Mapping the Hip-Hop Nation in the 1990s
November 21, 2022
By 1990, hip-hop culture had inspired regional scenes across the United States. A series of maps attempted to mark the changes.
ALL: Hip-Hop 1990
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Chubb Rock
January 23, 2021
Chubb Rock’s reputation as a solid, oft-underrated contributor to hip-hop’s golden era is belied by his best-known hit.
The Best Rap Singles of 1990: Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.
January 23, 2021
Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., a Samoan family band from Los Angeles, are fondly remembered for their memorable role in early West Coast hip-hop.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Jungle Brothers
December 23, 2020
The Jungle Brothers may have been underrated in America, but they found a receptive audience in Europe, leading to two top-40 UK hits.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Eric B. & Rakim
December 23, 2020
While not as essential as the duo’s earlier work, this hit swings with the verve of a master craftsman stepping out of his comfort zone.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: BWP
December 23, 2020
BWP’s sharp, raunchy shot at under-performing men remains catnip for fans looking for precursors to today’s smack-talking rap women.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Boogie Down Productions
October 10, 2020
This 12-inch is arguably Bronx heroes Boogie Down Productions’ last great single, and one of the finest story raps of the era.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: EPMD
October 10, 2020
On “Gold Digger,” EPMD sticks to their rugged jeep-funk formula with an amusing concept about devious ladies and a Funkadelic sample.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Big Daddy Kane
July 31, 2020
“Cause I Can Do It Right” is an inflection point for a rapper struggling to maintain momentum as a New Jack lover man.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Above the Law
July 31, 2020
Throughout the 90s, Above the Law would score bigger and better music. But they never matched the impact of their first two hits.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: M.C. Mitchski
July 22, 2020
Before transitioning into a behind-the-scenes industry role, Coney Island rapper MC Mitchski self-released this 12-inch beloved by diggers.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: Mac Dre
July 21, 2020
It would be several years before Mac Dre evolved into the Thizz jester. But the blueprint of the Vallejo rap legend was already present.