25 songs that define classic New York hip-hop

“I got you stuck off the realness” is what Mobb Deep member Prodigy says at the beginning of the group’s hit song “Shook Ones, Pt. II.” Besides the somewhat eerie and sinister production, the beat is the pinnacle of beats heard in New York hip-hop in the ‘90s. The song tells the story of people having a tough exterior; however, the wannabes should be careful because they might get shook when they meet their match. 

Undoubtedly, the Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most prolific groups in hip-hop history. In 1994, Wu-Tang released their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which featured their second single, “C.R.E.A.M.” The acronym means “cash rules everything around me,” which the group says on the hook to express how money offers people power and access, and plenty of people are making money so that they can get by. 

When DMX came onto the scene, there was a certain grit to his voice that wasn’t widely heard in the genre. He teamed up with frequent collaborator Swizz Beatz on his third single, “Ruff Ryders' Anthem,” and there’s no doubt that the hype production, along with X’s tone, can get any listener ready to party. 

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, Jay-Z was moving up to be one of the biggest rappers out of New York. His 2001 album The Blueprint was a massive success, and although he had hit singles, one of the primary deep cuts is “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love).” On the track, Jay reflects that people want to see him fail, but he continues to prevail. 

In 1993, A Tribe Called Quest released its third album, Midnight Marauders. The smooth bass line heard on the lead single “Award Tour” is perfect as the group members reflect on their success in music. Now they’re at a point in which they’re going international, and fans from all over know their name. 

The ‘90s was a prime time for female rappers to get their shine, and Lil’ Kim was one of the pioneers of the style people see in female hip-hop today. She teamed up with Lil’ Cease and The Notorious B.I.G. on her 1997 track “Crush On You.” While the song has one of the most recognizable productions in hip-hop, the music video with Kim’s different fashions has become equally iconic. 

In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, 50 Cent was already making a name for himself in the underground scene. It was when he had a chance to meet Eminem and Dr. Dre that landed him a record deal, and he released his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ The album’s first single, “In Da Club,” became one of the biggest party anthems of the year.

One thing about hip-hop, MCs will always rep where they are from. When Nas released his 1994 debut album Illmatic, one of the standout tracks was “N.Y. State of Mind.” With production from frequent collaborator DJ Premier, Nas uses the track to tell a story about the city that raised him. 

Diddy and his Bad Boy roster teamed up on his hit 1996 track “It’s All About the Benjamins.” With Benjamins referring to $100 bills, Diddy has no problem rapping about all the finer things he can spend his money on. Basically, if one has it, they should spend it. 

When people think of how hip-hop came about, it’s always been a form of musical expression. Public Enemy’s huge hit “Fight the Power” represents the essence of liberation and empowerment to Black people everywhere. The song became the theme track to Spike Lee’s 1989 film Do The Right Thing. 

Like other genres, hip-hop possesses different subgenres, one of which is conscious rap. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are believed to have one of hip-hop’s earliest renderings with social commentary on their hit single “The Message.” On the track, the group highlights the ups and downs of living in the inner city. 

Craig Mack wanted to make sure he was bringing a sound people had never heard before with his debut solo single, “Flava In Ya Ear.” Not only does he want to put his stamp on the rap game, but he’s also very confident in his skills. As the says on the hook, “Here comes the brand new flava in ya ear / Time for a new flava in ya ear / I’m kickin’ new flava in ya ear / Mack’s the brand new flava in ya ear.”

On Eric B and Rakim’s 1987 track “Paid in Full,” there’s no doubt that the first verse of “Thinkin’ of a master plan” has become one of hip-hop’s most prolific one-liners. On the track, the duo details their plans of making money and how they’ve learned from their past plans.

Besides being a member of the group The Diplomats, Cam'ron also had a solid solo career. One of his most iconic songs is the 2002 hit "Hey Ma." On the track, Cam'ron and Juelz detail going to a club and spitting their best game at a woman they're interested in. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

In the mid-'90s, Foxy Brown made a name for herself by collaborating with artists like Case and Jay-Z. When she released her debut album Ill Na Na, she teamed up with Jay-Z again on the second single, “I’ll Be.” Using a smooth sample of Rene & Angela’s 1985 track, “I’ll Be Good,” the two New York MCs made for a perfect pairing. 

In 1999, Mos Def released his debut album Black on Both Sides, helmed by the lead single “Ms. Fat Booty.” On the track, Mos reflects on meeting a woman one night out and asks her to dance with him. The song features a smooth sample of Aretha Franklin’s 1965 track “One Step Ahead.” 

Jim Jones is all about living life lavishly on his 2006 hit single “We Fly High.” Whether it’s his exotic cars, private jets, or shiny jewelry, he knows exactly how to show folks he’s living a fabulous life. “We Fly High” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

At one point in hip-hop history, there were quite a few rap groups, one of which was The Lox. In 1998, the group released their debut album, Money, Power, Respect, and teamed up with DMX and Lil’ Kim on the eponymous single. On the track, they express how money helps people earn power, access, and respect.

Music lovers always appreciate an anthem that allows them to rep their city. Ja Rule did just that when he teamed up with Fat Joe and Jadakiss on his 2004 single “New York.” There’s nothing better than to have an anthem about one’s hometown in which fellow natives collaborate with each other. 

In 2003, hip-hop collective The Diplomats released their debut album, Diplomatic Immunity. On their hit single "Dipset Anthem," the production alone gives the feeling that the group means serious business, precisely what the group emulates. 

In pure hip-hop form, people love songs that come with signature dances. In 2004, producer Scott Storch teamed up with Fat Joe and Remy Ma on their hit song "Lean Back." On the track, Joe emphasizes that people don't necessarily dance, but "We just pull up our pants and do the rockaway / Now lean back, lean back." The signature dance is a simple movement that anyone can do and could add easily add their twist to it. 

With production from Kanye West, “Get By” became one of Talib Kweli’s most successful singles. On the track, Kweli describes how people try to push through and work for what they want every day. No matter how many highs and lows people go through, they’re simply trying to move through life. 

It’s often been said that The Isley Brothers are one of the most sampled groups in music history. The Notorious B.I.G. added to the group’s discography when he sampled their song “Between the Sheets” on his hit single “Big Poppa.” The song showcased a different artistic style than his fans used to, but it worked in his favor tremendously. 

When people think of some of the most creative hip-hop MCs in the game, Busta Rhymes typically comes to mind. Not only for his speedy rapping ability but how his creative mind works in music videos. One of his most iconic songs and memorable videos is his 1997 single "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See." The video incorporated concepts from the 1988 classic film Coming to America. 

Big Pun and Joe try to convince listeners that they don’t have player ways on their hit single “Still Not A Player.” The song highlights how Pun is not really in a commitment mode, but he's all for having a good time with as many partners as he chooses.