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20 Most Popular Rap Songs In The 90s  

The 1990s decade was one of the best for rap music. It had moved from rhyming for fun to creating awareness of cultural, political, and social justice issues. The decade also saw the emergence of Gangster rap which was criticized for its negativity including violence, and not forgetting the east and west coast rap rivalry. 

Rap evolved severally during the 90s. There were feel-good rap songs and others that focused on flashy cars, mansions, bling, and money. The genre had reached new heights of popularity not only for the American black community but for wider audiences as well.

Companies began using rap music in their sales campaigns that included rap-themed commercials and advertisements. This improved the lives of rappers who got these deals.

The decade saw rap artists and groups such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Eve, Lil’ Kim Snoop Dogg, and Lost Boyz release some of the most iconic and memorable songs in the history of the genre. These tracks have influenced the development of rap music for years. Here are the 20 most popular rap songs in the 90s. 

1. Music Makes Me High 

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Music Makes Me High is the first song on the list. It is one of the greatest rap songs that is still featured on playlists decades later. It is a song by the rap group Lost Boyz and it was released in 1996. It is a feel-good song that celebrates how powerful music is. Music can boost one’s spirit and create a sense of joy and happiness.  

The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “music makes me high” to emphasize this theme, while the verses showcase the group’s lyrical and rapping skills. The song did very well in the charts.

2. Ruff Riders Anthem 

Done by DMX the American rapper, the ruff riders anthem is a classic rap song that was released in 1998 and is known for the catchy ‘Stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop’ line. It was and still is one of the most popular and loved songs from the 90s. 

With an energetic beat, the song has been featured in many movies, TV shows, plus video games, and remains a popular choice for workout playlists and sports events. It is one of DMX’s most popular songs. 

3. Gotta Man 

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Gotta Man is a song by American rapper Eve, which was released in 1999. It was the lead single from her first album ‘Let There Be Eve… Ruff Ryders’ First Lady’. The song has a catchy beat that is a nursery rhyme and is an anthem for strong, independent women to find a good partner who can support and uplift them.  

Eve sings about being faithful to her Alpha male and keeping his secrets through thick and thin. The song helped establish Eve as a strong rapper and earned her respect in the male-dominated rap music world. 

4. Juicy 

Juicy is a rap song that was released in 1994 by The Notorious B.I.G., the slain rapper. It was the first single from the album Ready to Die. The song tells the story of his rise to fame after a humble beginning in Brooklyn and his early struggles.

It has a catchy beat and uplifting message. The song was extremely successful and helped the album sell millions of records.  

Find out more about the Notorious B.I.G. here. 

5. Keep Ya Head Up 

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This was a 1993 hit rap song by Tupac Shakur that carried a message of hope and resilience. A single from his album ‘Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…’, the song topped the charts back in the day and is still loved by fans to this day.

The song talks about issues such as poverty, single motherhood, and the struggles faced on a daily, especially by black women. It encourages people to stay strong and positive in the face of adversity and to persevere through difficult times.  

Here are facts about Tupac Shakur. 

6. Ice Ice Baby  

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Vanilla Ice released this catchy beat song in 1990 and it became a massive hit song, gaining commercial success. His rap verses in this song describe his own life and experiences as a young man growing up in a tough neighborhood.

The song was released on the rapper’s first album and it made him very popular.  The song is a 90s classic and has remained a popular and recognizable song over the years. It has been featured in movies and films severally.

7. U Can’t Touch This 

This rap song by MC Hammer was released in 1990 and is a Grammy award-winning tune. It has an infectious beat, and catchy hook plus the dance moves are incredible. It is a song that was meant to let his haters know that they can’t touch him or bring him down.

It was such a successful hit that it is featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials to this day. 

8. Gangsta’s Paradise 

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Gangsta’s Paradise is a hit rap song by Coolio featuring L.V. The song was released in 1995 and was about the struggles and challenges that young black men were facing at the time. The song won a Grammy award and was topping the charts for a long time in many countries. 

9. Jump  

This Jump song was such a hit in the 90s. It was released in 1992 by the duo Kris Kross and was among their first songs. The song was successful and it boosted the duo’s popularity. Its lyrics are simple and catchy, with the chorus repeating the phrase “jump, jump” as an invitation to the listener to dance and have fun.  

It had an energetic beat and it promoted the style of wearing clothes backward thanks to the rap group. 

10. U.N.I.T.Y. 

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Released in 1993, U.N.I.T.Y. is a song by American rapper Queen Latifah that was advocating for women’s empowerment and solidarity. The song was so big back in the day that it won a Grammy award. The singer speaks out against domestic violence, street harassment, and the objectification of women.  

In the video, Queen Latifah is leading a group of women through the streets of New York City, confronting men who harass them and encouraging women to stand up for themselves. The song remains relatable to date. 

11. California Love 

Another popular rap song of the 90s is California Love. A single from 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez on Me’ album, the song was released in 1995 and it was not a solo, but a collaboration that featured Dr. Dre and Roger. It is an iconic rap song and it was very successful when it was released, topping the charts for weeks.  

The chorus repeats the phrase “California love” as an anthem for the state and its people and the song was generally about celebrating the West Coast lifestyle. 

12. Mo Money, Mo Problems  

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Mo Money Mo Problems is a 1997 song by the late American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. from his album ‘Life After Death’. Though the song was released after Biggie’s death, it topped the charts for weeks. It was a collaboration that featured P. Diddy and Mase and talked about the downside of fame and success, particularly in the music industry.  

The chorus repeats the phrase ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’, making it a popular catchphrase to date. It is a classic one that fans can’t get enough of. 

13. Who Am I? 

Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg that was released in 1993 and is featured in his first album, titled ‘Doggystyle’. Dr. Dre produced the song that was meant to introduce Snoop Dogg to the world and establish his identity as a rapper from Long Beach, California. 

The song’s chorus repeatedly asks the question “Who am I?” And the rapper responds with the iconic catchphrase, “Snoop Doggy Dogg!” 

14. It’s A Party  

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It’s a Party is a rap song by Busta Rhymes and features Zhané the music group. Released in 1996, the song showcases Busta’s unique style of fast-paced rhyming and charismatic delivery. The song is a fun and upbeat track with the artists trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. It is a popular song that is one of the greatest rap songs of all time.  

15. Party Aint A Party 

This is a party song by Queen Pen the rapper and was released in 1998. The song features guest vocals from R&B group, 702, and is notable for its upbeat party anthem vibe and catchy chorus.

It topped the charts back in the day and Queen Pen raps about the importance of having a good time and letting loose at a party.  

16. Feel Me Flow  

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‘Feel Me Flow’ is a rap song by the group Naughty by Nature and was featured in their Grammy award-winning album ‘Poverty’s Paradise’. The song was a chart-topping hit and is a classic and remains a popular choice for DJ sets and playlists to date. 

17. Lost Ones  

This is a song by rapper Lauryn Hill, which she produced and released in 1998 as a single from her first award-winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’. The song is a powerful expression of her thoughts and feelings about the music industry and the people in her life, talking about betrayal, greed, and being true to herself. 

She uses sharp rhymes and soulful singing, with a simple beat, a piano melody, and occasional horn samples. She has a beautiful and powerful voice. 

18. Nas Is Like  

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Nas Is Like is a song by Nas the rapper and it was released in 1999. He sings about identity, legacy, and cultural pride and it is one of his best songs. With a jazzy, boom-bap beat and scratch samples, the song did well in the charts after its release. 

The song showcases his storytelling abilities and his unique perspective on life. He compares himself to iconic historical and pop culture figures, such as Shakespeare, Frank Sinatra, and Scarface, to illustrate his own influence and significance in the rap game. 

19. Not Tonight 

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Not Tonight is a song by rapper Lil’ Kim and it also features other female rappers like Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, and Left Eye of TLC. A remix of a song that Lil’ Kim had done with Jermaine Dupri in 1996, this hit version was released in 1997 and is a popular anthem for women’s empowerment. 

It topped the charts and even got nominated for a Grammy award. That is how good that remix was.

20. Me and My Crazy World 

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Me and My Crazy World is a song by Lost Boyz the rap group and it was released in 1996. The song was a single from their first album “Legal Drug Money”. They rapped about the struggles and challenges they faced in their daily lives, including poverty, violence, and racial discrimination.  

It also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It has a mellow, soulful vibe and a catchy chorus. A Lost Boyz song started the list and another of their songs closes it. The group was one of the greatest in the 90s.  

Those are some of the most popular rap songs of the 90s, and they will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans. These songs remain timeless to this day, representing a diverse range of styles and voices. 

Here’s an article on assassinated U.S. rappers and another on rappers from Detroit.