The duo, alongside frequent producer Joe Quixx, relied on lush samples and an R&B influence to subvert traditional West Coast g-funk and hardcore hip hop. The Bay Area B.U.M.S, also known as Brothas Unda Madness, had a penchant for throwing the kitchen sink into their raps. It’s a song extremely of its era, but quirky enough to live on to inspire new generations of R&B songwriters.ĩ3: The B.U.M.S – Elevation (Free My Mind) (1995) Even though they admit to running with Warren G, the sultry vocals, delightful harmonies, and smooth funk bassline gives the song a perfect summertime feel. They made their debut on his seminal album, Regulate…G Funk Era, but on “Summertime In The LBC” they stand out on their own. Mack 10 and Ice Cube drew a line in the sand with this song, one that was permanent in the 90s hip hop scene.ĩ4: The Dove Shack – Summertime In The LBC (1995)Ĭ-Knight, Bo-Roc, and 2Scoops were clear Warren G disciples.
At first, Mack and (guest artist and producer) Ice Cube chant about being the best MCs out, before Mack interrupts and says, “Wait a minute, that ain’t how the West Coast rock!” The song shifts beats, and “Foe Life” emerges as a g-funk banger, the antithesis to the glossy beats and easy boom-bap of East Coast hip hop. On “Foe Life,” Mack 10 humorously pits himself against the “yes yes y’all” call-and-responses of East Coast hip hop. Foreshadowing the hyphy era of hyper stylized vocal performances in the late 90s Bay Area, the song is an unabashed West Coast classic, and considering that’s exactly what 3X Krazy set out to do with “Keep It On The Real,” it’s mission accomplished. They were all united alongside a few other groups under the name Boot Camp Clik, meaning Heltah Skeltah rep a number of connected crews on the hit.ĩ7: WC and the Maad Circle – West Up! (1995)Ī year before WC left the Maad Circle to form Westside Connection with Ice Cube, he invited the MC to appear on his group’s song “West Up!” The track eschews the g-funk of the era in favor of soulful keyboard chords and a bevy of back-and-forth verses that finds each MC waxing poetically on the merits of the West Coast sunshine.ĩ6: 3X Krazy – Keep It On The Real (1997)ģX Krazy didn’t really hide their intentions with their hit “Keep It On The Real,” a standout hit from Keep It On The Real. Heltah Skeltah has always been credited with “Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka,” but the song’s chorus lays out all the main players: “Yes yes y’all (yes y’all)/OGC, Heltah Skeltah be the best y’all (best y’all)/Fab 5 slam from East to West y’all.” This is a posse cut in the truest sense of the word, uniting the trio of OGC and the duo of Heltah Skeltah, who together consisted of The Fab 5. 98: Heltah Skeltah – Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka (1995) He found that boost in OutKast, who helped turn “Street Talkin’” into a street-ready anthem that instantly introduced OutKast’s young audience to the legendary smooth-talking rhymes of Slick Rick. Easily one of the best hip hop songs of the 90s.īy 1999, Slick Rick was 15 years into his lauded career, looking for a final boost for his final LP, The Art of Storytelling. The song utilizes an excellent sample from Judy Clay and William Bell’s 1968 hit “Private Number,” with a guitar line that effortlessly highlights Rappin’ 4-Tay’s silk voice, equal parts mysterious and confident.
“Playaz Club” emerged as a g-funk classic, the sort of song that was an immediate appeal but also appeared on compilations collecting West Coast classics long past its release date in the 90s. The WhoRidas proved that, well, shot callin’ and big ballin’ wasn’t only for the disciples of Dre’s teachings. On the West Coast, they became massive after the release of “Shot Callin’ & Big Ballin’,” which was a far cry from the g-funk dominated radio that had come in the wake of Dr.
The WhoRidas were Oakland staples, but they found a home on the prosperous LA label, Delicious Vinyl. “Tap The Bottle” is a boisterous drinking anthem, buoyed by a chanted chorus and an infectious organ sample proof that all kids should be allowed to have this much fun.ġ01: The WhoRidas – Shot Callin’ & Big Ballin’ (1997) It was an obvious – though plenty powerful – statement on the way Black kids were treated in the United States, and the way mainstream society viewed rappers. Young Black Teenagers released an album in 1993 called Dead Enz Kidz Doin’ Lifetime Bidz. 102: Young Black Teenagers – Tap The Bottle (1993) Looking to explore some of the best hip-hop songs of the 90s? Check out our exclusive playlist on Spotify.
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