20 rap songs from the 1990s that we still love today

In 1992, Snoop Dogg came onto the scene with his debut album Dôggystyle, which featured the hit single “Gin and Juice.” Produced by Dr. Dre, the track gives off a laidback feel that’s perfect for folks who want to sip on libations while out at a party. As they say on the hook, “Rollin' down the street, smokin' indo / Sippin' on gin and juice / Laid back / With my mind on my money and my money on my mind.”

Missy Elliott has always been the type of artist who moves to the beat of her own drum, and part of her success came due to the production style of her friend and frequent collaborator Timbaland. In 1999, she released her sophomore album Da Real World, which featured the Timbo-produced hit single “All n My Grill.” On the track, Elliott describes a partner who keeps playing games with her, and how she would much rather move on. 

For people who have ever attended a West Coast hip-hop party, more than likely Tupac’s “California Love” gets a great crowd reaction. On the track, Tupac, Roger Troutman, and Dr. Dre mention different cities such as L.A. and Compton as they describe how the state knows exactly how to throw a party. 

In 1993, hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest released their third album Midnight Marauders, which featured the single “Electric Relaxation.” The smooth production allows for an easy listen as the group uses the track to describe a woman who has caught their eye. 

LL Cool J knows how to make a song that women will love and it was no different when he teamed up with R&B group Boyz II Men on his single “Hey Lover.” On the track, LL has a crush on a woman who already has a partner, but he’s willing to do anything he can to make her have a change of heart. 

Oakland hip-hop group Souls of Mischief came onto the scene in 1993 with their hit single “93 ‘Til Infinity.” On the track, they highlight everything in their lives including women, weather, fashion, and food. 

Hip-hop duo Kris Kross came onto the scene in 1992 after they were discovered by Jermaine Dupri, and their debut single “Jump” became a smash hit. On the track, Kris Kross highlight that they shouldn’t be compared to any other artists and that they have their own style that folks will try to emulate. “Jump” became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the best-selling singles of the year. 

The Isley Brothers is easily one of the most sampled groups of all time, and a lot of love has been shown for them throughout hip-hop history. It was no different in 1994 when The Notorious B.I.G. sampled their song “Between the Sheets” on his hit single “Big Poppa.” On the track, B.I.G. details his rich and famous lifestyle, and gives listeners a smooth listen. 

When the weather starts heating up, it’s only right to play the DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince classic track “Summertime.” Not only does the song give a laidback listen and excitement for the summer months, but the music video also shows people relaxing at a park with family, friends, food, and games — all the essentials when summertime rolls around. 

Foxy Brown worked with producers Teddy Riley and Trackmasters on her debut single “Get Me Home.” Using a sample of Eugene Wilde’s 1984 single “Gotta Get You Home,” Brown describes a night of partying as she catches the eye of a potential partner.

Ice Cube uses his 1992 hit single “It Was a Good Day” to describe the perfect 24 hours. On the track, he describes waking up with gratitude, eating breakfast that his mother made, playing basketball with friends, not witnessing any crimes, and meeting up with his girlfriend. 

In 1997, Busta Rhymes released his sophomore album When Disaster Strikes…, led by the hit single “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See.” One thing that people will always remember about the song is how Busta used the music video to pay homage to the classic film Coming to America. 

One thing that people always love about the Fugees is how they were a hip-hop group at its core, but could easily mesh in R&B elements thanks to the vocals of bandmate Lauryn Hill. On their 1996 single “Fu-Gee-La,” they use an interpolation of Teena Marie’s 1988 single “Ooo La La La” as they combine the two worlds. “Fu-Gee-La” became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Warren G came onto the scene in 1994 with his debut single “Regulate.” Teaming up with Nate Dogg, Warren uses the track to describe his mission of scoping the streets for women, but in the midst of doing that, he runs into the wrong kind of crowd. “Regulate” became a smash hit on the Billboard charts including peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100. 

Da Brat was introduced to the world in 1994 with her debut single “Funkdafied.” Produced by Jermaine Dupri, Brat uses the track to describe her lyrical abilities and how it’s hard to compare her to anyone else. As she says on the verse, “Brat, you're the funk bandit and they can't handle it / I know, that's why I keep hitting 'em with this grammar / Letting 'em know that I'm the real mama jama / Straight to the head like a chronic sack.”

When you really think about it, “I Got 5 On It” by the Luniz is a song about community. On the track, the group details how people can pull all their money together in order to buy marijuana. The song became at top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Lil' Kim teamed up with Lil Cease on her 1997 single “Crush On You (Remix).” On the track, Kim describes her irresistible features and how she’s crushing on someone who caught her eye. As she says in the verse, “Keep your stone sets, I got my own baguettes / And I'll be doin' things that you won't regret / Little Kim the Queen Bee, so you best take heed / Shall I proceed? (Yes, indeed).”

In 1996, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony released their hit single “Tha Crossroads,” which was a tribute to deceased family and friends. As they say on the track, “God bless you workin' on a plan to heaven / Follow the Lord all twenty-four-seven days, God is who we praise / Even though the Devil's all up in my face / But He keepin' me safe and in my place / Say grace to the gates we race.”

In 1998, rapper Big Pun teamed up with R&B crooner Joe on their hit song “Still Not a Player.” On the track, Pun is trying to convince listeners that he is done with his old player ways. As they say on the hook, “I don't wanna be a player no more / I'm not a player, I just crush a lot / But Big Punisher still got what you're lookin' for.”

In 1997, Timbaland and Magoo released their debut album Welcome to Our World, led by the single "Up Jumps da Boogie." Joined by Missy Elliott and Aaliyah, the crew uses the track to highlight how much they can show people how to party.