The Class of 1994 - Hip Hop's 50th Year Anniversary Edition
Celebrating the music released during one of Hip Hop's golden years.
By HipHop2020 Innovation Archive
Curated by Ramya Ramaswamy, Asia Demmer, and Natalia Andino under the direction of Joycelyn Wilson, PhD, HipHop2020 Innovation Archive, Georgia Tech
Da BratLIFE Photo Collection
Creeping on a Come-up!
In 1994, hip hop culture blossomed with diverse regional soundscapes: from Nas out of Queens, NY; OutKast and Da Brat with that A-town southern funk: the West's G-funk a la Snoop, and Wu-Tang's Method Man dropped Tical, which elevated the sound of inner-city storytelling.
Nas Illmatic CD cover by HipHop2020 Innovation Archive, Wilson CollectionHipHop2020 Innovation Archive
Conscious Realities From the East
Nasir Jones, aka "Nasty Nas" because of his lyrical sophistication, dropped Illmatic on April 19, 1994, six months before Digable Planets released their second album, Blowout Comb. The poetic substance on both ushered in an added diversity to the genre's musicality.
"We slicker this year..."
Digable Planets elevated jazz, more samples, and live instrumentation on Blowout Comb, exploring the socio-politics of Black nationalism. Despite modest commercial success, their 2nd album, includes singles like "9th Wonder", a cult classic and celebrated for its artistic merit.
Tical, dropping 11/15/94 is a gritty masterpiece from the Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man. The RZA-produced album includes Billboard chart toppers like "Bring the Pain" and "All I Need". It also contributed significantly to the status of '90s East coast rap off the heels of Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die, which debuted 9/13/94, featuring classic hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa." Despite his 1997 death, the album remains a testament to Biggie's lasting influence on the culture and genre.
Snoop Doggy Dogg (1994-09-09)LIFE Photo Collection
G Funk: The Movement
The era of G Funk emerged in the early 1990s, and is characterized by slow, melodic tempos under funky hypnotic, synthesized grooves. The sound and lyrical content, often controversial, ushered in gangsta rap and was popularized by West Coast artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Chronicling the West Coast via Soundtracks like Murder Was the Case and Above the Rim. The soundtrack for Murder Was the Case, debuted on 10/18/94 as a short film about survival starring Snoop Dogg, directed by Dr. Dre. Above the Rim, released on 3/22/94 as a Death Row Records soundtrack with hits like Warren G and Nate Dogg's "Regulate." These soundtracks played a notable role in shaping the cultural, musical, and film landscape of the 90s.
Blige, Mary J.LIFE Photo Collection
The Soulful Journey of 90's Street and Sweet
In the '90s, a musical fusion of Hip Hop and R&B emerged, exemplified by artists like Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige. Songs like "Be Happy" and "At Your Best" conveyed urban experiences with a soulful sweetness that continues to have a lasting impact on contemporary music and style.
Age Ain't Nothing But a Number
Aaliyah's debut studio album was released on May 24, 1994. The album was noted for its soulful and smooth R&B style, blended with hip hop influences. It showcases Aaliyah's distinctively smooth, sultry vocal style, and features a mix of slow ballads and upbeat tracks.
MJB's "Be Happy" from the 1994 release My Life
MJB's My Life, dropping on November 29, 1994, stands out for its sincere exploration of love and self-discovery, marking a pivotal moment in Blige's career. Her emotive vocals, coupled with honest lyricism, solidified her status as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul.
Debuting on June 24, 1994, Creepin' On Ah Come Up is BTNH's gritty exploration of life living in the struggles and triumphs. With a harmonious blend of rap and soulful beats, the album paints a vivid picture of life in the streets, showcasing the group's unique style. Each track unfolds like a narrative, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced while 'creepin' up' in the unforgiving urban landscape of Cleveland, OH.
Ghetto Harmonies "Creepin' on ah Come Up" to "Funkdafied"
Embark on a sonic journey with 'Ghetto Harmonies,' featuring Bone Thugs' Creepin' on ah Come Up and Da Brat's Funkdafied. Experience the raw energy and distinctive beats as these albums intertwine gritty narratives with urban melodies, capturing the essence of the streets.
Soooo Funkdafied
An unapologetically bold and confident expression of her signature style and voice, Da Brat's Funkdafied exudes a sense of empowerment and individuality, making her the first solo woman MC to reach platinum status via this June 28, 1994 debut.
The South has Something to Say
In 1994, the South emerged as a regional powerhouse. This period marked a pivotal shift, challenging East and West coast dominance. Dive into the Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik vibes of OutKast's debut, intertwining with Master P's The Ghettos Trying to Kill Me.
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik for yo trunk!
A genre-bending trapped out journey through the Southern rap landscape, 'Kast's debut album dropped on 4/26/94 to deliver a charismatic narrative of innovation exploring the complexities of growing up in early 90s Atlanta, Georgia.
Master P's The Ghettos Trying To Kill Me, dropped on May 24, 1994, a month or so after OutKast's debut album. It;s a gritty exploration of the life and times of Percy Miller as a product of New Orleans's Third Ward. With raw and uncompromising lyrics, Master P paints a vivid picture of life in the ghetto, addressing societal issues, street struggles, and the pursuit of survival. Below is a BET chronicling of his rise as the brain's behind No Limit Records.
The Rise and Fall of Master P's No Limit Records
Curated by the HipHop2020 Innovation Archive's VIP Team
