While rap music was born in the 70s with groups like The Sugarhill Gang, it was codified in the 80s with groups like Run-DMC. But it was in the 90s when everything fell into place and the genre was popular and here to stay. Not only was the public ready for this new art form, but the 90s provided some of the greatest artists to ever do it.
Here below, we wanted to explore three albums that prove this point. Three records that showcase what rap music can be and some of the best songs that can be performed. In fact, these are three classic rap albums from the ’90s that will make music fans long for the golden age of hip-hop.
[RELATED: 3 Career-Changing Albums Produced by Dr. Dre]
Chronic By Dr. Dre (1992)
One of the greatest rap records of all time and certainly one of the best West Coast rap records of the 1990s, this album was the culmination of much of what Dr. Dre had achieved with his former group NWA but also a step forward in a new direction as he went solo and left behind the likes of Ice Cube and Eazy-E. But on ChronicDre was still with some big names. On the LP, he introduced the world to rapper Snoop Dogg (and produced Snoop’s first solo album a year later). But chronic Full of sticky rhythms, majestic rhymes, and a style that helped define the decade.
Reasonable doubt by Jay-Z (1996)
Released in the summer of 1996, this album was the world’s official introduction to the man who would epitomize rap music for the next several decades. Jay-Z’s first solo album, this album showcased his catchy lyrics, charming style, and innovative songs. It also includes guests like The Notorious BIG, Mary J. Blige, DJ Premier, and more. In the album, Jay-Z showed that he is an artist and an expert in street business. But more than that, he became a central figure in popular culture thanks to this first work. In a way, it was like seeing Picasso’s first painting.
Illmatic by Nas (1994)
Line by line, lyric by lyric, Nas may be the greatest rapper of all time. Many artists opt for flash painting and pop culture, but 30 years ago, Nas took the path of consistency and distilled greatness. With his raspy, cutting voice, the rapper introduced himself to the world with this debut LP, which truly features classic song after classic song. Lou Chronic LP was the defining LP of West Coast rap music in the 1990s Illmatic This could easily have been the case for the East Coast. Elematic It is also known to include perhaps the greatest guest feature: AZ’s verse about “Life’s a B-h.”
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