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One of the first mainstream hip-hop songs, showcasing rap's potential.

A follow-up to their groundbreaking hit "Rapper's Delight."

One of the first mainstream hip-hop songs, showcasing rap's potential.

The Beastie Boys began in New York's hardcore punk scene before developing a rap style that retained the energy of rock performance. Licensed to Ill placed rapping alongside conspicuous guitar sounds. Paul's Boutique...

Rok da House developed after the Beatmasters invited Cookie Crew to write rhymes for a studio track. The collaboration joined the production trio Paul Carter, Amanda Glanfield and Richard Walmsley with rappers MC...

The song was inspired by the hip-hop and dance culture of the late 1980s.

A humorous take on a fictional love potion and its effects.

A hip-hop remake of the 1966 hit by The Troggs, with new lyrics about romantic encounters.

Hip-hop dance craze

Dance club culture

Cover of The Chi-Lites song

Samples "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie

True story of unrequited love

Humorous hip-hop

Samples "Super Freak" by Rick James

Theme for "The Addams Family" movie

Appreciation for urban women

Collaboration between rap and metal genres

Female empowerment in relationships

The growing popularity of dance music in clubs

Positive energy and good times

The energy of dance clubs

Youthful crush and puppy love

LL Cool J's comeback in the rap scene

Cover of The O'Jays' song about newfound love

Slang term for illicit relationships

Vanilla Ice is the rapper Robert Van Winkle, whose early career developed in Texas and South Florida. Ice Ice Baby first appeared on the independent album Hooked before the SBK release To the Extreme brought...

Youthful fun and games

The annoyance of constant phone calls

Nostalgic memories of summer in the city

Arsenio Hall's catchphrase

The dangers of street life

MC Hammer is the Oakland rapper and dancer Stanley Kirk Burrell. After recording independently, he reached Capitol Records with Let's Get It Started in 1988. Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em followed in 1990, including...

Theme song for "The Addams Family" movie, blending the TV show theme with hip-hop.

The song celebrates women with curvy figures, challenging beauty standards of the time.

A soulful R&B ballad about intense romantic devotion.

The song's upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics were designed to get people dancing.

An energetic hip-hop track designed to get crowds moving.

A cover of Roberta Flack's song about being emotionally moved by a performer.

The song showcases the laid-back, funk-influenced West Coast hip-hop style.

A socially conscious hip-hop track addressing everyday issues in urban communities.

A hip-hop track inviting listeners to join in the party.

A hip-hop dance track celebrating dancing and physical attraction.

P.M. Dawn began as the New Jersey partnership of brothers Prince Be and DJ Minutemix, combining sung and rapped vocals with turntables and carefully layered samples. Their debut album Of the Heart, of the Soul and of...

A reflective hip-hop song about African American history and identity.

Das EFX is the rap duo associated with Scoob and Dre, introduced to a broad audience through its relationship with EPMD. The pair developed a vocal approach built around quick syllables, unusual rhymes and references...

Kris Kross joined Atlanta performers Chris Kelly and Chris Smith in a rap duo developed with producer Jermaine Dupri. Their debut album Totally Krossed Out appeared through Ruffhouse and Columbia in 1992, with Jump...

The dangers of street life

Kris Kross joined Atlanta performers Chris Kelly and Chris Smith in a rap duo developed with producer Jermaine Dupri. Their debut album Totally Krossed Out appeared through Ruffhouse and Columbia in 1992, with Jump...

The upbeat hip-hop track showcases Will Smith's playful rapping style.

Ice Cube is rapper, writer and actor O'Shea Jackson. He performed with C.I.A. before becoming a central lyricist in N.W.A., whose Straight Outta Compton brought national attention to its West Coast perspective. His...

The song celebrates women wearing short shorts, popular in Miami's hip-hop scene.

The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics were inspired by old-school hip-hop styles.

The song was a response to perceived disses from Eazy-E and Uncle Luke.

The song is a celebration of hip-hop culture and the group's success in the genre.

Tupac Shakur recorded as 2Pac and became a central voice in 1990s West Coast rap. His conversational delivery moved between forceful political commentary, party records and more reflective rap ballads. The 1991 debut...

Positive K is a Bronx rapper whose early independent work included I'm Not Havin' It with MC Lyte and Nightshift, produced by Big Daddy Kane. The Skills Dat Pay da Bills brought his conversational style to a wider...

A soulful R&B ballad about intense romantic devotion.

The song's lyrics reference drug use and the group's unique, cannabis-influenced style.

Ice Cube is rapper, writer and actor O'Shea Jackson. He performed with C.I.A. before becoming a central lyricist in N.W.A., whose Straight Outta Compton brought national attention to its West Coast perspective. His...

The song blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements, exploring themes of love and perception.

The song was inspired by a homeless man the group met, addressing social issues.

The song showcases the laid-back, funk-influenced West Coast hip-hop style.

The song showcases the laid-back, funk-influenced West Coast hip-hop style.

A hip-hop dance track celebrating dancing and physical attraction.

The song captures the raw energy and aggression of hardcore East Coast hip-hop.

The song was inspired by the Miami bass music scene and popular catchphrases of the time.

Similar to Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)," the song was part of the Miami bass scene.

Ahmad is the Los Angeles rapper Ahmad Ali Lewis, whose early career drew attention through Back in the Day and a self-titled debut album. He later formed 4th Avenue Jones, bringing rap together with jazz-oriented...

Biggie's smooth-talking alter ego and luxurious lifestyle.

A fusion of hip-hop and funk, sampling Parliament's "One Nation Under a Groove."

Apple Music recording catalog: Bury Me a G identifies Thug Life featuring Natasha Walker and a 1994 catalog association. The creative origin is not established by this discographic entry.

A smooth R&B track featuring Biggie's rap verses.

Samples Lakeside's 1980 funk hit, reimagined for hip-hop audiences.

Mack's showcase of his unique rap style and wordplay.

Da Brat's breakthrough hit, showcasing her rapid-fire rap style.

Domino built his solo catalog around the self-titled album that included Getto Jam and Sweet Potatoe Pie. Physical Funk followed, then Dominology and D-Freaked It, extending his recording work from the 1990s into the...

Snoop's depiction of life in Long Beach, California.

The anticipation and excitement of a new relationship.

Atlantic executive Sylvia Rhone proposed a version involving rappers. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Yo-Yo contributed new parts, giving Brandy's song a different collaborative identity. The remix was released in 1995;...

Biggie's autobiographical account of his rise from poverty to success.

A message of empowerment and respect for women in the African American community.

Based on personal experiences, with a melody sampled from Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin'."

A high-energy track inspired by 1970s cop show themes.

A playful, flirtatious song celebrating female empowerment.

Warren G's tribute to his role as a DJ and his rise in the music industry.

A dance craze song inspired by the Tootsie Roll candy.

Latifah's call for respect and unity among African American women.

Written with Marqueze Etheridge and Organized Noize, the song uses cautionary stories about dangerous choices, drug-related violence and HIV/AIDS. Tionne Watkins said the group wanted to communicate without sounding...

A celebration of positive male qualities, sampling Linda Lyndell's 1968 song.

Snoop Dogg reached a wide audience through his appearances on Dr. Dre's 1992 album The Chronic, then released the solo debut Doggystyle in 1993. His relaxed delivery became closely associated with the funk-based West...

A party anthem inspired by the Atlanta hip-hop scene.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony developed in Cleveland and connected with Eazy-E's Ruthless Records as their music reached a wider audience. The group's style combines quick rhythmic rapping with melody and vocal harmony....

Biggie's smooth-talking alter ego and luxurious lifestyle.

A high-energy dance track with suggestive lyrics.

A smooth R&B track featuring Biggie's rap verses.

A tribute to Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur.

The Outhere Brothers is the Chicago dance-rap partnership of lyricist Malik and producer Hula, also known as Keith Mayberry and Lamar Mahone. Its music connects explicit party raps with club production. The group's...

A smooth hip-hop track showcasing the group's lyrical skills.

The recording developed around Stevie Wonder's Pastime Paradise, with Doug Rasheed producing and L.V. layering vocal parts into a choir-like sound. Coolio described the verses arriving quickly. Wonder required the...

Da Brat is the Chicago rapper Shawntae Harris, whose debut album Funkdafied appeared in 1994. Her subsequent albums included Anutha Tantrum and Unrestricted. Her recording work includes collaborations with Jermaine...

A reference to sharing the cost of marijuana.

An expanded version of the original hit with additional Bay Area rappers.

Atlantic executive Sylvia Rhone proposed a version involving rappers. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Yo-Yo contributed new parts, giving Brandy's song a different collaborative identity. The remix was released in 1995;...

A lighthearted hip-hop track about wishing for a different life.

Created for the soundtrack of the film "Friday."

Tupac Shakur recorded as 2Pac and became a central voice in 1990s West Coast rap. His conversational delivery moved between forceful political commentary, party records and more reflective rap ballads. The 1991 debut...

A remix of the original track, showcasing Biggie's lyrical prowess.

A celebration of success and the hip-hop lifestyle.

A hip-hop track celebrating gang culture and marijuana use.

A dance craze song inspired by the Tootsie Roll candy.

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie, was the recording name of Christopher Wallace. His rap performances combined a distinctive flow with detailed storytelling, heard across Ready to Die and Life After Death....

Written with Marqueze Etheridge and Organized Noize, the song uses cautionary stories about dangerous choices, drug-related violence and HIV/AIDS. Tionne Watkins said the group wanted to communicate without sounding...

The song was inspired by Coolio's desire to create a new party anthem.

The song was inspired by the popular dance moves of the time.

The song was inspired by the West Coast hip-hop scene and California culture.

LL Cool J entered recording as a teenage rapper associated with Def Jam, combining assertive battle rhymes with an ability to write intimate rap ballads. Radio introduced songs such as Rock the Bells, and Bigger and...

The song was inspired by the group's rise to fame and their past experiences.

Busta Rhymes is a New York rapper known for a forceful voice and intricate, fast-moving delivery. His appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario was an early showcase. Solo albums including The Coming, When...

The recording developed around Stevie Wonder's Pastime Paradise, with Doug Rasheed producing and L.V. layering vocal parts into a choir-like sound. Coolio described the verses arriving quickly. Wonder required the...

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie, was the recording name of Christopher Wallace. His rap performances combined a distinctive flow with detailed storytelling, heard across Ready to Die and Life After Death....

Crucial Conflict is a Chicago hip-hop group whose members Wildstyle, Kilo, Coldhard and Never came from the city's West Side. Hay appeared during the group's breakthrough with The Final Tic. The quartet followed with...

The song was inspired by the practice of sharing the cost of marijuana.

The song was inspired by the importance of perseverance.

A cover of Roberta Flack's song about being emotionally moved by a performer.

The song was inspired by the idea of relaxing with a romantic partner.

The song was inspired by the idea of a perfect, exclusive love.

Po Pimp helped take Chicago trio Do or Die from a local-label release to a deal with Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records. The collaboration with fellow Chicago rapper Twista preceded the group's album Picture This. It...

The song was written as a tribute to the group's late mentor, Eazy-E.

Kris Kross joined Atlanta performers Chris Kelly and Chris Smith in a rap duo developed with producer Jermaine Dupri. Their debut album Totally Krossed Out appeared through Ruffhouse and Columbia in 1992, with Jump...

Case is an R&B singer from New York who developed through backing-vocal work before signing with Def Jam. His self-titled debut followed the appearance of Touch Me Tease Me on The Nutty Professor soundtrack. Personal...

The song was inspired by Busta Rhymes' unique rap style and energy.

The song samples David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and talks about worldwide fame and success.

Heavy D was the Jamaican-born rapper, songwriter and producer Dwight Errington Myers, raised in Mount Vernon, New York. He first recorded with the Boyz for Uptown, working across hip-hop, R&B, reggae and dance. His...

The struggles of teenage pregnancy and poverty.

The struggles of inner-city life and the hope for a better future.

Sampling Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message," the song celebrates success and perseverance.

Female empowerment in the hip-hop scene.

Biggie's lifestyle and success in the hip-hop world.

A cover of Bob Marley's classic, adapted to reflect urban struggles.

Loyalty and support in a romantic relationship.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony developed in Cleveland and connected with Eazy-E's Ruthless Records as their music reached a wider audience. The group's style combines quick rhythmic rapping with melody and vocal harmony....

The theme song for the film "Men in Black," about secret agents protecting Earth from aliens.

The challenges that come with fame and fortune.

B-Rock and the Bizz was a Southern rap act whose credited members included Baron B-Rock Agee and Leevirt Agee. Its catalog includes My Baby Daddy and the album Porkin' Beans & Wienes. Other listed recordings include...

Asserting independence and success in relationships and career.

Female empowerment and sexual independence.

SWV entered the recording scene as an R&B vocal trio with the RCA album It's About Time. Early repertoire included I'm So Into You, Weak and Right Here, whose Teddy Riley remix expanded the group's sound. New...

Showcasing Timbaland's innovative production style.

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie, was the recording name of Christopher Wallace. His rap performances combined a distinctive flow with detailed storytelling, heard across Ready to Die and Life After Death....

The song samples Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" and was created for the "Godzilla" soundtrack.

The song showcases Busta's unique rap style and high-energy delivery.

This posthumous release samples Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do for Love."

LL Cool J wrote the song about his complicated relationship with his father.

The track was created as an upbeat, feel-good hip-hop song with mass appeal.

Smith created the song as a fun, danceable track showcasing his rap skills and pop appeal.

The song samples "Islands in the Stream" and was created for the movie "Bulworth."

Jean wrote the song about being away from loved ones while on tour.

The song was created as the title track for the movie of the same name, starring Master P.

The song was created as a party anthem with a mix of R&B and rap elements.

The song was created as a confident, braggadocious hip-hop track.

The track was created as a high-energy anthem for Master P's No Limit Records.

The track was created as a collaboration to showcase Nicole's vocals and Missy Elliott's production skills.

The song was created as a high-energy collaboration showcasing each artist's style.

The song showcases Missy Elliott's unique style and wordplay.

The song was a remix of Big Pun's "I'm Not a Player," adding a smoother R&B feel.

Da Brat is the Chicago rapper Shawntae Harris, whose debut album Funkdafied appeared in 1994. Her subsequent albums included Anutha Tantrum and Unrestricted. Her recording work includes collaborations with Jermaine...

The song was created as a high-energy party anthem with Busta's signature style.

Busta Rhymes is a New York rapper known for a forceful voice and intricate, fast-moving delivery. His appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario was an early showcase. Solo albums including The Coming, When...

The song was created as a triumphant anthem, featuring a posthumous verse from Biggie.

The song was created as a collaboration between Mase and Total, blending rap and R&B styles.

Lil Wayne established his solo album career with Tha Block Is Hot in 1999. Tha Carter III later included Lollipop with Static Major, while his work also ranged across guest recordings and collaborative performances....

Will Smith began recording as the Fresh Prince in a Philadelphia partnership with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Their accessible, often comic songs established his musical identity before television and film expanded his audience....

Jay-Z's recording career connects a conversational rap delivery with changing approaches to hip-hop production. Reasonable Doubt in 1996 and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life in 1998 mark early stages of that development....

A+ is a rapper from Hempstead, New York, who entered the recording industry while still in his teens. Early recognition included an appearance on Beasts From the East alongside the Lost Boyz, Canibus and Redman. His...

Busta Rhymes is a New York rapper known for a forceful voice and intricate, fast-moving delivery. His appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario was an early showcase. Solo albums including The Coming, When...

Jay-Z's recording career connects a conversational rap delivery with changing approaches to hip-hop production. Reasonable Doubt in 1996 and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life in 1998 mark early stages of that development....

Missy Elliott was inspired to write a song celebrating attractive and successful men.

Jamboree brings the separately credited Zhané into Naughty by Nature's Nineteen Naughty Nine: Nature's Fury. The album was issued by Arista in 1999, and the song also appeared in a single program with an explicitly...

Will Smith began recording as the Fresh Prince in a Philadelphia partnership with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Their accessible, often comic songs established his musical identity before television and film expanded his audience....

Introducing Eminem's alter ego Slim Shady

Desire to please a romantic partner

Missy Elliott developed as a songwriter and producer for other performers before becoming a prominent recording artist herself. Her partnership with Timbaland joined playful rap delivery to unconventional rhythms and...

Busta Rhymes is a New York rapper known for a forceful voice and intricate, fast-moving delivery. His appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario was an early showcase. Solo albums including The Coming, When...

Theme song for the movie of the same name

The song was inspired by the desire to check in on someone's well-being and offer support.

The song was inspired by the idea of being willing to do anything for the person you love.

The song was inspired by luxurious lifestyles and success in the hip-hop world.

Nelly was inspired by his upbringing in St. Louis and wanted to create a unique sound blending hip-hop and country.

The song was inspired by Dr. Dre's return to the music scene and a reminder of his influence in hip-hop.

The song was inspired by the idea of being tough and street-smart while maintaining a cowboy-like independence.

Missy Elliott was inspired to write a song celebrating attractive and successful men.

DMX was inspired to create an energetic club anthem that showcased his aggressive rap style.

The song was inspired by Dr. Dre's return to the music scene and his enduring influence in hip-hop.

The song was inspired by Miami's hip-hop party scene and bringing the club atmosphere home.

Common wrote the song as a tribute to black women and conscious, positive relationships.

The song was inspired by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's long-standing collaboration and West Coast hip-hop culture.

Eminem wrote the song as a satirical commentary on pop culture and his own rise to fame.

The song was inspired by the idea of giving a partner everything they desire.

The song was inspired by the idea of confidently expressing what you want in a relationship.

The song was inspired by exploring various sexual fantasies and desires.

The song was inspired by the idea of reciprocity in relationships and owing loyalty to those who support you.

The importance of reliability in a relationship.

Nelly helped bring St. Louis rap to a wide audience with Country Grammar, pairing rhythmic hooks with a delivery shaped by Midwestern speech and Southern bounce. Nellyville followed with Hot in Herre and Dilemma. He...

Pushing boundaries in hip-hop and embracing uniqueness

Jay-Z's recording career connects a conversational rap delivery with changing approaches to hip-hop production. Reasonable Doubt in 1996 and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life in 1998 mark early stages of that development....

Trick Daddy is the Miami rapper Maurice Young, first widely heard as Trick Daddy Dollars on Luke's Scarred. His regional recordings combined club-oriented beats with a quick, fluid delivery. The albums www.thug.com...

Jay-Z's rise to success and his alter ego

Female empowerment and breaking genre boundaries

Celebrating success and the good life

Andre 3000's relationship with Erykah Badu and her mother

Criticizing inadequate romantic partners

Ja Rule is a Queens rapper known for a rough vocal tone that carried both direct rap performances and melodic R&B collaborations. After early work with Cash Money Click, he established a solo career with Venni Vetti...

The carefree lifestyle of success and partying

OutKast are the Atlanta hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi. Their recordings bring Southern storytelling together with funk, soul, jazz and rock, often using futuristic imagery and elaborate musical settings....

Ludacris is the stage name of Christopher Brian Bridges, a rapper whose career developed in Atlanta. His delivery combines Southern rap with comic exaggeration and punchlines. The independently released Incognegro...

Superwoman Pt. II places Fabolous's featured rap alongside Lil' Mo's vocal on Based on a True Story. The recording credits identify DJ Clue and Ken 'Duro' Ifill as remixers. This is the Part II rap presentation,...