe edition ended up being. Dropping that expanded version two years later kept the momentum alive and reintroduced the project to a whole new wave of listeners.

As for our favorites from the entire SOS era? We’re rocking with “30 For 30,” “Saturn,” “Kill Bill,” and “Snooze.” Each one shows a different angle of SZA’s artistry, and together they explain precisely why this run has been historic.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.