How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.

The subjects du jour are : Monica, The Notorious B.I.G., Omar, Coolio, Marvin & Tamara, Macy Gray, Canibus, Lighthouse Family, Michelle Gayle, Foxy Brown, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill

They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (41/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.

1. Which 1976 Diana Ross song is sampled in Monica’s 1998 single featuring production by Jermaine Dupri?

  • A “I’m Coming Out”
  • B “Reach Out and Touch”
  • C “Love Hangover”

2. Which posthumous single by The Notorious B.I.G., featuring Mase and Puff Daddy, samples a Diana Ross classic?

  • A “I’ll Be Missing You”
  • B “Hypnotize”
  • C “Mo Money Mo Problems”

3. Which English singer released “Keep Steppin'” in the UK, an eclectic mix of electronic, hip hop, and downtempo?

  • A Seal
  • B Omar
  • C Craig David

4. Who collaborates with Coolio on the autobiographical track from his 1994 debut album, sampling Al Green?

  • A Snoop Dogg
  • B Ice Cube
  • C J-Ro and Billy Boy

5. What title did Marvin and Tamara’s debut single “Groove Machine,” reach on the UK Singles Chart in 1999?

  • A No. 3
  • B No. 11
  • C No. 25

6. Which award did Macy Gray’s “I Try” win at the 2001 Grammy Awards?

  • A Record of the Year
  • B Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
  • C Best New Artist

7. Which cross-cultural musicians collaborated with Canibus on the track “How Come” from his debut album?

  • A Youssou Ndour and Wyclef Jean
  • B Shaggy and Shakira
  • C Bob Marley and Manu Chao

8. Which theme does Lighthouse Family’s “Question of Faith” explore within a romantic setting?

  • A Faith and uncertainty
  • B Joy and celebration
  • C Love and nostalgia

9. What certification did Michelle Gayle’s single “Sweetness” achieve from the British Phonographic Industry?

  • A Gold
  • B Silver
  • C Platinum

10. Foxy Brown collaborated with Dru Hill on a single for which 1997 film’s soundtrack, involving magical themes?

  • A *Men in Black*
  • B *How to Be a Player*
  • C *Soul Food*

11. Which award was Public Enemy’s “Can’t Truss It” the lead single from *Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black*, certified by the RIAA?

  • A Gold
  • B Platinum
  • C Diamond

12. What cultural significance is attached to Cypress Hill’s catchy track featuring heavy use of bass rhythms and sample loops?

  • A Uptown’s representation
  • B Latino representation
  • C Southern representation
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For TWELVE more Hip-Hop & Soul – Vintage 90s Music Videos – week 41/52 – click here

AUDIO ONLY

Tracklist

1 . Monica – The First Night

Featured on the 1998 album “The Boy Is Mine”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia

2 . The Notorious B.I.G. – Mo Money Mo Problems

Featured on the 1997 album “Life After Death”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Facebook

3 . Omar – Keep Stepping

Featured on the 1994 album “For Pleasure”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Twitter

4 . Coolio – I Remember (w/ J Ro & Billy Boy)

Featured on the 1994 album “It Takes a Thief”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Instagram

5 . Marvin & Tamara – Groove Machine

Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia

6 . Macy Gray – I Try

Featured on the 1999 album “On How Life Is“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

7 . Canibus – How Come (w/ Youssou Ndour & Wyclef Jean)

Lyrics >> More by the same : Facebook

8 . Lighthouse Family – Question Of Faith

Featured on the 1997 album “Postcards From Heaven”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

9 . Michelle Gayle – Sweetness

Featured on the 1994 album “Michelle Gayle”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

10 . Foxy Brown – Big Bad Mama (w/ Dru Hill)

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia

11 . Public Enemy – Can’t Truss It

Featured on the 1991 album “Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Cypress Hill – When the Ship Goes Down

Featured on the 1993 album “Black Sunday”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:

1. The track samples Diana Ross’s “Love Hangover,” embedding its influence in Monica’s 1998 single. This connection to a classic adds vintage flair.

2. “Mo Money Mo Problems” incorporates “I’m Coming Out,” ensuring a nostalgic feel powered by Ross’s iconic notes, celebrating The Notorious B.I.G.’s enduring legacy.

3. Known for his rich musical training, Omar’s “Keep Steppin’” mixes genres skillfully. A distinct blend of electronic, hip hop, and downtempo sets his mark on British soul.

4. Coolio’s intimate storytelling draws on childhood themes with the help of J-Ro and Billy Boy. Al Green’s “Tomorrow’s Dream” echoes throughout, amplifying nostalgia.

5. “Groove Machine” by Marvin and Tamara took the charts by storm, securing the No. 11 position in the UK in 1999, powered by their youthful energy and eclectic style.

6. Macy Gray earned acclaim with “I Try,” securing a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance while resonating globally, touching audiences with its heartfelt sincerity.

7. Bridging cultural gaps, Canibus’s “How Come” unites Youssou Ndour’s African melodies with Wyclef Jean’s eclectic input, delivering a powerful message of unity.

8. With thoughtful lyrics, “Question of Faith” by Lighthouse Family reflects on relational uncertainties. The song captures emotional struggles with a soulful backdrop.

9. “Sweetness” by Michelle Gayle was recognized with a Silver certification, celebrating its UK chart success and widespread acclaim for its catchy pop-soul allure.

10. Foxy Brown’s single for *How to Be a Player* aligns with the film’s themes. Interpolating “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” it reflects a playful, cinematic narrative.

11. Public Enemy’s impactful “Can’t Truss It” earned a Gold certification from the RIAA. Its socio-political depth propelled it into chart-topping recognition internationally.

12. Cypress Hill’s track emphasizes Latino representation and innovation in hip-hop. Their bold bass-heavy sound and engaging sample use have etched a significant chapter in music history.

For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here

(*) According to our own statistics, updated on December 21, 2025