Top 20 Rappers Who Dominated the Golden Age of Hip Hop

W. Syaban

March 23, 2025

The 1990s were a crucial period during the development of hip-hop, frequently called the "golden age" of rap music. This era stood out due to an increase in artistic creativity, innovative approaches, and substantial cultural impact as musicians delved into fresh musical styles and lyrical content that connected deeply with their audience. However, which rappers from the '90s adorned this illustrious phase of rap music?

What sets apart rap artists from the 1990s is their varied musical approaches, deep narrative skills, significant cultural influence, trailblazing partnerships, and groundbreaking production methods. They explored different styles and sub-genres within hip-hop that connected deeply with numerous listeners.

20 top hip-hop artists from the 90s who defined the golden era of rap music

The choice of the top 90s rap artists is based on information gathered from Grado Zero Beats and Billboard charts. We assessed each artist’s impact, longevity in their career, and lyrical prowess. Below is our list featuring the greatest hip-hop performers from the 1990s:
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
2. Tupac Shakur
3. Nas
4. Wu-Tang Clan
5. Snoop Dogg
6. Dr. Dre
7. Eminem
8. Ice Cube
9. Jay-Z
10. LL Cool J
And so forth.

Rapper	Best Album (Copies Sold)
Tupac Shakur	Greatest Hits (6.6 million copies)
The Notorious B.I.G.	Life After Death (10 million copies)
Nas	It Was Written (3.3 million copies)
Dr. Dre	2001 (10 million copies)
Snoop Dogg	Dggystyle* (6 million copies)
Jay-Z	Vol 2…Hard Knock Life (6.2 million copies)
Wu-Tang Clan	Wu-Tang Forever (6 million copies)
Ice Cube	The Predator (2 million copies)
Lauryn Hill	The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (20 million copies)
Busta Rhymes	Extinction-Level Event/Ultimate Global Crisis (1.1 million copies)
OutKast	Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (13 million copies)
Missy Elliott	Under Construction (2.2 million copies)
A Tribe Called Quest	Midnight Marauders (1 million copies)
Scarface	The Untouchable (1 million copies)
Redman	Blackout (1.2 million copies)
Queen Latifah	The Dana Owens Album (500 thousand copies)
DMX	It's dark, and hell is blazing hot. (5.8 million copies)
Method Man	Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1.6 million copies)
Salt-N-Pepa	Very Necessary (5.4 million copies)
Fat Joe	Jealous Ones Still Envy (1 million copies)

1. Tupac Shakur

Full name: Tupac Amaru Shakur
Date of birth: 16 June 1971
Died: 13 September 1996
Spouse: Keisha Morris (1995–1996)

Tupac, often referred to as 2Pac, emerged as a trailblazing icon in hip-hop and is regarded as one of the greatest from the old-school era during the '90s. His audience cherished his work due to his ability to merge intense emotions with critical societal insights.

His albums, such as All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World , demonstrated his skillful use of poetry in lyrics and tackled subjects such as poverty, discrimination, and brutality. Tupac’s magnetic personality and multifaceted character turned him into a cultural symbol, and his untimely demise further solidified his enduring impact.

2. The Notorious B.I.G.

Full name: Christopher George Latore Wallace
Date of birth: 21 May 1972
Died: 9 March 1997
Children: C. J. Wallace and T'yanna Wallace
Spouse: Faith Evans

Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., is renowned for his silky flow and masterful narrative skills. His first studio album, Ready to Die , shared stories from his personal journey filled with challenges and victories.

3. Nas

Born: 14 September 1973
Full name: Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
Children: Destiny Jones

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas, burst onto the scene as a masterful lyricist with his first album. Illmatic , frequently celebrated as one of the finest hip-hop albums in history.

His complex use of language and evocative narratives encapsulated the heart of city living, especially in New York City. Songs such as N.Y. State of Mind strengthened his position as a prominent figure in hip-hop.

4. Dr. Dre

Full name: Andre Romelle Young
Born: 18 February 1965
Spouse: Nicole Young (1996–2021)
Children: Marcel Young, La Tanya Danielle Young, Curtis Young, ADDITIONAL

As both a producer and one of the prominent rap artists from the 1990s, Dr. Dre played a crucial role in defining the style of West Coast hip-hop. His album The Chronic pioneered the G-funk sound, marked by funk samples and relaxed rhythms.

Dre played a crucial role in nurturing artists such as Snoop Dogg and Eminem, positioning himself as an essential contributor to the development of the genre.

5. Snoop Dogg

Full name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Born: 20 October 1971
Spouse: Shante Broadus (1997)
Children: Cordell Broadus, Cori Broadus, Julian Corrie Broadus, Cordé Broadus

Snoop Dogg made a spectacular entrance into the hip-hop world through his first album, highlighting his relaxed yet engaging vocal technique and distinct approach. Working alongside Dr. Dre solidified Snoop as an emblem of West Coast rap. His magnetic presence and one-of-a-kind personality enabled him to extend beyond just music, transforming into a prominent figure in popular culture.

6. Jay-Z

Full name: Shawn Corey Carter
Born: 4 December 1969
Spouse: Beyoncé

Jay-Z asserted his prowess as both a skilled lyricist and an astute entrepreneur through his first studio release. Reasonable Doubt His talent for merging urban stories with widespread popularity distinguished him. Songs such as Hard Knock Life highlighted his groundbreaking sampling methods and cemented his position in hip-hop lore.

7. Wu-Tang Clan

Origin: Staten Island, New York, USA
Record labels: Loud Records, Sony Music Entertainment
Active from: 1991

The Wu-Tang Clan transformed hip-hop through their distinctive mix of martial arts visuals and raw urban storytelling. Their first album introduced this innovative approach. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) featured a group of skilled rappers, each contributing their own unique style.

8. Ice Cube

Ice Cube shifted from being part of N.W.A. to having a thriving solo career. Renowned for his lyrically charged political commentary and narrative skills, he gained recognition through albums such as AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted tackled social problems and individual stories. His music cements his status as a influential figure in hip-hop.

9. Lauryn Hill

Full name: Lauryn Noelle Hill
Born: 26 May 1975
Children: YG Marley, Zion David Marley, Selah Marley, Sarah Marley, John Nesta Marley

Lauryn Hill, both as a member of The Fugees and through her individual projects, merged hip-hop with soul and R&B. Her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill demonstrated her range as both a rapper and vocalist. This accomplishment brought her recognition from critics and significant popularity in the market.

Her deeply reflective songwriting struck a chord with listeners, positioning her as a pioneer for women in hip-hop and cementing her status as one of the genre's top artists during the 1990s.

10. Busta Rhymes

Full name: Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr.
Born: 20 May 1972
Children: Mariah Smith, Cacie Smith, Trillian Wood-Smith, T'Khi Wood-Smith, T'ziah Wood-Smith

Busta Rhymes is renowned for his dynamic delivery and complex rhyming patterns. He has worked alongside influential figures such as Q-Tip and has also produced impressive solo material, including The Coming , showcased his distinctive style. Busta’s skill at blending hip-hop with multiple genres set him apart as an outstanding artist of the era.

11. OutKast

Origin: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Active from: 1992
Record labels: LaFace Records, Arista Records

OutKast, comprising André 3000 and Big Boi, expanded the horizons of hip-hop through their diverse musical style and pioneering narrative techniques. Their albums such as Aquemini highlighted their unique Southern vibe, mixing elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop.

12. Missy Elliott

Full name: Melissa Arnette Elliott
Born: 1 July 1971
Height: 1.57 m
Parents: Patricia Elliott, Ronnie Elliott

Missy Elliott rose to prominence as an groundbreaking artist recognized for her trailblazing music videos and fusion of genres. Her discography encompasses various albums such as Supa Dupa Fly , stood out with engaging hooks and witty wordplay, cementing her status as a leading artist in the 90s hip-hop landscape.

13. A Tribe CalledQuest

Origin: Queens, New York, U.S., St. Albans, New York, U.S.
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Labels: Jive; Epic

A Tribe CalledQuest played a crucial role in shaping alternative hip-hop. Their jazz-infused rhythms and insightful lyrics, showcased in albums such as The Low-End Theory , distinguish them from their peers.

Songs such as Can IKick It? highlighted their distinctive style and poetic complexity. This ensemble featured rapper and primary producer Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, DJ and co-producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with rapper Jarobi White.

14. Scarface

Born: 9 November 1970 (age 53 years), Houston, Texas, United States
Full name: Brad Terrence Jordan
Children: Brad Jordan

Scarface, part of the hip-hop group Geto Boys, is recognized for his reflective songwriting and narrative skills. His individual projects, notably The Diary, explored themes of struggle and survival, which earned him recognition as a prominent voice in Southern hip-hop.

15. Redman

Born: 17 April 1970
Full name: Reginald Noble
Height: 1.85 m

Redman is renowned for his comedic and rebellious approach. As one of numerous African American rap artists from the '90s, his discography, includingalbums like Whut? The Album demonstrated his distinctive style and sharp lyrical skills. Collaborations between Redman and other performers, such as Method Man, reinforced his standing within the hip-hop scene.

16. Queen Latifah

Full name: Dana Elaine Owens
Born: 18 March 1970
Partner: Eboni Nichols
Children: 1
Siblings: Lancelot Owens, Jr.

Queen Latifah shattered boundaries as a woman in rap and acting. Her tunes frequently tackled societal problems, with one of her albums focusing on such issues. All Hail the Queen highlighted her strong vocal abilities and skillful wordplay. Her impact transcended music and she emerged as an inspiration for women in hip-hop.

17. DMX

Full name: Earl Simmons
Born: 18 December 1970
Died: 9 April 2021
Children: Hail Mary Ella Simmons, Xavier Simmons,

DMX emerged as a raw and charismatic figure in hip-hop, known for his gritty lyrics, distinctive voice, and powerful storytelling. His debut album, It's dark, and hell is blazing hot. , achieved commercial success with hits like Ruff Ryders'Anthem that resonated with fans.

Over the course of his career, he produced multiple hit albums, including And Then There Was X, Flesh of My Flesh, and Blood of My Blood , cementing his position as a hip-hop legend.

18. Method Man

Full name: Clifford Smith
Born: 2 March 1971
Spouse: Tamika Smith
Children: Cheyenne Smith, Rae Smith, Sha Smith

A key figure in the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man became renowned for his suave presentation and magnetic personality. In his solo projects such as "Tical," he demonstrated exceptional lyricism and an unmistakable flair. Collaborations with performers like Redman underscored his adaptability and range.

19. Salt-N-Pepa

Origin: Queens, New York, USA
Genres: Dance/Electronic, Hip-Hop/Rap, Amapiano
Active from: 1985

Salt-N-Pepa were trailblazers in female rap and gained recognition for their infectious tracks and uplifting messages. Hits such as Push It and Let's Talk About Sex they shattered boundaries and questioned social conventions, rendering them pivotal figures within the genre.

20. Fat Joe

Full name: Joseph Antonio Cartagena
Born: 19 August 1970
Spouse: Lorena Cartagena
Record labels: Terror Squad Entertainment, Empire, MORE
Children: Joey Cartagena, Ryan Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena

Fat Joe rose from the Bronx streets showcasing a unique style and rhythm. He teamed up with musicians including Big Pun and released various albums, such as Jealous One's Envy , demonstrated his skillful lyricism and capacity to merge urban stories with widespread popularity.

His 2001 album, Those Who Are Still Jealous of J.O.S.E. reached a pinnacle in his career. The album went platinum and included hit tracks such as What's Luv? alongside Ashanti and Ja Rule.

Final word

The 1990s were undeniably a golden age for hip-hop, characterised by diverse voices and styles that shaped the genre's evolution. From the poignant lyrics of Tupac and Biggie to the innovative sounds of Dr. Dre and Wu-Tang Clan, these 90s rappers not only defined the decade but also laid the groundwork for future generations.

The .co.ke website featured an article highlighting some of the top Canadian rappers worth listening to. Canada has a thriving hip-hop culture, giving rise to artists whose music garners global acclaim and admiration.

A number of these musicians have gained prominence and amassed considerable riches via their music journeys. Can you identify the leading Canadian hip-hop artists whose tracks frequently make it onto the charts? Discover them now.