By now it’s no surprise that here at TheRapScene, we really acknowledge the impact that 90’s rap has on our favorite genre. Today a lot of emcees just don’t bring it the way they did in the 90’s, it’s obvious that this was an artistic goldmine for hip-hop. But which artists from the era are still doin it today? Let’s take a look at some of the most influential artists of their time that continue to take initiative by putting the game in their own hands.
Snoop Dogg:
Since the release of Doggystyle in 1994, Snoop has been breaking barriers and doing new things, and continues to do so to this day. Let’s be honest, he’s done it all. He’s even gotten so bored and become so accustomed to taking rookies to school, that he’s even attempted dipping into other genres including reggae and funk.
Jay Z:
Without a reasonable doubt (get it) has stayed consistent throughout his whole career and is still pioneering the rap game even in his 40’s. His business achievements is undeniable and it has given him a leverage to still dominate in hip hop on a mass scale. Jay Z has proven that you can be a relevant artist at a prime age and still be considered one of the rappers alive.
Juicy J:
Juicy J is an artist that has pushed the envelope and reinvented himself as a solo artist. He’s become one of the biggest names in hip hop in today. Juicy J started out as a member of 3 6 Mafia straight outta of Memphis with co-founder DJ Paul. Throughout the 90’s the group produced back to back hit records and created anthems. Juicy J decided to step out as a solo artist and linked up with Taylor Gang and the rest is history. Don’t look for Juicy J to slow down or retire anytime soon. Age is just a number right?
Raekwon:
During his solo career after leaving Wu-Tang, Raekwon can definitely be noticed as an emcee that really resurrected the mafioso-type approach to rap. He didn’t fail to continue recognizing and acknowledging this subgenre of hip-hop in his latest album ‘Fly International Luxurious Art’ (2015).
Ghostface Killah:
The second Wu-Tang member to make this list is also the only other east-coast emcee from the 90’s to drop an album in 2015 thus far in the year, being a collab album with producer BadBadNotGood, titled ‘Sour Soul’. And he doesn’t plan on stopping there! He is also planning solo albums for this year, as well a collab album with MF Doom under the alias DoomStarks. The track ‘Ray Gun’ from the ‘Sour Soul’ album has already proved Doom and Ghostface to be a satisfying duo.
Fans can be excited and look forward to seeing how these older cats continue to grow as an artist and allow the extension of 90’s music to help develop the culture even today. There are more 90’s rappers that are definitely still relevant today and making great music that we didn’t mention, so expect another list to come.