Whatever: Hip Hop Hits of the '90s

While the Reagan Era of the ‘80s saw rap music start to bubble up into the mainstream, it was the ‘90s when hip-hop really crossed over – dominating the charts and making legit millionaires out of MCs for the first time. Gangsta rap exploded from South Central into the suburbs, and New York shined thanks to instant superstars like Biggie, Nas, and Wu-Tang. This 12-track compilation highlights classic material from both coasts (though the South is ignored completely), featuring both the poppier multi-platinum singles (Hammer's "U Can't Touch This," Naughty By Nature's "O.P.P."), plus grimier material like the Wu's breakout hit "C.R.E.A.M." and the Luniz' laid back anthem "I Got 5 On It." Dre and Snoop are M.I.A., though Cali is well represented with Warren G and Nate Dogg's "Regulate" and Cube's "It Was a Good Day." Every track on here is essential, including well-worn favorites from fallen heroes Biggie, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Big Pun.