Raise your hand if you believe the 1990s were the golden age of rap music. Wow! We see a lot of hands in the air. And we agree with you. It was the decade with the most recognizable and talented stars of the genre. It was a decade with names like Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, The Beastie Boys, and Eminem. What could be better?
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However, it was also the age of a few hip-hop one-hit wonders from artists you know and love, too. The thing about one-hit wonders, of course, is that they’re most often very unique. It took an extra something to get them to rise up the charts. And in this case, we wanted to share three rap music one-hit wonders from the 90s that may just inspire you to write your own rhymes.
“Insane In The Brain” by Cypress Hill from ‘Black Sunday’ (1993)
Cypress Hill walks a delightful line between cartoonish and authentic artist. And in between each step, it seems, they are taking hits from the bong. All that creativity and all that pot can make you feel a little insane in the brain. That’s what this famous track from the 90s is all about. But what the song also does is show you that you can be your wild, strange, unique self and still succeed at your craft. It’s a clear example that shows you can just be you and you can succeed. Why not give it a try?
“U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah from ‘Black Reign’ (1993)
Queen Latifah has been in our lives for more decades than seems possible. Her being a one-hit wonder might sound strange, but “U.N.I.T.Y” is technically her only single to his the Top 40 on the Hot 100 chart as a lead artist.
Regardless, she’s a voice of strength, an example of multi-talented creative and business prowess. And she rose to the top of the charts in the early 1990s thanks to her hit song “U.N.I.T.Y.” The movie star, television mainstay, and recording artist has a forceful delivery, focused eyes, and a voice that can move the masses. She is a great example to watch and to try to emulate with your own artistry. So, just go for it!
“Luchini AKA This Is It” by Camp Lo from ‘Uptown Saturday Night’ (1996)
This rap song is just so hyped. It’s got such incredible energy that it almost feels impossible not to pull out a pad and pen and start writing. If you could just create a few bars, a flow as fluid as Camp Lo, your whole future could be different. Putting on the 1996 track is like drinking down a big mug of confidence builder. All of a sudden, there’s a birthday party happening in your ears. It’s inspiring, enlivening, and energizing. They should figure out how to bottle this and sell it all over the world. Or maybe you can, filled with the Luchini Holy Spirit.
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