4 One-Hit Wonders From the 1990s That Have Become Cultural Standards

Some songs seem to last forever. No matter when they were released, some tracks just have legs for decades. Some we can predict. A Jay-Z hit, a Bruce Springsteen classic—those are the songs we can predict will be around forever and a day. But some tracks, including some one-hit wonders, it can be a total surprise.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from the 1990s that have subsisted way longer than likely anyone could have predicted. A trio of one-hit wonders from the decade that continue to show up in movies, TV shows, commercials, and more. Songs we know by heart, from their choruses to their verses about the human posterior. Indeed, these are four one-hit wonders from the 90s that have become cultural standards.

“Baby Got Back” Sir Mix-a-Lot from ‘Mack Daddy’ (1992)

Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 hit about the booty will last forever. In fact, the song, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the Seattle rapper a Grammy Award, seems to only pick up steam. In today’s culture where body positivity and curves are often celebrated, the song has become an anthem for both. He’s performed it live with a symphony, he’s been sampled by rapper Nicki Minaj, who turned the track into one that’s since garnered billions of streams. Not only that, but the song has been used in Chex Mix commercials and many others of late. Congrats to Mix!

“Whoomp! (There It Is)” Tag Team from ‘Whoomp! (There It Is)’ (1993)

Because of this 1993 song, the moment you say the phrase “Whoomp! There it is!” everyone knows it’s a party. The four words seem to give license to anyone within earshot to start dancing and having a good time. Rap group Tag Team created a winner with this track and it has lived on forever thanks to its celebratory nature. The tune has since been played in sports stadiums, clubs, and house parties alike—all with one mission in mind: to get the people moving. As a result, it will never leave us. And that’s just fine!

“What’s Up” 4 Non Blondes from ‘Bigger, Better, Faster, More!’ (1993)

Fans of the recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, Mutant Mayhem, will assuredly remember this song showing up in a pivotal scene. The turtle bros have just double-crossed Superfly (played by rapper Ice Cube), and one character, dismayed, asks, “What’s going on?” This song makes the moment. And for anyone who grew up in the 90s, to say the phrase, “What’s going on?” immediately conjures up memories of this tune. Written by classic rock star Linda Perry, this acoustic-driven offering will continue to live forever thanks to its numinous chorus.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Deep Blue Something from ’11th Song’ (1995)

One of the reasons this track is so memorable is because its title and chorus are based on a famous novel by Truman Capote. But that aside, the offering is supremely catchy. It was one of the biggest songs of the mid-1990s and one of the biggest surprises to earn that designation. A breakup song, it’s one anyone might think of today when plans for breakfast come up. There is something just so pleasant about repeating the chorus: And I said / what about / breakfast at Tiffany’s! Sometimes, when you got it, you just got it. And Deep Blue Something really had something with this hit single.

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