The Best Hip Hop Songs of the 1990s
Contents
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the 1990s
Introduction
The 1990s was a golden age for hip hop. The genre was exploding in popularity and the best hip hop songs of the decade reflected that, with artists experimentinig in new sounds and styles that would shape the course of the genre for years to come. From classics like Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” to lesser known tracks like Lil Kim’s “Crush on You”, here are the 50 best hip hop songs of the 1990s.
What Made the 1990s Hip Hop So Special?
The 1990s were an iconic time for hip hop. It was a decade that saw the genre explode in popularity, with artists like Tupac, Biggie, and Snoop Dogg becoming household names. But what made the 1990s hip hop so special?
For one, the 1990s saw the rise of gangsta rap, which brought a new level of realism to the genre. Hip hop had always been about reflecting the lived experiences of young black Americans, but gangsta rap took things to a whole new level, focusing on the violence, drug use, and poverty that was all too common in inner-city neighborhoods.
In addition, the 1990s also saw the rise of alternative hip hop, which offered a more positive and optimistic take on life. Artists like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul helped to expand the genre’s sonic palette, incorporating jazz and funk influences into their music.
And finally, the 1990s also saw hip hop begin to cross over into the mainstream. Hip hop had always been popular with black audiences, but in the 1990s it began to find a wider audience among white Americans as well. This crossover success helped to make hip hop one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world today.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the 1990s
The 1990s was a golden age for Hip Hop. There were so many classic songs released during this decade. It’s hard to narrow it down to just 10, but here are the best Hip Hop songs of the 1990s.
“Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg
“Gin and Juice” is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg, his second single from his debut album Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre. The song became a top ten hit in the United States, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1994. “Gin and Juice” was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 36th Grammy Awards. In 2008, it was ranked number 21 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is a single by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. The song was released on January 19, 1993 as the lead single for Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic. It peaked at number two on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts; it remains Dre’s highest-charting single as a lead artist. The single also proved to be successful in other countries, charting within the top 40 of five different countries worldwide.
“Regulate” by Warren G
“Regulate” is a song performed by rapper Warren G and Nate Dogg. The song was released in 1994 as the lead single from Warren G’s album Regulate…G Funk Era. “Regulate” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains one of the most well-known songs of the 1990s. The success of “Regulate” helped to bring West Coast rap into the mainstream.
“Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
“Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer is one of the best hip hop songs of the 1990s. It was released in 1990 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming one of the most iconic songs of the decade. The song is famous for its catchy beat and hook, as well as Hammer’s signature dance moves.
“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot
Given that the term “hip hop” was first popularized in the late 1970s, it’s perhaps no surprise that the 1990s is often considered the genre’s golden age. It was a decade when hip hop truly went global, with artists like Will Smith and Snoop Dogg becoming international superstars. But while commercial success was important, the 1990s also saw the continued development of underground scenes in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
And while there are too many great songs to list them all, here are 10 of the best hip hop tracks of the 1990s.
1) “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot (1992)
With its anthemic bassline and controversial video, “Baby Got Back” quickly became one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. It also helped to popularize so-called “booty rap,” with its focus on female sexuality.
2) “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
One of the most influential tracks of the decade, “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” saw West Coast G-funk master Dr. Dre team up with then-unknown rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. The result was a classic track that defined an entire subgenre.
3) “Regulate” by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg (1994)
With its laid-back vibe and sparse production, “Regulate” was another hugely influential G-funk track. It also featured one of hip hop history’s most iconic hooks, courtesy of Nate Dogg.
4) Posse on Broadway by Sir Mix-a-Lot (1990)
Before he hit it big with “Baby Got Back,” Sir Mix-a-Lot released this classic track about Seattle life. Featuring a catchy chorus and some great rhymes, it remains one of his best songs.
5) “They Reminisce Over You (Tribute)” by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
sample from Tom Scott’s “The annexation of Puerto Rico,” this song is a tribute to Richie Merritt and Roger Troutman—two musicians who had recently died at young ages—set over a smooth jazz backing track. It’s one of hip hop’s most moving songs and an enduring classic from the ’90s golden age.
Conclusion
The early 1990s was a memorable time for hip hop. It was a time when the genre was really beginning to blow up and become mainstream. The 1990s is often considered to be the golden age of hip hop, and for good reason. There were so many classic songs and albums released during that decade. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best hip hop songs of the 1990s.
