The Vault

The stories behind the classics. Revisit the iconic records, legendary artists and unforgettable moments that shaped R&B and urban music culture.

The beat for 50 Cent's "Many Men" was a “Nas track first”

Nas's former A&R Lenny "Linen" Nicholson says Nas recorded on the Digga beat, then lost interest. With his blessing, it went to 50.

Four of the era's leading men, one Jam & Lewis ballad, and the soundtrack moment that still owns wedding season — 27 years on.

The CrazySexyCool lead single gave TLC their first Hot 100 #1 and a Grammy, while Left Eye protested the whole thing with tape over her mouth.

Jam & Lewis wrote it, and on December 3, 1994 it knocked the group's own 14-week #1 off the top of the Hot 100.

On this day in 1998, Cash Money dropped the Mannie Fresh-produced album that carried New Orleans bounce to 4× platinum.

No more drama: Dr. Dre's beat, Mary's bridge and two made-up words gave the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul six straight weeks at #1.