The Top 50 Best ’90s Rappers

The 1990s, often hailed as the golden era of hip-hop, saw an explosion of rapping and production talent that revolutionized the culture. 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.

Consider, for example, the way Lauryn Hill blended rap, R&B, and neo-soul, her lyrics imbued with heartfelt emotionality and poignant social commentary. Or Jay-Z, a Brooklyn hustler-turned-MC whose complex wordplay and intricate storytelling paved the way for a dynasty. 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.

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. Redman, with his off-kilter humor and intricate lyricism, kept the East Coast’s raw, gritty sound alive and well. 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.

At 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. The decade also witnessed the rise and tragic fall of two of rap’s most iconic figures: The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac. Their larger-than-life personalities, coupled with their extraordinary output, inspired not just their peers, but the generations of rappers who followed.

So let’s get into it. 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.

50. The Lady of Rage

Albums: Necessary Roughness (1997)

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 Virginia to the West Coast, Rage cut her teeth with the Death Row Records crew. 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. Unapologetically powerful and supremely skilled, Rage proved that a woman’s place was right in the thick of the rap game. 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.

49. Juvenile

Albums: Being Myself (1995), Solja Rags (1997), 400 Degreez (1998), Tha G-Code(1999)

A titan of the Dirty South, Juvenile was instrumental in propelling Cash Money Records into the mainstream during the ’90s. The Magnolia Projects-raised rapper’s down South drawl and kinetic flow delivered an unfiltered view of New Orleans street life. 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. 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.

48. Spice 1

Albums: Spice 1 (1992), 187 He Wrote (1993), AmeriKKKa’s Nightmare (1994), 1990-Sick (1995), The Black Bossalini (1997), Immortalized (1999)

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. The Bay Area rapper’s evocative narratives of street life were a stark departure from the party anthems of his peers. Spice brought forth tales of survival against all odds in the gritty underbelly of Hayward, California. 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.

47. Mase

Albums: Harlem World (1997), The Movement (with Harlem World) (1999), Double Up (1999)

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). Over the years, the Harlem rapper has been unfairly criticised for his role in the shiny suit era, a lot of which is undeserved. Let’s just look at the music itself. Harlem World is arguably the best Bad Boy release by a rapper not named The Notorious B.I.G., and even now, decades since his moment in the spotlight, Mase is still being referenced by A-listers. Peep Pusha T’s Mase flow impersonation on “Let Me Love You,” or Kanye name-checking him on “Devil in a New Dress” or Drake interpolating his lines on “Worst Behavior.” So let’s give Mase credit where credit is due because he’s definitely one of the best 90s rappers ever.

46. Phife Dawg

Albums: People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990), The Low End Theory (1991), Midnight Marauders (1993), Beats, Rhymes and Life (1996), The Love Movement (1998)

Arguably the soul of A Tribe Called Quest, the Five-Footer’s playful, sport-referencing rhymes were the perfect foil to Q-Tip’s smooth, introspective bars. Phife was the heart of the Tribe, bringing an everyman charm to the group’s jazz-infused sound. Tracks like “Buggin’ Out” and “Electric Relaxation” display his nimble flow and knack for catchy, relatable lyrics. His contributions to ATCQ and the broader hip-hop landscape during the ’90s were immeasurable, earning him a well-deserved place among the decade’s most influential lyricists.

45. Queen Latifah

Albums: Nature of a Sista’ (1991), Black Reign (1993), Order in the Court (1998)

Representing Newark, New Jersey, with an unmatchable swagger and grace, Queen Latifah reigned supreme in the ’90s. Combining elements of rap, R&B, and soul, Latifah carved out a lane for herself and other women in the industry. With hits like “U.N.I.T.Y.,” she not only showcased her lyrical prowess but also delivered a potent message of female empowerment and self-respect. Her lyrical content and style were revolutionary, turning the mic into a tool for advocacy, all while serving memorable flows that put many of her contemporaries on notice.

44. Ras Kass

Albums: Soul on Ice (1996), Rasassination (1998)

Ras Kass may not be mentioned in the same breath as other ’90s West Coast greats like Ice Cube or Snoop Dogg, but that’s never been a problem for the super lyrical talent hailing from Carson, California. Making his debut in 1991 on Wild West Corral’s “Trick or Treat”, Ras Kass went on to drop just two solo albums during the decade, as well as a slew of feature appearances. That being said, with the level of complex lyricism and dense metaphorical wordplay featured in his albums – just peep “Nature of the Threat” – it was equivalent to any other rapper releasing twice as many projects. Underrated yet consistent as hell, Ras Kass was absolutely one of the best rappers of the ’90s.

43. E-40

Albums: Down and Dirty (with the Click) (1992), Federal (1993), In a Major Way (1995), Game Related (with the Click) (1995), Tha Hall of Game (1996), The Element of Surprise (1998), Charlie Hustle: The Blueprint of a Self-Made Millionaire (1999)

Founded by E-40 in 1989, Sick Wid It Records was a pioneer rap label for the independent movement, inspiring both future moguls like Master P and Birdman. Using his independent record label as a platform for his music, the Vallejo rapper-entrepreneur played a key role in building up the Bay Area scene with his flamboyant raps, undeniable slang and hustler spirit. E-40 had so much success in cultivating an independent, loyal fanbase in the region that it wasn’t long before the majors came calling. With a major label deal signed with Jive Records in 1994, the rapper went on to drop In a Major Way, which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling 70,000 copies in the first week. E-40’s independent business savvy, prolific output and innovative sound would go on to set the blueprint for countless rappers for decades to come. The Bay Area hustler wasn’t just one of the best 90s rappers, he was one of the most influential and impactful.

42. Bun B

Albums: The Southern Way (1992), Banned (1992), Too Hard to Swallow (1992), Super Tight (1994), Ridin’ Dirty (1996)

At the beginning the ’90s, Bun B and Pimp C were two up-and-coming rappers from Port Arthur, Texas who had just released their debut album, Too Hard to Swallow, which had barely made a dent on the charts. By the end of the decade, they were featured on the biggest rap record of the year alongside the biggest hip hop at the time. In between, they dropped Ridin’ Dirty, arguably a top five Southern album of all time, which features Bun B’s verse on “Murder,” one of the greatest rap verses of all time. While Pimp’s syrup-drenched vocals were full of colour and character, it was Bun’s distinctive flow and nimble delivery that grounded the duo and enabled them to be relatable superheroes to the everyday listener. A dangerous combination of technical ability on the mic and unforgettable Southern tales made Bun B one of the best 90s rappers of all time.

41. MC Eiht

Albums: It’s a Compton Thang (as Compton’s Most Wanted) (1990), Straight Checkn ‘Em (as Compton’s Most Wanted) (1991), Music to Driveby (as Compton’s Most Wanted) (1992), We Come Strapped (1994), Death Threatz (1996), Last Man Standing (1997), Section 8 (1999)

If you’re a West Coast hip hop head, then it shouldn’t have been a surprise to you when you heard MC Eiht’s make his entrance on the second half of Kendrick Lamar’s “m.A.A.d City.” The Compton rapper is the very definition of an OG. Coming up as part of Compton’s Most Wanted, MC Eiht was a staple voice of the ’90s West Coast scene with a ridiculously consistent catalogue of solo and group albums. And of course, there’s his debut single, the all-time classic “Streiht Up Menace” which featured in the movie Menace II Society which Eiht played a supporting, but critical role in. Bottom line is: MC Eiht isn’t just one of the best West Coast rappers ever, he’s one of the most important rappers of the ’90s.

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