The 1990s was an exciting time for rap music. This decade brought us some of the most iconic artists and memorable songs that still influence music today. From the East Coast to the West Coast, rappers took center stage, sharing their stories and experiences through powerful lyrics. If you love the beats and rhymes from this era, you’ll enjoy testing your knowledge about the artists and hits that changed the music scene forever.
Today, we’ll challenge your memory with some fun trivia about 90s rap. You’ll learn interesting facts about famous rappers, their hit songs, and even the history behind some of the biggest music battles of the time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to appreciate this genre, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to reminisce about classic tracks and maybe even find out something new. Let’s see how well you know your 90s rap!
90S Rap Trivia
Legends of 90s Rap
1. Who was known as the “Godfather of Hip Hop”? (Answer: Afrika Bambaataa)
2. Which rapper was tragically killed in 1996 and is often associated with the East Coast-West Coast rivalry? (Answer: Tupac Shakur)
3. Who was the first female solo rapper to win a Grammy Award? (Answer: Queen Latifah)
4. What is the stage name of rapper Marshall Mathers? (Answer: Eminem)
5. Who was known for hits like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems”? (Answer: The Notorious B.I.G.)
6. Which rapper was part of the group A Tribe Called Quest? (Answer: Q-Tip)
7. Which artist introduced the world to “gangsta rap” in the 90s? (Answer: Ice-T)
8. Who was dubbed the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”? (Answer: Mary J. Blige)
9. Which iconic rap group was known for the hit “Rapper’s Delight”? (Answer: The Sugarhill Gang)
10. Who was the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018? (Answer: Kendrick Lamar)
Hit Songs and Their Impact
1. What year did Tupac release “California Love”? (Answer: 1995)
2. Which song by Notorious B.I.G. features the lyric, “I never thought it could happen, this rapping stuff”? (Answer: “Juicy”)
3. What 1998 hit features the chorus, “Gettin’ jiggy with it”? (Answer: “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith)
4. Which song by Dr. Dre features Snoop Dogg and was pivotal in shaping West Coast rap? (Answer: “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang”)
5. What is the title of the song that begins with “I got a million ways to get it”? (Answer: “Get Money” by Junior M.A.F.I.A.)
6. Who collaborated with Puff Daddy on the hit “I’ll Be Missing You” in 1997? (Answer: Faith Evans)
7. What song featuring MC Hammer had a massive impact on pop culture in the 90s? (Answer: “U Can’t Touch This”)
8. Which 90s hit by Salt-N-Pepa encourages women to express their sexual empowerment? (Answer: “Push It”)
9. The song “Gangsta’s Paradise” was performed by which rapper? (Answer: Coolio)
10. What anthem by the Fugees features Lauryn Hill and addresses social issues? (Answer: “Killing Me Softly”)
The Rise of East Coast and West Coast
1. What city is considered the birthplace of East Coast hip hop? (Answer: New York City)
2. What city is associated with the origins of West Coast hip hop? (Answer: Los Angeles)
3. What label was home to artists like Nas and The Notorious B.I.G.? (Answer: Bad Boy Records)
4. Which rapper famously started his career in California and represented the West Coast in the 90s? (Answer: Snoop Dogg)
5. What rivalry led to tension between East Coast and West Coast rappers during the 90s? (Answer: Hip hop feud)
6. Who is known as the “King of New York”? (Answer: The Notorious B.I.G.)
7. Which venue is iconic for being a major performance spot for East Coast hip hop? (Answer: Apollo Theater)
8. Who represented the East Coast in the famous 1995 Source Awards? (Answer: The Wu-Tang Clan)
9. What was the name of the conference series that highlighted the East Coast-West Coast rivalry? (Answer: The Source Awards)
10. What song did Tupac release that targeted artists from the East Coast? (Answer: “Hit ‘Em Up”)
90s Rap Battles and Feuds
1. Who was involved in a feud with Tupac over the years? (Answer: The Notorious B.I.G.)
2. What group was known to have rivalries with N.W.A. throughout the 90s? (Answer: The Geto Boys)
3. Which rapper’s track “The Message” sparked a significant debate about authenticity in rap? (Answer: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five)
4. What incident in 1994 fueled the rivalry between Tupac and Biggie? (Answer: The Quad Studios shooting)
5. What notable diss track was released by Nas that targeted Jay-Z? (Answer: “Ether”)
6. Which rapper famously claimed “beef” was essential for the industry? (Answer: 50 Cent)
7. Who released the diss track “Hit ‘Em Up” that directly targeted Biggie and others? (Answer: Tupac Shakur)
8. What was the fallout of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry on the hip hop community? (Answer: Increased violence and division)
9. What was the album title that marked the beginning of the feud between Jay-Z and Nas? (Answer: “Blueprint”)
10. Who was known for the diss track “Takeover” aimed at Nas? (Answer: Jay-Z)
Influential Albums of the Decade
1. What album by Dr. Dre is considered a defining moment for West Coast rap? (Answer: “The Chronic”)
2. Which influential 1994 album was released by Nas? (Answer: “Illmatic”)
3. What 1996 album featured Tupac’s iconic title track “All Eyez on Me”? (Answer: “All Eyez on Me”)
4. Which album by The Notorious B.I.G. is known for tracks like “Big Poppa”? (Answer: “Ready to Die”)
5. What groundbreaking album did the Fugees release in 1996? (Answer: “The Score”)
6. Which album by Wu-Tang Clan is celebrated for its contribution to hip hop culture? (Answer: “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”)
7. What album contains the hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio? (Answer: “Gangsta’s Paradise”)
8. What influential album did A Tribe Called Quest release in 1991 featuring “Scenario”? (Answer: “The Low End Theory”)
9. Who released the 1995 critically acclaimed album “The Cool” that highlighted storytelling in rap? (Answer: Lupe Fiasco)
10. What 1995 album by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony included “Tha Crossroads”? (Answer: “E. 1999 Eternal”)
90s Rap Culture and Its Evolution
1. What clothing brand became synonymous with 90s hip hop culture? (Answer: FUBU)
2. Who is credited with popularizing “baggy pants” in hip hop fashion? (Answer: Hammer)
3. What dance style was popular in 90s hip hop music videos? (Answer: The Running Man)
4. What genre of music heavily influenced rap’s evolution during the 90s? (Answer: R&B)
5. Who was the first rapper to have a platinum album? (Answer: Beastie Boys)
6. What style of rap focuses on social injustice and storytelling? (Answer: Conscious rap)
7. Which magazine became the voice of hip hop culture in the 90s? (Answer: The Source)
8. What was one common theme in 90s rap lyrics? (Answer: Social issues)
9. How did technology impact the music industry during the 90s? (Answer: Introduction of CDs and sampling)
10. What event is recognized as the first major hip hop festival? (Answer: 1991’s “The Annual New Music Seminar”)
Final Thoughts
This journey through 90s rap showcases the incredible talent and cultural impact that this genre had on music and society. From legendary artists who shaped the landscape to hit songs that still resonate today, the 90s were a defining era in hip hop history. Understanding the feuds, influential albums, and evolving culture provides deeper appreciation for the music that continues to influence generations.
Whether you’re reflecting on the legends of 90s rap or just learning about it, there’s always more to discover in the music world. If you’re interested in exploring topics like 90s music trivia, check out our 90s Music Trivia. For more on the ever-evolving genre of rap, don’t miss our Rap Trivia. Happy reminiscing!