The 90s being the golden age of hip hop, there are countless songs that could have made this list.
But we have compiled what we believe to be the 100 best hip-hop songs of the 90s. From classics like “Gin and Juice” to “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” and everything in between, this list has it all.
Top Best Hip Hop Songs of the 90s
There are many great rap songs out there but here are the top best songs that defined the 90s. These are the songs that started it all and since then, rap music has only gotten bigger and better.
- They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) – Pete Rock & CL Smooth
- C.R.E.A.M – Wu-Tang Clan
- Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
- Dear Mama – Tupac Shakur
- Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Hit ‘Em Up – Tupac Shakur
- N.Y. State Of Mind – Nas
- Mama Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J
- It Was A Good Day – Ice Cube
- I Used To Love H.E.R. – Common
90s Hip Hop Party Songs
When it comes to hip-hop party songs of the 90s there are a few that always get the crowd going. Classics like “C.R.E.A.M” by the Wu-Tang Clan and “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. are always sure to get people hyped up and ready to party. So, if you are looking for some 90s hip-hop party songs to get the crowd going, then check out this list.
- Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
- U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
- Shoop – Salt-N-Pepa
- Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) – Jay-Z
- Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See – Busta Rhymes
- Miami – Will Smith
- Motownphilly – Boyz II Men
- Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio and Kylian Mash
- Real Love – Mary J. Blige
- Boombastic – Shaggy
Old School Hip Hop Songs of the 90s
Hip-hop music has changed a lot since it first emerged in the late 1970s. But if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s the popularity of old-school hip-hop songs from the 1990s.
From Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” to Biggie Smalls’ ” Juicy,” these classic tracks are still being played on radio stations and in clubs across the country. And it’s not just nostalgia that keeps people coming back to these songs. They’re simply some of the best examples of the genre.
o whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or just looking for a throwback track to jam out to, check out our list of old-school hip hop songs from the 90s.
- Still D.R.E. – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
- Sky’s The Limit – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Bad Guy – 2Pac
- The Next Episode – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
- Da Rockwilder – Method Man & Redman
- Ruff Ryder’s Anthem – DMX
- Holla Holla – Ja Rule
- Superthug – N.O.R.E.
- Simon Says – Pharoahe Monch
- ATLiens – OutKast
90s Hip Hop Dance Songs
Hip-hop dance is a style of street dance that emerged from the hip-hop culture in the 1970s. The first hip-hop dancers were known as break-boys (or b-boys) and break-girls (or b-girls). They danced to the music of DJs who played vinyl records of popular songs.
Hip-hop dance has evolved over the years, but some of the most popular styles from the 1990s are still being performed today. These include moves like the Running Man and the Cabbage Patch.
Have a look at our list of the top 90s hip-hop dance songs and see if you can remember any of the moves!
- U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
- Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic
- Push It – Salt-N-Pepa
- The power – Snap
- Bust a Move – Young MC
- I’ll House You ’98 (Feel Da’ Drum dub) – Jungle Brothers
- Free Your Mind – En Vogue
- Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Gossip Folks – Missy Elliott
- Rhythm of Love – DJ Company
90s Hip Hop and R&B Songs
The blend of these two genres of music in the early 1990s led to the creation of some of the most iconic songs in pop culture history.
And have since gone on to dominate the charts and become some of the most popular genres in the world. Here are 10 essential hip hop and R&B songs from the 90s that you need to know.
- Candy Rain – Soul For Real
- Tell Me – Groove Theory
- One More Chance – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Come See Me – 112
- 1st of tha Month – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
- Who Can I Run To? – Xscape
- Kissin’ You – Total
- Loungin – LL Cool J
- Triumph – Wu-Tang Clan
- You Make Me Wanna… – Usher
90s Summer Hip Hop Songs
We all know that summertime is the perfect time to crank up the tunes and enjoy the warm weather. And what better way to do that than with some classic 90s summer hip hop songs?
From classics like Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” to Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray,” these songs are sure to get you in the summer mood. So, crank up the volume and enjoy!
- People Everyday – Arrested Development
- Jamboree – Naughty By Nature
- Cold Rock A Party – MC Lyte ft Missy Elliott
- California Love – 2pac ft Dr Dre & Roger Troutman
- Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
- Here Comes The Hotstepper – Ini Kamoze
- Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty By Nature
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
- This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
- I Wish – Skee-Lo
90s Underground Hip Hop Songs
The 90s underground hip-hop scene was a breeding ground for some of the most innovative and creative artists in the genre.
This was a time when hip hop was still very much in its infancy, and the underground scene allowed for a lot of experimentation.
There were no rules and no boundaries, which led to some truly groundbreaking music being created. Here are some rare and essential 90s underground hip hop songs that you must know if you’re a fan of the genre.
- Do or Die – Sinistar Voicez
- Rollin’ Over You – Street Connect
- Riches to Rags – Mad Vibes
- Verbal Reality – Xperadó
- Do You Understand (Scam Remix) – Thrust
- Fill In The Blanks – Hardwe’re
- Glory – Lace Da Booms
- Skinflower – Native Nuttz
- Fed Up – The Almighty Arrogant
- Never Come Close – Probable Cause
90s Female Hip Hop Songs
Females have been a vital part of the hip-hop community since its inception in the late 1970s. They have been a force to be reckoned with, both as MCs and as producers.
And in the 1990s, they took the genre by storm with their unique styles and perspectives. From Queen Latifah to Missy Elliott, these are the female MCs that defined the decade.
- Fa All Y’all – Da Brat
- Party Ain’t A Party – Queen Pen
- It’s A Shame – Monie Love
- Cha Cha Cha – MC Lyte
- U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
- R U Ready ft. Rufus Moore – Salt-N-Pepa
- Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) – Soul II Soul
- What Ya Want ft. Eve, Nokio – Ruff Ryders
- Love Is Blind – Eve
- Happy ft. Ja Rule – Ashanti
90s Hip Hop Wedding Entrance Songs
A bit of hip hop at a wedding always goes down well, especially if you’re looking to make a grand entrance. These 90s hip-hop songs are the perfect way to do that. Simply choose your favorite track from this list, queue it up, and make your entrance!
- It’s Tricky – RUN DMC
- Real Love – Mary J blige
- California Love – 2pac feat Dr.Dre
- Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
- No Scrubs – TLC
- Push It – Salt-N-Pepa
- Tootsee Roll – 69 boyz
- Scenario – A Tribe Called Quest
- Fight For Your Right – Beastie Boys
- Family Affair – Mary J. Blige
Early, Mid, Late 90s Hip Hop Songs
Hip hop music in the early 1990s was characterized by its use of sampling, particularly of older funk and soul tracks. This was often done with the help of new technologies like the Akai MPC60 sampler, which made it easy for producers to create beats by piecing together different sounds.
Rappers often used these beats to tell stories about their lives, focusing on topics like poverty, violence, and racism. Some of the most popular early 90s hip hop songs include N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton” and Public Enemy’s “Fear of a Black Planet.”
The mid-1990s saw the rise of a new generation of hip-hop artists who were influenced by the early pioneers of the genre but eager to put their own spin on things. This led to the creation of some truly innovative and groundbreaking music. Notable mid-90s hip-hop songs include Wu-Tang Clan’s “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” and Nas’ “Illmatic.”
The late 1990s was a time of great change for hip-hop music. The genre had become extremely popular, and many artists began to experiment with different sounds and styles.
Regardless of whether you prefer the early, mid, or late 90s, there’s no denying that hip-hop music from this decade is some of the best ever made. So, crank up the volume and enjoy our list of the top 90s hip-hop songs!
Forgotten Hip Hop Songs of the 90s
It’s the nature of any music genre that some artists are going to be forgotten over time. And while the hip hop songs of the 90s are some of the most iconic and well-known tracks in the genre, there are still a few that have slipped through the cracks. Have a look at our list of forgotten hip hop songs of the 90s that deserves some attention.
- 93 ‘Til Infinity – Souls Of Mischief
- Sucka Nigga – A Tribe Called Quest
- The Choice Is Yours – Black Sheep
- Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – Digable Planets
- Stakes is High – De La Soul
- The Bizness – De La Soul ft. Common
- Sure Shot – Beastie Boys
- If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) – Nas
- Tonight’s Da Night – Redman
- Operation Lockdown – Heltah Skeltah
90s Hip Hop Love Songs
Who doesn’t love a good hip-hop love song? They’re the perfect way to show your significant other how much you care, and they’re also great for getting people in the mood for some romance.
Though they’re often overshadowed by the more aggressive tracks in the genre, these songs are some of the most beautiful and poetic that hip hop has to offer.
- I Need Love – LL Cool J
- Just A Friend – Biz Markie
- Last Night – Az Yet
- Promise – Jagged Edge
- I Wanna Know – Joe
- Come & Talk To Me – Jodeci
- If You Think You’re Lonely Now – K-Ci
- Before I Let You Go – Blackstreet
- Nobody knows it but me – Babyface
- Cupid – 112
90s Hip Hop Karaoke Songs
Where would Hip Hop music be without some good old-fashioned karaoke? Karaoke bars are the perfect place to let loose and sing your heart out to some of your favorite songs.
And what better songs to sing than some of the best hip hop tracks from the 90s? These are the karaoke classics that will get any party started. Take a look!
- It Was A Good Day – Ice Cube
- Gin And Juice – Snoop Dogg
- Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill
- Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
- Dear Mama – 2Pac
- The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground
- Jump – Kris Kross
- Regulate – Warren G ft Nate Dogg
- Montell Jordan – This is how we do it
- Motown Philly – Boyz II Men
90s Hip Hop Christmas Songs
You can’t miss out on the topic of Christmas when it comes to the 90s. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best hip-hop Christmas songs from the decade. From Snoop Dogg’s “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto” to Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis,” these tracks are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
- Christmas in Hollis – Run-D.M.C.
- Christmas in da Ghetto – Snoop Dogg
- Sleigh Ride – TLC
- Three Santa’s Rap – Treacherous
- What You Want for Christmas – Quad City DJ’s, The 69 Boyz and K-Nock
Wrapping Up
That’s it for our list of the best hip-hop songs of the 90s! We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. As you saw, there are plenty of amazing tracks to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your next party or karaoke night. What’s your favorite 90s hip-hop song?
