1998
in MusicAlbums
23
Artists
16
Milestones
20
Notable Releases
The Nu Nation Project
Kirk FranklinAlbum featuring 'Lean on Me' with R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, and Bono, topped Billboard Contemporary Christian Albums chart for 23 weeks and Gospel Albums chart for 49 weeks.
Everlasting Love
CeCe WinansGold-certified album featuring her highest-charting solo singles including "Well Alright" and "Slippin."
Double Live
Garth BrooksBrooks' first live album that became the best-selling live album of all time with 21× platinum certification and seventh-most shipped album in U.S. music history.
...Baby One More Time
Britney SpearsLead single that peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, sold over 10 million copies, and became one of the best-selling singles in history.
Pavarotti & Friends
Luciano PavarottiSeries of annual charity concerts held in Modena featuring collaborations with artists across genres
The Prayer
Andrea BocelliA duet with Céline Dion from the animated film Quest for Camelot that won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn HillHill's debut solo album that became the first album by a female rapper to debut atop the Billboard 200, sold 10 million copies in the US and 20 million worldwide, and won Album of the Year at the 41st Grammy Awards. Topped Apple Music's 100 Best Albums in history list.
Doo Wop (That Thing)
Lauryn HillThe lead single from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Hill the first artist to debut at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with their first entries on each chart.
Ex-Factor
Lauryn HillA hit single from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that has been sampled by numerous contemporary artists including Drake and Cardi B. Exemplifies Hill's ability to blend singing and rapping with emotionally resonant lyrics.
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
George MichaelGreatest hits collection becoming Michael's most commercially successful album in the UK with 2.8 million domestic copies sold and approximately 15 million worldwide.
Are You That Somebody?
AaliyahFrom Dr. Dolittle soundtrack; peaked at number 21 on Billboard Hot 100; earned her first Grammy nomination and pioneered dance breaks in R&B videos.
Human Being
SealAlbum demonstrating Seal's artistic evolution and continued commitment to soul and R&B
Greatest Hits
Tupac ShakurPosthumous double-length album, one of only nine hip-hop albums certified Diamond
Significant Milestones
Television Appearance on Sister, Sister
AchievementFranklin made a guest appearance on the popular television sitcom Sister, Sister, expanding his entertainment presence beyond music.
Double Live Album Success
AchievementDouble Live was released and became the best-selling live album of all time with 21× platinum certification, cementing Brooks' status as a live performance legend.
United Nations Messenger of Peace
AchievementAppointed United Nations Messenger of Peace, using his fame to raise awareness of UN issues including Millennium Development Goals, HIV/AIDS, child rights, and poverty.
Named One of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People
AchievementBocelli received significant recognition beyond the music industry, establishing himself as a global celebrity.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Album Release
DebutHill's debut solo album was released on August 25, 1998, and became the most acclaimed album of that year. It broke records as the first album by a female rapper to debut atop the Billboard 200 and sold nearly 423,000 copies in its first week.
