Many believe that the only hit songs of the 1990s-2000s are the ones everyone knows, and we highlight ten of those here. There are too many hits from the 1990s – 2015 in Hip Hop for us to cover, so consider this the beginning of a longer list.

Over the years there have been many songs that have come and gone. However, as for Hip Hop songs, finding artists that were able to reach the milestone of reaching the top 100 is a significant feat to go along with album sales and streams.

Here are some of our Top 10 memorable Hip Hop hits that made an impact on us over the years.

Top 10 memorable Hip Hop hits

Coolio - Gangsta’s Paradise

Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise reached number 1 on Billboard's Top 100 in 1995. The single was released from his second album Gangsta’s Paradise, as a solo artist from the West coast gangsta rap group, WC, and The MAAD Circle. Sampling Stevie Wonder’s Pastime Paradise, the song was also featured on the movie soundtrack Dangerous Mind in the Fall of 1995.

He became a chef in 2012 after changing lanes from a West-coast rapper. Until his death in September 2022, he had a cooking show, cookbooks, and a catering business.

Notorious B.I.G. - One More Chance / Stay with Me

Notorious B.I.G.’s -One More Chance / Stay with Me. This classic reached 23rd on the charts in 1995 off his debut album, Ready To Die. The remix featured R&B songstress Faith Evans on a track with a sample from Debarge’s All This Love.

Getting cemented into Hip hop’s history books as one of the greatest hits of the 90s from the Bad Boy record label. Soon to be known as Biggie Smalls, with more hits under his belt, Biggie’s career was cut short when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in the streets of California. A deadly result of the ongoing rivalry between the East and West coast.

Nelly - Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t)

Nelly’s Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t) graced Billboard’s Hot 100 list in 2000. From Nelly‘s debut album Country Grammar, it sampled Traditional Folk’s Down Down Baby, a rhythmic favorite for many across the world.

A St. Louis Anthem introducing us all to the hip-hop side of the Show Me State was just a soft rollout of what was to come for this rapper. With endorsements, clothing lines, and brushing off his acting skills Nelly is now on a 3-country cross tour.

Missy Elliott ft. Lil Mo, Nas, Eve, & Q-Tip - Hot Boyz

Missy Elliott ft. Lil Mo, Nas, Eve, & Q-Tip’s Hot Boyz reached number 32 on the list in 2000. A Remix from the original song of her 2nd studio album, Da Real World. Missy tapped into New York and Philadelphia heavyweights Nas, Q-Tip, and E-V-E to clarify what she meant by Hot Boyz. Since then, Missy Elliot has produced and written for some of the greatest artists of any genre as well as herself. From country to gospel, she is very influential in the industry today.

Kanye West ft Jamie Foxx - Gold Digger

Kanye West ft Jamie Foxx’s Gold Digger hit a peak number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. With the help of actor and singer Jaime Foxx singing the hook, West sampled Ray Charles I’ve Got a Woman As a call of alarm for the type of women that are in his presence and want his attention.

A single from his second studio-released album Late Registration it won a Grammy for Best Male Hip Hop Performance and became a part of his musical blueprint of success. Formerly known as the most influential person in the world, Kanye West went on to create his record label G.O.O.D. Music, Yeezy clothing line, and his own political campaign.

50 Cent - Disco Inferno

50 Cent’s Disco Inferno from his second studio album The Massacre, made it to 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. With his success, 50 Cent introduced his record label, clothing lines, shoes, boxing promotion, and book distribution business. From lucrative business and trade deals, and T.V. Currently, he has tapped into the television world with the Power series and other upcoming productions.

B.O.B. ft Bruno Mars - Nothin’ on You

B.O.B. ft Bruno Mars’s Nothin’ on You climbed to number 11 on the Billboards Top 100 in 2010. Debuting his first studio album B.O.B. Presents The Adventure of Bobby Ray. An ode to one of a kind opened the door for many of us to hear Bruno Mars for the very first time. Since then, the rapper’s career has been through a roller coaster effect between his beliefs and the support of his fans. Open about the struggles of mental health, he is now making music as an indie artist.

Jay Z ff. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind

Jay Z ff. Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind this homage to living and being from New York City ran up to number 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts of 2010. From his 11th studio album Blueprint 3, this single with Alicia Keys’ signature sound on a sample from The Moments’ Love On a Two Way Street and Frank Sinatra’s Theme from New York, New York assisted Jay Z to two Grammy wins that year.

It was also featured on the Sex and the City II soundtrack. Jay Z still makes music and has ventured into many other businesses since then. Roc Nation Sports, the cannabis industry, and other investment opportunities as a venture capitalist are just a few things that he currently takes part in.

Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth - See You Again

Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth See You Again from the Fast and Furious 7 soundtrack was number 3 on Billboard's Top 100 list in 2015. Made in honor of the untimely death of the beloved actor and star of the Fast and Furious franchise, Paul Walker, who was killed in a car accident. Wiz Khalifa is currently making music heavy in the cannabis industry as well as the entertainment industry with Taylor Gang Entertainment.

Fetty Wap - Trap Queen

Fetty Wap’s Trap Queen from his debut self-titled album Fetty Wap released in 2015 reached number 4 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. The trap Bonnie and Clyde anthem helped Fetty Wap with his run of follow-up hits while introducing the Remy Boyz crew to the rest of the hip-hop world before running in and out of legal troubles. Right now, he's serving time in prison on a conspiracy drug charge.

Memorable Hip Hop Songs

Of course, over the years, there are countless songs that we could discuss all day. These songs were played everywhere to the point that you could hardly escape hearing them once you turned on the radio or music channel. So, it’s not surprising to see the mentioned singles as the top 10 memorable wonders from 1995-2015. If you're looking to find more Hip Hop be sure to checkout the SharePro Marketplace for song from all around the world.