The 90s was a decade that brought about a lot of change in the music industry, and hip-hop was not left out. This period saw the rise of many rappers who had a significant impact on the genre, from the veterans who had been around since the 80s to fresh new talent who were just starting their careers.
However, when it comes to the biggest rapper of the decade, one name stands out, and that is Tupac Shakur.
Tupac, who was also known as 2Pac, emerged on the scene towards the end of the 80s, but it wasn’t until the 90s that he truly became a force to be reckoned with. His music was unlike anything that had come before it, blending soulful beats, autobiographical lyrics, and raw emotion to create a sound that resonated with listeners worldwide.
Tupac was a true storyteller, and his albums were filled with tales of his upbringing in poverty, his struggles with the law, and his experiences with racism and discrimination.
But it wasn’t just Tupac’s music that set him apart. He was also incredibly charismatic, both on and offstage. His performances were electrifying, and he had a hypnotic stage presence that drew fans in and left them wanting more. He was also a talented actor, having appeared in several films during his career.
Tupac’s influence extended beyond the world of music, as well. He was a vocal advocate for social justice, speaking out against police brutality, racism, and other forms of injustice in his music and in interviews. He was also a philanthropist, founding the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts, which provides arts education to underprivileged youth.
Sadly, Tupac’s life was cut tragically short when he was shot and killed in 1996 at the age of 25. However, his impact on hip-hop and popular culture has endured long after his death. Even today, over two decades later, he remains one of the most celebrated and beloved rappers of all time, and his music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
What was the #1 90s rap song?
Determining the #1 90s rap song is a difficult task as the decade saw an explosion of rap and hip-hop music. However, when we look at the impact and influence that certain songs had on the genre and popular culture, one song perhaps stands out as the most iconic and defining track of the decade – “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
Released in 1994, “Juicy” was the first single from The Notorious B.I.G. ‘s debut album “Ready to Die”. The song, which sampled Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit”, was a tribute to Biggie’s rags-to-riches story and his rise from poverty to becoming a successful rapper. “Juicy” was a massive hit and reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It also earned The Notorious B.I.G. a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance.
What made “Juicy” so significant was that it marked a shift in the direction of rap music in the 90s. The song did away with the violent and aggressive lyrics that had defined gangsta rap until then and instead focused on Biggie’s personal journey and aspirations. The beat was also more melodic and had a more positive tone than the gritty, hardcore sound that had dominated the scene.
Furthermore, “Juicy” helped to pave the way for the mainstream success of hip-hop in the 90s. The song was a crossover hit, appealing not just to rap fans but also to pop and R&B audiences. It also introduced the world to The Notorious B.I.G., who went on to become one of the most iconic and revered rappers of all time.
His tragic death in 1997 only cemented his status as a legend.
While there were many great rap songs that came out of the 90s, “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. stands out as the #1 rap song of the decade. The song’s impact on rap music and popular culture cannot be overstated, and it remains a timeless classic that continues to influence new generations of rappers and listeners to this day.
What is the most streamed 90s rap?
Determining the most streamed 90s rap can be a subjective task since it depends on various factors such as geographic location, online streaming platform, and personal preferences of listeners. However, in general, the most streamed 90s rap can be attributed to a few of the top artists and their popular tracks from that era.
One of the most iconic 90s rap artists is Tupac Shakur, whose artistry and influence still continue to resonate today. Tupac’s 1996 album, “All Eyez on Me,” remains one of the most streamed and popular albums among 90s rap fans. The album features several classic tracks like “California Love,” “How Do U Want It,” and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” which have been streamed millions of times across various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Another legendary 90s rap artist is the Notorious B.I.G, who was also one of the pioneers of the East Coast hip hop scene. His 1994 debut album, “Ready to Die,” is regarded by many as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, with its tracks like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “One More Chance” being the most streamed on various platforms.
Apart from Tupac and Biggie, other iconic rappers who dominated the 90s rap scene include Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Dr. Dre, and Jay-Z. These artists produced some of the most memorable and influential tracks of that era, such as “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg, “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” by Nas, “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” by Dr. Dre, and “Big Pimpin'” by Jay-Z.
While there is no one definitive answer to what the most streamed 90s rap is, the above-mentioned artists and their hits remain some of the most popular and frequently streamed tracks online. These songs continue to inspire new generations of rap artists and receive love and appreciation from longtime fans of the genre.
Who was the most listened to artist of 1990?
The most listened to artist of 1990 is a topic of much debate and speculation as there are various factors that could influence the measure of an artist’s popularity in a particular year. However, one of the main criteria used to determine the most listened to artist of 1990 is the sales and popularity of their albums and singles during the year.
Looking back at the music landscape of 1990, there were several iconic artists who dominated the charts and airwaves with their songs. One of the leading contenders for the title of the most listened to artist of 1990 is Mariah Carey. In 1990, Mariah released her self-titled debut album, which went on to become a massive commercial success.
The album spawned four number one singles, including “Vision of Love” and “Love Takes Time,” and sold over 15 million copies worldwide by the end of the year. Mariah’s incredible vocal range and R&B-infused pop sound quickly made her one of the most sought-after artists of the year, and her debut album stayed at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart for consecutive weeks.
Another heavyweight contender for the top spot is Madonna. In 1990, Madonna released her fifth studio album, “The Immaculate Collection,” which featured all her greatest hits to date. The album was a commercial hit for Madonna, and its singles, including “Vogue,” “Justify My Love,” and “Like a Prayer,” topped the charts for weeks on end.
Madonna’s iconic music videos and fashion statements also played a significant role in her popularity in 1990, making her a force to be reckoned with on the music scene.
While these are two popular candidates, other artists that gave them a run for their money that year include MC Hammer with his smash hit “U Can’t Touch This” and Janet Jackson, who released her album “Rhythm Nation” which went on to sell more than eight million copies in the USA alone. The album also spawned several hit singles like “Miss You Much,” “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” and the title track “Rhythm Nation.”
All in all, the most listened to artist of 1990 is hotly debated and contested in music circles, and there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to who wore the crown. However, taking into account the sales and popularity of their albums and singles that year, Mariah Carey, Madonna, MC Hammer, and Janet Jackson would all be viable contenders for the title.
So, depending on how you look at it, each one of these artists could rightfully stake their claim as the most listened to artist of 1990.
What famous rapper was shot in the 90s?
One of the most iconic and tragic events in the history of hip hop music occurred in the mid-1990s, when rapper Tupac Shakur was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tupac was one of the most prominent and controversial rappers of the time and had a massive following that spanned across the world.
He was known for his raw, politically charged lyrics, which often explored social issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality.
Tupac’s shooting was widely believed to be the result of an ongoing feud between him and several other prominent rappers, including The Notorious B.I.G. and his East Coast-based crew, the Bad Boy Records label. While the exact details of the drive-by shooting remain unclear, it is believed that several gang members affiliated with the Bad Boy Records label were responsible for the attack, although no one was ever charged with the crime.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to repair the damage caused by the gunshot wounds, Tupac eventually succumbed to his injuries and passed away on September 13, 1996. His death sparked widespread mourning and outrage, with fans and fellow musicians alike paying tribute to him and condemning the senseless violence that had taken his life.
To this day, Tupac’s legacy remains one of the most enduring in the history of hip hop music. His music and words continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, and his impact on the genre cannot be overstated. While his untimely passing was a tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the world of hip hop and the importance of artists using their platform to promote positivity and change.
Was 1995 the year in hip hop?
1995 was definitely a standout year for hip hop. It marked the midpoint of what is referred to as the “Golden Era” of hip hop, a period that spanned from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s. During this time, hip hop had a profound impact on popular culture, and 1995 was undoubtedly one of the most significant years in this era.
One of the key reasons why 1995 was such a standout year for hip hop was the sheer number of classic albums that were released. These albums included Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Mobb Deep’s The Infamous, GZA’s Liquid Swords, and The Fugees’ The Score. Each of these albums received critical acclaim and helped to solidify the reputations of their respective artists in the world of hip hop.
But 1995 was not just about the music. It was also a year of important cultural milestones in hip hop. For example, it was the year that saw the release of the seminal film “Friday,” which starred Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. The film was a huge success and helped to bring hip hop culture to a wider audience.
In addition to this, 1995 was also the year that saw the start of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which would come to define much of the next few years in hip hop. The feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. reached its height in 1996 and 1997, but it was in 1995 that the seeds of the rivalry were planted.
1995 was an incredibly important year for hip hop. It marked a high point in the “Golden Era” of the genre, with many classic albums and cultural milestones that continue to be celebrated and analyzed to this day. While hip hop has continued to evolve and change since then, 1995 remains a touchstone for fans of the genre and an important moment in its history.
What year did rap get big?
Rap music is a genre that originated in African American communities during the 1970s in the Bronx, New York. It is a form of music that usually contains rhymed verses, spoken rhythmically over a background of music or beats.
While rap music had been gradually gaining popularity throughout the 1980s, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that it really hit the mainstream. The year 1992 was a seminal year for rap music, with the release of seminal albums by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and The Chronic, which helped to popularize the genre and bring it to the forefront of popular music.
Other landmark albums from that era include Nas’s Illmatic, Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders.
During the mid-1990s, rap music continued to gain popularity, with crossover hits by artists such as Notorious B.I.G, Tupac Shakur, and Jay-Z. This was also the height of the “East Coast vs. West Coast” rivalry that defined much of the hip hop landscape at the time.
In the 2000s, rap music became even more mainstream, with the rise of the “bling era” and commercial success of artists like 50 Cent and Eminem. Today, rap music remains one of the most popular genres in the world, with artists such as Drake, Cardi B, and Kendrick Lamar dominating the charts and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a rapper.
Who sold the most albums in 1994?
In 1994, the music industry saw a number of popular artists who released chart-topping albums, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Oasis. However, the artist who sold the most albums that year was none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Jackson’s eighth studio album, “Dangerous”, was released in 1991, but its success only continued to grow in the following years, with its sales peaking in 1994.
“Dangerous” was the follow-up to Jackson’s hugely successful album “Bad”, which had sold over 30 million copies worldwide. “Dangerous” featured a mix of pop, R&B, and rock influences, with hit singles such as “Black or White”, “Remember the Time”, and “Heal the World”. The album’s innovative music videos, complex choreography, and elaborate stage shows also helped to cement Jackson’s status as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
In 1994, “Dangerous” sold a staggering 15 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album of the year. It also earned Jackson a number of accolades, including two Grammy Awards and three American Music Awards. While Jackson’s popularity would wane in later years following allegations of child molestation and various controversies, his impact on music and pop culture remains undeniable.
Who won rap performance 1994?
In 1994, the Rap Performance category at the Grammy Awards was won by the hip-hop trio, Digable Planets. They won the award for their hit single “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” which became an instant hit and an anthem in the world of hip-hop.
Digable Planets, composed of Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler, Mary Ann “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira, and Craig “Doodlebug” Irving, burst onto the scene with the release of their debut album, “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space)” in 1993. The album fused jazz, funk, and hip-hop and established the group as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
“Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” became a hit single upon its release, earning the trio commercial success and critical acclaim. The song’s smooth jazz-infused beat, catchy hook, and the group’s unique rhyming style made it an instant classic.
The rap performance category at the 1994 Grammy Awards was a fiercely competitive one, with other nominees such as Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill. However, Digable Planets’ unique sound and innovative approach to hip-hop stood out, earning them the coveted award that year.
The group continued to make music together for a few more years, releasing their second and final album, “Blowout Comb,” in 1994. Although they did not reach the same level of commercial success as their first album, they left a lasting legacy in the world of hip-hop and inspired future generations of artists.
Who was the king of the 90’s rap?
When it comes to the title of “King of 90’s Rap”, there are a few contenders that come to mind. However, arguably the most prominent and influential rapper of the decade was none other than Tupac Shakur.
Tupac, also known as 2Pac, burst onto the scene in 1991 with his debut album “2Pacalypse Now”. Throughout the 90’s, he continued to release successful and critically acclaimed albums such as “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.” (1993), “Me Against the World” (1995), and “All Eyez on Me” (1996).
What set Tupac apart from his contemporaries was not only his skill as a rapper, but also his ability to infuse his music with social commentary and political activism. He tackled issues such as police brutality, poverty, and racism in his lyrics, making him a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.
However, Tupac was not without controversy. He was involved in a number of legal issues throughout his career, including being charged with sexual assault in 1993. He was also involved in a heated and ultimately fatal feud with fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
Despite his untimely death in 1996 at the age of 25, Tupac’s legacy continues to live on in the world of rap and beyond. He remains not only a symbol of the 90’s rap scene, but also a cultural icon whose impact can still be felt today.
Who has the most rap sales of all time?
There are various rappers who have achieved massive sales throughout the history of rap music. However, the most successful rapper in terms of sales would be Eminem. Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, Eminem has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
He is the only rapper to have had nine consecutive albums debut at the top spot of the Billboard 200, which is a remarkable feat.
Eminem, a native of Detroit, Michigan, rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the release of his major-label debut album, “The Slim Shady LP.” This album alone sold over 18 million copies worldwide and earned Eminem his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. He went on to produce several critically acclaimed records, including “The Marshall Mathers LP,” “The Eminem Show,” “Encore,” “Relapse,” and “Recovery,” among others.
Eminem’s music has been an influential force in rap music and has sparked debates about violence, misogyny and homophobia in popular culture. Despite these controversies, Eminem’s music remains popular and has touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. He has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammys, and he was named the “Artist of the Decade” by Billboard in 2009.
Eminem is undoubtedly the rapper with the most rap sales of all time. His unique sound and approach to music, along with his unparalleled success, have earned him a spot as one of the all-time greats of rap music. Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, Eminem’s music continues to have a massive impact on the world of music, influencing generations of rap artists to come.
What was the biggest hit of the 90s Billboard?
The biggest hit of the 90s, as determined by the Billboard charts, was undoubtedly “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. Released in 1999, the Latin-infused rock song spent a total of 12 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making it the longest-running number one hit of the entire decade.
“Smooth” was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim, earning three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song’s infectious guitar riff, catchy melody, and Thomas’s soulful vocals made it an instant classic and a staple of radio playlists for years to come.
Beyond its musical merits, “Smooth” also had a significant cultural impact. It introduced a new generation of listeners to the legendary guitar skills of Santana, who had been making music since the 1960s. The song’s massive success also helped cement the popularity of the Latin rock genre and paved the way for other crossover hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin and “The Cup of Life” by Carlos Santana.
“Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas can be considered the biggest hit of the 90s due to its unprecedented chart success, critical acclaim, and lasting cultural impact.
Who had the first #1 rap album?
The artist who had the first #1 rap album is none other than the legendary hip-hop group, The Sugarhill Gang. Their self-titled album, “The Sugarhill Gang”, released in 1980, was the very first full-length studio album to feature rap music and peaked at #1 on the US Billboard R&B/Soul chart.
The Sugarhill Gang’s groundbreaking album was released on Sugar Hill Records, a label that was created specifically to showcase and promote the then-underground genre of hip-hop. The album consisted of eight tracks, with the iconic hit single “Rapper’s Delight” serving as the lead song.
“Rapper’s Delight”, which was also released as a single, was a 15-minute track that revolutionized the music industry by introducing rap to mainstream audiences. The song featured the catchy hooks and rhythms that would go on to define hip-hop as a genre, and it quickly became a massive commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide.
The Sugarhill Gang’s success paved the way for other rap artists to gain exposure and recognition, and opened the doors for a whole new generation of hip-hop artists to get their music out to the public. To this day, “Rapper’s Delight” remains a timeless classic and a monumentally important moment in the history of music, with The Sugarhill Gang forever cementing their place in the rap and hip-hop hall of fame.
What was the first number one song with rap?
The first number one song with rap is a topic widely debated among music fans and experts. However, one of the most commonly recognized songs with being the first number one hit featuring rap as the main element is “Rapture” by Blondie.
“Rapture” was released in 1980 and quickly climbed the music charts, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1981. The song was not only a massive commercial success, but it was also widely acclaimed for its innovative style and groundbreaking fusion of disco music and hip-hop.
The song’s rapper and co-writer, Fab Five Freddy, was a prominent figure in the New York hip-hop scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He helped bridge the gap between the rock and hip-hop worlds by collaborating with Blondie and introducing rap to a broader audience.
“Rapture” was a game-changer in the music industry, paving the way for future artists to experiment with mixing genres and sounds. It established rap as a legitimate musical form, leading to the emergence of groundbreaking artists like Run-DMC, Public Enemy, and N.W.A., among others. The song’s impact on the music industry continues to be felt today, nearly four decades after its initial release, solidifying its place in history as one of the most influential and innovative songs of all time.