The 90s were a pivotal decade for hip hop, a period that birthed iconic artists, unforgettable albums, and groundbreaking sounds. This trivia quiz will test your knowledge of this golden era. Get ready to flex your hip hop history muscles!
Round 1: Easy
1. Which groundbreaking female rapper released the album The Score in 1996?
(a) Lauryn Hill (b) MC Lyte (c) Missy Elliott (d) Queen Latifah
Answer: (a) Lauryn Hill (While Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah were also hugely influential, Lauryn Hill's The Score was a landmark album for the 90s)
2. Which group is known for their hit song "Ice Ice Baby"?
(a) NWA (b) Public Enemy (c) Vanilla Ice (d) Digital Underground
Answer: (c) Vanilla Ice (Despite its controversial status among purists, "Ice Ice Baby" was a massive 90s hit.)
3. This iconic rapper is known for his distinct flow and albums like Illmatic. Who is he?
(a) Snoop Dogg (b) Nas (c) Tupac Shakur (d) Biggie Smalls
Answer: (b) Nas (Nas's Illmatic is frequently cited as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.)
Round 2: Medium
1. Which Wu-Tang Clan member is known for his solo career and the album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)?
(a) Ghostface Killah (b) Method Man (c) RZA (d) GZA
Answer: (c) RZA (RZA was the mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan's production and sound.)
2. What was the name of A Tribe Called Quest's critically acclaimed 1991 album?
(a) Midnight Marauders (b) The Low End Theory (c) People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (d) Beats, Rhymes and Life
Answer: (b) The Low End Theory (This album is considered a classic of the alternative hip hop movement.)
3. Which East Coast rapper collaborated with Mary J. Blige on the hit song "Love Is All We Need"?
(a) Notorious B.I.G. (b) Jay-Z (c) LL Cool J (d) Method Man
Answer: (a) Notorious B.I.G. (This collaboration showcased the versatility of both artists.)
Round 3: Hard
1. Which relatively obscure 90s group is credited with popularizing the "chopped and screwed" style of hip hop production?
(a) DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click (b) Geto Boys (c) UGK (d) Scarface
Answer: (a) DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click (This style heavily influenced Southern hip hop.)
2. What was the name of the highly influential hip hop collective from New York City that included members such as Big L, Cam'ron and Mase?
(a) The Diplomats (b) State Property (c) The LOX (d) Harlem World
Answer: (d) Harlem World (This collective had a significant impact on the New York hip hop scene.)
3. Which rapper released the album Ready to Die in 1994 and is considered a pivotal figure in the East Coast hip hop scene?
(a) 2Pac (b) The Notorious B.I.G. (c) Nas (d) Jay-Z
Answer: (b) The Notorious B.I.G. (This album is a cornerstone of 90s hip hop and heavily influenced the genre.)
This 90's hip hop trivia quiz only scratches the surface! There's a wealth of knowledge to explore from this incredibly creative and influential decade. How well did you do? Let us know in the comments!
