Best 1990s Hip-Hop Songs

The best hip-hop songs of the 1990s (90s), ranked — each linking to the album it's from, on vinyl, CD or Amazon Music.

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1

TC

Can I Kick It?

A Tribe Called Quest · from People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)

Jazzy, playful and warm.

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2

DD

Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang

Dr. Dre · from The Chronic (1992)

The G-funk blueprint.

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3

WC

C.R.E.A.M.

Wu-Tang Clan · from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)

A soul loop and two classic verses.

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4

WC

Protect Ya Neck

Wu-Tang Clan · from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)

Nine MCs, one raw posse cut.

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5

SD

Gin and Juice

Snoop Dogg · from Doggystyle (1993)

Laid-back G-funk at its smoothest.

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6

NB

Juicy

The Notorious B.I.G. · from Ready to Die (1994)

The definitive come-up story.

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7

NA

N.Y. State of Mind

Nas · from Illmatic (1994)

Peerless street writing.

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8

NA

It Ain't Hard to Tell

Nas · from Illmatic (1994)

A dazzling closing showcase.

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9

GZ

Liquid Swords

GZA · from Liquid Swords (1995)

Cinematic, chess-themed boom-bap.

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10

MD

Shook Ones, Pt. II

Mobb Deep · from The Infamous (1995)

Bleak Queensbridge perfection.

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11

2P

Dear Mama

2Pac · from Me Against the World (1995)

A heartfelt tribute and his most beloved track.

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12

NB

Hypnotize

The Notorious B.I.G. · from Life After Death (1997)

A slick, irresistible late single.

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Tap the artwork or "Listen" to find the track on Amazon Music; "Watch" opens a YouTube search; the song title opens its album page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups.