Alfred Anderson | Staff Writer
Classic moments, clothes and music make the 1990s one of the most popular yet controversial decades of all time. On Saturday, September 26, the Society of Afrikan American Culture (SAAC), the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity, Inc. will join together for: “In Living Color”, the 90s-themed Talley Party.
90s music is some of the best and brightest music in recent history, as “gangsta rap” gained mainstream success and stars like 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. were born. With that being said, 90s music definitely did its part in inspiring today’s music. Thus, here are some of the best songs of the 90s, sure to be heard on Saturday at this semester’s 90s Talley Party:
Blackstreet Feat. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen – “No Diggity”: Released in 1996, “No Diggity” is arguably Blacksteet’s biggest hit. With features from former N.W.A. member and super producer, Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, the song was clearly ahead of its time. It merges elements of Hip-Hop and R&B together into a catchy, club and radio-friendly track.
2Pac Feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman – “California Love”: “California Love” was released after 2Pac’s release from prison in 1995 and is his most successful song. It also features Dr. Dre and founding member of the Zapp Band, Roger Troutman. It became an instant classic, not only on the west coast, but on the east coast as well.
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Hypnotize”: Personally, “Hypnotize” is my favorite songs by the late, great Biggie Smalls…probably because it samples another one of my favorite songs, “La Di Da Di” by MC Ricky D (Slick Rick) and Doug E. Fresh. It was released almost a month after his unfortunate death and soon became an immediate hit across the country.
Bell Biv Devoe – “Poison”: “Poison” was released in 1990 and also uses a mix of Hip-Hop and R&B elements. It is hands down the groups’ most popular single and can still be heard on radios and in clubs throughout the country.
Juvenile – “Back That A** Up”: Perhaps the most popular and relevant song of the 90s is Juvenile’s “Back That A** Up”. It bridged the gap between the 90s and the 2000s as the number one twerk anthem. It is an instant party starter and features appearances by producer Mannie Fresh and an up and coming Lil Wayne, who would go on to record quite a few memorable songs himself.
Ice Cube – “Today Was a Good Day”: Originally a member of the controversial and radical group N*ggaz Wit Attitude, Ice Cube found success on his own with the release of this song, among others. Although he made a significant mark by way of “Gangsta Rap”, “Today Was a Good Day” is not as hardcore and revolves around Ice Cube’s description of what it is like to have a perfect day in the hood.
Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It”: Last, but certainly not least, another one of my personal favorites. “This Is How We Do It” is a must-play at almost every party, at least at those Friday night house parties. It is the epitome of what parties are all about- celebrations of the weekend and of the good life, guaranteed to take any party to the next level.
Without a doubt, N.C. State students will all be able to relive the 90s through its music and fashion this Saturday at the 90s party. Hopefully, this party will lead to more of its kind in the future.
