March has produced several defining moments in music, from chart-topping records and cultural milestones to unforgettable performances that shaped the industry. Across different eras, artists have made history during this month, leaving a lasting mark on hip-hop and global music culture.
Here are three standout moments from March that continue to resonate with fans around the world.
A No. 1 Album From Behind Bars
On 14 March 1995, Tupac Shakur made music history by becoming the first male solo artist to top the US album chart while incarcerated.
His third studio album, Me Against the World, was released while the controversial West Coast rapper was serving an eight-month prison sentence.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling more than 240 000 copies in its first week. At the time, this broke the record for the highest first-week sales by a solo male rapper.
The project also produced one of Tupac’s most iconic songs, Dear Mama. The heartfelt tribute to his mother became his first Top 10 hit and later earned a place in the National Recording Registry, marking the first song by a solo hip-hop artist to receive that honour.
Gone but Legendary
Hip-hop lost one of its greatest voices in March 1997.
On 9 March, The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed in Los Angeles while travelling back to his hotel after attending an awards party.
Born Christopher Wallace, the 24-year-old rapper was widely regarded as one of the most influential MCs in hip-hop history.
Later that year he topped the Billboard Hot 100 twice with the hits Hypnotize and Mo Money Mo Problems, cementing his legacy as one of rap’s defining artists.
A Super Bowl Record Breaker
On 9 March 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered a historic performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
The performance featured appearances from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and Mustard.
The show attracted 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime performance in history and surpassing the iconic performance by Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl XXVII.
From groundbreaking albums to unforgettable performances, March continues to hold a special place in music history.
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