The Best Hip Hop Hits of the ’90s

A look back at the best hip hop hits of the ’90s, a decade that saw the rise of some of the biggest names in the genre.

The Best Hip Hop Hits of the ’90s

The ’90s was a great decade for hip hop music. There were so many great artists and hits that it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best hip hop hits of the ’90s.

“Gin and Juice” – Snoop Doggy Dogg

Snoop Doggy Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” was one of the biggest hits of the ’90s. The song, which was released in 1993, was a huge commercial success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Gin and Juice” was also a critical favorite, praised for its laid-back, relaxed vibe and Snoop’s smooth flow.

“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” – Dr. Dre

“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is a song by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. The song was released on Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic, on December 15, 1992, as the lead single. The single became one of the most successful songs of 1993, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The song was ranked number 10 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.

“Regulate” – Warren G

With its G-funk sound, “Regulate” was a hit song off of Warren G’s debut album, Regulate… G Funk Era. The album was released in 1994 and became a certified double platinum in the United States. “Regulate” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is considered one of the best hip hop songs of the ’90s.

“Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer

Can’t Touch This is a song co-written and performed by MC Hammer from his 1990 album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. The track was produced by Felton Pilate and James Earl Jones III. The song’s hook samples Rick James’ 1980 hit Super Freak. Along with Hammer’s U Can’t Touch This, the hook popularized use of the phrase in hip hop music.

The single was released in late 1990 and became an instant hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his signature song and signature dance move, the “Hammer dance”. The song has been used or referenced in numerous television shows, films and commercials. It remains one of Hammer’s most successful singles to date. It is recognized as one of the most popular songs of all time.

“Baby Got Back” – Sir Mix-a-Lot

“Baby Got Back” is a song written and recorded by American rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot, which appeared on his album Mack Daddy. The song samples the 1986 Sonic Youth song “Swimsuit Issue”. It was released on May 12, 1992 as the second single from Mack Daddy. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks, becoming Sir Mix-a-Lot’s signature and most enduring hit. It is considered one of the most influential songs of the 1990s and its popularity has led to numerous parodies and references in popular culture.

The Worst Hip Hop Hits of the ’90s

The 1990s was a great decade for hip hop. Some of the best hits of all time came from this decade. However, there were also some real stinkers. In this article, we will take a look at the worst hip hop hits of the ’90s.

“Ice Ice Baby” – Vanilla Ice

Released in 1990, “Ice Ice Baby” was the white rapper’s ode to hip-hop. The song was produced by DJ Earthquake and featured a sample of the bassline from Queen’s “Under Pressure.” It quickly rose to the top of the Billboard charts, making Vanilla Ice the first white rapper to have a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100.

“I Wanna Sex You Up” – Color Me Badd

This groan-inducing tune was inescapable in the early ’90s, thanks to its use in the Hollywood blockbuster film “New Jack City.” The ode to up-all-night carnal pleasures featured some of the corniest lyrics ever recorded: “I wanna sex you up / That’s why I’m all up on ya / I’m all up on ya like a grown-up / I wanna sex you up.”

“The Humpty Dance” – Digital Underground

“The Humpty Dance” is a song by American hip hop group Digital Underground. It was released in January 1990 as the lead single from their second album Sex Packets. The song was written by group member Shock G and produced by Khalis Bayyan. It peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 1993, the song was included in the film Menace II Society.

The song’s title refers to Humpty Dumpty and his famous fall. The lyrics describe Humpty as “the world’s greatest D.J.”, who cannot be stopped from dancing despite his physical injuries. Shock G has said that the character of Humpty Dumpty was based on his own “goofy” alter ego, which he used to take on when he needed to perform in front of large crowds.

Despite its light-hearted subject matter, the song has been praised for its clever wordplay and clever use of sampling. Allmusic writer Steve Huey described it as “arguably the most famous party rap ever”.

“Whoomp! (There It Is)” – Tag Team

Perhaps the most egregious offender on this list, “Whoomp! (There It Is)” is an early-’90s novelty hip-hop track that was inescapable for a time. To be fair, it’s a fun song, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment when it comes on. But there’s no denying that it’s cheesy as hell, and it hasn’t aged well at all.

“Macarena” – Los Del Rio

This dance track by Spanish duo Los Del Rio was an inescapable global phenomenon in 1996, ruling the airwaves for months on end. But looking back, it’s hard to believe that anyone took this kitschy anthem seriously – especially in the U.S., where it quickly became a punchline. Lyrically, the song is nonsensical (despite what you may have heard, the titular Macarena is not a woman), and the dance moves are embarrassingly simple. It’s no wonder that “Macarena” has become the go-to track for ironic hipsters looking to clear a crowded dancefloor.