50+ Banging Hip Hop Songs From the 90s To Bounce to

The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground (1990)

Produced by: Shock G

More fun and colourful West Coast hip hop courtesy of the late great Shock G and Digital Underground. In 2008, The Humpty Dance was ranked No. 30 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop and No. 65 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s in 2007.

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Jump – Kris Kross (1992)

Produced by: Jermaine Dupri

American duo Kriss Kross’ first single became an instant hit thanks largely to the then-new producer on the block Jermaine Dupri. The production features a mix of funky samples and uptempo drum programming, and the very young duo’s energetic delivery and rhymes about partying and having fun. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Can I Kick It? – A Tribe Called Quest (1990)

Produced by: A Tribe Called Quest (Q-Tip)

Yes you can, and thankfully they did so for a long time. To create this hip-hop masterpiece, the trio combined elements of Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side, Ian Dury’s What A Waste, rap, and classic seventies funk. In 2022, Pitchfork ranked it at number 25 in their 250 Best Songs of the 1990s.

Feel free, drop your pants, check your hair
Do you like the garments that we wear?
I instruct you to be the obeyer
A rhythm recipe that you’ll savor

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature (1993)

Produced by: Kay Gee

Treach, Vinnie and DJ Kay Gee crafted this party favourite and ode to hip hop together thanks to a long list of samples including Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer. The song spent one week at number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Nuthin’ But A G Thang – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg (1992)

Produced by: Dr. Dre

One of the first but certainly not the last collaboration between these two ex-Death Row hip hop gangstas, this G-Funk staple featured on the mythical LP The Chronic. The song was selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll. Nuff said!

Well, I’m peepin’, and I’m creepin’, and I’m creepin’
But I damn near got caught, ’cause my beeper kept beepin’
Now, it’s time for me to make my impression felt
So, sit back, relax, and strap on your seatbelt.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Gin and Juice – Snoop Doggy Dogg (1994)

Produced by: Dr. Dre

Not to be outdone, The Doggfather soon released his own G-Funk classic via his ground-breaking debut, Doggystyle. For those invested in more debauched party-related antics including drugs, sex and 40s this song is totally for you. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist 

Insane in The Brain – Cypress Hill (1992)

Produced by: DJ Muggs

DJ Muggs, Sen Dog and B-Real were very much sane when they concocted this gang-related banger. The track struck number one on the US rap chart, the song also was a mainstream hit, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993.

Like Louie Armstrong, played the trumpet
I’ll hit that bong and break you off something
Soon I got to get my props
Cops, come and try to snatch my crops
These pigs wanna blow my house down
Head underground to the next town.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Jump Around – House of Pain (1992)

Produced by: DJ Muggs

Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin. Produced by DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, this was the first single from the House of Pain’s debut album. The song reached number three in the United States and still has the whole world jumping.

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U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer (1990)

Produced by: Rick James & Alonzo Miller

This fun track is easily considered MC Hammer’s signature song and it was the first rap song to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards in 1991. Tell me you’ve never tried the Hammer dance! Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Whoomp! (There It Is) – Tag Team (1993)

Produced by: Steve Roll’n

Whoomp! (There It Is) catapulted the Miami bass sound into the minds of people all around the world. The track has remained popular to this day thanks in part to multiple placements in film, television, and advertisements. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Rump Shaker – Wreckx-N-Effect (1992)

Produced by: Teddy Riley

Teddy Riley and all his machinations often danced between hip hop, new jack swing and R&B but this was straight silky hip hop. A beach romp call to action that many have answered over the decades.

Turn to seduction from face hips to feet
A wiggle and a jiggle can make the night complete
Now since you got the body of the year, come and get the award
Here’s a hint, it’s like a long sharp sword.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice (1990)

Produced by: Vanilla Ice & Earthquake

Just as impactful as Mr Hammer, Mr Ice became a 90s cultural icon just off the back of this track. Amongst a list of accomplishments, the track was the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100.

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Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (1991)

Produced by: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Hula

Summertime won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1992 Grammy Awards. Whether you’re in Philly or Australia, the track is still great for a warm, chilled afternoon with friends and beers.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

Produced by: Sean “Puffy” Combs & Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie

Featuring some of the slickest lyrics ever penned on a club track, baby baaaby! Rolling Stone ranked the song as number 30 on their list of the 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Intergalactic – Beastie Boys (1998)

Produced by: Beastie Boys & Mario Caldato Jr.

Intergalactic was released as the first single from their fifth studio album, Hello Nasty. On top of being a perfect example of Beastie brilliance, the accompanying music video was super entertaining parody of Japanese Kaiju films. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Who Ride Wit Us – Kurupt feat. Daz Dillinger (1999)

Produced by: Daz Dillinger

American West Coast beats don’t get much heavier than this! This was one of many tracks produced by Fred Wreck taken from Kurupt’s explosive second solo album Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha.

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Scenario – A Tribe Called Quest (1992)

Produced by: A Tribe Called Quest (Q-Tip)

Time included the song on the list of its All-TIME 100 Songs. The track is often considered a key moment for Leaders of the New School member Busta Rhymes, who was 19 when this song was released. The music video features cameos by Kid Capri, Spike Lee, Brand Nubian, De La Soul, Fab Five Freddy, and Redman.

No holds barred, no time for move-fakin’
Gots to get the loot so I can bring home the bacon
Brothers front, they say the Tribe can’t flow
But we’ve been known to do the impossible like Broadway Joe, so.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)

Produced by: Sean “Puffy” Combs & Poke

Biggie’s first single is still considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever produced. With timeless rags-to-riches lyrics, this track was juicy in name and sound. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill (1998)

Produced by: Lauryn Hill

Doo Wop (That Thing) became L. Boogie’s first and only US Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit while earning her multiple awards including two Grammys. It also became the first US number-one written, produced and recorded by one sole woman since Debbie Gibson’s Lost in Your Eyes (1989). Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

California Love – 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre (1995)

Produced by: Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman

The song was released as 2Pac’s comeback single after his release from prison in 1995 and was his first single as the newest artist of Death Row Records. Also featuring vocals from legendary funk artists Roger Troutman, the track was a pure celebration of west coast fun and sun.

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De La Soul – Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) (1991)

Produced by: Prince Paul

Here De La Soul showcase their left side, jazzy hip hop style on a party jam about overzealous fans pursuing them to pass on demo tapes. The song was a top 10 hit in various spots including Germany, Belgium, Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the UK.

Once again it’s another rap bandit
Fiending at I and I can’t stand it
Wanna be down with the Day-Glo
Knocking on my door, saying, “a yo yo”

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Phenomenon – LL Cool J (1997)

Produced by: Trackmasters

Phenomenon was the first single released from his seventh studio album of the same name. A killer bass groove and composition drawn from various samples drove this quintessential LL joint. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Rosa Parks – Outkast (1998)

Produced by: Organized Noize

Inspired by civil rights activist Rosa Parks (despite her suing the group over the name), this is widely considered one of Outkast’s best songs and a great example of the group’s unique southern hip-hop roots.

Ah-ha, hush that fuss
Everybody move to the back of the bus
Do you wanna bump and slump wit’ us?
We the type of people make the club get crunk.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

It’s Like That – Run-DMC vs. Jason Nevins (1997)

Produced by: Jason Nevins

It’s Like That was Run-DMC’s debut single released in 1983 by Profile Records. The Nevins version blurred the lines seamlessly between rap and dance music. In the UK, it became Britain’s third biggest-selling single of 1998.

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Drop – The Pharcyde (1995)

Produced by: J Dilla

Drop is still memorable not just because of its trippy film clip but also due to its crisp production from the legendary J. Dilla. The track was released in 1995 as the second single for the group’s second album, Labcabincalifornia. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Don’t Sweat The Technique – Eric B & Rakim (1992)

Produced by: Eric B. & Rakim

Rakim is still considered one of if not the GOAT and here he’s in fine form alongside his soon-to-be-absent partner in rhyme Eric B. Rakim’s lyrics soar like arrows over Eric B.’s jazzy, soulful production. Does anybody else remember hearing this on the NBA Jam Session VHS? Anybody?

Classical too intelligent to be radical
Masterful, never irrelevant mathematical
Here’s some soothing souvenirs for all the years
They fought and sought, the thoughts and ideas
It’s cool when you freak to the beat
But don’t sweat the technique.

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Cold Rock a Party – MC Lyte (1996)

Produced by: Sean “Puffy” Combs & Rashad Smith

This club banger was originally produced by Rashad Smith and sampled Audio Two’s Top Billin’, however, the single version featured Missy Elliott and was produced by Sean Combs who sampled Diana Ross’ 1980 hit Upside Down. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

How Do You Want It – 2Pac feat. KC & Jo Jo (1996)

Produced by: Johnny “J”

This was one of several slick dance floor fillers from 2pac’s historic All Eyez On Me double LP. It was released on June 4, 1996 as a double a-sided single with California Love from the same album and was sadly his final single to be released during his lifetime.

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Ruff Ryders’ Anthem – DMX (1998)

Produced by: Swizz Beatz

This track brought Swizz Beatz and the Ruff Ryders crew into the spotlight. Its vocals and beat follow the rhythm of a military march that many hip-hop heads are still marching along to (even after DMX’s untimely death in 2021). Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Simon Says – Pharoahe Monch (1999)

Produced by: Lee Stone & Pharoahe Monch

As epic as the sample (taken from the 1964 film Mothra vs. Godzilla), Simon Says was Pharoahe Monch’s debut single. With grumbling horns and a tonne of head nodding, this classic could be heard in underground hip-hop dens as well as massive music festivals.

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Shimmy Shimmy Ya – Ol’ Dirty Bastard (1995)

Produced by: RZA

ODB’s unmistakable rhyme style is placed in full view on this RZA-produced hip-hop anthem. It was the second single released from the album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.

Chop that down, pass it all around
Lyrics get hard quick cement to the ground
For any emcee in any fifty-two states
I get psycho killer, Norman Bates.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

In California – Daz Dillinger (1998)

Produced by: Daz Dillinger

Another ode to LA’s sun-filled city, Daz joined Lady “V” on this Soopafly-produced track. From the album Retaliation, Revenge, And Get Back the song bangs harder than a million gang bangers’ shotties.

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Woo Hah! Got You All In Check – Busta Rhymes (1996)

Produced by: The Ummah (Q-Tip)

Busta’s debut single was a critical and commercial success showcasing his trademark manic delivery. The song peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and also peaked at the same spot in New Zealand and the UK. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Big Momma Thang – Lil Kim (1996)

Produced by: Carlos “Six July” Broady

Taken from Lil’ Kim’s album Hardcore the track featured rappers Jay-Z and Lil’ Cease. An incredible gooey funk-driven beat drawn from Sylvester’s Was It Something I Said? and laced with Lil Kim’s trademark racy bars.

I used to be scared of the dick
Now I throw lips to the shit
Handle it like a real bitch
Heather Hunter, Janet Jack-me
Take it in the butt, yah, yazz wha.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

O.P.P. – Naughty By Nature (1991)

Produced by: Kay Gee

O.P.P. AKA “other people’s P…” was one of the first hip-hop songs to become a commercial success when it hit No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 35 on the UK Singles Chart. The track showed the wonderful early chemistry between MCs Vin Rock and Treach. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Got Ya Money – Ol’ Dirty Bastard feat Kelis (1999)

Produced by: The Neptunes

The song was produced by the Neptunes and was R&B singer Kelis’ first appearance on a record. Pitchfork Media included the video on its list of the Top 50 Music Videos of the 1990s.

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1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New) (Timber Mix) – Coolio (1996)

Produced by: DJ I-Rock

Coolio reached the top 10 in several countries, including France, Iceland, the United States, and New Zealand, thanks to this track. Thumping bass and sharp rhymes from the late great MC were quite a contrast to his previous singles. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

It Was A Good Day – Ice Cube (1992)

Produced by: DJ Pooh

Something more laid back and chill from Ice Cube, this track drew a narrative from the flip side of gang life in LA. In 2008, it was ranked #28 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.

Drunk as hell, but no throwin’ up
Halfway home, and my pager’s still blowin’ up
Today, I didn’t even have to use my AK
I gotta say it was a good day, shit!

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Tennessee – Arrested Development (1992)

Produced by: Speech

Tennessee won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993. Group member Speech wrote the song about the experience of losing two loved ones so close together. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are) – Pras Michel feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard & Mýa (1998)

Produced by: Wyclef Jean

A delightful blend of R&B and hip hop, this track featured on Pras’ (The Fugees) debut album as well as the Bullworth soundtrack. The track was a critical and commercial success worldwide, peaking at number two in the UK, Sweden, and Australia.

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Regulate – Warren G feat. Nate Dogg (1994)

Produced by: Warren G

The prototype G-Funk track was an MTV staple and featured on Warren G’s Regulate… G Funk Era and on the Above the Rim soundtrack. Here, Warren G and Nate Dogg trade verses on a track about a series of ghetto misadventures.

16 in the clip and one in the hole
Nate Dogg is about to make some bodies turn cold
Now they droppin’ and yellin’, it’s a tad bit late
Nate Dogg and Warren G had to regulate.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

I Wish – Skee-Lo (1995)

Produced by: DJ Pooh

A rather sad, lamenting song in many ways but relatable in many too. The track charted well in several countries including the UK, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and New Zealand.  Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Fu-Gee-La – Fugees (1995)

Produced by: Salaam Remi

Pras, Lauryn and Clef went platinum thanks to this jam produced by Salaam Remi. Fu-Gee-La was the lead single from their critically acclaimed album, The Score. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Check Yo Self – Remix – Ice Cube feat. Das EFX (1993)

Produced by: DJ Pooh

Sampling the epic beat from Grandmaster Flash’s The Message, Ice Cube’s third single from the huge album The Predator still gets most parties started.

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Still Not a Player – Big Punisher feat. Joe (1998)

Produced by: KNS

Big Pun could do nothing wrong around the late 90s to early 2000s with club bangers, punchy lyrics and street bravado. Still Not a Player showed off a few things and people loved it. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Protect Ya Neck – Wu-Tang Clan (1992)

Produced by: RZA

Wu-Tang is not just a hip-hop group, it is a movement and Protect Ya Neck was where it all started. Along with featuring in TV shows and video games, the song is still a true classic and those opening strings are guaranteed to set off any hip-hop head. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Dollaz & Sense – DJ Quik (1995)

Produced by: DJ Quik

Alongside No Vaseline and Hit Em Up, this has to be one of the greatest dis records ever recorded. Quik even performed the song live during a Death Row medley at the controversial 1995 Source Awards.

Remember Compton’s in the house, and Quik is in the hood
Sippin’ yak with all my niggaz ’cause it’s tooted good
So don’t knock it till you try it, ’cause Eiht he tried to knock it
But he’s still walkin’ round with my nuts in his pocket.

Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Ms Fat Booty – Mos Def (1999)

Produced by: Ayatollah

Released on August 2, 1999 through Rawkus Records, this would have to be Mos Def’s (later Yasiin Bey) most thumping dance floor track. The song’s sequel, Ms. Fat Booty 2 featuring Ghostface Killah was equally banging.

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Honourable Mentions:

These other 90s hip-hop music tunes also had to get a little nod:

• Saturdays – De La Soul (1991)
• Full Clip – Gang Starr (1999)
• The Game – Def Squad (1998)
• Time 4 Sumaksion – Redman (1993)
• Let’s Play House – Tha Dogg Pound (1995)
• Me & My Crazy World – Lost Boyz (1997)
• Vivrant Thing – Q-Tip (1999)

DJ Shinski brings us a great mix of 1990s hip hop below:

Also check out our ultimate 90s dance songs and 70s disco playlists. You can enjoy the playlist on Spotify below at your next function, courtesy of Party DJ Hire: