Spike Lee’s ‘Do The Right Thing’ Hits Theaters: July 21 in Hip-Hop History

Today in hip-hop history, we remember a seminal movie release, summertime hits and some classic Nate Dogg G-funk.

1989- Spike Lee's theatrical release of Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing isn't just Spike Lee's breakout movie, it's one of the most important films created in the past 50 years. Depicting the intrinsic racism in Brooklyn (and America), the film established Lee as one of the most important storytellers of our time. “ ‘Do the Right Thing’ still holds up a mirror to our society, and it makes us laugh and think, and challenges all of us to see ourselves in one another,” President Obama said during a celebration for the film's 25th anniversary.

1992- House of Pain drops their debut album

The debut from House of Pain was the beginning of a three-album run in the 90s from the rap group which consisted of Everlast, DJ Lethal, and Danny Boy. The album spawned the infectious, monster hit, "Jump Around," which still incites a lot of bouncing to this day.

1998- Cam'ron's Confessions of Fire drops 

Harlem rapper Cam'ron's Confessions of Fire arrived in the summer of 1998, spawned the hit, "Horse & Carriage" featuring Ma$e. Of course, Killa Cam's career would continue with the success of the Diplomats, propelled by signature rhyme style and above-average lyricism.

1998- Wu-Tang Killa Bees release The Swarm

The same year Cam'ron exploded on the hip-hop scene, Wu-Tang Killa Bees dropped their compilation album, The Swarm, which featured Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and production by RZA.

1998- Nate Dogg's debut album finally arrives

West coast crooner Nate Dogg dropped his debut album, G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2, much to the delight of longtime fans of his hook-crooning on tracks for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. The album had a two-year delay, thanks to shenanigans over at Death Row, but the record did spawn two Billboard Top 40 hits, "Never Leave Me Alone" and "Nobody Does It Better."

1998- Jermaine Dupri releases Life in 1472

In what was a really busy summer for hip-hop that year, Atlanta producer  JD released his solo debut, Life in 1472, which housed one of the biggest hits of the summer, "Money Ain't A Thang" featuring JAY-Z.

2003- Dizzee drops Boys in da Corner

One of the most acclaimed albums of the year, Dizzee Rascal's Boys in da Corner was his debut album and shot him to global stardom on the strength of his raw delivery, which helped give international exposure to grime music.

2009- Jordin Sparks' Battlefield arrives 

The sophomore album from teen pop sensation, Jordin Sparks dropped, aided by the lead track of the same name.