The 90’s produced some of the best and most notable rap artists. I have created this list on the top ten rap artists of the 90’s. The list is in no particular order and my personal opinion. More information on these artists can be found at Wikipedia.com and their albums and other products can be bought at numerous places including Amazon.com. These artists are those who paved the way for rap artists today.
1.Coolio
After various odd jobs ,such as a fire fighter and California Conservation Corps-member, Coolio began his music career in a rapping group called WC and The Maad Circle. He then released his debut album It Takes a Thief in 1994. The album reached #8 on the Billboards top 200 albums, featuring the hit single “Fantastic Voyage”. He has also guessed starred on many television shows, such as Futurama, and has been noted to create his own reality show.
2.Cypress hill
Having sold more than 18 million records, Cypress Hill has made quite a name of themselves. Their first self titled album was released in 1991. Their second album Black Sunday made them the first rap group to have 2 albums on the Billboard 200 top ten list at the same time. One of their most popular songs,” Insane in the Brain”, from their second album went triple platinum and sold 3.25 million copies. They have also made noted appearances on television, such as the Simpsons, and have been banned from Saturday Night Live. They are mainly known for there lyrics on controversial topics such as marijuana, police brutality, and racial profile.
3.Dmx
Dmx is a Baltimore born native, whose selected music name means dark man x. In 1999, he released his best selling album, And Then There Was X, featuring one of his best songs “Party Up (Up in Here)”, which went 6 times platinum. He has also been in movies such as Last Hour and Cradle to the Grave. In addition, he has created his own television series, Soul Of a Man aired on BET, and has written an autobiography.
4.Outkast
Combining funk, soul, dirty south, jazz, pop, and blues elements in their songs, OutKast has received 6 Grammies. This hip hop duo consists of Andre 3000 and Big Boi. They became friends at an early age and were recognized by local producers. One of their best albums was SpeakkerBox/thelovebelow was a double album featuring their hit song “The Way You Move”. Their originality and creative songs make them one the most unique rap group.
5.Mystical
In 1988 Mystikal was enlisted in the army and was deployed to the Gulf War. He released his debut album in 1994, then in 2000 is released his biggest album Lets Get ready. This album featured on of his best songs, “Danger(Been So Long)”, which became billboard hot r&b;,hip hop songs number one single in June, 2001.
6.Tupac
Having died at the young age of 25, Tupac has become one of the top selling recording artists. He began his career as a roadie, back up dancer, and an actor. He has been noted to perform in Shakespearean plays and the nutcracker. His second record, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.R.Z., became one of his best, featuring one of his hit singles “I Get Around”. His career ended when he was killed in a drive by shooting.
7.Notorious B.I.G.
Also known as Biggie Smalls, Notorious B.I.G. began his career as a teenager rapping on the streets and joining local groups. In 1994 he released his biggest record Ready to Die, featuring the hit singles “Juicy/Unbelievable” and “Big Poppa”. Unfortunately, his career ended at the age of 24 when he was killed by a drive by shooting. Fifteen days after he was killed, his last album, Life after Death was released. Recently, the biographical movie Notorious has been released bringing in $42,000,000.
8. Wu Tang Clan
The Wu Tang Clan is a hip hop group containing nine rappers. Its members include multi platinum selling artists, screenwriters, and film stars. The group began with three cousins, later accumalating the full band in 1992. After establishing solo careers, the group reformed and released their biggest album Wu Tang Clan Forever, which debuted at number 1 on the billboard charts. The featured singe, “Triumph” was a 5 minute song that has nine verses with each group member.
9. Ice cube
Ice cube has become a successful rapper, actor, and screenwriter. He began his music career in a group called N.W.A., later going solo. He is noted for helping originate gangsta rap. His best album was Amerikkka’s Most Wanted and his one of his best known singles is “You Know How We do it”, featured in the film Lethal Injection. He has been in noted films such as Boyz in the Hood, and has written the screenplay for Friday, which earned $28 million.
10. Snoop Dogg
As a rapper, record producer, and actor, Snoop Dogg began his career working with Dr.Dre. From his first album, Doggystyle to his latest album, Malice in Wonderland, Snoop Dogg has become a world wide entertainer. From the album The Masterpiece , “Drop it like it’s Hot” became his first single to reach number one. He has played many different parts in movies such as Half Baked, Old School, and The Boondocks.
www.wikipedia.com
