The old skool Hip Hop thread.

[Firestarter]

After Dre left NWA, he always stayed more of a producer than rapper. Only occassionally releasing "solo" albums with many guest artists.
On his first solo album (whose sound was widely imitated) featured Snoop Dogg as the most important rapper, including on the following single (with "G" short for Gangsta).

Dr. Dre – Nuthin’ but a G thang (1992)


Produced by Dre, this was the first solo single of Snoop Dogg, who became a big star himself.
Snoop Doggy Dogg - Who Am I (What's My Name)? (1993)

[Firestarter]

In never quite understood what was meant by the "underground style" of the Clan. They had a huge succes, both as a group as solo, so they weren't "underground" by definition.
They seemed like the "biggest" of all rap groups, with 9 rappers.

Wu-Tang Clan – CREAM (1993)


Solo some of their biggest hits featured some of the biggest R&B stars (what's underground about these type of songs?).
Method Man and Mary J. Blige – I'll Be There for You / You're All I Need to Get By (1994)

[Firestarter]

Cypress Hill seemed more popular among the white "alternative rock" crowd, than the black "hip-hop" fans.
This was one of their most popular songs (they didn't seem to score many pop hits).

Cypress Hill – Insane in the brain (1993)

[Firestarter]

This was the biggest hit single of this British band (from their third album).
Stereo MC’s - Connected (1992)

[Firestarter]

As gangsta rap became the mainstream, other types of rap music sort of automatically became “alternative” rap. As many hip-hop fans didn't like the gangsta rap, some of this rap became very popular.

Arrested Development's first album was a surprising big seller, sounding unlike any other rap act at the time.
Arrested Development – People Everyday (1992)

[Boadicea]

SIDESHOW BOB - COCAINE IN THE UKRAINE (PARODY CYPRESS HILL - INSANE IN THE BRAIN)

Oldie But Goodie...


By: Sideshow Bob
Twitter @BobsLessons




BRYSON GREY - PEDO PETER - TWITTER RAP.....

Still NOT In Gaol!

[Firestarter]

Jermaine Dupri was never much respected by hardcore rap fans, even though his productions were about as funky as Dre's, and he had almost as much success.

This was the first big kid rap band. This was their first single and a huge hit all over the world.
Kris Kross – Jump (1992)


Da Brat was another artist discovered by JD, she continued to have success after Kris Kross had already disappeared without a trace.
Da Brat ft. Jermaine Dupri – Funkdafied (1994)

[Firestarter]

Tupac Shakur is without doubt one of the most legendary rappers of the 1990s. It's strange that this "West Coast" icon grew up in New York, where he became friends with one Christopher Wallace, who later became his enemy, the Notorious BIG.
2Pac was imprisoned for raping a woman, but more interesting is that he was acquitted for reportedly shooting 2 undercover cops that were harassing a woman. He was shot and killed while out on bail, so the appeal of the rape case has never been tried.

While 2Pac was often portrayed as violent, his songs weren't (at least not compared to many of the other "gangsta" rappers).
2Pac – Dear mama (1995)


Also peculiar is that 2Pac had been so busy recording in the studios that after his death, lots of "new" 2Pac songs were released, like this one (that became a huge hit).
2Pac ft. Talent – Changes (1998)

[Boadicea]

Yeah, But he's No Will Smith Apparently...

[Firestarter]

Yeah, But he's No Will Smith Apparently...

Will Smith - like 2Pac - was one of the best selling rappers in the 1990s. Before he became a famous moviestar he rapped under the name the "Fresh Prince"...
I don't really understand why Quincy Jones selected Will Smith for the sit-com that made him a superstar.

This is easily my favourite Will Smith song.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince - Summertime (1991)