The Dopest Rappers of the '90s

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Updated October 1, 2023 271.6K votes 30.5K voters 1.4M views
Over 30.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Dopest Rappers of the '90s
Voting Rules

Many artists on this list still perform today, but vote only on their 90s output

The best '90s rappers and rap groups brought us some of the best rap songs of all time with artists like Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and the Notorious B.I.G. dominating the decade. Often described as the "golden age" of hip hop, the 1990s introduced many rappers and rap groups that would go on to become the best rappers of all time. 

This ranking of the top 100+ Nineties rappers and rap groups was compiled by hip hop fans on Ranker's editorial team; early voters also added a few missing talents. While there were many more talented rappers who were considered, it was decided to keep this ranking somewhat manageable; we hope you will find it more fulfilling than a top 10.  It has since been voted on by tens of thousands of rap music aficionados worldwide, making it the definitive ranking of '90s rap artists. 

During the beginning of the decade, prominent acts and rappers like Ice Cube, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy led the charts as their fame, first established in the 1980s, continued. Each brought something new and interesting to the rap world, such as Ice Cube's 1991 release of "Death Certificate," which dealt with real-world issues like racism, Los Angeles gangs, and drugs.

As the decade continued, one of the best rap albums of all time came along in 1992. Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" made the now-legendary producer and rapper's name, along with the name of another up-and-coming rapper, Snoop Dogg, known around the world. Snoop and Dre represented the West Coast of the United States and alongside the late Tupac Shakur and the rest of the Death Row family, these rappers dominated the genre for the next several years. But there was another coast ready to battle for that top spot on the charts.

Enter the Bad Boy family from the East Coast with top names like Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs and Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace. These two sides were crucial in the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry that not only produced some of the top rap music of the decade but also ultimately ended the lives of 2Pac and Biggie, as both were tragically murdered. And then came the Wu-Tang, the Fugees, and so many more. . . 

All of these rappers and their music influenced and ushered in a new generation of rappers, the best rappers of the 2000s, and put up a good fight for the best decade for rap music ever. Which 90s rapper is your favorite? Vote for the ones you like the best below. 

Most divisive: The Pharcyde
Ranked by
  • Tupac Shakur
    1

    Tupac Shakur

    All Eyez on Me, Me Against the World, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
    16,404 votes
    • Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Political hip hop, Gangsta rap, West Coast hip hop

    See The Best Tupac Shakur Songs

    With a career spanning just five years, this legendary artist managed to leave an indelible mark on hip-hop through his powerful lyrics and charismatic persona. Known for addressing contemporary social issues and expressing raw emotions, he became a voice for the disenfranchised youth, paving the way for future rappers. Despite his untimely death, his impact on the genre and pop culture remains unparalleled, making him one of the most influential artists of the '90s.

    Tupac Amaru Shakur ( TOO-pahk shə-KOOR; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Much of Shakur's work has been noted for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he is considered a symbol of resistance and activism against inequality.Shakur was born in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City but relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. He later moved to Los Angeles in 1993 to further pursue his music career. By the time he released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he had become a central figure in West Coast hip hop, introducing social issues in the genre at a time when gangsta rap was dominant in the mainstream. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). Later that year, after suffering legal troubles and a robbery and shooting, Shakur became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. His double-disc album All Eyez on Me (1996) later became one of the best-selling albums in the United States. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later and the gunman was never captured. The Notorious B.I.G., Shakur's friend turned rival, was at first considered a suspect, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting several months later. Five more albums have been released since his death, all of which have been certified Platinum. Outside music, Shakur also gained considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles as Bishop in Juice (1992), Lucky in Poetic Justice (1993), Ezekiel in Gridlock'd (1997), and Jake in Gang Related (1997), all garnering praise from critics. Shakur is one of the best-selling music artists of all time having sold over 75 million records worldwide. In 2010, Shakur was inducted to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. In 2017, Shakur was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone named Shakur in the list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
  • The Notorious B.I.G.
    2

    The Notorious B.I.G.

    Ready to Die, Life After Death, Born Again
    13,781 votes
    • Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Gangsta rap, Mafioso rap

    See: The Best The Notorious B.I.G. Songs

    This Brooklyn-born rapper's smooth flow and intricate storytelling abilities set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. His two critically acclaimed albums showcased his uncanny ability to paint vivid pictures with words while delivering infectious hooks that resonated with fans across the globe. Tragically cut short in 1997, his influence on hip-hop can still be felt today, as new generations continue to discover his timeless music.

    Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), known professionally as The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or Biggie, was an American rapper. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time.Wallace was born and raised in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His debut album Ready to Die (1994) made him a central figure in East Coast hip hop and increased New York City's visibility in the genre at a time when West Coast hip hop dominated the mainstream. The following year, he led Junior M.A.F.I.A.—a protégé group composed of his childhood friends—to chart success. In 1996, while recording his second album, Wallace was heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop feud. On March 9, 1997, he was murdered by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. His second album, Life After Death (1997), released two weeks later, rose to No. 1 on the U.S. album charts. In 2000, it became one of the few hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond.Wallace was noted for his "loose, easy flow"; dark, semi-autobiographical lyrics; and storytelling abilities, which focused on crime and hardship. Three more albums have been released since his death, and he has certified sales of over 17 million records in the United States, including 13.4 million albums.
  • Ice Cube
    3

    Ice Cube

    AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, The Predator, Death Certificate
    9,815 votes
    • Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Political hip hop, Hardcore hip hop, Gangsta rap

    See: The Best Ice Cube Songs

    Initially gaining fame as a member of a groundbreaking West Coast group, this artist went on to establish himself as a formidable solo act with hard-hitting socially-conscious lyrics and innovative production techniques. Known for his unapologetic style and aggressive delivery, he played a significant role in popularizing gangsta rap throughout the '90s. Additionally, his successful transition into acting and filmmaking only further cemented his status as an influential figure in both music and pop culture.

    O'Shea Jackson (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, is an American rapper, actor, producer, director and writer. Ice Cube initially gained recognition in 1984 as a member of the hip hop group C.I.A., which gained limited commercial success prior to disbanding three years later. Ice Cube, alongside Dr. Dre and Eazy E, then formed the group N.W.A, where he gained extreme notoriety as the group's primary songwriter and performer, noted for becoming one of the founding artists of gangsta rap, and pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream popular music, as well as visual imagery in music videos.After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, Ice Cube embarked on a successful solo career, releasing the albums AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (1990) and Death Certificate (1991), both of which have attained platinum certification in the United States, while also being classed as defining albums of the 1990s. Much of his musical output has contained harsh socio-political commentary and storytelling, which has earned him several accolades from multiple publications and artists, often cited as an influence and one of the best rappers of all time.Following the release of Death Certificate, Ice Cube transitioned into film, where his popularity was further enhanced by his starring role in Boyz n the Hood (1991), where his performance was heavily praised. He also wrote and starred in the Friday film series, which contributed to reinventing his public image as a movie star. Ice Cube has also featured in the Barbershop, Ride Along, and XXX film series, while also serving as a producer to several other films, including Straight Outta Compton (2015), a biographical film depicting the career of N.W.A.. As a businessman, Ice Cube has founded his clothing line, Solo by Cube, as well as the 3 on 3 basketball league Big3, which predominately features retired NBA players.
  • Outkast
    4

    Outkast

    Stankonia, Aquemini, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
    2,488 votes
    • Genres (Music): Alternative hip hop, Dance-pop, Jazz, Electronica, Southern hip hop

    See: The Best Outkast Songs 

    This Atlanta-based duo redefined Southern hip-hop with their eclectic sound that seamlessly blended funk, soul, and psychedelia into their unique brand of rap. Comprised of two distinctively different members - one with a smooth flow and introspective lyrics; the other with a rapid-fire delivery and eccentric style - they consistently pushed creative boundaries throughout their illustrious career. Their undeniable chemistry produced numerous chart-topping hits and earned them critical acclaim, solidifying their place as one of the most innovative acts of the '90s.

    Outkast (stylized as OutKast) is an American hip hop duo formed in 1992 in East Point, Georgia, composed of Atlanta-based rappers André "André 3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. The duo achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, helping to popularize Southern hip hop while experimenting with diverse genres such as funk, psychedelia, jazz, and techno.Benjamin and Patton formed the group as high school students in 1992. Outkast released their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994, which gained popularity after the single "Player's Ball" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. With successive releases including ATLiens (1996) and Aquemini (1998), the duo further developed their sound, experimenting with a variety of styles and achieving commercial success. In 2000, Outkast released the critically acclaimed Stankonia, which included the singles "Ms. Jackson" and "B.O.B." In September 2003, the duo released the double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which featured the number one singles "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move." The album would eventually win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. Outkast next released the soundtrack for the 2006 musical film Idlewild, which they also starred in. In 2007, the duo went on hiatus and both members have since pursued solo careers. In 2014, Outkast reunited to celebrate their 20th anniversary by performing at more than 40 festivals worldwide, beginning at the Coachella Festival in April.The duo is one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time, having received six Grammy Awards. Between six studio albums and a greatest hits release, Outkast has sold over 25 million records. Meanwhile, they have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media listing albums such as Aquemini and Stankonia among the best of their era.
  • Wu-Tang Clan
    5

    Wu-Tang Clan

    Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, Wu-Tang Forever, 8 Diagrams
    8,348 votes
    • Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Gangsta rap, Mafioso rap

    See: The Best Wu-Tang Clan Songs

    Hailing from Staten Island, this nine-member collective revolutionized hip-hop with their gritty, raw sound that showcased each member's unique lyrical prowess. Their debut album became an instant classic, spawning countless imitators and cementing their status as one of the most influential groups in rap history. With an unmistakable kung-fu aesthetic and a penchant for complex wordplay, they managed to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, making them a dominant force throughout the '90s.

    Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group formed in the New York City borough of Staten Island in 1992, originally composed of rapper-producer RZA and rappers GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa. An important act in the East Coast and hardcore hip hop styles, Wu-Tang Clan are regarded as one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time. Their 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.Wu-Tang Clan has released four gold and platinum studio albums. The group has introduced and launched the careers of a number of affiliated artists and groups, collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees. In 2008, About ranked them "the No. 1 greatest hip hop group of all time". Kris Ex of Rolling Stone called Wu-Tang Clan "the best rap group ever". In 2004, NME hailed them as one of the most influential groups of the last ten years.
  • N.W.A
    6

    N.W.A

    Straight Outta Compton, Niggaz4Life, Greatest Hits
    6,812 votes
    • Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Political hip hop, Gangsta rap, G-funk, West Coast hip hop

    See: The Best N.W.A Songs

    Often considered the pioneers of gangsta rap, this West Coast group's unapologetic lyrics and hard-hitting beats brought attention to life on the streets during a turbulent time in American history. Comprised of talented individuals who would go on to have successful solo careers, their provocative music challenged societal norms and inspired future artists to push boundaries. Despite numerous controversies and a relatively short career as a group, their impact on hip-hop remains undeniable.

    N.W.A (an abbreviation for Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was an American hip hop group from Compton, California. They were among the earliest and most significant popularizers and controversial figures of the gangsta rap subgenre, and are widely considered one of the greatest and most influential groups in the history of hip hop music.Active from 1986 to 1991, the rap group endured controversy owing to their music's explicit lyrics which many viewed as being misogynist, as well as to its glorification of drugs and crime. The group was subsequently banned from many mainstream American radio stations. In spite of this, the group has sold over 10 million units in the United States alone. Drawing on their own experiences of racism and excessive policing, the group made inherently political music. They were known for their deep hatred of the police system, which has sparked much controversy over the years. The original lineup, formed in 1986, consisted of Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube. DJ Yella and MC Ren joined later in 1987. They released their first compilation album as a group in 1987 called N.W.A. and the Posse which peaked at #39 on Billboard magazine's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Arabian Prince left shortly after the release of their debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton, in 1988, with Ice Cube following suit in December of the following year. Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and Dr. Dre would later become platinum-selling solo artists in their own right in the 1990s. Their debut album marked the beginning of the new gangsta rap era as the production and social commentary in their lyrics were revolutionary within the genre. N.W.A's second studio album, Niggaz4Life, was the first hardcore rap album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 sales charts.Rolling Stone ranked N.W.A number 83 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". In 2016, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, following three previous nominations.