How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Will Smith, JAY-Z, Naughty By Nature, Chaka Demus & Pliers, R. Kelly & Public Announcement, The Pasadenas, Dru Hill, The Outhere Brothers, Public Enemy, B.o.B, Donna Summer, Faithless
They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (05/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.
For TWELVE more Hip-Hop & Soul - Vintage 90s Music Videos - week 05/52 - click here
Tracklist
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1 . Will Smith - MiamiWill Smith’s “Miami,” released in 1998, lands somewhere between a love letter and a travel brochure set to a beat. Sampling The Whispers’ “And the Beat Goes On,” the track leverages a disco-infused backdrop to craft an anthem for the city’s sun-drenched hedonism. The song’s lyrics paint broad, playful strokes of Miami's multicultural allure, from its magnetic nightlife to the perpetual party atmosphere. Smith’s delivery is charmingly breezy, a stark contrast to his colder Philadelphia origins, which the narrative gleefully abandons in favor of glitz and palm trees. The accompanying music video, an over-the-top montage of convertible rides, beachside escapades, and endless streams of smiles, packs enough charisma to offset its predictable visuals. A young Eva Mendes briefly graces the screen, offering a flash of future Hollywood stardom amid the revelry. “Miami” isn’t deep, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a glossy slice of late-’90s pop-rap that deliberately prioritizes good vibes over introspection. Like Miami itself, it’s memorable for its artful excess and refusal to apologize for being exactly what it is: a party you’re invited to, whether you like it or not. Featured on the 1997 album "Big Willie Style".
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2 . JAY-Z - Hard Knock Life [Ghetto Anthem]Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” transforms a Broadway anthem into a gritty tale of urban perseverance, blending theatrical whimsy with sharp-edged realism. The song borrows its hook from the musical *Annie*, taking “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and twisting it into an anthem for survival, with Jay-Z showcasing his knack for turning unexpected samples into hip-hop gold. The production by The 45 King pairs the original’s childlike sing-song chorus with a pounding beat, creating a juxtaposition that is as jarring as it is effective. Jay-Z’s lyrics chart his rise from Brooklyn streets to the heights of rap stardom while never losing sight of the struggles and sacrifices that paved the way. Released in 1998, the track peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, defying expectations for a song interpolating musical theater in the often-bravado-heavy world of late-'90s hip-hop. Its worldwide appeal was equally striking, climbing charts in the UK, Canada, and Germany, demonstrating an ability to connect beyond American audiences. The music video, set in Jay-Z’s stomping grounds of Brooklyn, balances glossy imagery with a grounded sense of place, complementing the track’s duality of hope and hardship. While radio-friendly and commercial, the song never fully sacrifices its streetwise core, a delicate balancing act that elevated Jay-Z's profile and secured the track its status as a cultural touchstone. Critics frequently laud its ingenuity, the hybridization of highbrow and lowbrow elements finding places on lists like VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop.” Ultimately, “Hard Knock Life” serves as a snapshot of late-'90s rap culture, daring enough to step outside genre norms while doubling down on raw authenticity. Featured on the 1998 album " Vol 2 ... Hard Knock Life".
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3 . Naughty By Nature - Hip Hop Hooray"Hip Hop Hooray" by Naughty by Nature emerges as a jubilant homage to hip-hop culture, culminating in an irresistibly infectious anthem. The track draws from an eclectic palette of samples, weaving elements of James Brown, Five Stairsteps, and Sylvia Striplin into its production, while DJ Kay Gee crafts a groove that's dynamic yet grounded in its nostalgia-laden influences. Its most striking feature—an iconic "hey ho" hook—proves almost annoyingly effective, making you chant it long after the song ends, whether you want to or not. Spike Lee's direction amplifies the track's communal celebration, situating the video against the gritty vibrancy of Brooklyn streets with cameos that read like a hip-hop hall of fame. Yet, the song’s appeal lies less in groundbreaking innovation and more in its ability to harness simple, universal energies within urban pop culture. As catchy as it is calculated, the track achieves a delicate balance, championed by its unabashed embrace of fun and fervor. A snapshot of early '90s hip-hop joy, it resists introspection in favor of unfiltered exuberance—perhaps its greatest strength and most glaring limitation. Featured on the 1993 album "19 Naughty III".
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4 . Chaka Demus & Pliers - Twist And ShoutReleased in 1993, Chaka Demus & Pliers’ "Twist and Shout" isn’t just a cover—it’s a reimagination with swagger, reggae flavor, and a playful edge. Originally an Isley Brothers song famously popularized by the Beatles, this rendition strips away the rock n’ roll sweat and replaces it with a sunny dancehall ease. Featuring Jack Radics and Taxi Gang, the track bounces between mellow cooed verses and staccato rap interludes. The charm lies not in its innovation but in its breezy execution. It’s a party song that doesn’t try too hard, leaning fully into the infectious joy of reggae-infused nostalgia. Commercially, it was a juggernaut, claiming the top spot on the UK Singles Chart in early 1994 and not taking its foot off the pedal on the international scene. Yet, its success wasn’t about depth—it was about spirit, a carefree anthem that dominated dance floors from New Zealand to Belgium with its unpretentious vibe. It’s easy to imagine audiences at 1990s Reggae Sunsplash swaying to this groove under starry skies. "Twist and Shout" adds nothing profound to musical history but reminds us why music doesn’t always have to—it just needs to compel you to move. Featured on the 1993 album "Tease Me".
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5 . R. Kelly & Public Announcement - She's Got That Vibe"She's Got That Vibe" is an early '90s R&B track brimming with swagger and buoyancy, marking R. Kelly's entry into the music industry. The song’s upbeat tempo and smooth harmonies perfectly capture the energetic yet polished vibe of the era, blending playful lyrics with rhythmic confidence. R. Kelly and Public Announcement channel themes of admiration and allure, balancing flirtation and charisma with a sleek production style that nods to New Jack Swing sensibilities. Its chart performance in the US was respectable, but it found extended life overseas during its re-release, particularly climbing the UK charts with renewed energy in 1994. The accompanying music video mirrors the track's effervescent charm, with a youthful aesthetic that taps into excitable, carefree attraction. That said, its longevity must be attributed not only to the song's compelling hooks but also to its positioning in an era where R&B began experimenting with pop textures and club-ready tempos. As a debut, it solidifies its place as both a time capsule of early-'90s aesthetics and a springboard for R. Kelly's controversial yet undeniably influential career trajectory. Featured on the 1992 album "Born into the 90's".
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6 . The Pasadenas - I'm Doing Fine NowOriginally penned by Thom Bell and Sherman Marshall, "I'm Doing Fine Now" resurfaces as a slick R&B cover courtesy of The Pasadenas in 1992. Produced by Ian Levine and Billy Griffin, this rendition injects the 1973 New York City classic with a polished vocal arrangement and a modern groove. It rockets up the UK charts to a respectable number four, outshining the original’s position by a significant jump of 16 places. With over 200,000 copies sold and a Silver certification from the BPI, the track resonates with listeners across Belgium, Greece, and Ireland, where it lands comfortably in the top 10. The accompanying music video, licensed by Sony Music Entertainment UK, mirrors the song’s effortless charm and understated confidence. While the Pasadenas maintain the nostalgic essence of the original, their interpretation skews towards recovery and resilience with a smoother, more accessible tenor. Part of the "Yours Sincerely" album, it aligns well with other Pasadenas' hits like “Tribute (Right On)” and “Riding on a Train.” In its revival, "I'm Doing Fine Now" pivots classic R&B flair into '90s sensibility, making it a standout in their catalog. Featured on the 1992 album "Yours Sincerely ".
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7 . Dru Hill - These Are The Times"These Are The Times" by Dru Hill is an R&B ballad from the '90s that combines smooth harmonies with sentimental lyricism, neatly packaged in a dramatic narrative style. The track is drenched in late-90s production, with silken vocal layers set against a backdrop of lush instrumentation, managing to sound both romantic and reflective without tipping into saccharine territory. Its accompanying video, inspired by "The Man in the Iron Mask," leans heavily on fantasy and melodrama, casting Sisqó in the dual role of a benevolent twin and his malevolent counterpart, while bandmates Jazz, Woody, and Nokio embody musketeering allies. Actress Lark Voorhies serves as the love interest, further amplifying the cinematic aspirations of the visual component, which almost outweigh the song's inherent simplicity. Chart recognition in both the U.S. and UK underscores its commercial appeal, though the track's cultural resonance remains tied more to its time than to any broader legacy. It’s a quintessential late-'90s outing: ambitious in presentation, heartfelt in execution, and perched on the fine line between timeless and time-stamped. Featured on the 1998 album "Enter the Dru".
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8 . The Outhere Brothers - Ole Ole [Let Me Hear You Say]The Outhere Brothers’ “Let Me Hear You Say ‘Ole Ole’” is a late-90s artifact that captures the waning flame of the hip house and Eurodance craze, though it stops short of burning as brightly as its predecessors. Released in 1997 as part of their album "The Other Side," the song lands firmly in the upbeat, party-centric mold that defines the duo’s catalog. The frenetic beats and repetitive hooks invite movement but lack the infectious novelty that made tracks like “Boom Boom Boom” cultural staples of mid-90s club life. It charts modestly—sitting just outside the top 15 in the UK and Italy—a respectable showing, though far removed from their peak powers. Its lyrics stick to celebration clichés, while the production rests comfortably in a formula rather than pushing boundaries. Though it never defines an era nor takes the risks that give some dance hits staying power, "Let Me Hear You Say ‘Ole Ole’" still retains its role as a reminder of the genre's flashy, hedonistic heyday. Featured on the 1998 album "The Other Side".
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9 . Public Enemy - Shut Em Down"Shut 'Em Down" operates as a blistering critique wrapped in a head-nodding beat, exposing the hypocrisy of corporate exploitation within marginalized communities. Public Enemy delivers sharp, unflinching verses, directing their ire at conglomerates profiting off black culture without reciprocity, naming Nike and challenging the status quo with an entrepreneurial call to arms. Layered in the production are gritty samples and relentless percussion, a signature sound that intensifies the urgency of the message without slipping into overwrought territory. The track’s rebellious pulse transcends its era, achieving chart success across rap and R&B while slipping into the cultural bloodstream through media placements in films, video games, and even a Nike commercial—ironically bridging the song’s critique with the corporate world it questions. The video amplifies the defiant energy, underscoring the group’s reputation as provocateurs unafraid to merge activism with artistry, making it as relevant today as when it first shook the airwaves. Featured on the 1991 album "Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black".
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10 . B.o.B - Airplanes (w/ Hayley Williams)"Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams captures a wistful balance between rap and pop melancholia, threading lyrical yearning through a hypnotic beat. The song, released in 2010, came as the third single from B.o.B's debut album and is anchored by Williams' chorus, her voice cutting through with a stark, almost ethereal longing. B.o.B’s verses delve into themes of ambition and frustration, delivering lines that glance backward while grappling with the pressures of fleeting stardom. Interestingly, the collaboration process was entirely remote, with Williams recording her part while Paramore toured, making their first in-person meeting happen only during a live awards performance. The track’s success was staggering, ruling charts globally and receiving multi-platinum certifications, a testament to its resonance among listeners. Its production, helmed by DJ Frank E and Alex da Kid, weaves together moody piano chords and a steady rhythmic undercurrent, creating a sonic foundation that complements its reflective tone. The video, directed by Hiro Murai, mirrors this introspection, splitting dramatic vignettes between the two artists in isolated settings, amplifying the song's sense of detached yearning. A pop-rap hit with deeper textures, it remains a time capsule of navigating big dreams amidst vulnerability, striking chords across multiple generations.
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11 . Donna Summer - Breakaway"Breakaway" by Donna Summer is a buoyant slice of late '80s dance-pop that feels tailor-made for neon-lit dance floors. Written and produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, the track radiates their signature mix of glossy beats and syrupy hooks, pairing seamlessly with Summer's powerhouse vocals. While not a chart dominator, its moderate UK Singles Chart peak at 49 belies its impact elsewhere, particularly in Latin America, where it achieved cult-like adoration, crowned by its dominance in Brazil thanks to a telenovela spotlight. Thematically steeped in defiance and liberation, the song marries emotional resilience with a kinetic, four-on-the-floor rhythm that’s impossible to sit still to. The remixes, especially Tony Humphries’ "The Extended Power Mix," elevate the track to club anthem status, indulging in deeper grooves and accentuating its pulsating core. If Summer's oeuvre often wove disco drama, here she pivots into a breezier, poppier ethos that straddles escapism and empowerment with effortless charm. The music video, capturing her vivacious performance energy, further cemented the track's appeal, proving that even in her post-disco phase, Donna Summer could still summon movement and magnetism. Featured on the 1989 album "Another Place and Time". |
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12 . Faithless - Salva Mea"Salva Mea" stands out as a pulse-pounding slice of mid-'90s electronica, a track that puts introspection front and center while the beat never quits. Born from Faithless's debut album "Reverence," this is no mere club filler—it's riddled with existential musings, courtesy of Maxi Jazz’s reflective delivery, sewn seamlessly into the track's relentless rhythms. Dido’s ethereal backing vocals provide a haunting counterpoint, hovering like a spectral presence just out of reach. The production, handled by Rollo and Sister Bliss, exudes a tight control that steers the song from sprawling ambition to taut execution. Its initial 1995 release made quiet ripples, but like any good underground hit, persistence and remixes pushed it into broader consciousness by late 1996, securing its commercial triumph across Europe, and a cult status in underground dance scenes over in the States. The black-and-white music video, equal parts urban grit and hypnotic montage, mirrors the song’s brooding crescendo—a restless cityscape mirroring Maxi Jazz’s raw introspection. At its heart, "Salva Mea" meditates on modern angst but drives it forward with a beat that refuses to let you sulk for too long. Featured on the 1996 album "Reverence ".
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Jay-Z wrote a fabricated letter to secure the sample for "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)." His creative approach helped obtain rights to a difficult sample.
2. Spike Lee directed the "Hip Hop Hooray" music video, adding his distinct style to its production, featuring numerous hip-hop celebrities.
3. Chaka Demus & Pliers topped the UK chart in 1994 with "Twist and Shout" after a gap for Jamaican acts, showcasing reggae fusion's popularity.
4. R. Kelly partnered with Public Announcement on "She's Got That Vibe," reflecting his early R&B success and establishing his future musical direction.
5. The Pasadenas released their cover of "I'm Doing Fine Now" in 1992, gaining commercial success and outperforming the original's UK chart position.
6. Dru Hill's video for "These Are The Times" was inspired by "The Man in the Iron Mask," featuring a storyline with twins and musketeers.
7. The Outhere Brothers gained notice with Eurodance and hip house, contributing to the mid-90s dance music scene with catchy tracks.
8. Public Enemy's "Shut 'Em Down" critiques major corporations' practices, encouraging community enterprise and introducing a hip-hop form of protest.
9. Hayley Williams recorded her part for "Airplanes" separately while Paramore was touring, meeting B.o.B only later for a live performance.
10. Donna Summer's "Breakaway" found success in Brazil, capitalizing on its inclusion in a popular telenovela and resonating with Latin American audiences.
11. Dido provided vocals for "Salva Mea," giving Faithless's track a haunting quality alongside its dance-floor appeal, marking her earlier work before solo fame.
12. "Alive" was S Club's first release after Paul Cattermole left, showcasing the group's continued appeal despite internal changes and staff reductions.
For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here
