Over the years, the Harlem rapper has been unfairly criticised for his role in the shiny suit era, a lot of which is undeserved. If there was ever a rapper who has come to represent the excess commercialism, watered down samples and nostalgia of late ’90s Bad Boy era in the public’s mind, it’s Mase (who understandably dropped the Murder from his name). MaseĪlbums: Harlem World (1997), The Movement (with Harlem World) (1999), Double Up (1999) Tracks like “Welcome to the Ghetto” and “187 Proof” had a knack for gritty storytelling that painted pictures in stark, unapologetic detail, making him a standout in the crowded ’90s rap scene. Spice brought forth tales of survival against all odds in the gritty underbelly of Hayward, California. The Bay Area rapper’s evocative narratives of street life were a stark departure from the party anthems of his peers. If you were seeking a raw, unfiltered depiction of life on the West Coast during the ’90s, then Spice 1 was your lyricist of choice. This album didn’t just go quadruple platinum it put Southern rap on a new trajectory and solidified Juvenile’s position in the rap hierarchy of the decade. His 1998 breakout album, 400 Degreez, boasted hits like “Ha” and “Back That Azz Up,” where his captivating delivery and distinct New Orleans bounce influence truly shone. The Magnolia Projects-raised rapper’s down South drawl and kinetic flow delivered an unfiltered view of New Orleans street life. JuvenileĪlbums: Being Myself (1995), Solja Rags (1997), 400 Degreez (1998), Tha G-Code (1999)Ī titan of the Dirty South, Juvenile was instrumental in propelling Cash Money Records into the mainstream during the ’90s. Not only was this Death Row lyricist one of the best ’90s rappers, she’s arguably one of the greatest female MCs of all time. Unapologetically powerful and supremely skilled, Rage proved that a woman’s place was right in the thick of the rap game. Her debut single “Afro Puffs” stamped her mark on the decade, with her ferocious delivery and intricate wordplay standing toe-to-toe with her male counterparts. From Virginia to the West Coast, Rage cut her teeth with the Death Row Records crew. Representing for the ladies in the testosterone-heavy landscape of ’90s hip-hop, The Lady of Rage came through with bars that were as fierce as they were unforgettable.
From West Coast legends like Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg to New York lyricists Nas and Biggie and Down South icons OutKast and Juvenile, here are the top 50 best ’90s rappers.
Their larger-than-life personalities, coupled with their extraordinary output, inspired not just their peers, but the generations of rappers who followed. The decade also witnessed the rise and tragic fall of two of rap’s most iconic figures: The Notorious B.I.G. Scarface and Ice Cube, meanwhile, delivered street-wise tales from the South and West respectively, their deep, insightful lyrics creating a bridge between the struggles of the inner-city streets and the mainstream audience.Īt the same time, Nas burst onto the scene with a level of lyricism that was wise beyond his years, painting cinematic portraits of Queensbridge life with his debut, Illmatic. Redman, with his off-kilter humor and intricate lyricism, kept the East Coast’s raw, gritty sound alive and well. The ’90s also gave us Snoop Dogg, the crown prince of G-funk, whose laid-back flow and gangsta tales became the West Coast’s trademark. Then there was Andre 3000, whose eccentric lyricism and forward-thinking creativity with OutKast put the South on the map, crafting timeless albums that were as surreal as they were brilliant. Or Jay-Z, a Brooklyn hustler-turned-MC whose complex wordplay and intricate storytelling paved the way for a dynasty. From the West Coast’s G-funk to the East Coast’s boom-bap, and the South’s distinctive Dirty South sound, the ’90s was an epoch of regional sounds, diverse styles, and lyrical dynamism.Ĭonsider, for example, the way Lauryn Hill blended rap, R&B, and neo-soul, her lyrics imbued with heartfelt emotionality and poignant social commentary. The 1990s, often hailed as the golden era of hip-hop, saw an explosion of rapping and production talent that revolutionized the culture.
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