The 1990s were a crucial period during the development of hip-hop, frequently dubbed the "golden age" of rap music. This era stood out due to an explosion of creativity, innovation, and cultural impact, as musicians delved into fresh musical styles and poetic content that connected deeply with their audience. However, which rappers from the '90s embodied this illustrious epoch of rap music?

What sets apart hip-hop artists from the 1990s is their varied musical approaches, deep narrative skills, significant cultural influence, groundbreaking partnerships, and cutting-edge production methods. They encompassed a wide range of styles and sub-genres within the genre that connected deeply with numerous listeners.

20 top rappers from the 90s who defined the golden era of hip-hop

The choice of the top 90s rap artists is based on information from Grado Zero Beats and Billboard charts. We assessed each artist’s impact, their career span, and lyrical prowess. Below is our list featuring the greatest hip-hop stars of the decade: 1. The Notorious B.I.G. 2. Tupac Shakur 3. Nas 4. Wu-Tang Clan 5. Snoop Dogg 6. Jay-Z 7. Eminem 8. Ice Cube 9. Dr. Dre 10. LL Cool J ... [continuing with more names as needed] ... Please let me know if you would like additional details included!

Rapper	Best Album (Copies Sold)
Tupac Shakur	Greatest Hits (6.6 million copies)
The Notorious B.I.G.	Life After Death (10 million copies)
Nas	It Was Written (3.3 million copies)
Dr. Dre	2001 (10 million copies)
Snoop Dogg	D*ggystyle (6 million copies)
Jay-Z	Vol 2…Hard Knock Life (6.2 million copies)
Wu-Tang Clan	Wu-Tang Forever (6 million copies)
Ice Cube	The Predator (2 million copies)
Lauryn Hill	The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (20 million copies)
Busta Rhymes	Extinction-Level Event/Ultimate Global Crisis (1.1 million copies)
OutKast	Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (13 million copies)
Missy Elliott	Under Construction (2.2 million copies)
A Tribe Called Quest	Midnight Marauders (1 million copies)
Scarface	The Untouchable (1 million copies sold)
Redman	Blackout (1.2 million copies)
Queen Latifah	The Dana Owens Album (500 thousand copies)
DMX	It's dark, and hell is blazing hot. (5.8 million copies)
Method Man	Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1.6 million copies)
Salt-N-Pepa	Very Necessary (5.4 million copies)
Fat Joe	Jealous Ones Still Envy (1 million copies)

1. Tupac Shakur

• Full name: Tupac Amaru Shakur
• Date of birth: 16 June 1971
• Died: 13 September 1996
• Spouse: Keisha Morris (1995–1996)

Tupac, commonly referred to as 2Pac, emerged as a pioneering voice in hip-hop and is often regarded as one of the finest artists from the golden age of rap during the '90s. His popularity stemmed from his ability to merge intense emotions with thought-provoking societal critique within his tracks.

His albums, such as All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World , demonstrated his skillful use of poetry within lyrics and tackled subjects such as poverty, racial discrimination, and brutality. Tupac’s magnetic personality and multifaceted character turned him into a cultural symbol, and his untimely passing further solidified his enduring impact.

2. The Notorious B.I.G.

• Full name: Christopher George Latore Wallace
• Date of birth: 21 May 1972
• Died: 9 March 1997
• Children: C. J. Wallace and T'yanna Wallace
• Spouse: Faith Evans

Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., is renowned for his silky flow and masterful narrative skills. His first studio album, Ready to Die , shared stories from his own life filled with challenges and victories.

3. Nas

• Born: 14 September 1973
• Full name: Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
• Children: Destiny Jones

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas, burst onto the scene as a masterful lyricist with his first album. Illmatic , frequently celebrated as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.

His complex use of language and evocative narratives encapsulated the heart of city living, especially in New York City. Songs such as N.Y. State of Mind strengthened his position as a prominent figure in hip-hop.

4. Dr. Dre

• Full name: Andre Romelle Young
• Born: 18 February 1965
• Spouse: Nicole Young (1996–2021)
• Children: Marcel Young, La Tanya Danielle Young, Curtis Young, MORE

As a producer and one of the most famous 90s rappers, Dr. Dre was instrumental in shaping the sound of West Coast hip-hop. His album The Chronic pioneered the G-funk sound, marked by funk samples and relaxed rhythms.

Dre's impact reached new heights through his mentorship of artists such as Snoop Dogg and Eminem, solidifying his role as a key architect in shaping the genre's development.

5. Snoop Dogg

• Full name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
• Born: 20 October 1971
• Spouse: Shante Broadus (1997)
• Children: Cordell Broadus, Cori Broadus, Julian Corrie Broadus, Cordé Broadus

With his first album, Snoop Dogg made a memorable entrance into the hip-hop world, highlighting his relaxed yet captivating flow and signature flair. Working alongside Dr. Dre solidified Snoop’s association with West Coast rap. His magnetic presence and distinct identity allowed him to extend beyond just music, evolving into a prominent figure in popular culture.

6. Jay-Z

• Full name: Shawn Corey Carter
• Born: 4 December 1969
• Spouse: Beyoncé

Jay-Z asserted his prowess as both a skilled lyricist and an astute entrepreneur through his first studio release. Reasonable Doubt His talent for merging stories from the streets with widespread popularity distinguished him. Songs such as Hard Knock Life highlighted his groundbreaking sampling methods and cemented his position in hip-hop lore.

7. Wu-Tang Clan

• Origin: Staten Island, New York, USA
• Record labels: Loud Records, Sony Music Entertainment
• Active from: 1991

The Wu-Tang Clan transformed hip-hop through their distinctive mix of martial arts visuals and raw urban storytelling. Their first studio album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) showcased a group of skilled rappers, each contributing their unique flair.

8. Ice Cube

Ice Cube shifted from being part of N.W.A. to launching a lucrative solo career. Renowned for his politically charged verses and narrative skills, he gained acclaim with albums such as AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted He tackled societal problems and individual journeys through his music. His tracks cement his status as a influential figure in hip-hop.

9. Lauryn Hill

• Full name: Lauryn Noelle Hill
• Born: 26 May 1975
• Children: YG Marley, Zion David Marley, Selah Marley, Sarah Marley, John Nesta Marley

Lauryn Hill, both as a member of The Fugees and through her individual projects, merged hip-hop with soul and R&B. Her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill demonstrated her range as both a rapper and a vocalist. This accomplishment brought her praise from critics and achieved significant commercial popularity.

Her deeply reflective songwriting struck a chord with listeners, propelling her into prominence as a pioneer for women in hip-hop and cementing her status as one of the era’s most beloved rap artists during the 1990s.

10. Busta Rhymes

• Full name: Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr.
• Born: 20 May 1972
• Children: Mariah Smith, Cacie Smith, Trillian Wood-Smith, T'Khi Wood-Smith, T'ziah Wood-Smith

Busta Rhymes is renowned for his dynamic delivery and complex rhyming patterns. Whether teaming up with icons such as Q-Tip or working independently, he has showcased an impressive range of talent which includes The Coming , underscored his distinctive style. Busta’s knack for blending hip-hop with multiple genres set him apart as an outstanding artist of the era.

11. OutKast

• Origin: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• Active from: 1992
• Record labels: LaFace Records, Arista Records

OutKast, comprising André 3000 and Big Boi, expanded the horizons of hip-hop through their diverse musical style and groundbreaking narrative techniques. Their albums such as Aquemini highlighted their unique Southern flair, merging elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop.

12. Missy Elliott

• Full name: Melissa Arnette Elliott
• Born: 1 July 1971
• Height: 1.57 m
• Parents: Patricia Elliott, Ronnie Elliott

Missy Elliott emerged as a ground-breaking artist known for her innovative music videos and genre-blending sound. Her albums, including Supa Dupa Fly , known for her infectious hooks and witty wordplay, she became a standout artist in the 1990s hip-hop landscape.

13. A Tribe CalledQuest

• Origin: Queens, New York, U.S., St. Albans, New York, U.S.
• Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
• Labels: Jive; Epic

A Tribe CalledQuest played a crucial role in shaping alternative hip-hop. Their jazz-infused rhythms and insightful lyrics, showcased in albums such as The Low-End Theory , distinguish them from their peers.

Songs such as Can I Kick It? highlighted their distinctive style and poetic complexity. This band comprised rapper and primary producer Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, DJ and joint producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with rapper Jarobi White.

14. Scarface

• Born: 9 November 1970 (aged 53 years), Houston, Texas, United States
• Full name: Brad Terrence Jordan
• Children: Brad Jordan

Scarface, part of the hip-hop group Geto Boys, is recognized for his reflective songwriting and narrative skills. His individual projects, notably The Diary, explored themes of strife and endurance, which earned him recognition within the realm of Southern hip-hop.

15. Redman

• Born: 17 April 1970
• Full name: Reginald Noble
• Height: 1.85 m

Redman is renowned for his comedic and rebellious approach. As one of numerous African American hip-hop artists from the '90s, he gained recognition through albums like Whut? The Album demonstrated his distinctive style and sharp lyrical skills. Collaborations between Redman and other performers, such as Method Man, reinforced his standing within the hip-hop scene.

16. Queen Latifah

• Full name: Dana Elaine Owens
• Born: 18 March 1970
• Partner: Eboni Nichols
• Children: 1
• Siblings: Lancelot Owens, Jr.

Queen Latifah shattered boundaries as a woman in rap and acting. Her tunes frequently tackled societal problems, with her album All Hail the Queen highlighted her strong vocal abilities and skillful wordplay. Beyond just music, Latifah's impact inspired women across the hip-hop industry.

17. DMX

• Full name: Earl Simmons
• Born: 18 December 1970
• Died: 9 April 2021
• Children: Celebrate Mary Ella Simmons, Xavier Simmons

DMX arose as a raw and charismatic artist in hip-hop, recognized for his gritty lyrics, distinct vocal style, and compelling narrative skills. His first studio album, It's dark, and hell is blazing hot. , achieved commercial success with hits such as Ruff Ryders'Anthem that resonated with fans.

Over the course of his career, he produced multiple hit albums, including And Then There Was X, Flesh of My Flesh, and Blood of My Blood , cementing his position as a hip-hop legend.

18. Method Man

• Full name: Clifford Smith
• Born: 2 March 1971
• Spouse: Tamika Smith
• Children: Chayenne Smith, Raye Smith, Shae Smith

A key figure in the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man became renowned for his appealing manner of speaking and magnetic personality. In his solo projects such as "Tical," he demonstrated exceptional skill with lyrics and an distinctive approach. Collaborations with performers similar to Redman underscored his adaptability as an artist.

19. Salt-N-Pepa

• Origin: Queen City, New York, U.S.
• Genres: Dance/Electronic, Hip-Hop/Rap, Amapiano
• Active from: 1985

Salt-N-Pepa were trailblazers in female rap and gained recognition for their infectious tracks and uplifting messages. Hits such as Push It and Let's Talk About Sex shattered boundaries and questioned social conventions, thus becoming key influencers in their field.

20. Fat Joe

• Full name: Joseph Antonio Cartagena
• Born: 19 August 1970
• Spouse: Lorena Cartagena
• Record labels: Terror Squad Entertainment, Empire, MORE
• Children: Joey Cartagena, Ryan Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena

Fat Joe rose from the Bronx streets with a unique style and rhythm. He worked alongside artists like Big Pun and released albums including Jealous One's Envy , demonstrated his skillful lyrics and capacity to merge urban stories with widespread popularity.

His 2001 album, Those Who Are Still Jealous of J.O.S.E. reached a peak in his professional journey. This accomplishment earned platinum certification and included hit tracks such as What's Luv? alongside Ashanti and Ja Rule.

Final word

The 1990s were undeniably a golden age for hip-hop, characterised by diverse voices and styles that shaped the genre's evolution. From the poignant lyrics of Tupac and Biggie to the innovative sounds of Dr. Dre and Wu-Tang Clan, these 90s rappers not only defined the decade but also laid the groundwork for future generations.

Sport.Bangjo.co.id.co.ke featured an article highlighting some of the top Canadian rappers worth listening to. Canada has a dynamic hip-hop landscape, giving rise to artists whose music garners acclaim and admiration globally.

A number of these musicians have attained celebrity status and amassed considerable riches via their music endeavors. Can you identify the leading Canadian rap artists whose tracks frequently reach the rankings? Discover them here.