10 Rap Songs That Prove The 90s Were A Rapper's Paradise

The 90s are considered the golden age of rap and hip-hop. So many of the legends that we look back upon today came out of that era, and many of them ended up dying well before they should have. The rap music scene of today is a stark difference, as such it makes you wish we were back in the 90s if for no other reason than we can actually understand the lyrics.

With that being said, here are the 10 of the greatest rap songs of the 90s, and by definition, 10 of the best rap songs of all time.

1. Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

This is a truly iconic rap song, and to this day, when it comes on over the speakers (wherever you happen to be) you can't help but start bobbing your head and getting into the song, thinking you're a gangster yourself.

2. California Love - Tupac Shakur

"Now let me welcome everybody to the wild wild west..." Everyone who grew up in the 90s knew this song. It was one of the few gangster rap songs that would come on at your average suburban grade school dance. When you hear it on the radio today you'll find yourself leaning back in your seat, channeling your inner Tupac.

3. Still Not A Player - Big Pun

Big Pun is one of those rappers who isn't often mentioned in the conversation of greatest rappers of all time, but should be. What we wouldn't give to have a new Pun track hit the airwaves. RIP Pun, you left us with some of the greatest rap lyrics of all time.

4. Juicy - The Notorious B.I.G.

The third hall of fame rapper to make it onto this list, Biggie was one of the originals to put New York on the map during a time when the west coast was taking over. This track was originally put together so he would have something that was radio friendly, and we are glad he did.

5. Gin and Juice - Snoop Dogg

Snoop was coming up at the same time as Pac and Biggie, but he had his own style. When Gin and Juice hit the radio in 1993, we were all feeling that west coast thing.

These next 5 tracks also helped shape a generation of rap artists.

6. Shook Ones Part II - Mobb Deep

Prodigy, one half of the hip hop group Mobb Deep recently passed away, but his legacy along with that of Havoc will forever live on with this iconic track... "cause ain't no such thing as half way crooks."

7. Ruff Ryder's Anthem - DMX

If DMX had stopped recording after his third album, he would likely be considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. But as we have learned in film, music and sports, time can do nasty things to a legacy. When this track dropped, everyone knew every word, and everyone wanted to be a Ruff Ryder.

8. My Name Is - Eminem

The man also known as Slim Shady came on the rap scene in the late 90s, and he blew the doors off of it. No one thought this white guy from Detroit could rap, that is until they heard him destroying beats with the help of Dr. Dre.

9. C.R.E.A.M. - Wu Tang Clan

What can you say about the Wu? "Cash rules everything around me, CREAM, get the money, dollar dollar bill y'all." Every member of the group was highly talented, and no track showcased that better than C.R.E.A.M.

10. It Was A Good Day - Ice Cube

After leaving N.W.A behind to start out on his solo career, Ice Cube carved out his own hall of fame career. If there is one song that he is most know for as a solo artist, here it is. This is the one that you go to a Ice Cube concert in order to hear.

What do you think, who are we missing?