Remember the days before T-Pain and Nelly? Back when Sean Combs was still Puff Daddy? Back when two kings of the game ruled supreme? When rap still sounded like rap? If you haven’t figured it out yet, this article is dedicated to ’90s rap music. Rap in the ’90s brought widespread popularity to the genre. In the late 80s, Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C. and N.W.A. built a foundation for the gangster rap genre. They paved the way for what would be arguably the best decade the genre has ever seen.

With the exit of Ice Cube in 1989, N.W.A. continued to feud and eventually disbanded in 1991. The stage was set for an epic battle of rap supremacy in the early 90s. An East-West Coast divide had formed with Bad Boy Records on the East Coast, and Death Row Records on the West Coast. Tupac threw gasoline on the fire when he accused Biggie and Combs of being involved with the shooting he fell victim to in a NYC recording studio in 1994. With each record after that, the drama escalated and I think we all know how this story ends.

I think it was summed up best by The Notorious B.I.G. when he said:

I was in shock of everything. I wasn’t shocked about him getting shot. ‘Pac is a strong dude, yo. He’s real strong, so when he got shot I was just like, ‘Again?’ You know, he’s always getting shot or shot at, he gonna pull through, make a few records and it’s going to be over. But when he died it took me by surprise. Even though we were going through our drama I would never wish death on nobody. ‘Cause there ain’t no coming back from that.

Unfortunately for everyone, the feud turned to violence and two of the greatest rappers ever were both assassinated, within six months of each other. The rivalry that sparked some of the best rap music ever was officially over and the game was forever changed.

That is your history lesson for today.

’90s rap is not something that I am a expert on but I know my fair share. That is why I have complied my top five songs from each year of the 90s. The rules are the same as the two previous lists and in case you forgot them, I have explained them below.

How it works:
For each genre of music I will rank the top 5 singles from each year in the 90s. I will provide a link for each song (either imeem or youtube, depending on availability) for your listening pleasure.

Disclaimer: These rankings are based on my personal preferences, not on actual popularity. I think of these lists as recommendations. Hopefully these songs will bring back some good memories, and if you have never heard them before, maybe create some new ones.

Interested in ’90s Pop and Rock as well? Be sure to check out these lists as well.
90s Pop Music
90s Rock Music

Starting with 1999:
1. “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
2. “What’s My Name” by DMX
3. “You Can Do It” by Ice Cube feat. Mack 10 & Ms. Toi
4. “My Name Is” by Eminem
5. “Deception” by Blackilicious

1998:
1. “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” by Jay-Z
2. “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX
3. “Changes” by Tupac Shakur
4. “You Got Me” by The Roots
5. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauren Hill

1997:
1. “Hail Mary” by Tupac Shakur
2. “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” by Puff Daddy feat. Mase
3. “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G.
4. “Feels So Good” by Mase
5. “Burbons and Lacs” by Master P featuring Silkk The Shocker & Gotti from The Gambino Family

1996:
1. “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” by Tupac Shakur feat. Snoop Dogg
2. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
3. “California Love” by Tupac Shakur feat. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman
4. “Hit ‘Em Up” by Tupac Shakur feat. Outlawz
5. “What They Do” by The Roots

1995:
1. “One More Chance” by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige
2. “Keep Their Heads Ringin’” by Dr. Dre
3. “1st of tha Month” by Bone Thungs-n-Harmony
4. “I Got 5 On it” by Luniz
5. “Shook Ones Pt. II” by Mobb Deep

1994:
1. “Gin and Juice” Snoop Dogg feat. Daz Dillinger
2. “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” by Outkast
3. “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan
4. “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
5. “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony feat. Shatasha Williams

1993:
1. “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
2. “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube
3. “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” by Snoop Dogg (with Dr. Dre & Jewell)
4. “Down With The King” by Run-D.M.C.
5. “Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty by Nature

1992:
1. “So What’Cha Want” by Beastie Boys
2. “Deep Cover” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
3. “The Phuncky Feel One” by Cypress Hill
4. “Uptown Anthem” by Naughty By Nature
5. “Take It Personal” by Gang Starr

1991:
1. “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J
2. “O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature
3. “Shut ‘Em Down” by Public Enemy
4. “O.G. Original Gangsta” by Ice-T
5. “Check The Rhime” by A Tribe Called Quest

1990:
1. “100 Miles and Runnin’” by N.W.A.
2. “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” Ice Cube
3. “Around the Way Girl” by LL Cool J
4. “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em” by Eric B. & Rakim
5. “Streets of New York” by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo

Similar to my 90s pop and 90s rock lists, this is only a small sampling of the genre. I just tried to represent all of the most influential acts of the decade and remind you of some the classic jams of the ’90s. While this blog tends to focus on alternative rock, it is nice to take a step back and reflect on another great genre.

Hope you enjoyed this collection of music.

Agree or disagree with my selections? Feel free to share your opinion by making a comment below.

The week’s playlist focuses in on 90s Pop Music. After compiling the top 5 pop songs from every year of the decade, I realized I didn’t have a playlist dedicated to the genre yet. This collection of songs is filled with songs that either people want to forget or have embraced over the years due to their nostalgic value. There is not too many people openly praising the quality of these songs. “Crazy For This Girl” is one of my favorites: an often forgotten 90s music gem. I have always been more of the alternative post-grunge fan of the late 90s but you can’t help but like these songs.

If you get one thing out of this, just remember:
“When you take a sip you buzz like a hornet,
Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets”

Enough said.

90s Pop Music Playlist:
1. “Drive Me Crazy” by Britney Spears
2. “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez
3. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
4. “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
5. “Try Again” by Aaliyah
6. “Crazy For This Girl” by Evan and Jaron
7. “Summer Girls” by LFO
8. “Show Me Love” by Robyn
9. “I Want You Back” by ‘N Sync
10. “It Feels So Good” by Sonique

After the popularity of Rizzo Music’s first 90s rap music playlist, I decided to create another one. Like the first, this playlist is just 10 solid rap songs from a great decade, the ’90s. I am in no way an expert on ’90s rap music but I really enjoy each and everyone of the songs on this list.

Enjoy this week’s playlist and don’t forget to sign up for our RSS feed!

90s Rap Playlist Part II

1. “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” by Jay-Z
2. “You Got Me” by The Roots
3. “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio
4. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
5. “Changes” by Tupac Shakur
6. “Award Tour” by A Tribe Called Quest
7. “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J
8. “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” by Method Man with Mary J. Blige
9. “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
10. “Notorious Thugs” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Rizzo Music is back with a new article from the “Popular Music of the 90s” series. Last week I made a list of some of the best pop music of the decade and today I am going to share with you my list for the most popular rock music of the 90s. Out of all the lists and playlists I have created in the past, this was by far the hardest to come up with. There are so many great artists and songs that originated in the 90s and deciding on just 5 songs for every year was tough. I tried to get representation out of all the key rock artists and hopefully I didn’t forget anyone.

After much debate I was able to compile this list of 90s rock music. There are so many songs that I really enjoy that could not be included due restrictions on space but there are 50 great singles here for your enjoyment.

How it works:
For each genre of music I will rank the top 5 singles from each year in the 90s. I will provide a link for each song (either imeem or youtube, depending on availability) for your listening pleasure.

Disclaimer: These rankings are based on my personal preferences, not on actual popularity. I think of these lists as recommendations. Hopefully these songs will bring back some good memories, and if you have never heard them before, maybe create some new ones.

Interested in 90s Pop and Rap as well? Be sure to check out these lists as well.
90s Pop Music
90s Rock Music

Starting with the year 1999:
1. “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit
2. “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind
3. “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. “The Chemicals Between Us” by Bush
5. “Heavy” by Collective Soul

1998:
1. “Inside Out” by Eve 6
2. “The Way” by Fastball
3. “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground
4. “Shimmer” by Fuel
5. “Closing Time” by Semisonic

1997:
1. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
2. “Push” by Matchbox Twenty
3. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
4. “The Freshman” by The Verve Pipe
5. “Everything to Everyone” by Everclear

1996:
1. “1979″ by Smashing Pumpkins
2. “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers
3. “Counting Blue Cars” by Dishwalla
4. “What I Got” by Sublime
5. “In the Meantime” by Spacehog

1995:
1. “Lightning Crashes” by Live
2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
3. “Glycerine” by Bush
4. “Name” by Goo Goo Dolls
5. “Good” by Better Than Ezra

1994:
1. “When I Come Around” by Green Day
2. “Shine” by Collective Soul
3. “I Alone” by Live
4. “Self Esteem” by The Offspring
5. “About a Girl” by Nirvana

1993:
1. “Rooster” by Alice in Chains
2. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
3. “Hey Jealousy” by Gin Blossoms
4. “No Rain” by Blind Melon
5. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine

1992:
1. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
2. “In Bloom” by Nirvana
3. “Drive” by R.E.M.
4. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
5. “Creep” by Radiohead

1991:
1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
2. “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains
3. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
4. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
5. “Right Here, Right Now” by Jesus Jones

1990:
1. “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog
2. “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth
3. “Head Like A Hole” by Nine Inch Nails
4. “Stop!” by Jane’s Addicton
5. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

Well there you have it. The top 5 songs from each year of the 90s. Thanks for listening and enjoy.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to share your opinion by making a comment below.

Remember when you could turn on the radio and actually find some decent music? That is what I miss the most about the 90s. Whether you liked rock, pop, or rap, the ’90s provided your fix for your particular tastes. Although my tastes tend to lean towards the post-grunge music I grew up on, there was no denying some of the great songs that came out of the decade.

I thought it was time to switch it up and bring to you a new kind of article. Within in the next few weeks I am going to present to you my favorite 90s songs separated by genres. I thought I would start off with pop since its pretty general, and well, popular. I will get to strictly rock and rap and many other sub-genres in the future. Feel free to offer your suggestions.

How it works:
For each genre of music I will rank the top 5 singles from each year in the 90s. I will provide a link for each song (either imeem or youtube, depending on availability) for your listening pleasure.

Disclaimer: These rankings are based on my personal preferences, not on actual popularity. I think of these lists as recommendations. Hopefully these songs will bring back some good memories, and if you have never heard them before, maybe create some new ones.

Interested in ’90s Rap and Rock as well? Be sure to check out these lists as well.
90s Rap Music
90s Rock Music

Let’s start with a year I am very familiar with 1999:
1. “Steal My Sunshine” by LEN
2. “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
3. “Bring It All To Me” by Blaque
4. “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden
5. “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez

1998:
1. “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo
2. “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
3. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain
4. “I Want You Back” by NSYNC
5. “I Don’t Wanna To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith

1997:
1. “Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G
2. “I’ll Be Missing You” by P. Diddy, Faith Evans, 112
3. “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
4. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
5. “As Long As You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys

1996:
1. “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey
2. “Pony” by Ginuwine
3. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
4. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
5. “Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees

1995:
1. “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson
2. “I Know” by Dionne Farris
3. “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
4. “Beautiful Life” by Ace of Base
5. “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey

1994:
1. “I Swear” by All-4-One
2. “Another Night” by The Real McCoy
3. “Don’t Turn Around” by Ace of Base
4. “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex
5. “Waterfalls” by TLC

1993:
1. “Weak” by SWV
2. “What Is Love” by Haddaway
3. “Fields of Gold” by Sting
4. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
5. “Linger” by The Cranberries

1992:
1. “Rhythm Is A Dancer” by Snap
2. “Walking On Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox
3. “To Be With You” by Mr. Big
4. “Save The Best For Last” by Vanessa Williams
5. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

1991:
1. “Walking In Memphis” by Marc Cohen
2. “I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams
3. “Baby, Baby” by Amy Grant
4. “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton
5. “Unbelievable” by EMF

1990:
1. “Everybody Dance Now” – C & C Music Factory
2. “Love Shack” – B52′s
3. “We Didn’t Start The Fire” – Billy Joel
4. “Pump Up The Jam” – Technotronic
5. “It Must Of Been Love” – Roxette

Some might look at the list and think, really? Is that the best the 90s had to offer? I, on the other hand, look at this collection of music, and see memories. While I made it a point to disqualify anything that resembled rock and rap, and it still has some really good songs. At the very least I hope you found at least one good song in this giant list that you forgot about.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to share your opinion by making a comment below.

It has been a long time since I made a playlist so I decided what better way to make a playlist then to have one with a little variety. ’90s music is a topic that covers all genres and hopefully I got a good sample of the 1990s in this playlist. This playlist doesn’t feature any hits that were that big in the ’90s but does offer some pretty good songs and a couple of my favorites. No matter what type of music you enjoy, this should take you down memory lane, as there is sure to be at least one song you recognize. I hope you enjoy this selection of ’90s music and be sure to tell me what you think of it. Feel free to check out my other playlists at the bottom of the post and I’ll see you next time.

90s Music Variety Playlist

1. “Pardon Me” by Incubus
2. “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” by Spin Doctors
3. “Interglatic” by Beastie Boys
4. “A Sorta Fairytale” by Tori Amos
5. “I’m Going Home” by Hootie And The Blowfish
6. “Pony” by Ginuwine
7. “Linger” by The Cranberries
8. “Down In A Hole” by Alice in Chains
9. “Otherside” by Red Hot Chilli Pepppers
10. “10 Days Late” by Third Eye Blind

It is hard to believe that we are 22 weeks in to this ongoing set of posts and I haven’t had a themed playlist on grunge music. This is not going to feature the most popular grunge music of the decade but more the foot tapping, head nodding, personal favorites of mine. Just pure flannel shirt Seattle grunge music at it’s finest. I think I might be hard pressed to find ten different pure grunge artists for this list so I am going to break the rules a little bit for this one, and allow myself to include multiple songs from the same artist.

’90s Grunge Playlist:
1. Nirvana – About A Girl
2. Pearl Jam – Better Man
3. Alice in Chains – Rooster
4. Nirvana – Come As You Are
5. Stone Temple Pilots – Wicked Garden
6. Pearl Jam – Jeremy
7. Alice in Chains – Man In The Box
8. Soundgarden – Spoonman
9. Nirvana – In Bloom
10. Pearl Jam – Yellow Ledbetter

Here’s the link for the whole playlist: 90s Grunge Hits

Looking for more playlists? We’ve got plenty.

After a long hiatus, it is back to the playlists. They have been fairly popular in the past and I hope that they continue to be. This time Rizzo Music takes a look back on some artists that don’t get enough credit. There were several female artists that defined a section of the music being developed in the 90s. There was the pop side, with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez, which I tried to stay away from. Then there was the side that I enjoyed, with deep ballads from Sarah Mclachlan and alternative rock from the hugely popular Alanis Morissette.

Here I showcase my top ten female artists from the 90s with No Doubt thrown in there because to ignore the impact this group had on the music world would be a shame. Most likely you will recognize most of these songs as all of them were fairly popular. My favorites from this list have to be the first two songs with Sarah’s “Sweet Surrender” and Jewel’s “Hands”.

That’s it for this week. Hope you enjoyed it.

Top 10 Songs You Should Know
1. Sarah McLachlan – Sweet Surrender
2. Jewel – Hands
3. Paula Cole – Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?
4. Sheryl Crow – Everyday Is A Winding Road
5. Alanis Morissette – Head Over Feet
6. No Doubt – Don’t Speak
7. Natalie Imbruglia – Torn
8. Lisa Loeb – Stay (I Missed You)
9. Shania Twain – Forever and For Always
10. Natalie Merchant – Wonder

Here’s the link for the whole playlist: Top Female Artists of the 90s