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Quizzes > Music

90s hip hop trivia: test your knowledge of beats, MCs, and tracks

Quick, free quiz to test your 90s rap trivia skills. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Alan ChanUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration 90s hip hop boombox microphone vinyl headphones graffiti quiz text on dark blue background

This 90s hip hop trivia quiz helps you check what you remember from the golden era - classic beats, sharp lyrics, and big collabs. After you score your result, keep going with 90s music trivia, dive into hip hop trivia questions for a broader mix, or shift to the next decade with 2000s hip hop trivia.

Who released "Gin and Juice" in 1994?
Ice Cube
Snoop Dogg
Dr. Dre
Tupac Shakur
"Gin and Juice" was released by Snoop Dogg in 1994 as the second single from his debut album Doggystyle. Produced by Dr. Dre, it became one of Snoop's signature songs and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Its smooth G-Funk sound helped define West Coast hip hop in the early '90s.
Which group released the 1994 hit "C.R.E.A.M."?
A Tribe Called Quest
De La Soul
Public Enemy
Wu-Tang Clan
"C.R.E.A.M." (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) is a song by the Wu-Tang Clan from their 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The single was released in early 1994 and became one of the group's most iconic tracks. Its raw production and street-wise lyrics helped cement Wu-Tang's influence on East Coast hip hop.
What is the title of Dr. Dre's debut solo album released in 1992?
Enter the Wu-Tang
Ready to Die
The Chronic
Doggystyle
Dr. Dre released his debut solo album The Chronic on December 15, 1992, under Death Row Records. The album introduced the G-Funk sound to a wide audience and featured Snoop Dogg on several tracks. The Chronic is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip hop albums of the '90s.
Nas's debut album was titled what?
Ready to Die
Illmatic
The Chronic
All Eyez on Me
Nas released his debut album Illmatic on April 19, 1994. Produced by some of the top East Coast beatmakers, Illmatic is acclaimed for its vivid storytelling and complex lyricism. It is considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.
Which female rapper released the album "Hard Core" in 1996?
Missy Elliott
Queen Latifah
MC Lyte
Lil' Kim
Hard Core is the debut album by Lil' Kim, released on November 12, 1996, through Big Beat and Atlantic Records. The album was noted for its explicit lyrics and Lil' Kim's bold persona. It helped establish her as a leading female voice in '90s hip hop.
Which rapper had a hit with "Hypnotize" in 1997?
Jay-Z
Ice Cube
The Notorious B.I.G.
Tupac Shakur
"Hypnotize" was released by The Notorious B.I.G. on March 1, 1997, as the lead single from his album Life After Death. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his signature songs. Its catchy hook and Puff Daddy - produced beat contributed to its mainstream success.
Which record label was Snoop Dogg first signed to?
Death Row Records
Aftermath Entertainment
Def Jam
Bad Boy Records
Snoop Dogg signed with Death Row Records after Dr. Dre discovered him in 1992. He made his debut on Dre's The Chronic before releasing his own album Doggystyle under the label in 1993. Death Row played a central role in West Coast hip hop's dominance in the early '90s.
The song "California Love" featured which artist alongside 2Pac?
Nate Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Dr. Dre
Roger Troutman
"California Love" was recorded by 2Pac with Roger Troutman supplying the iconic talk box hook. Produced by Dr. Dre, it was released in late 1995 and became one of Tupac's signature songs. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and celebrated West Coast hip hop culture.
Which producer is credited with pioneering the "G-Funk" sound and produced for Snoop Dogg?
Pete Rock
DJ Premier
RZA
Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre is widely credited with creating the G-Funk sound - characterized by melodic synthesizers, slow grooves, and deep bass - and used it extensively on tracks for Snoop Dogg. Dre's production on The Chronic and Snoop's Doggystyle defined West Coast hip hop in the early '90s. His work influenced countless producers afterward.
Which duo released the album "ATLiens" in 1996?
Outkast
UGK
Mobb Deep
EPMD
Outkast, the Atlanta-based duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, released their second studio album ATLiens on August 27, 1996. The album expanded their sound with spacey beats and introspective lyrics, earning critical acclaim. It solidified Outkast's reputation as innovators in Southern hip hop.
Which label did Dr. Dre found in 1996 after leaving Death Row Records?
Def Jam
Bad Boy Records
Aftermath Entertainment
Death Row Records
After departing Death Row Records in 1996, Dr. Dre established Aftermath Entertainment, signing artists like Eminem and 50 Cent. The label became a major force in hip hop, earning numerous awards. Aftermath's releases continued Dre's legacy of high-quality production.
What is the real name of The Notorious B.I.G.?
Christopher Wallace
Andre Young
Sean Combs
Tupac Shakur
The Notorious B.I.G. was born Christopher George Latore Wallace on May 21, 1972. He adopted his stage name and became one of the most influential East Coast rappers of the '90s. His storytelling skills and flow are celebrated to this day.
Jay-Z's debut album released in 1996 was titled what?
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
Ready to Die
The Blueprint
Reasonable Doubt
Jay-Z released his debut studio album Reasonable Doubt on June 25, 1996, via Roc-A-Fella Records. The album's narratives about street life and ambition drew critical acclaim and helped launch his career. It's now often regarded as a classic.
Which Wu-Tang Clan member released the solo album "Liquid Swords" in 1995?
Ghostface Killah
RZA
Method Man
GZA
GZA (also known as The Genius) released Liquid Swords on November 7, 1995. The album featured dark, cinematic production by RZA and is praised for its intricate lyricism. It remains one of the most acclaimed solo projects from a Wu-Tang member.
Which rapper released the album "Operation: Doomsday" under the alias Metal Fingers in 1999?
MF DOOM
Ice Cube
Eminem
Kool Keith
MF DOOM released Operation: Doomsday in 1999, marking his debut under the MF DOOM persona after the death of his brother. He also used the moniker Metal Fingers for producing intricate, sample-heavy beats. The album cemented his cult status in underground hip hop.
Which rap single became the first to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1990?
The Humpty Dance
Ice Ice Baby
U Can't Touch This
Fight the Power
Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990, making it the first rap single to top that chart. The song's sample of Queen & David Bowie's "Under Pressure" sparked both popularity and controversy. It played a key role in bringing hip hop into mainstream pop radio.
What was the lead single from Snoop Dogg's debut album 'Doggystyle'?
Drop It Like It's Hot
Who Am I? (What's My Name?)
Gin and Juice
What's My Name?
"Who Am I? (What's My Name?)" was the lead single from Snoop Dogg's debut album Doggystyle, released in November 1993. Produced by Dr. Dre, it introduced Snoop's laid-back flow over a funky G-Funk beat. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
Which Public Enemy song, released in 1989, was famously featured in Spike Lee's film 'Do the Right Thing'?
Bring the Noise
Rebel Without a Pause
Fight the Power
Don't Believe the Hype
"Fight the Power" was released by Public Enemy in 1989 and became the anthem for Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing. The track's aggressive lyrics and dense sample layering embodied the group's confrontational style. It remains one of the most iconic protest songs in hip hop.
Who produced the track "Shook Ones Pt. II" by Mobb Deep?
Pete Rock
DJ Premier
Havoc
Q-Tip
Mobb Deep's Havoc produced "Shook Ones Pt. II," released in 1995 as the lead single from The Infamous. His dark, haunting beat and Prodigy's gritty lyrics made it a landmark East Coast hardcore track. The song is often cited as one of the greatest hip hop songs ever.
Which Wu-Tang Clan member released the album "Ironman" in 1996?
Ghostface Killah
Raekwon
Method Man
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Raekwon released Ironman on October 29, 1996, marking his first solo project outside Wu-Tang Clan. The album featured collaborations with fellow Clan members and was praised for its cinematic street narratives. Ironman solidified Raekwon's status as a solo star.
Which hip hop artist's track "Regulate" featuring Nate Dogg was featured on the 'Above the Rim' soundtrack?
Dr. Dre
Warren G
Tupac Shakur
Ice Cube
"Regulate" is a single by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg, released in 1994 for the Above the Rim soundtrack. Its smooth beat and narrative verses about cruising in Long Beach made it a defining G-Funk anthem. The track reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Which hip hop label released the compilation album "Soundbombing" in 1997?
Rawkus Records
Roc-A-Fella
Death Row
Def Jam
Rawkus Records released the underground compilation Soundbombing in 1997, showcasing artists like Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, and Company Flow. The album played a pivotal role in defining late '90s indie hip hop. It helped launch Rawkus as a leading alternative label.
What was the working title of Tupac's song "Changes" when first recorded in 1992?
Life Goes On
Keep Ya Head Up
Until the End of Time
I Wonder If Heaven's Gotta Ghetto
When Tupac first recorded the track that later became "Changes," it was titled "I Wonder If Heaven's Gotta Ghetto." He reworked it with new lyrics and the classic Bruce Hornsby sample, releasing it posthumously in 1998. The song addresses social issues and remains one of his most enduring tracks.
Which artist adopted the alias Dr. Octagon and released the album "Dr. Octagonecologyst" in 1996?
Q-Tip
Del the Funky Homosapien
MF DOOM
Kool Keith
Kool Keith took on the Dr. Octagon persona for the album Dr. Octagonecologyst, released on May 7, 1996. Produced by Dan the Automator with turntablism by DJ Qbert, it became an underground classic for its surreal lyrics and futuristic production. The album is often cited as one of the era's most inventive.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic 90s Hip Hop Tracks -

    Recall the titles and signature elements of classic 90s hip hop songs, reinforcing your memory of memorable beats, hooks, and production styles.

  2. Identify Influential 90s Hip Hop Artists -

    Identify the era's leading rappers and groups, understanding their unique contributions and how they shaped the hip hop landscape of the decade.

  3. Analyze Lyrical Themes and Cultural References -

    Analyze common lyrical motifs - such as social commentary, storytelling, and braggadocio - and their broader cultural significance in 90s hip hop.

  4. Recognize Classic Sample Sources -

    Recognize the original funk, soul, and jazz tracks sampled in 90s hip hop hits, tracing the roots of your favorite beats back to their source material.

  5. Connect Key Pop Culture Moments to Tracks -

    Connect major 90s events, films, and street culture phenomena to specific hip hop songs, placing your trivia knowledge in historical context.

  6. Evaluate Stylistic Evolution Within the Decade -

    Evaluate how rap flows, production techniques, and regional sounds evolved from the early to late 90s, charting the genre's progression.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Golden Era Evolution -

    The Smithsonian Institution traces the golden era of 90s hip hop (c. 1988 - 1998) to the rise of East Coast boom-bap and West Coast G-funk. Use the mnemonic "BAM! E WAS" (Boom-bap, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep; East, West, Aftermath, Snoop) to recall major subgenres for 90s hip hop trivia. Understanding these styles boosts your confidence on any quiz hip hop round.

  2. Iconic Albums & Release Dates -

    Landmark 90s hip hop albums like The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die (1994) and Tupac's All Eyez on Me (1996) are staples in rapper trivia questions. Create the acronym "94-GD" ('94 Biggie, '96 2Pac) to lock in key years for 90s hip hop trivia questions and answers. Recalling release dates quickly can be a game-changer in a timed quiz.

  3. Sampling & Production Techniques -

    According to Berklee College of Music, Dr. Dre's G-funk formula often layers a funk sample (e.g., Leon Haywood's "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You"), a high-pitched synth lead, and a laid-back 4/4 beat. Remember the simple equation "Sample + Synth = G" to identify G-funk classics in any quiz hip hop question. This sample-driven approach defined West Coast sound in 90s hip hop trivia.

  4. Regional Artists & Labels -

    Major 90s labels like Death Row (West Coast) and Bad Boy (East Coast) launched icons such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., respectively, as chronicled by Rolling Stone. Use the pairing "Pac & Biggie" to instantly connect artists with their home labels, a frequent theme in rapper trivia questions. This tip helps you navigate label-based clues in your next quiz hip hop showdown.

  5. Slang & Cultural References -

    Urban Dictionary and academic studies note that slang terms like "OG," "bling," and "B-boy" emerged in the 90s, often woven into song lyrics. Create flashcards with each term on one side and its origin story (e.g., "OG" for "Original Gangster," from Ice Cube's lyrics) on the other to master slang for 90s hip hop trivia questions and answers. Quick recall of cultural references can tip the scales in any quiz hip hop showdown.

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