Let us take a ride back to the golden era of really good hip hop music with the best rap songs from the 90s.
During this era of hip hop, almost everyone owned a Sony Walkman, boom boxes, Lugz shoes and Fila apparel or had them on their wish lists.
Likewise, there were endless swapping, borrowing and dubbing of mixtapes filled with classic rap songs of the 90s. Not to mention, people also danced the ‘running man’, the ‘Roger Rabbit’ as well as the ‘creep walk‘, and there was a thing for bandanas and baggy jeans.
Comparatively, the 90s was saturated with great rappers and people rapped along happily to hits from them, then again, we also lost and mourned these great talents: Tupac, Biggy and Freaky Tah, Big L, Charizma, Stretch, Seagram and Bugz.
In addition, there was the famous East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry and great labels like Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records.
Enjoy our playlist of the best 90s rap songs as we pay homage to the good old days.
Regulate – Warren G
Year: 1994
Album: Regulate…G Funk Era
The hit ‘Regulate’ is one of the best rap music of all time and two of hip hop’s finest collaborators, Warren G and Nate Dogg performed the song.
The jam is from the soundtrack of the movie, ‘Above The Rim‘ and is also found on Warren G’s album ‘Regulate G Funk Era‘.
Also, the Classic rap song turned out to be music label, Def Jam Records’ biggest single ever and is still a favourite till date.
Hate Me Now – Nas
Year: 1999
Album: I Am…
‘Hate Me Now‘ is one of the best rap songs from the 90s as well as the second and last single by hip hop rapper Nas.
The classic rap song features Puff Daddy and is found on Nas’ third studio album, ‘I am…‘
Let us not forget other hit songs from this album like ‘You Won’t See Me Tonight‘ ‘We Will Survive‘, and ‘I Want to Talk to You‘.
Juicy- The Notorious B.I.G.
Year: 1994
Album: Ready to Die
The Notorious B.I.G is definitely one of the best rappers of all time and his rap song ‘Juicy’ falls into the list of the best rap songs of all time!
As seen, the classic rap song was his first single from his debut album ‘Ready to Die’, and has a laid-back vibe to it.
Also, the fantastic rap track gives an insight into the tough times that the rapper lived before becoming successful.
Holla Holla – Ja Rule
Year: 1999
Album: Venni Vetti Vecci
‘Holla Holla’ is one of the best rap songs by American rapper Ja Rule and it is his debut single from his debut studio album ‘Venni Vetti Vecci’.
The Rap song quickly became a favourite summer jam on airwaves and remains one of the best 90s rap songs for a party.
Not to forget the flavour Ja Rule’s deep raspy voice gave the rap song.
Ruff Ryders Anthem- Ruff Ryders
Year: 1998
Album: It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
“Stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That’s how Ruff Ryders roll
Stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop
Oh, no
That’s how Ruff Ryders roll…”
Afro Puffs – Lady of Rage
Year: 1994
Album: Above the Rim: The Soundtrack
The Lady of Rage was a 90s one-hit wonder, and her first single which became one of the best rap songs from the 90s is found on Death Row’s ‘Above the Rim: The Soundtrack’
‘Afro Puffs’ samples Johnny ‘Guitar‘ and Watson’s ‘Love That Will Not Die‘ and is about her still being an OG irrespective of her hairstyle.
The rap anthem is also featured on ‘Grand theft Auto V‘
Keep Their Heads Ringin’ – Dr Dre
Year: 1995
Album: Friday: The Original Soundtrack
Dr Dre is without comparison, one of the greatest music producer and rapper of all time!!!
Apparently, his rap anthem ‘Keep Their Heads Ringin’‘ was one of the most popular rap songs from the 90s and the only single that was released from the ‘Friday‘ soundtrack that topped the Hot Rap Tracks chart.
Pig Pimpin’- Jay-Z
Year: 1999
Album: Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter
Jay-Z’s ‘Big Pimpin’‘ was the most commercially successful single from his fourth album and one of the best 90s rap songs.
The chart-topping rap song took the airwaves by storm, and the sensational Timberland produced the track which features Southern hip hop group UGK.
1st of Tha Month – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Year: 1995
Album: E. 1999 Eternal
Bone Thugs’ first single ‘1st of Tha Month’ is a favourite tune of anyone who loved classic rap songs from the 90s.
The group, made up of rappers Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone and they were popular all over the world.
Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz – Lost Boyz
Year: 1995
Album: Legal Drug Money
“Shout out to the jeeps,
It’s the lex coups, bimas and the benz
To all my ladies and my men
To all my peoples in the pen…”
Cold Rock A Party – MC Lyte
Year: 1996
Album: Bad as I Wanna B
Mc Lyte is one of the best female rappers from the 90s and she and KILLED this rap song that features Missy Elliot, who happens to be another legend in the hip hop world!
Their amazing musical chemistry made ‘Cold Rock A Party’ to be one of the best 90s rap songs for a party and was produced by Puff Daddy.
‘Cold Rock a Party‘ was also MC Lyte’s second highest-charting single.
Feel Me Flow – Naughty by Nature
Year: 1995
Album: Poverty’s Paradise
‘Feel Me Flow‘ is the most successful single from Naughty by Nature’s album ‘Poverty’s Paradise’ as well as one of the best rap hits of the 90s.
The group was discovered by Queen Latifah and is made up of members: Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee.
Granted, ‘Feel Me Flow‘ is notably one of the top classic 90s rap songs ever.
Gin and Juice – Snoop Dogg
Year: 1993
Album: Doggystyle
Still holding the crown as one of the most popular classic rap songs of all time, Snoop Dogg’s ‘Gin and Juice‘ is timeless!
This epic rap song was produced by the legendary Dr Dre and is the second single from his album ‘Doggystyle‘.
By all means, ‘Gin and Juice‘ is one of the best rap songs from the 90s
Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio
Year: 1995
Album: Gangsta’s Paradise
‘Gangsta’s Paradise‘ happened when Coolio sampled Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song ‘Pastime Paradise‘ and turned it into of the best-selling rap song of all time!!!
Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”, was named one of the best rap songs of the 90s and a popular anthem.
Furthermore, it was also a soundtrack for ‘Dangerous Minds‘, a cult movie starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
California Love –Tupac
Year: 1995
Album: All Eyez on Me
As one of the best rappers of all time, it is not a surprise that Tupac’s ‘California Love’, featuring Dr Dre is still reigning as one of the best rap songs of all time.
The classic rap song was 2Pac’s comeback song after he got released from prison in 2015 and it turned out to be his most successful song.
If you are looking for the best Tupac rap songs, this is surely one of them.
Stressed out – A Tribe Called Quest
Year: 1996
Album: Beats, Rhymes and Life
The rap group, A Tribe Called Quest features Faith Evans on their classic rap song ‘Stressed Out’ and of course, she did some serious magic on the chorus.
Not only was ‘Stressed Out’ one of the best 90s rap songs, but it was also one of the groups most popular songs.
What They Do – The Roots
Year: 1996
Album: Illadelph Halflife
The Root’s top rap song ‘What They Do‘ is found on their third album ‘Illadelph Halflife’ and it is one of the best rap songs from the 90s.
As a matter of fact, the hip hop group is known for their eloquent, poetic versed songs that make you question things about life.
And if you think about it, they never disappointed with their fantastic beats.
Nuthin’ But A G Thang – Dr Dre
Year: 1992
Album: The Chronic
It should not come as a surprise that Dr Dre’s ‘Nuthin’ But A G Thang’ is considered as one of the best rap songs of all time.
In fact, in terms of classic rap songs, this is one of the numerous Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg collaborations that will still give you good vibes when you listen to it and is still a success today.
Atliens – Outkast
Year: 1996
Album: ATLiens
“Now throw your hands in the air
And wave ’em like you just don’t care
And if you like fish and grits and all that pimp shit
Then everybody let me hear you say O-Yea-yer…”
Jump – Kris Kross
Year: 1992
Album: Totally Krossed Out
Really, who can ever forget the 12 and 13-year-old boys who wore their clothes backwards and made ‘Jump’ one of the best rap hits of the 90s?
In summary, their classic rap song ruled the airwaves and was the third best-selling song in the US the year it was released.