A 90s rapper. An artist who was active during the golden age of US hip-hop.
The American hip-hop scene from the mid-1980s through the 1990s is known as the Golden Age, and the influence of the artists who thrived during this period on modern hip-hop is immeasurable.
If you love hip-hop, there are essential classics you have to hear and artists you should definitely know!
In this article, we’ll zero in on the 1990s within the Golden Age of hip-hop and introduce, all at once, the rappers and groups who were active during that time.
Whether you’re new to hip-hop or already deeply into it, be sure to give these a fresh look!
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.
- [Back to the '90s!] Dance Music from Western Hits of the 1990s
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- [Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the ’90s
- [2025] A roundup of classic and popular tracks hip-hop beginners should listen to
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
Rappers from the 1990s. Artists who were active during the golden age of US hip-hop (21–30)
Big Pimpin’ ft. UGKJay Z
When talking about rappers who debuted in the ’90s, JAY-Z is indispensable.
Since he couldn’t get signed to a label at first, he reportedly traveled all around New York selling CDs by hand.
He quickly caught the attention of a music producer and made his major debut.
He later won a Grammy for Hard Knock Life, released in 1995, and has gone on to win a total of 23 times.
His intricate rhymes and lyrics are a huge part of his appeal, so give his music a careful listen.
Thuggish Ruggish BoneBone Thugs-N-Harmony
The group that helped ignite G-funk in the ’90s was Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Early on, they incorporated choruses and produced songs with a soft, R&B-like vibe.
But around the mid-’90s, they shifted their direction and began creating a lot of hard-hitting G-funk.
That move paid off, earning them numerous music awards.
Some of their tracks feature somewhat explicit lyrics, but they can also help you understand the hip-hop scene of that era.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a lineup of rappers and groups who were active in the ’90s, often called the golden era of American hip-hop.
Many of these artists are still going strong today, while others are legends who have sadly passed away.
These are all must-know artists if you’re into hip-hop, so take this opportunity to dive into their tracks and really listen.