The 1990s was a remarkable era for New York City’s hip-hop scene, marked by the emergence of numerous iconic rappers who left a lasting impact on the music industry. As the birthplace of hip-hop, New York was at the epicenter of a cultural movement with artists pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and styles. The ‘golden age’ of hip-hop witnessed the rise of the genre’s most extraordinary talents, solidifying their legacy in rap history.
Throughout the decade, many talented New York-based rappers emerged and captivated fans with their exceptional lyricism, clever wordplay, and powerful storytelling. Blessed with charisma and an undeniable gift for word-making, these artists helped shape the overall sound and scope of ’90s hip-hop, paving the way for future musicians. As we take a trip down memory lane, it’s essential to celebrate and appreciate the unique contributions made by the top 10 best New York rappers in the 90s, whose influence can still be felt today.
The Golden Age of New York Hip-Hop
The Bronx and the Birth of Hip-Hop
The Bronx is widely considered the birthplace of hip-hop, with the likes of Kurtis Blow and KRS-One emerging as early pioneers in the 1980s. The 90s, however, witnessed an explosion of talent and firmly established New York City as the genre’s epicenter. The Bronx played a significant role during the 90s, producing influential rappers such as Fat Joe and Big Pun. Their storytelling abilities and unique styles contributed significantly to shaping the sound of New York hip-hop during the golden age.
Brooklyn’s Influence
Arguably one of the most influential boroughs in 90s hip-hop, Brooklyn boasts several iconic rappers who left an indelible mark on the genre. The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, emerged as a leading force with his captivating storytelling and impeccable flow. Some other prominent Brooklyn rappers from the era include:
- Busta Rhymes, known for his energetic performances and intricate rhyming schemes
- Big Daddy Kane, who was famed for his smooth delivery and clever wordplay
- Foxy Brown, a trailblazer for female rappers in the industry
Queens Rappers in the 90s
Queens, another key player in New York’s hip-hop scene, gave rise to several renowned rappers during the 90s. The borough was home to the legendary group A Tribe Called Quest, whose unique fusion of jazz and hip-hop helped redefine the genre. Nas arguably released one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time, Illmatic, which showcased his complex lyricism and captivating storytelling. Other notable Queens rappers of the 90s include:
- LL Cool J, who maintained his relevance in the rap scene throughout the decade with hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out”
- Run-D.M.C., the influential group that ultimately paved the way for many 90s rappers
- Mobb Deep, whose gritty storytelling and dark beats encapsulated the essence of 90s New York hip-hop
Top 10 New York Rappers of the 90s
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, The Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls, was a key figure in East Coast hip-hop. His debut album, Ready to Die (1994), showcased his storytelling ability and wordplay, with tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” becoming classics.
2. Nas
Queensbridge native Nas burst onto the scene with his critically acclaimed debut album Illmatic in 1994. Known for his smooth flow and introspective rhymes, Nas would go on to release other standout albums during the decade, such as It Was Written and I Am….
3. Jay-Z
Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z made his mark in the 90s with the release of Reasonable Doubt (1996) and Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life (1998). His polished lyrics and entrepreneurial spirit would propel him to become one of the most successful rap artists ever.
4. Wu-Tang Clan
Hailing from Staten Island, this influential hip-hop collective consisted of members RZA, GZA, Ghostface Killah, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), revolutionized group dynamics and production in hip-hop.
5. Big Daddy Kane
Brooklyn’s Big Daddy Kane was known for his fast, smooth flow and impressive lyrical skills. He made a considerable impact in the early ’90s with his albums A Taste of Chocolate (1990) and Prince of Darkness (1991).
6. LL Cool J
Queens native LL Cool J had already gained fame in the ’80s but remained dominant in the ’90s with albums like Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) and Mr. Smith (1995). His signature blend of hardcore rap and smooth ballads made him a radio staple.
7. Big L
Harlem rapper Big L was a master of wordplay and punchlines. His debut album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995) showcased his lyrical prowess, introducing a new crop of listeners to the emerging underground rap scene.
8. KRS-One
Bronx rapper KRS-One, frontman of Boogie Down Productions, was an influential figure in the ’90s with thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics. His solo albums Return of the Boom Bap (1993) and KRS-One (1995) solidified his status as a lyrical heavyweight.
9. Slick Rick
Slick Rick, a British-born rapper raised in the Bronx, was known for his storytelling and humor in his rap style. His debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988), carried on into the ’90s, and his future releases, like The Ruler’s Back (1991), continued to cement his reputation as a lyrical innovator.
10. Rakim
As half of the duo Eric B. & Rakim, Long Island native Rakim broke ground with his groundbreaking lyricism and smooth delivery. He separated from Eric B. in 1992 and continued to make an impact in the New York rap scene, most notably with his 1997 solo album The 18th Letter.
The Impact of 90s New York Rappers on Today’s Hip-Hop
Influencing a New Generation of Artists
The 90s New York rappers profoundly affected the hip-hop landscape and continue to exert a significant influence on today’s artists. Many of these early rappers have been cited as significant inspirations by contemporary hip-hop acts in terms of their style, message, and technical abilities. Their impact can be felt in the music of current stars such as Kanye West, who often refer to 90s rappers as their role models.
An essential aspect of the influence of 90s New York rappers is the genre’s breakthrough into the mainstream, ushering in a new era of rap music’s popularity. Consequently, hip-hop solidified its place in the mainstream, becoming more than a fad. This rise in recognition has rippled throughout the genre, fulfilling the prophecy of its early pioneers and creating a space for future generations of hip-hop artists.
Legacy of East Coast Versus West Coast Rivalry
One of the lasting legacies of 90s New York rappers is the infamous East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry, which became a significant storyline within the hip-hop community and beyond. Leading figures in the East Coast scene, such as The Notorious B.I.G., were often pitted against their West Coast counterparts, namely Tupac Shakur. The rivalry fueled both regions, inspiring artists to push the creative boundaries of the genre.
While the rivalry has dissipated chiefly, its impact can still be felt in the regional stylistic differences that define the genre today. The East Coast rappers were known for their gritty street talk and a focus on storytelling, while the West Coast style emphasized catchy hooks and party-fueled lyricism. Today, artists often pull from both styles in their work, paying homage to the ’90s rappers who built the foundation of this dynamic genre.
Iconic 90s New York Hip-Hop Labels
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings, founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, is a significant player in hip-hop. Home to legendary artists such as LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy, this label gave birth to some of the most influential acts of the ’90s. In addition, prominent New York rappers like Method Man, Redman, and Ja Rule experienced significant success under the Def Jam umbrella. The label was instrumental in shaping the sound and style of hip-hop during this era.
Bad Boy Records
Founded in 1993 by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bad Boy Records rapidly became a force in the hip-hop scene with its signature blend of street credibility and mainstream appeal. The label was home to iconic artists like Notorious B.I.G., Mase, and 112, eventually becoming a prominent label within the industry. Bad Boy was responsible for defining the “shiny suit” era, combining hip-hop with R&B elements and showcasing high-budget music videos that appealed to a broad audience.
Loud Records
Loud Records, founded in 1991 by Steve Rifkind, emerged as an influential label in the East Coast hip-hop scene. With its roster of notable artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and Big Pun, Loud Records played a crucial role in popularizing the gritty, raw sound synonymous with ’90s New York hip-hop. The label’s dedication to working with underground talent helped solidify it as a critical contributor to the genre’s golden era.
During the 90s, these three labels – Def Jam Recordings, Bad Boy Records, and Loud Records – were giants in New York hip-hop. Representing unique and diverse sounds, they collectively shaped the genre and influenced the music industry.
Subgenres and Innovations in the 90s New York Hip-Hop Scene
Gangsta Rap
In the 90s, Gangsta Rap emerged as a dominant subgenre in New York’s hip-hop scene, reflecting the harsh realities of street life and inner-city struggles. Biggie, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., was a leading figure in this movement, with his raw storytelling and innovative wordplay painting vivid pictures of life in Brooklyn. His albums “Ready to Die” (1994) and “Life After Death” (1997) showcased the dark aspects of gangsta rap and became essential for hip-hop fans in the 90s.
Conscious Hip-Hop
Conscious Hip-Hop also gained momentum in 90s New York, focusing on thought-provoking lyrics and social commentary. Queen Latifah was one of the frontrunners of this subgenre, using her platform to discuss women’s empowerment, gender equality, and racism. Her impactful sound influenced many future artists in conscious hip-hop and served as a reminder that hip-hop could address pressing social issues while also providing great music.
Female Rappers
The 90s saw multiple game-changing female rappers rise to prominence in New York’s hip-hop scene. Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown earned their spots among the top rappers with their raunchy, unapologetic lyrics and fierce personas. They often collaborated with well-known male rappers, proving that women could hold their own in the male-dominated industry.
Salt-N-Pepa, an iconic female rap group, continued its success throughout the 90s with its empowering lyrics and unique style. Their song “Shoop” (1993) blended pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements, demonstrating their wide-ranging musical capabilities and solidifying their status as pioneers for female artists in the genre.
Conclusion and Ranking Criteria
This article has looked at the top 10 best New York rappers from the 90s. The ranking was determined using a variety of factors, some of which include:
- Flow: How seamlessly and smoothly the rapper delivers their lyrics and the overall rhythm and cadence of their rapping.
- Lyrics: The rapper’s wordplay and storytelling abilities’ complexity, depth, and originality.
- Longevity: The length and consistency of an artist’s career, looking at their ability to remain relevant and adapt to changing styles over time.
These criteria and additional factors helped us establish a comprehensive ranking that acknowledges each artist’s unique skills and contributions. The following are the artists that made it to our top 10 list:
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- Nas
- Jay-Z
- Wu-Tang Clan (RZA, GZA, Ghostface Killah, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna)
- Big L
- Mobb Deep (Havoc and Prodigy)
- Big Daddy Kane
- KRS-One
- Rakim
- DMX
These artists stood out for their significant contributions to the New York hip-hop scene in the 90s. Each of them demonstrated exceptional flow, lyrical prowess, and longevity in their careers, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and earning their spots on this list. While opinions will always differ on specific rankings, the talents of these 10 artists should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who dominated NY rap in the 90s?
New York rap in the 90s was dominated by influential artists such as Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Wu-Tang Clan. These rappers left a lasting impact on the hip-hop scene and helped solidify New York as a hub for rap music.
Which 90s NY rappers went mainstream?
Several 90s NY rappers crossed over into mainstream success. Notable artists include The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys. Their music gained widespread popularity, and they became ambassadors for East Coast hip-hop.
What styles did top 90s NY rappers have?
Top 90s NY rappers experimented with various styles, including hardcore, conscious, and gangsta rap. Nas, for example, brought introspective lyrics and storytelling to the forefront, while Wu-Tang Clan was known for its gritty, raw sound.
Any notable collaborations among 90s NY rappers?
There were several notable collaborations among 90s NY rappers. One of the most memorable is the collaboration between Nas, Raekwon, and Mobb Deep on the song “Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines).” Additionally, the collaboration between Biggie Smalls and Method Man on “The What” showcased how artists from different boroughs could work together.
Which 90s NY rappers influenced today’s artists?
Many of today’s artists have been influenced by 90s NY rappers. For instance, Nas and Jay-Z have significantly impacted the evolution of storytelling and lyricism in rap. Modern rap groups like Flatbush Zombies, Pro Era, and The Underachievers pay homage to NY’s 90s hip-hop and continue to carry the torch.
Top 90s NY rap albums?
The 90s produced several classic NY rap albums, including:
- Nas – “Illmatic”
- The Notorious B.I.G. – “Ready to Die”
- Jay-Z – “Reasonable Doubt”
- Wu-Tang Clan – “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”
- Mobb Deep – “The Infamous”
These albums left an indelible mark on hip-hop history and continue influencing artists today.
