Best Hip-Hop Songs That’ll Turn 30 in 2023

This is the record that put Wu-Tang Clan on the map, and staked their claim as arguably the best hip-hop group of all time.

A Tribe Called Quest already had two exceptional projects before the release of Midnight Marauders. “Award Tour” was the first single from this classic record and gave fans a preview of what they’d hear on the group’s third album of the 90s.

Unfortunately for Snoop, this was song was not fiction. In reality, he really faced a murder charge, but thankfully for him, he beat it, which led to the creation of this song.

Before they sold millions of records and were a pop sensation, Outkast was simply a duo of young MCs from Atlanta. Their debut single, “Player’s Ball,” introduced them to the music world.

One of 2pac’s most thoughtful records is also one of his most popular. His genuine lyrics on this record make for a timeless listen.

This song was made for hip-hop. If you want to express your love for the genre, there’s no better record to play.

One of the more underrated groups of the 90s, Digable Plants has its share of classic records including, “Rebirth of Slick,” but this record is the most upbeat and fun to listen to.

Young rap listeners may know Queen Latifah more for her acting ability, but before any of that, she was one of the dopest MCs out. This track displays her skills better than no other.

One of the most prolific hip-hop groups of all time has thousands of songs that they’ve released since they came out in the late 1980s, but this one may be the most recognizable because of its classic hook.

During the 90s, Ice Cube was known as one of the most hard-hitting MCs with the most ruthless lyrics out. Although he wasn’t like that on this track, it sounds just as good.

Here’s another underrated group of the 90s. Their most popular song to date is also one of the best songs that display all of their lyrical skills as MCs.

This song was an absolute banger in 1993, reaching four on the Billboard Hot 100, and launched this iconic group into mainstream stardom.

This song from the Newark, N.J., group perfectly displays their energetic and aggressive rap style.

Onyx is one of the wildest and most energetic rap groups of all time and this track perfectly displayed that. I can’t think of a hip-hop show I’d be more worried about attending in the mid-90s based on the music video alone.

At this point in his career, Eazy-E was in a full-fledged beef with former N.W.A. producer Dr. Dre and all of Death Row Records. This raw and ruthless diss track perfectly displays his disdain for Dre, Suge, and all of Death Row.

Thankfully, De La Soul’s early albums have become available on streaming services, so younger hip-hop fans get a chance to enjoy this relaxing and timeless record.

KRS-One is one of the most conscious rappers ever and this track describes his dislike for the po po.

This story is part of our new Hip-Hop: ’73 Till Infinity series, a celebration of the genre’s 50th anniversary.