The Best 90s Hip Hop Music Hits
Contents
What are the best 90s hip hop music hits? If you’re looking for a great throwback playlist, check out our top picks!
Introduction
The Best 90s Hip Hop Music Hits is a collection of some of the greatest hits from the 90s. This decade was a time when hip hop music was at its peak, with many different artists and groups making their mark on the genre. This list includes some of the biggest hits from this decade, including songs by Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G, and Dr. Dre. If you’re a fan of hip hop music, then this is the perfect list for you.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the Early 1990s
The early 1990s was a golden age for hip hop music. Hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre, “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, and “Black or White” by Michael Jackson dominated the radio waves. If you’re a fan of hip hop, then you’ll love this list of the best songs of the early 1990s.
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is a west coast hip hop classic by Dr. Dre featuring the one and only Snoop Dogg. The track was released in 1992 on Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic, and instantly became a fan favorite. It epitomizes the G-Funk sound and style of the early 1990s, with its laid back beats, smooth bass line, and catchy hooks. Not to mention, Snoop Dogg’s lazy flow is in top form on this track. “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is easily one of the best hip hop songs of the early 1990s.
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent
“In Da Club” is a hip hop song performed by American rapper 50 Cent from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003). The song was written by 50 Cent, Andre Young, Marvin Bernard, and Mike Elizondo, and produced by Dr. Dre with co-production credited to Elizondo. It was released in January 2003 as the lead single from the album and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “In Da Club” received mixed reviews from critics; some praised it for its catchy hook and upbeat production, while others criticized 50 Cent’s vocals and rapped lyrics.
“Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s debut album, “Doggystyle”, was released in 1993 and was an instant success. The first single from the album, “Gin and Juice”, became a huge hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was produced by Dr. Dre and features Snoop Dogg rapping about partying and having a good time. “Gin and Juice” is often considered one of the best hip hop songs of the early 1990s.
“Regulate” by Warren G
One of the most successful songs of the early 1990s, “Regulate” was released in 1994 as part of the soundtrack to the film Above the Rim. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Warren G’s most well-known songs. The new jack swing-influenced track features a sample of Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” and is notable for its use of multitrack recordings of both Warren G and Nate Dogg’s voices.
“Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
Can’t Touch This is a song co-written and recorded by American rapper MC Hammer from his 1990 album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. The track was produced by Rick Rubin with co-production credit going to Alonzo Miller. The song’s hook samples the bassline from Rick James’ 1977 hit, “Super Freak”. Along with Hammer, the song features background vocals from Deion Sanders, Felton Pilate and Larry Blackmon.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the Mid-1990s
The mid-1990s was a golden era for hip hop music. There were so many great songs released during this time. It was a time when the genre was really starting to blow up and become mainstream. Some of the biggest hits of the mid-1990s include “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg, “Regulate” by Warren G, and “California Love” by Tupac.
“Mo Money, Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy and Lil’ Kim
Released in 1997, “Mo Money, Mo Problems” was one of the final singles released by The Notorious B.I.G. before his untimely death. The song features Puff Daddy and Lil’ Kim, and samples Diana Ross’ 1977 hit “I’m Coming Out”. “Mo Money, Mo Problems” was a massive commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most iconic hip hop songs of the 1990s.
“Hate Me Now” by Nas featuring Puff Daddy
Nas’ punchy, in-your-face debut album “Illmatic” may be the most revered record in hip-hop history, but his first mainstream single was this fiery collaboration with then-Bad Boy CEO Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. Over a menacing guitar riff borrowed from Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise,” Nas and Puff trade verses about haters, with the Harlem MC emerging victorious in the end. The song’s violent music video, which features Nas getting crucified, led to cries of blasphemy, but only added to its notoriety.
“Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa” was one of the biggest hits of the mid-1990s, and it helped put rapper on the map as one of the most successful artists of all time. The song is a tribute to Biggie’s love for lavish lifestyle, and it features some of the most memorable lyrics in hip hop history. “Big Poppa” is widely considered to be one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time, and it remains a staple of 90s music.
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112
“I’ll Be Missing You” is a song recorded by American rapper Puff Daddy and singer Faith Evans, featuring 112, in memory of fellow Bad Boy Records artist Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, who was murdered on March 9, 1997.
“How Do U Want It” by 2Pac featuring Roger Troutman and K-Ci & JoJo
This song, which is all about life in the fast lane, features some incredible vocal work by K-Ci & JoJo, as well as a classic rap performance by the late great Tupac Shakur. The Neptunes produced track is one of the highlights of 2Pac’s posthumous album ‘All Eyez On Me,’ and it’s a perfect example of 90s hip hop at its finest.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the Late 1990s
The late 1990s was a golden era for hip hop music. There were so many great songs that came out during this time. It was a time when the genre was really starting to take off and become mainstream. Some of the best songs of the late 1990s include “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg, “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre, and “Regulate” by Warren G.
“Hotel California” by 2Pac
“Hotel California” is a song by 2Pac, released in late 1996 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, All Eyez on Me. The song is a diss track aimed at rapper The Notorious B.I.G., with whom 2Pac had a well-publicized feud. “Hotel California” was recorded in early 1996, after the death of The Notorious B.I.G..
“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” is a song by American rapper Will Smith. It was released as the first single from his debut solo album Big Willie Style (1997). The song was produced by Teddy Riley and features a rap by Smith. The song is notable for its line “You might think I’m crazy”, which is actually sampled from “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”, a traditional bluegrass song written and performed by Richard Thompson.
“Bling Bling” by B.G. featuring Big Tymers and Hot Boys
“Bling Bling” is a single by American hip hop group B.G. featuring Big Tymers and Hot Boys. It was released on May 4, 1999, and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was produced by Mannie Fresh and is notable for its use of the Auto-Tune voice effect.
“Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” by Master P featuring Fiend, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, and Mystikal
After the release of his 1997 album Ghetto D, Master P’s popularity was at an all-time high. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling over 160,000 copies in its first week. Ghetto D would go on to be certified 4x platinum by the RIAA. “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” was the lead single from the album and it quickly became a hit, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features guest appearances from Fiend, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, and Mystikal, all of whom contribute to the song’s catchy hook.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio featuring L.V.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a song by rapper Coolio, featuring singer L.V.. The song was released on Coolio’s album of the same name, as well as the soundtrack for the 1995 film Dangerous Minds. It samples the chorus and instrumentation of Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song “Pastime Paradise”.
The song was hugely successful, reaching number one in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and many other countries. In the United Kingdom, it was the first rap single to ever reach number one.
Although critical reception of “Gangsta’s Paradise” was mixed, many praised Coolio’s lyrics and delivery, as well as L.V.’s singing performance. The song remains one of the most popular and influential hip hop songs of all time.
