In 1998, hip-hop was no longer a “fad” that mainstream white America thought was going to fade away. It ran the music industry. New MCs were making a name for themselves and veterans were staking their claim as the best in the game. It made for an ideal environment for talented artists to make dope songs.
25 years later, many of them are certified classics and still listened to by hip-hop purists to this day. Here are some of the best songs that are turning 25 in 2023.
1998 was the year of DMX. The New York MC released two dope albums within months of each other (It’s Dark and Hell is Hot & Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood) and was on top of the rap world. When it comes to the “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” it was arguably the biggest song of the year and has become a classic in DMX’s discography. It showcases his passion and ability to make any song he hopped on a smash hit.
If DMX was on top of the rap world, Lauryn Hill was on top of the music world. Her debut (and only) studio album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was an instant classic and immediately made her one of the most revered and respected artists out. While the project is filled with R&B and Soul, “Doo Wop (That Thing),” was a beautiful blend of rapping and singing ability, reminding every MC that she still had bars.
While Outkast’s first two albums, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik & ATLiens, put the Atlanta duo on the map, Aquemini separated the group from the pack. It was an experimental record that required both artists to test their rapping chops, and boy did they come through. “Rosa Parks” was and is an absolute banger that exemplified that duo’s ability to make unique music that was unheard of at the time.
I’ve said it a million times and I’ll continue to say it, Big Pun is just as skilled as any rapper in history. No, he didn’t have the long-term success as some of his contemporaries, but boy was a he wizard on the mic. Similar to Notorious B.I.G., Pun could rap about the hardest shit and make a dope and catchy banger. “Still Not a Player” can still be heard at functions across America with people singing, “I don’t wanna be a player no more.”
Not the most beloved Jay-Z hit, but it was a step in a new direction for Hov. Sampling the recognizable Annie song “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” Jay created an instant smash with this song that eventually became his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard 200.
What else can I say about this track? This song is still played at parties to this day like it came out yesterday. Once the song starts, every single person in walking distance will start to run to the dance floor. Juvenile will always be a rap icon because of this track alone.
This song may not be as big a hit on others on this list, but it’s just a dope ass track. Featuring fellow New York MCs Lil Kim and DMX, The LOX did their thing with aggressive and descriptive bars.
Talib Kweli is not too popular these days because of his own faults, but boy did he put out a dope collab album with Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey). If I could I would include the entire album on this list, but I can only choose one. “Definition” is an incredible track that sees both New York MCs at their lyrical best. If you haven’t heard Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, please stop what you’re doing and listen to the entirety of the album.
A dope movie deserves a dope track. “He Got Game” was the standout song on the film’s track and perfectly captured the essence of the movie in this song. The Stephen Stills feature still throws me off, but I still enjoy it just as much as when I first heard it.
A Tribe Called Quest’s fifth studio album, The Love Movement, is not among its best, but there were still some good songs on it. Among them is “Find a Way,” which is a great boom-bap track where Phife and Tip are complaining about ladies they’re involved with. Produced by the iconic J-Dilla, this song is definitely worth checking out.
I know, I already included “Rosa Parks” from Outkast, but I couldn’t leave out their best storytelling song. Young hip-hop fans may recognize this beat from J. Cole’s “Land of the Snakes,” but it was originally used by Dre and Big Boi on “Da Art of Storytellin’ Pt. 1). On the first verse, Big Boi raps about cheating on his baby mama with Suzy Screw. In the second verse, Andre spits about growing up with Suzy’s friend, Sasha, and talking about what they want to be when they grow up. The ending of the track ultimately ends much sadder than it began.
Jermaine Dupri is not as relevant as he used to be, but during the mid-90s and early 2000s, he was on top of the world. Although he was more known as a producer and curator, he had some enjoyable verses, and this was one of them. Featuring a fun verse from Jay-Z, this track served as the beginning of the “bling bling” era in hip-hop.
I’m preaching to the choir at this point. Gang Starr does not get there just do as one of the best groups of all time. DJ Premier and Guru created magic as a pair for more than a decade and it culminated with their best studio album, Moment of Truth. It features many other standout songs such as “Royalty” and “Above the Clouds,” but the title track is a beautiful song that makes listeners feel like they’re floating.
If Black Star fans think “Respiration” should be on this list over “Definition” I don’t blame them. This song is awesome. The production? Flawless. The rapping? Immaculate. The lyrics? Exquisite. The music video? Dope.
If you haven’t heard of Hieroglyphics, please check them out. This Bay Area hip-hop crew featured a myriad of dope MCs, including the artists from Souls of Mischief. Throughout “You Never Know,” you get a taste of each of their styles and what they bring to the crew.
I know Atlanta gives Goodie Mob their respect, but the rest of hip-hop needs to as well. They were such a dope southern rap group that put out great tracks. This one in particular is excellent and features dope verses from Andre 3000 and Big Boi.
He wasn’t always a podcaster. N.O.R.E. was a promising artist in 1998 and it was mostly because of his self-titled debut solo album and the lead single, “Superthug.” I love the unique production on this track as N.O.R.E. raps with so much passion and aggressiveness.
It’s wild that Canibus’ most popular song is a diss track, but it’s true since he went for LL Cool J’s head on this song. It’s also pretty dope that he got Mike Tyson to introduce the song with a motivational opening.
I absolutely love the vibe of this song. The horns and energy make everyone want to dance. It makes you remember the hold Master P and Limit Records had on Southern rap fans.
