The period from 1986 to 1999 was a golden age for various music genres including dance, hip hop, club, and R&B. These genres exploded into the mainstream, paving the way for a variety of artists and tracks that left an indelible mark on music history. Let’s take a musical journey back in time and revisit 22 iconic tracks that defined this era.
-
“Walk This Way” by Run-D.M.C. featuring Aerosmith (July 1986): This groundbreaking collaboration between a hip hop group and a rock band is considered a classic that helped break down musical barriers.
-
“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa (March 1987): An undeniable dance anthem, “Push It” put female rap duo Salt-N-Pepa on the map and is still a favorite at parties today.
-
“It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock (August 1988): With its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, “It Takes Two” remains a staple in hip hop music.
-
“U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer (January 1990): Famed for its catchy hook and Hammer’s flashy dance moves, “U Can’t Touch This” is an iconic 90s hip hop track.
-
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory (November 1990): This club classic has been a dance floor staple for decades, and it’s not hard to see why.
-
“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg (November 1992): A defining track of West Coast hip hop, this song introduced Snoop Dogg to the world.
-
“Here Comes the Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze (November 1994): This reggae fusion hit topped the charts and became a 90s classic, known for its catchy chorus.
-
“Creep” by TLC (November 1994): This catchy R&B track is one of TLC’s biggest hits, showcasing their signature mix of attitude and melody.
-
“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan (February 1995): This club hit is a 90s classic that gets everyone on the dance floor.
-
“Fantasy (ODB Remix)” by Mariah Carey (September 1995): This song marked Carey’s transition into hip hop-influenced R&B, setting the tone for her future hits. The remix features Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard, blending R&B and hip hop in a way that was ahead of its time.
-
“O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature (August 1991): With its catchy hook and playful lyrics, “O.P.P.” is a classic track in the history of hip hop, propelling Naughty by Nature to stardom.
-
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen (September 1996): This sleek, stylish R&B track is a 90s classic that’s loved by many.
-
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls (July 1996): The debut single from the British girl group, “Wannabe” is a pop anthem that defined the late 90s.
-
“Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy and Mase (July 1997): This posthumous release from The Notorious B.I.G. is a hip hop classic that’s remembered fondly to this day.
-
“Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool (April 1996): An energetic hip hop track that’s often played at sports events, “Let Me Clear My Throat” gets everyone up and dancing.
-
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys (June 1997): One of the Backstreet Boys’ biggest hits, “Everybody” is a dance-pop track that epitomizes the boy band craze of the late 90s.
-
“No Scrubs” by TLC (January 1999): This empowering R&B track from TLC is a female anthem that’s as catchy today as it was back then.
-
“…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears (October 1998): The song that launched Britney Spears’ career, “…Baby One More Time” is a pop classic that helped define the late 90s.
-
“Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” by Pras featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Mýa (June 1998): A blend of hip hop and R&B, this song was a commercial hit and a staple in the late 90s music scene.
-
“Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. (March 1997): One of Biggie’s most successful singles, “Hypnotize” is recognized as a classic in the hip hop genre.
-
“Bust A Move” by Young MC (May 1989): Known for its infectious beats and clever lyrics, “Bust A Move” is a hip hop classic that never fails to get people moving on the dance floor.
-
“Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty by Nature (February 1993): Another hit from Naughty by Nature, “Hip Hop Hooray” is known for its catchy chorus and has become a classic hip hop anthem.
These tracks not only dominated the charts during their time, but they’ve also left a lasting legacy, influencing countless artists and shaping the course of music in the years that followed. As we listen to these songs today, we’re transported back to an era of music that was exciting, innovative, and truly unforgettable. Let us know what your Favorite “Old School” jam is.
You forgot to list Be Faithful by Fatman Scoop
Great song Jim! Thanks for the suggestion!