“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a song by Coolio featuring L.V, which was released in 1995. It chronicles life on the streets, a life to which Coolio was no stranger. The song was written for the movie “Dangerous Minds,” but quickly took on a life of its own and went to number one in 13 countries. It was at the top of the Hot 100 for three weeks and is listed as the 69th greatest song of all time by Billboard magazine.
"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" is Dr. Dre’s hit single from his debut solo album, "The Chronic." It is a gangster rap song featuring Snoop Dogg and went to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1993. The song also reached the top of Billboard’s Hot R&B and Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
“Hypnotize” is from rapper Biggie Smalls' album "Life After Death," which was released posthumously after he was killed in a drive-by shooting in March 1997. “Hypnotize” went to the top of the Hot 100, the first of two singles from "Life After Death" to achieve this feat. His other single from the same album to reach number one was “Mo Money, Mo Problems,” featuring Mase and Puff Daddy. Biggie was the first artist to achieve two posthumous number one hits.
MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” is the hit single from his album, "Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt Them." The song was certified multi-platinum and won the Grammy for the Best Rap Solo Performance and for the Best R&B Song in 1991. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot R&B and Hip Hop Singles & Tracks.
"Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" is the single from the rapper Jay-Z’s album, "Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life." It was certified gold in 1999 and was also nominated for the Best Rap Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards that year.