1. 2Pac - Dear Mama

2Pac‘s versatility shone through in “Dear Mama,” a poignant ode to his mother that revealed his softer side. This track, which became one of his most beloved and recognized works, demonstrated his ability to effortlessly transition from hard-hitting street narratives to deeply personal, introspective lyrics. The song’s emotional depth and raw honesty struck a chord with listeners, elevating it to classic status in the Hip Hop canon.

2. Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt 2

Mobb Deep‘s magnum opus, “Shook Ones (Part II),” epitomizes the raw essence of 1990s East Coast Hip Hop. Havoc’s menacing production provides the perfect backdrop for the duo’s gritty, street-smart lyrics, creating an unforgettable anthem that transcends time. As the crown jewel of their seminal album The Infamous, this track played a crucial role in revitalizing New York’s Hip Hop scene. Its impact extends far beyond Mobb Deep’s discography, earning its place among the greatest Hip Hop compositions ever crafted.

3. KRS One - MCs Act Like They Don't Know

KRS-One’s “MCs Act Like They Don’t Know” epitomizes the synergy between the Bronx legend and production maestro DJ Premier. Premo’s ingenious beat, which cleverly reimagines Kurtis Blow’s iconic “The Breaks,” provides the perfect backdrop for KRS-One’s lyrical prowess. In this track, KRS delivers a masterclass in Hip Hop authenticity, asserting that true emcees must possess the ability to electrify a live audience. This proclamation carries significant weight coming from KRS-One, widely regarded as one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. The song not only cemented KRS-One’s status as a Hip Hop luminary but also highlighted DJ Premier’s unparalleled skill in crafting timeless instrumentals.

4. Luniz - I Got 5 On It

Back in 1995, Oakland duo Luniz unleashed a party anthem for the ages with “I Got 5 On It.” The song blew up instantly, becoming a worldwide smash that somehow never gets old. The song weaved together bits of funky classics like Club Nouveau’s “Why You Treat Me So Bad” (1987), Kool and the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie” (1973), and Audio Two’s “Top Billin’” (1987) to create something totally new and irresistible. This song is a party starter for a reason, and it’s guaranteed to get you grooving no matter what year it is.

5. Method Man - I'll Be There for You / You're All I Need to Get By ft Mary J Blige

Method Man’s “I’ll Be There for You / You’re All I Need to Get By” elevates his original track “All I Need” from the 1994 album Tical to new heights. This remix ingeniously reimagines Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1968 classic “You’re All I Need To Get By,” blending Hip Hop grit with soulful nostalgia. The collaboration with Mary J. Blige adds a layer of emotional depth, creating a Hip Hop love anthem that transcends generations.

6. Ol' Dirty Bastard - Shimmy Shimmy Ya

Ol’ Dirty Bastard wasn’t exactly known for playing it safe. In fact, his wild creativity was a huge part of his charm. That energy is on full display in “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” the second single from his solo debut, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. Produced by his Wu-Tang brother RZA, the song became ODB’s biggest hit and a perfect example of his unique genius. It’s a head-scratching, hilarious, and undeniably catchy track that cemented ODB’s legacy as a one-of-a-kind rapper.

7. GZA - Liquid Swords

“Liquid Swords” is the title track and second single from GZA‘s Liquid Swords album, one of 1995’s standout releases. With RZA’s masterful production and GZA’s sharp lyricism, “Liquid Swords” became a monumental piece in Hip Hop, both as a song and an album.

Reflecting on the track, GZA commented, “Usually I take a beat home and write to it for a few days, but it wasn’t like that with this track. I think RZA played the beat for me, and I just spit to it right there. The hook was actually a routine from around ‘84 that me, RZA, and Ol’ Dirty would do: ‘When the emcees came, to live out the name.’ Just like that.”

8. The Pharcyde - Runnin'

“Runnin'” is a standout track from The Pharcyde’s 1995 album Labcabincalifornia, quickly becoming one of the group’s most beloved songs. Produced by the legendary J Dilla, the track melds his signature sound with The Pharcyde’s unique style, creating a timeless Hip Hop classic.

Dilla’s production provides a rich, atmospheric backdrop that perfectly meshes with The Pharcyde’s introspective lyrics and smooth delivery. The song’s theme of avoiding confrontation is relatable, while its musical composition represents the best of mid-90s Hip Hop artistry.

9. Raekwon - Ice Cream ft Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Cappadonna

Selecting standout tracks from Raekwon’s masterpiece Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is a daunting task, but “Ice Cream” undoubtedly ranks among the album’s finest offerings. This collaborative effort brings together Wu-Tang Clan‘s finest, with Method Man lending his distinctive voice to the intro, chorus, and outro, while Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna deliver powerful verses alongside Raekwon. The result is a quintessential Wu-Tang experience, embodying the gritty, intricate lyricism and innovative production that defined the group’s signature sound. “Ice Cream” not only highlights Raekwon’s skill as a solo artist but also demonstrates the collective strength of the Wu-Tang Clan, making it a crucial entry here.

10. Dr Dre - Keep Their Heads Ringing

Dr. Dre’s “Keep Their Heads Ringin'” is a highlight from the “Friday” movie soundtrack and one of his biggest hits. This infectious track embodies the essence of mid-90s West Coast Hip Hop, featuring Dre’s signature G-funk sound paired with an irresistible hook. Its widespread appeal quickly made it a favorite at parties and clubs across the world.

11. 2Pac - So Many Tears

“So Many Tears” ranks among 2Pac’s most poignant and introspective works, delving into the depths of his inner emotions. This haunting track demonstrates the rapper’s ability to convey raw, unfiltered feelings through his lyrics, creating a powerful narrative that lingers long after the song ends. While often overshadowed by his more commercially successful hits, “So Many Tears” represents a pinnacle of 2Pac’s artistry, blending meaningful storytelling with a melancholic melody.

12. Bone Thugs N Harmony - 1st Of Tha Month

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “1st of tha Month” catapulted the group into the Hip Hop spotlight in 1995. Despite its controversial subject matter – celebrating welfare check paydays – the song’s infectious melody and unique vocal delivery made it an instant hit. This track established BTNH as rising stars in the genre, paving the way for their future success. With its memorable chorus and distinctive flow, “1st of tha Month” became a cultural touchstone, setting the stage for the group’s even bigger 1996 smash “Tha Crossroads.” The song’s blend of harmonies and rapid-fire lyrics created a fresh sound that helped define mid-90s Hip Hop.

13. Raekwon - Verbal Intercourse ft Nas & Ghostface Killah

“Verbal Intercourse” is one of the many highlights of Raekwon’s classic album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... This collaboration brings together three of Hip Hop’s most skilled lyricists, with Raekwon and Ghostface Killah delivering sharp, vivid verses. However, it’s guest artist Nas who takes the track to new heights. His appearance is phenomenal, displaying his unparalleled wordplay and flow. Nas’s contribution to “Verbal Intercourse” is considered one of the greatest guest verses in Hip Hop history, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already exceptional song.

14. Ice Cube - Friday

Ice Cube’s “Friday” joins Dr. Dre’s “Keep Their Heads Ringing” as the standout hits from the 1995 “Friday” movie soundtrack. This catchy track not only became a fan favorite but also sparked controversy in the Hip Hop world. Cypress Hill accused Ice Cube of lifting the song’s hook after spending time with them in the studio, igniting a heated feud between the artists.

Despite the controversy, “Friday” captured the laid-back, West Coast vibe of the film and quickly became a Hip Hop anthem. The song’s infectious rhythm and clever lyrics helped propel it to success, while its disputed origins added an intriguing layer to its legacy.

15. Big L - Street Struck

Big L‘s “Street Struck” is a powerful narrative that paints a vivid picture of life in inner-city communities. This 1995 track offers listeners a stark warning about the perils of street life, delivered with Big L’s signature wordplay and flow. The song’s message took on a haunting significance four years later when Big L himself fell victim to the very violence he cautioned against, losing his life in a drive-by shooting in his Harlem neighborhood.

16. Goodie Mob - Cell Therapy

Real and raw, Goodie Mob’s classic debut album Soul Food has that genre-bending musicality reminiscent of OutKast with true lyrical depth. Soul Food is one of those albums that age like fine wine and only get better as time goes by. Cee-Lo, T-Mo, Big Gipp, and Khujo dropped a real gem with this album, “Cell Therapy” is one of many excellent tracks the album contains. Southern Hip Hop at its finest.

17. Mobb Deep - Survival Of The Fittest

One of the singles of the super classic The Infamous, with hard-hitting rhymes and an addictive chorus over another typical Havoc instrumental. Vintage Mobb Deep.

18. Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise

“Gangsta’s Paradise” was 1995 biggest selling single – in any musical genre – and even one of the biggest selling singles ever. The huge mainstream success of this song pretty much ended Coolio’s Hip Hop career, but this song has to be recognized as a classic (even if you’ve heard it a thousand times too many…).

19. OutKast - Benz Or Beamer

Appearing on the 1995 New Jersey Drive Soundtrack, “Benz Or Beamer” is one of the many classic OutKast joints we all have come to love, and one that would have fitted perfectly on the duo’s monumental 1996 sophomore album ATLiens.

20. Channel Live - Mad Izm ft KRS One

Channel Live dropped a dope if somewhat unremarkable boom-bap album with Station Identification. Hakim and Tuffy, considered proteges of KRS-One, come with dope rhymes over dark and heavy beats. This track is the undisputed highlight of the album.

21. Raekwon - Incarcerated Scarfaces

Yet another classic song off Raekwon’s solo debut, arguably the best solo album from all Wu-Tang members. “Incarcerated Scarfaces” wasn’t one of the official singles of the album, but stands as one of its big tracks nevertheless. It’s also one of the few tracks off the album with no guest spots from fellow Wu-Tang members.

22. LL Cool J - Doin' It

Like LL Cool J‘s 1987 smash hit “I Need Love” this song is another ‘guilty pleasure’. Massive mainstream appeal and one of LL’s biggest hits, this raunchy song just can not be hated on. The bass is thumping and the vibe is just right. Just gotta love this one. Also props for the use of the ‘Go Brooklyn’ chant, which is sampled from Audio Two’s classic “Top Billin’ “song.

23. E-40 - Sprinkle Me

Bay Area pioneer and legend E-40 released A LOT of albums in his 30-year career, 1995’s In A Major Way may just be his very best. Smooth and funky, and with a load a star guest rappers – like 2Pac and Spice 1 – guarantee a great listening experience. Not everybody digs E-40 rapping style, but there’s no denying the classicness of the album. “Sprinkle Me” is one of the hits of the album.

24. Ol' Dirty Bastard - Brooklyn Zoo

Ol’Dirty Bastard debut solo single borrows its eminently recognizable hook (“Shame on you when you step through to the Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!”) from “Protect Ya Neck” from Wu-Tang Clan’s epic debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). “Brooklyn Zoo” is one of the stand-out tracks from ODB’s solo debut.

25. Crooklyn Dodgers '95 - Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers

The Crooklyn Dodgers are a Hip Hop supergroup from Brooklyn, New York City, consisting of rotating members. The first group was composed of Buckshot, Masta Ace, and Special Ed. Their only record is this classic 1994 cut “Crooklyn,” produced by Q-Tip.

The second Crooklyn Dodgers line-up consisted of Chubb Rock, Jeru the Damaja, and O.C. Their one and only joint recording is “Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers,” with classic production by DJ Premier. The song was featured on Spike Lee’s “Clockers” Movie Soundtrack.

26. The Roots "Distortion To Static"

“You are all about to witness some organic Hip Hop Jazz”. There is no better description possible of The Roots’ second album Do You Want More?!!!??! as Black Thought’s own introduction to the album.

“Distortion To Static”, was released as the first single for the album in 1994, and together with “Mellow My Man” became one of the lead tracks from Do You Want More?!!!??! The jazz vibes and live instrumentation make this track one of The Roots’ signature songs and a perfect tone-setter for what would turn out to be an epic career.

27. Skee Lo - I Wish

“I Wish” is a hit song by Skee-Lo, who may just be one of the biggest one-hit-wonders in Hip Hop. “I Wish” is a refreshing track with self-deprecating humor in a time when tough-guy posturing was the norm. A lot of pop appeal, but dope anyway.

28. AZ - Uncut Raw

Why AZ never made it bigger than he did will forever be one of Hip Hop’s biggest mysteries. Universally recognized as one of the best emcees (and somewhat paradoxically one of the most underrated emcees) in the game, AZ has released a series of good to excellent albums. Doe Or Die, his debut, is one of his best. Short and tight, it pioneers the mafioso subgenre, together with releases from Raekwon and Kool G Rap in this year. “Uncut Raw” is one of our favorite tracks off the album, but the whole album is dope a.f.

29. Jurassic 5 - Unified Rebelution

This early Jurassic 5 joint was a great prelude of much more excellent Hip Hop to come from this L.A. underground crew. “Unified Rebelution” succeeds admirably in capturing that old school vibe with throwback style rhyming and vintage scratches by Cut Chemist.

30. The Pharcyde - Drop

“Drop” is The Pharcyde‘s first single from their second album, Labcabincalifornia. The single contains a vocal sample of the Beastie Boys song “The New Style”, using the titular “mmm….. drop” line delivered during a drop to create its hook. Dope track, epic video.

31. Kool G Rap - Fast Life ft Nas

The lead track of Kool G Rap‘s underrated 4,5,6 album, displays dope verses from the Kool G Rap himself and guest rapper Nas. “Fast Life” is a prime example of the mafioso sub-genre that was popular in Hip Hop during the mid-nineties and of which Kool G Rap would become one of the main representatives.

32. Junior Mafia - Players Anthem

The lead single from Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s 1995 Conspiracy album, features group founder and Junior M.A.F.I.A. mentor Notorious B.I.G. on the chorus, one of the reasons the song became a big hit.

33. Group Home - Livin' Proof

DJ Premier gave some of his best-ever beats to Group Home, a group that was part of the Gang Starr Foundation family. On their debut album, the Group Home emcees can nowhere match the quality of Premo’s production, but this track is a timeless banger nonetheless.

34. Smif N Wessun - Wrekonize

Smif N Wessun members Tek and Steele first appeared on Black Moon’s classic 1993 album Enta Da Stage. Their own debut album Dah Shinin’ has become one of the most heralded NYC Hip Hop albums from the mid-1990s, famous for its hardcore lyrical content and dark, dusty production. “Wrekonize”, together with the underground smash “Bucktown” (released in 1994), is one of the many highlights of the album.

35. Method Man & Redman - How High

Produced by Erick Sermon, “How High” is the first official collaboration from longtime friends Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan and Redman, marking their debut as a duo.  “How High” was originally featured on the soundtrack to the 1995 Hip Hop documentary The Show.

36. Eightball & MJG - Space Age Pimpin'

Legendary Memphis duo Eightball & MJG have been representing the South since their debut in 1993. In 1995 they already dropped their third album, On Top Of The World – one of their best. “Space Age Pimpin'” is one of the centerpieces of the album and one of the duo’s signature songs.

37. Naughty By Nature - Feel Me Flow

Naughty By Nature always had the talent for creating catchy tracks with massive mainstream appeal, “Feel Me Flow” is the lead single from 1995’s Poverty Paradise, a dope jam in the tradition of “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray“, the mega hits from their previous albums.

38. 2Pac - Temptations

“Temptations” is the third single by 2Pac from his 3rd and best album: Me Against the World. The song’s music video does not have any shots of 2Pac, since he was incarcerated at the time. Instead, the video features many celebrities such as Coolio, Ice-T, Warren G, Adina Howard, and Kenya Moore. Taking place in a hotel, the video opens and closes with the concierge (Ice-T) complaining about Coolio (a bellboy). The main plot of the video follows Coolio while he is working in the hotel.

39. Mobb Deep - Eye For An Eye (Your Beef Is Mines) ft Raekwon & Nas

Talk about an epic collaboration. Nas and Raekwon at their peak adding to the weight Prodigy and Havoc already bring to the table, makes for one of the best posse cuts ever.

40. KRS One - Rappaz R N Dainja

This DJ Premier -produced banger is the perfect opener to KRS One’s underappreciated eponymous titled second solo album. KRS has a message for wack rappers – guess what: they are in danger.

Honorable Mentions

• Raekwon – Wu Gambinos
• Raekwon – Glaciers Of Ice
• Raekwon – Criminology
• GZA – Shadowboxin’
• GZA – 4th Chamber
• GZA – B.I.B.L.E.
• GZA – Cold World
• GZA – Living In The World Today
• 2Pac – Old School
• 2Pac – Me Against The World
• Goodie Mob – Dirty South
• Goodie Mob – Soul Food
• Goodie Mob – Thought Process
• Mobb Deep – Drink Away The Pain
• Mobb Deep – Q.U. Hectic
• Mobb Deep – Cradle To The Grave
• Big L – Let Em Have It L
• Big L – I Don’t Understand It
• Big L – M.V.P.
• Smif N Wessun – Cession At Da Doghillee
• Smif N Wessun – Stand Strong
• The Pharcyde – Moment In Time
• The Pharcyde – Hey You
• The Roots – Proceed
• The Roots – The Lesson Pt 1
• Bone Thugs N Harmony – Crossroad (Original)
• Bone Thugs N Harmony – East 1999
• Tha Alkaholiks – Daaam
• Three 6 Mafia – Tear Da Club Up
• Show & AG – Check It Out
• Show & AG – Next Level
• Show & AG – Got The Flava
• AZ – Sugar Hill
• AZ – Doe Or Die
• AZ – Gimme Your’s
• KRS One – Hold
• KRS One – The Truth
• KRS One – Wannabemceez
• KRS One – Represent The Real Hip Hop
• E-40 – Dusted ‘n’ Disgusted
• E-40 – The Bumble
• E-40 – Sideways
• Aceyalone – All Balls Don’t Bounce
• Aceyalone – Mic Check
• Eightball & MJG – On Top Of The World
• WC & The MAAD Circle – Curb Servin
• WC & The MAAD Circle – West Up!
• Mack 10 – Take A Hit
• Tha Dogg Pound – New York New York
• DJ Quik – Safe + Sound
• DJ Quik – Dollarz + Sense
• LL Cool J – Hey Lover
• LL Cool J – I Shot Ya
• Cypress Hill – Illusions
• Cypress Hill – Funk Freakers
• Cypress Hill – Boom Biddy Bye Bye
• Cypress Hill – Killafornia
• Funkdoobiest – Superhoes
• King Tee – Dippin’
• K-Rino – Verbal Execution
• Masta Ace – Sittin’ On Chrome
• Too Short – Cocktales
• Das EFX – Real Hip Hop
• Fat Joe – Bronx Tale
• Fat Joe – Bronx Keeps Creating It
• Master P – 99 Ways To Die
• Miilkbone – Keep It Real
• Erick Sermon – Welcome
• Erick Sermon – Bomdigi
• Onyx – Last Dayz
• Nine – Whut’cha Want
• Group Home – Supa Star
• Souls Of Mischief – No Man’s Land
• Mic Geronimo – The Natural
• Mic Geronimo – Time To Build
• B.G. Knocc Out & Dresta – Everyday Allday
• Brotha Lynch Hung – Season Of Da Sicc
• FaceMob – Facemob ft Scarface
• Ol Dirty Bastard – Ol Dirty Is Back
• Wu-Tang Clan – Let Me At Them
• Mystic Journeymen – Sammy’s Song