On This Day: “Harlem World”

On this day 23 years ago, Ma$e released “Harlem World”, his debut studio album. Selling 175,000 Units copies it’s first week, “Harlem World” would go on to 4.8 million units in total & debuted at #1 on the Billboard Pop & R&B LP charts in 1997 & was nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 41st annual Grammy Awards. It’s hit singles “Feel So Good”, ”What You Want”, & “Lookin’ At Me”, produced by an at the time unknown Neptunes would all reach the Billoard Top 10 at #5,6 & 8 respectively; ”24 HRS. To Live ft. The Lox & DMX was also a hit in the streets. Ma$e would become the face of BadBoy Records after the untimely demise of the Notorious B.I.G., making a name for himself after appearing on BIG’s “Life After Death” hit single “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems” featuring Puff Daddy. Before signing to BadBoy, Ma$e was a member of Harlem rap group “Children of the Corn” along with legends Cam’ron & the late, great Big L & Bloodshed & Herb McGruff. The groups’ member would subsequently pursue solo careers & eventually disband after the death of Bloodshed in 1997 & Big L’s death in 1999.

October 28th, 1997