Jay-Z Celebrates a Birthday on December 4
Did you know Jay-Z was born on December 4?
The Brooklyn-born global icon built a legendary career with hits like:
Empire State of Mind
Crazy in Love
Run This Town
He has collaborated with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and many other top artists. With 20+ GRAMMY Awards and one of the highest numbers of No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, Jay-Z remains one of the most influential figures in modern music.
Notable Albums Released on December 4
2012 – Wiz Khalifa Releases O.N.I.F.C.
Wiz Khalifa dropped his fourth studio album, O.N.I.F.C., which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 150,000 first-week copies.
The hit single “Work Hard, Play Hard” climbed into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2015 – Jeremih Drops Late Nights: The Album
Jeremih’s third album arrived on this day, featuring major hits:
Don’t Tell ’Em
Oui
The project solidified Jeremih as one of the most consistent R&B hitmakers of the 2010s.
Historic Music Events on December 4
1988 – Roy Orbison Performs His Final Show
Roy Orbison’s last performance took place in Ohio. The legendary singer passed away two days later at age 52.
1991 – Paula Abdul Earns Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
After a run of multiple No. 1 hits, Paula Abdul received her own star, cementing her place in pop history.
2001 – Gene Simmons Releases His Autobiography
KISS co-founder Gene Simmons gave fans an inside look at his life and career with the release of his autobiography on this date.
Losses & Personal Moments on This Day
1987 – Madonna Files for Divorce from Sean Penn
On this day, Madonna filed for divorce—though she would later withdraw the request, marking a turbulent chapter in the pop icon’s life.
1993 – Frank Zappa Passes Away
Innovative musician Frank Zappa died from prostate cancer at age 52. Known for boundary-pushing work, he earned a Hot 100 hit with “Valley Girl.”