This hopefully will take you back to a time when rap wasn’t about “bling” and “makin’ it rain.” This was the golden age, in my eyes, of hip-hop. They took time to craft songs and write meaningful lyrics. Enjoy a nostalgic look back at some of the best from the time. I’ve created a playlist over at GrooveShark for your listening pleasure.

Craig Mack – “Flava In Ya Year” (1994)

Keith Murray – “The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World” (1999)

Blackstar – “Respiration” (1998)

Common featuring Erykah Badu- “All-Night Long” (1997)

Erykah Badu – “On & On” (1997)

Bone Thugs & Harmony – “1st Of Da Month” (1995)

A Tribe Called Quest – “Award Tour” (1993)

Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop” (1998)

Nas featuring Lauryn Hill – “If I Ruled The World” (1996)

Wu-Tang Clan – “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man” (1993)

Das EFX – “Straight From The Sewer” (1992)

Pharoahe Monch – “Right Here” (1999)

50 Cent – “Fuck You” (1999)

Snoop Doggy Dogg – “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” – (1993)

Tupac Shakur – “It’s All About U” (1996)

Notorious B.I.G. – “Me and My Bitch” (1995)

Ice Cube – “Today Was A Good Day” (1992)

Westside Connection – “Hoo Bangin’” (1996)

Eazy-E “- “Boyz N’ Tha Hood” (1995)