This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip-hop for the year 2020.
Events January On January 1, Saint Paul, Minnesota, rapper Lexii Alijai died of an accidental drug overdose. On January 2, DaBaby was detained by Miami police for robbery investigations. On January 6, G Herbo pled guilty to battery. On the same day, Florida rapper 9lokkNine was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm and potentially faces up to five years in prison. On January 9, New Orleans bounce rapper 5thward Weebie died of a heart attack. On January 17, Eminem released his eleventh studio album, Music to Be Murdered By, with no prior announcement and he became the first artist ever to have 10 consecutive albums debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. On the same day, New York rapper Pop Smoke was released from jail on a bond of $250,000 after having been arrested with a stolen Rolls-Royce vehicle worth $375,000. He was prohibited to leave the United States without the government's permission. On January 26, Tyler, the Creator won a Grammy for Best Rap Album with Igor, and 21 Savage won a Grammy for Best Rap Song with "A Lot" featuring J. Cole. Nipsey Hussle posthumously won two Grammys for Best Rap/Sung Performance with "Higher" with DJ Khaled and John Legend, and Best Rap Performance for "Racks in the Middle" with Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy.
February On February 19, Pop Smoke was murdered in a home invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills California. On February 21, it was announced that Paul Rosenberg would be stepping down as CEO of Def Jam.
March On March 8, a person was shot at a Lil Baby concert in Birmingham. On March 30, Kodak Black was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
April On April 2, 6ix9ine was released from prison because of his health condition due to COVID-19 concerns. He was on house arrest for the remainder of his sentence which ended in August the same year. On the same day, YNW Melly told fans he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in a Florida jail. On April 3, Playboi Carti was arrested on gun and drug charges in Georgia. Police found guns, 12 bags of marijuana, Xanax, codeine and oxycodone. On April 6, Mac P Dawg, a frequent collaborator of Shoreline Mafia, was shot and killed. On April 8, rapper and model Chynna died of an apparent drug overdose. On April 16, French Montana and Jim Jones squashed their beef after 15 years. On April 21, Lil Wayne launched Young Money Radio on Apple Music. On April 23, Fred the Godson died of COVID-19 complications. On April 28, Orlando, Florida, rapper LPB Poody and three other people were shot during a visual.
May On May 7, rapper Richie Jerk was shot and killed in Chicago while driving with a friend.
June On June 19, Chicago rapper Tray Savage was shot and killed. On the same day, Hurricane Chris was arrested for murder in Louisiana. On June 25, rapper Huey was shot and killed in St Louis, Missouri. On June 30, rapper Stepa J. Groggs of Injury Reserve died.
July On July 4, Kanye West announced his 2020 presidential campaign. On July 12, rapper Marlo was shot and killed. On July 13, Tory Lanez was arrested for gun possession. He is also accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. On July 29, American rapper and singer Malik B. died. He was a founding member of hip-hop group The Roots. On the same day, British rapper Wiley was permanently suspended from Twitter over antisemitic comments. He was banned from Facebook and Instagram just days prior.
August On August 4, Chicago rapper FBG Duck was shot and killed at a shopping area in Chicago's Gold Coast. On August 5, Juelz Santana was released from prison. On August 6, rapper YBN Nahmir announced via Twitter that the YBN collective has officially disbanded. On August 9, Rick Ross squashed his beef with 50 Cent. On August 11, the XXL 2020 Freshman Class was revealed, in which rappers Polo G, Lil Tjay, Jack Harlow, Baby Keem, Lil Keed, Calboy, Fivio Foreign, Latto, NLE Choppa, 24kGoldn, Rod Wave, and Chika. On August 29, Silentó was arrested for domestic violence in Santa Ana, California.
September On September 8, Juicy J and DJ Paul sued Suicideboys for $6.4 million. On September 15, Cardi B filed for divorced from Offset. On September 30, Nicki Minaj gave birth to a son with her husband Kenneth Petty.
October On October 1, 6ix9ine was hospitalized due to overdosing on caffeine and weight loss pills. On October 8, Tory Lanez was arrested for the felony assault with a weapon in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. On October 12, Blac Youngsta was arrested for possession of a firearm. On the same day, Fivio Foreign was arrested for assault. On October 13, Saint Dog was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive. On October 14, Lil Xan was sued for pulling a gun on a man during a 2Pac argument. On October 23, Young Buck was arrested for domestic assault. On October 31, MF Doom died. His death wasn't publicly announced until December 31.
November On November 4, Drakeo the Ruler was released from prison. On November 6, King Von was shot and killed in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 11, MO3 was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. On November 15, Benny the Butcher was shot in Houston outside of a Walmart. On November 17, Lil Wayne was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm. On November 19, Gucci Mane and Jeezy squashed their beef after 15 years during a Verzuz battle. On November 28, Lil Yase was shot and killed in Alameda County, California.
December On December 1, Casanova was charged by the FBI for racketeering murder, narcotics, firearms, and fraud offenses. Later on, he turned himself into the authorities. On December 2, G Herbo was allegedly charged in fraud scheme for using fake identification. On December 4, Young M.A was arrested for reckless driving. On December 8, A Boogie wit da Hoodie was arrested for drug and gun possession. On December 9, Zoey Dollaz was shot multiple times in Miami, Florida. On December 11, Lil Wayne pled guilty to a firearm charge. On December 15, Rowdy Rebel was released from prison. On December 23, Ecstasy of the group Whodini died. On December 31, MF Doom's death was made public. He died on October 31.
Released albums January DayArtist(s)AlbumRecord label(s)Entering chart position1 Brother N.I.P Conversation with the Gangstas Psych Ward Ent3 Famous Dex Dexter 2031 Rich Forever MusicTeejayx62020TF10The Alchemist The Good Book, Part 1: Joyful NoiseALCBig Ghost Ltd Carpe Noctem Self-releasedDenzel Curry13lood 1n + 13lood OutLoma Vista Mick Jenkins The Circus Free Nation, Cinematic Moneybagg Yo Time Served N-Less, Interscope Debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200OG MacoMaco Got That FlameDesperadoQuando RondoQPacNever Broke Again, Atlantic Debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard 200Uncle MurdaDon't Come Outside, Vol. 2ATM, EmpireUnoTheActivist Lost FilesRepublic11Awich孔雀Yentown13Nick CannonThe Miseducation Of The Negro You Love To HateCsalohcin 17 070 Shake Modus Vivendi GOOD Music, Def Jam Eminem Music to Be Murdered By Shady, Aftermath, Interscope, Goliath Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Mac Miller Circles Warner Debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200Mura MasaR.Y.C.Polydor, Anchor PointThe Professionals (Oh No and Madlib) The Professionals Madlib Invazion Stunna 4 Vegas Rich Youngin Billion Dollar Baby, Interscope Debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200Theophilus LondonBebeyIndependentVarious artistsBad Boys for Life – The SoundtrackWe The Best, Epic Debuted at No. 63 on the Billboard 20020Kota the FriendLyrics to Go Vol. 1Fltbys21Icewear VezzoDrank BabyIced Up 24GawneTerminalSelf-releasedJ HusBig ConspiracyBlack Butter Debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums ChartJunia-TStudio MonkBare WizardryM HunchoHuncholini the 1stIsland Debuted at No. 5 on the UK Albums ChartSy Ari Da KidIt Was UnwrittenSelf-released 27 Cardo Game Related EI$G, TFM, BYLUG3110k.CaashPlanet SwajjurDef Jam DJ Fresh and Curren$y The Tonite Show with Currensy The Flesh, RBC Key Glock Yellow Tape Paper Route, Empire Debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 Lil Wayne Funeral Young Money, Republic Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200Philthy RichHometown HeroEmpireRob StoneStone ColdGrove Town, Create Russ Shake the Snow Globe Columbia Debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 Yo Gotti Untrapped Inevitable II Records, CMG, Epic Debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 Plies The Real Testament II Slip-N-Slide
February DayArtist(s)AlbumRecord label(s)Entering chart position2 Esham She Loves MeReel Life Productions4Marv WonUntil...Self-releasedNavy Blue Àdá IrinFreedom Sounds72 Chainz and T.R.UNo Face No Case T.R.U., Atlantic Debuted at No. 182 on the Billboard 200Boldy James and The AlchemistThe Price of Tea in China Boldy James, ALC Records, EmpireDenzel Curry and Kenny BeatsUnlocked PH Recordings, Loma Vista Debuted at No. 105 on the Billboard 200D SmokeBlack Habits WoodWork Records, Empire Jaz-O The Warmup Kingz Kounty Media Group Pop Smoke Meet the Woo 2 Victor Victor, Republic Debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 Toosii Platinum Heart South Coast Music Group Debuted at No. 196 on the Billboard 20010Wiz KhalifaIt's Only Weed BroTaylor Gang11LightSkinKeishaTalk That TalkStreamCut14 A Boogie wit da Hoodie Artist 2.0 Highbridge, Atlantic Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200Boosie BadAzz & Mo3 BadAzz Mo3EmpireChe Noir & 38 SpeshJunoTCF Fetty Wap Trap & B RGF, 300Jalen SantoyII ShepherdsEmpireKidd KennChild's PlayIslandLil' FlipFeelings GT Digital, Clover GNo Feelings GT Digital, Lil FlipMarlo1st N 3rdQuality Control $uicideBoy$ Stop Staring at the Shadows G*59 Records Debuted at No. 30 on the Billboard 200TinkHopeless RomanticWinter's Diary, Empire Twista Lifetime GMG Entertainment Vinnie Paz As Above So Below Enemy Soil Yung Gravy and Bbno$ Baby Gravy 2 Baby Gravy Debuted at No. 188 on the Billboard 20020EshamShe Loves Me NotReel Life Productions21BTS Map of the Soul: 7 Big Hit, Dreamus Calboy Long Live the Kings RCA Debuted at No. 136 on the Billboard 200Deniro Farrar Sole FoodCultrap, BetterVibesDuke DeuceMemphis Massacre 2Quality ControlKamaiyahGot It MadeEmpireLil GotitSuperstar CreatureAlamoMoney Man Epidemic Black Circle, Empire Debuted at No. 121 on the Billboard 200 Royce Da 5'9" The Allegory Heaven Studios, eOne Debuted at No. 58 on the Billboard 200 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Still Flexin, Still Steppin Never Broke Again, Atlantic Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 20024 Young Nudy Anyways... Same Plate Entertainment, RCA Debuted at No. 109 on the Billboard 20025BonesOfflineTeamSESH26Princess NokiaEverything Is BeautifulSelf-releasedEverything SucksShooterGang Kony Red Paint ReverendEmpire28G HerboPTSDMachine, Epic Records Debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200Haleek MaulErrolLexIamsu & Kool JohnThe Pop Up, Vol. 1Shmoplife, Eyes On MeKassa OverallI Think I'm GoodBrownswoodLil BabyMy Turn4PF, Wolfpack, Quality Control, Motown Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Planet Asia and 38 Spesh Trust the Chain T.C.F. Smoke DZA A Closed Mouth Don't Get FedRFC, Cinematic The Jacka Murder Weapon EmpireScarlxrdScarhxursIslandStroBack on SaratogaMass Appeal, Grade A TribeYFN LucciHIStory, Lost PagesThink It's A Game, WarnerYoung ChopYoung GodfatherChopsquad Zaytoven, Lil Yachty, Lil Gotit and Lil Keed A-TeamFamiliar Territory, Opposition29Bad Bunny YHLQMDLGRimas
March