My List of the Top 10 breakthrough rap tracks of 1998. They’re not in order of best to worst. It was hard enough to only pick ten tracks!
1998 was a great year for Hip hop. The homie DMX was racking it up that year with a slew of hits! And on Sept. 29, 1998, Hip-Hop had one of the greatest release days in history. Back when Tuesdays signaled new music had arrived at the local music store, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, OutKast, Brand Nubian, and Black Star all dropped albums that in some way, signaled a significant moment in their incredible careers
DMX – Rough Rider’s Anthem
Although 1998 was essentially the year of DMX, I couldn’t choose all of his hits (I wanted to) for this list. So, I chose the iconic track “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem”.
The LOX – Money, Power & Respect
This is a track that still bumps after all these years. Again, here’s DMX because 1998 was definitely his year. And the addition of Lil Kim was EPIC!
Jay Z – Nigga What, Nigga Who
This track was one of the first that actually caught my eye, as far as Jay Z is concerned. He had a great year in 1998, as well and every year since if you ask me!
Gang Starr – Moment of Truth
The fifth album from the duo of Guru and DJ Premier is full of songs that demonstrated how on top of the game Gang Starr was in 1998
Busta Rhymes – Fire it up
There were a few different tracks that I thought about when thinking about Busta in 1998. However, I went with Turn it up remix because it is just the epitome of what you think about when you think Busta Rhymes.
Nate Dogg & Warren G. – Nobody Does it Better
Nate Dogg had been featured on albums by Snoop Dogg, 2 Pac, Dr. Dre and more and was a great addition to these tracks. In 1998, he released his debut album and it was clear what a player he was in the game.
Method Man & Redman – Big Dogs
It’s no secret, Method Man is my favorite rapper (and easy on the eyes!). So, I’m bound to add him to any list from any year for the last twenty years. I remember bumping this on my car speakers back in the day. This track is the best one from the duo, by far.
Beastie Boys – Intergalactic
You might be like WHAT?! Because I added this track to this list. But, remember what was going on with the Beastie Boys when this track came out? This was Like BLAM Beasties are back boy! It was a big deal when it came out.
Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop
Can’t have a top 1998 list without adding Lauryn Hill! This track is dope. It’s also beautiful and a ton of fun to sing along with!
Big Pun & Fat Joe – Twinz
I would be remiss if I didn’t add a Big Pun track to this list. I mean
“Dead in the middle of Little Italy little did we know that we riddled some middlemen who didn’t do diddly”
Enough said!
So, there you have it. That’s my top ten. What’s yours? Let us know in the comments.
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