2004
in MusicAlbums
23
Artists
22
Milestones
33
Notable Releases
If I Ain't Got You
Alicia KeysSingle from The Diary of Alicia Keys that peaked at number 4 on Billboard Hot 100, first single by female artist to remain on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for over a year
Get Lifted
John LegendDebut studio album, reached top ten of Billboard 200, received double platinum certification
Ordinary People
John LegendHit ballad from Get Lifted, won Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
The College Dropout
Kanye WestDebut studio album featuring "Slow Jamz" and "Jesus Walks," certified triple platinum and ranked among greatest hip-hop debuts.
Slow Jamz
Kanye WestDebut single featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, reaching number one on Billboard Hot 100.
Toxic
Britney SpearsHit single from In the Zone that won Spears her first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Drop It Like It's Hot
Snoop DoggA collaboration with Pharrell from the album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, became Snoop Dogg's first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
Snoop DoggReleased on Geffen Records, this album sold 1,730,000 copies in the U.S. and featured heavily played singles including 'Drop It Like It's Hot' and 'Signs.'
Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
Gwen StefaniStefani's debut solo album featuring 1980s-inspired pop music with hits "What You Waiting For?" and "Rich Girl," achieving multi-platinum status
Breakaway
Kelly ClarksonPop-rock album that became one of the 21st century's best-selling albums with over 12 million copies sold worldwide, featuring hits like 'Since U Been Gone' and 'Because of You'.
Since U Been Gone
Kelly ClarksonLead single from Breakaway that became one of the top ten charted songs of 2005 in the US and won Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Patience
George MichaelFifth studio album reaching No. 1 in UK; became one of fastest-selling albums with over 200,000 copies in first week; sold 500,000 copies in US for Gold certification.
Stardust: the Great American Songbook 3
Rod StewartFirst US number one album in 25 years featuring standards including 'What a Wonderful World' with Stevie Wonder; won first Grammy Award
Genius Loves Company
Ray CharlesHis final posthumous album of duets with admirers including Elton John, Willie Nelson, and Norah Jones, winning eight Grammy Awards.
Significant Milestones
Get Lifted Album Release
DebutDebut studio album released through GOOD Music, debuted at number seven on Billboard 200, sold 116,000 copies first week
Launch of Fo Yo Soul Entertainment
AchievementFranklin founded his own record label, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, and secured a distribution deal with Zomba Label Group, establishing his role as a label executive.
The College Dropout Release
Grammy WinDebut album achieved critical and commercial success, earning 10 Grammy nominations including Album of the Year and winning Best Rap Album.
Wins first Grammy Award
Grammy WinWon Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for "Toxic" from the In the Zone album, establishing herself as an award-winning artist.
Farewell Tour Begins
TourBegan farewell tour at age 69 on 1 December 2004, embarking on 40-city world tour. Last operatic performance on 13 March 2004 at Metropolitan Opera as Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca.
'Drop It Like It's Hot' Reaches Number One
DebutThe single featuring Pharrell from his album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece became Snoop Dogg's first single to reach the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a major commercial achievement.
Grammy Award - Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
Grammy WinWon Grammy Award at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards for 'Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs,' cementing his status as an award-winning artist.
Signed to Jive Records
DebutAt age 15, Chris Brown signed with Jive Records, marking the beginning of his professional music career. This deal set the stage for his breakthrough debut album the following year.
Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show
ControversyPerformed with Janet Jackson before 140 million viewers in a performance that sparked the 'wardrobe malfunction' controversy, becoming a defining moment in pop culture history.
Solo Debut Album
DebutStefani released her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., featuring 1980s-inspired pop music that achieved critical and commercial success with multi-platinum status.
Breakaway Album Success
AchievementSecond album Breakaway became one of the 21st century's best-selling albums with over 12 million copies sold and established her as a pop-rock powerhouse.
