🎧🔥 Ranking the Top 150 Best ’90s Rap Songs

Arguably the greatest decade in hip hop history, the ’90s emerged as an era teeming with innovative lyricists, game-changing producers and culture-defining songwriters. As hip hop artists continued to push the envelope throughout the decade, a rich tapestry of diverse sounds from every rap region was woven, with tracks that would leave a timeless imprint on the culture.

From Common’s unapologetically honest ode to the changing landscape of hip hop on “I Used to Love H.E.R.” to Nas’s raw, introspective journey through the gritty streets of Queensbridge on “N.Y. State of Mind,” these songs would go on to define an era of rap that continues to inspire generations. A tribute to the West Coast lifestyle, Snoop Doggy Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” and Warren G and Nate Dogg’s “Regulate” served as timeless cultural timestamps of ‘90s hip hop.

As the ’90s progressed, rappers and producers continued to push boundaries, with songs like OutKast’s hypnotic “Elevators (Me & You)” redefining the sound of Southern hip hop, and Jay-Z’s introspective “D’Evils” exploring the darker side of ambition.

So let’s get into it. From Wu-Tang’s timeless hustler anthem “C.R.E.A.M.” to 2Pac’s call-to-arms on “Ambitionz az a Ridah” and Big’s rags-to-riches story on “Juicy,” we rank the top 150 best ’90s rap songs.

150. Tha Dogg Pound feat. Michel’le – “Let’s Play House”

“Let’s Play House” is one of the prime examples of Daz and Kurupt’s ability to blend infectious hooks, smooth production, and raw lyricism. With Michel’le’s soulful chorus and the G-funk beats acting as the backdrop, Daz Dillinger and Kurupt spit playful yet provocative lines about love and relationships. It’s a track that exemplifies the laid-back, party-centric mood of the West Coast rap scene in the ’90s, lacing it with a healthy dose of streetwise charm and charisma.

149. The Coup — “Me And Jesus The Pimp In A ’79 Granada Last Night”

As one of the most underrated gems of the ’90s, The Coup’s “Me And Jesus The Pimp In A ’79 Granada Last Night” delivers a poignant narrative over a funk-infused backdrop. Frontman Boots Riley’s vivid storytelling and social commentary make the song an engaging, insightful exploration of life’s grim realities.

148. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo — “On the Run”

Considered pioneers of the mafioso rap subgenre, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo’s “On the Run” is a cinematic narrative full of intricate wordplay and vivid imagery. G Rap’s complex storytelling, delivered in his signature rapid-fire flow, creates a high-stakes chase over Sir Jinx’s gritty, boom-bap production. It’s an adrenaline-fueled journey through the underworld that remains an influential classic in the history of mafioso hip hop.

147. Brand Nubian — “Slow Down”

Brand Nubian’s “Slow Down” is a wise word of caution against the fast life, delivered with a unique mix of consciousness and cool. Over an infectious Edie Brickell sample, the group combines insightful lyricism with smooth flows, creating a timeless anthem that encourages listeners to take a step back and reassess their choices.

146. 8Ball & MJG feat. Nina Creque — “Space Age Pimpin'”

Southern rap luminaries 8Ball & MJG brought their distinctive flavor to the forefront with “Space Age Pimpin'”. The track, with its smooth funk-infused production and Nina Creque’s sultry chorus, encapsulates the duo’s unique style of delivering street-savvy narratives. The song’s laid-back swagger and lyrical eloquence helped solidify 8Ball & MJG’s position as pioneers of the Southern hip hop scene and masters of the Memphis rap game.

145. Das EFX — “They Want EFX”

“They Want EFX” captures the essence of Das EFX’s high-energy style and playful lyricism, delivered in the duo’s trademark ‘iggity’ style. The track is a hyper-creative whirlwind, employing clever wordplay, pop culture references, and animated sound effects over a bass-heavy beat. It’s a head-nodding anthem that broke the mold, showcasing Das EFX’s unique approach to rhyming and proving that hip-hop had room for all forms of linguistic dexterity.

144. De La Soul — “A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays'”

“A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays'” is a shining example of De La Soul’s ability to craft feel-good tracks with an underlying depth. It’s an infectious blend of vibrant melodies, breezy lyrics, and a sampled groove that simply compels you to move. The track encapsulates the joy and camaraderie of weekend escapades, maintaining a timeless appeal that affirms De La Soul’s mastery of the hip hop party anthem.

143. Skee-Lo — “I Wish”

“I Wish” is Skee-Lo’s signature track, a relatable tale of longing and aspiration delivered over an irresistibly catchy beat. The song stands out for its humble, everyman perspective, a contrast to the materialistic bravado often associated with rap. With its funky bassline, playful storytelling, and memorable hook, “I Wish” endures as a lovable underdog anthem, proving that charm and relatability can leave as strong an imprint as any boastful declaration.

142. Main Source ft. Nas, Akinyele & Joe Fatal — “Live At The BBQ”

“Live At The BBQ” is a hip-hop classic that not only showcases the deft production and lyricism of Main Source but also marks the debut of one of rap’s greatest MCs, Nas. His verse, packed with vivid streetwise imagery, provided a glimpse into the talent that would soon shake the hip-hop world. Combined with standout performances from Akinyele and Joe Fatal, the track stands as a milestone in rap’s Golden Age, an upbeat, sample-heavy track that captures the essence of early ’90s East Coast rap.

141. Junior M.A.F.I.A. feat. The Notorious B.I.G. — “Player’s Anthem”

With an irresistible beat and captivating charisma, Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem” catapults you straight into the vibrant heart of New York hip-hop in the ’90s. Underscored by the larger-than-life presence of Biggie Smalls, the crew paints a lively picture of their lifestyle, intertwining street narratives and braggadocious revelry in a way that’s unforgettable.

140. Lost Boyz — “Renee”

What sets Lost Boyz’s “Renee” apart is its deep emotional resonance. Love and loss intertwine in Mr. Cheeks’ heartfelt narrative, set against a backdrop of a poignant beat, which samples Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun).” The tragic romance painted by the song underscores the expansive emotional depth of hip hop, a testament to its power to touch hearts and move souls.

139. Atmosphere — “Scapegoat”

From Atmosphere comes “Scapegoat,” a haunting exploration of society’s propensity for blame and deflection. It’s not just Slug’s cutting lyricism or Ant’s atmospheric production that make this track memorable – it’s their shared ability to delve deep into uncomfortable truths, confronting them head-on through engaging hip-hop storytelling.

138. Keith Murray — “The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World”

Keith Murray doesn’t just rap in “The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World” – he takes you on a lyrical thrill ride. His dynamic flow and complex wordplay dance over Erick Sermon’s funk-infused beats, creating a song that vibrates with East Coast energy. The track is just a reminder of Keith Murray’s astounding lyrical talent and his solid standing in the ‘90s rap game.

137. Xzibit — “Paparazzi”

“Paparazzi” is a scathing critique of fame-chasing rappers from the indomitable Xzibit. Over a haunting, string-laden beat, Xzibit delivers powerful lines that lament the industry’s obsession with image over artistry. It’s a song that exhibits Xzibit’s hard-hitting lyricism and strong stance on hip-hop integrity, marking it as a standout track that resonates even more deeply in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture.

136. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony — “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”

Ethereal harmonies meet street-tough narratives in Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s “Thuggish Ruggish Bone.” The track’s blend of rapid-fire delivery, melody-infused flows, and gritty realism set a new bar for innovation in hip-hop. It’s a foundational piece of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s legacy, a unique sonic concoction that holds a special place in the pantheon of ’90s rap.

135. Common feat. Lauryn Hill — “Retrospect for Life”

Two virtuosos unite in “Retrospect for Life,” as Common and Lauryn Hill craft a deeply introspective exploration of the repercussions of an unplanned pregnancy. It’s a touching piece that sees Common’s thoughtful lyricism at its peak, punctuated by Hill’s soul-stirring chorus.

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