The Best Hip Hop Songs of 1998

When it comes to hip hop, 1998 was a watershed year. It was the year that some of the most iconic songs in the genre were released, cementing the place of hip hop in the mainstream. Let’s take a look at some of the best hip hop songs of 1998.

“The Roof” by M.O.P.

“The Roof” is a song by American hip hop group M.O.P., released as the first single from their album Warriorz. The song peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #22 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

“Ghetto Superstar” by Pras Michel featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Mýa

“Ghetto Superstar” is a song by American rapper Pras, featuring American rappers Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Mýa. The song was released on May 12, 1998 as the lead single from the soundtrack album Bulworth: The Soundtrack. “Ghetto Superstar” peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

“Put It on Me” by Ja Rule featuring Lil’ Mo and Vita

“Put It on Me” is a song by Ja Rule featuring Lil’ Mo and Vita. It was released in December 1998 as the second single from Ja Rule’s debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci. The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Money, Power & Respect” by The Lox featuring DMX and Lil’ Kim

The Lox’s “Money, Power & Respect” was one of the most important rap songs of 1998. It was the trio’s first single after signing with Bad Boy Records, and it featured two of the biggest stars in hip hop at the time: DMX and Lil’ Kim. The song was a huge success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most iconic rap songs of the 1990s.

“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX

DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” was released in 1998 as the first single off of his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. The song put DMX on the map and helped launch the Ruff Ryders label into the stratosphere. The hard-hitting track features a classic DMX flow over a menacing beat produced by Swizz Beatz.

“Been There Done That” by Ma$e featuring Diddy

“Been There Done That” is a song by American rapper Ma$e, released as the first single from his debut album Harlem World. The song features vocals from Sean “Puffy” Combs and samples “T.R.O.Y.” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth. It peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“My Way” by Usher

“My Way” by Usher is one of the best hip hop songs of 1998. It’s a classic banger that will get you up and dancing in no time. The song features a catchy beat, memorable lyrics, and an iconic video that helped make it a hit.

“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith

“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” is a song recorded by American rapper Will Smith. It was released as the third single from his debut solo studio album Big Willie Style on January 20, 1998. The song became Smith’s second consecutive number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in more than 15 other countries. “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards.

“Nice & Slow” by Usher

One of the most popular songs of 1998, “Nice & Slow” was a massive hit for Usher. The sexy slow jam spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Usher his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

“Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” by Puff Daddy featuring Mase

“Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” is a song by American rapper Puff Daddy. It was released on January 13, 1997 as the first single from his debut album No Way Out. The song features vocals from fellow Bad Boy artist Mase. It samples “Think (About It)” by Lyn Collins. The song spent 28 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest running hip hop single of all time, before being surpassed bymark Wahlberg’s “#TruthHurts”, “Lose Yourself” by Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J’s “Headsprung”.

The Best Hip Hop Songs of 1998