In a decade that saw many musical arrangements,some of the crowning achievements of the 1990s occurred when the biggest artists teamed up for major collaborations. While some musicians were already established, others were making a name for themselves, likesuperstars making their pop debuts. However, a great collaboration helped build their foundation.
Having a performance like this succeed is not easy, as it must compete withthe greatest collaborations of all time. This means having their work compared to the likes of Michael Jackson, which is daunting. For those tracks that did succeed,it’s a significant reason they’re remembered today, because the effort that goes into making them good is understood.
Now, the ones that have stood the test of time are still revered,ranking among elite tunes from the ’90s. Unlike other artists from that era, such asboy bands who were underrated, these musicians are still held to the highest standard because of their greatness. In fact, a few have seen their songs only grow bigger as time passes.
10Foxy Brown - Get Me Home Ft. Blackstreet
Album: III Na Na (1996)
In 1996, Foxy Brown released her debut album,Ill Na Na. On it was the hit song “Get Me Home,” which samples Eugene Wilde’s 1984 song, “Gotta Get You Home Tonight.“To make this track even bigger, she welcomed Blackstreet, an R&B group that had been around for a few years prior, making their own waves in the industry.
She was revered for her lyrics and delivery, which helped pave the way for future female MCs.
The song reached the 10th spot on theBillboardR&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, quickly putting Brown in the spotlight to help boost her career. She was revered for her lyrics and delivery, which helped pave the way for future female MCs, asshe showcased tremendous power to stand out in the competitive industry.
9Iggy Pop - Candy Ft. Kate Pierson
Album: Brick By Brick (1990)
Throughout his career, Iggy Pop has been known as a trailblazer. His group, the Stooges, were a pioneer of punk, which helped Pop quickly build his career. By the time 1990 rolled around, Pop was already well into his solo career, butone of his smash hits was about to happen when he released “Candy,” featuring Kate Pierson.
The song would become a hit,breaking into the Top 30 of theBillboardHot 100and reaching the fifth spot on the Alternative Airplay chart. Over the years, many artists have covered the tune, but nothing has quite compared to the original. Pop and Pierson created magic with the song, which had a slow build to its dramatic ending.
8Destiny’s Child - No, No, No, Part 2 Ft. Wyclef Jean
Album: Destiny’s Child (1998)
The debut album by one of the most influential R&B groups, Destiny’s Child, arrived in 1998. Originally, “No, No, No” had a 1970s soul vibe, butthe song changed to a part-two version once Wyclef Jean joined the track. After this, the tune featured more of a rhythmic style, which ultimately enhanced it.
Surprisingly, the song didn’t top theBillboardHot 100, but it came close, ranking third. However, on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it reached the coveted number one. Even as the year ended, it remained on the Hot 100, furthering its reach. After that,the sky was the limit for the group that featured global superstar Beyoncé.
7Aaliyah - Ladies In Da House Ft. Missy Elliott & Timbaland
Album: One In A Million (1996)
The tragic story of Aaliyah’s untimely death has been well documented. However, prior to this,she did a tremendous amount of work. One of the songs she left behind was “Ladies In Da House.” It featured Missy Elliott and Timbaland, both of whom have had successful careers, but at that time, were just working as producers for the budding stars.
As their careers grew and the legacy of Aaliyah has continued to be admired, it has made this partnership special to look back on. The song is mild-mannered for the most part,allowing all three of their voices to shine through. Additionally, the way it was recorded made the track sound very raw, which was a nice touch.
6Father MC - I’ll Do 4 U Ft. Mary J. Blige
Album: Father’s Day
The debut album of Father MC arrived in 1990. From it,one of his biggest hits was “I’ll Do 4 U,“a song that sampled the 1978 tune “Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn. It reached the Top 20 of theBillboardHot 100 but found greater success on the Hot Rap Singles chart, where it ranked number one.
The “Queen of R&B” was early in her career at this point, and this actually served as a major platform for her.
Additionally, the tune featured Mary J. Blige. The “Queen of R&B” was early in her career at this point, and this actually served as a major platform for her. Now, as she has ascended to legendary status, so have the works she has contributed to. The song is fondly remembered forits catchy melody and Father MC’s rapping style.
5Mariah Carey And Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day
Album: Daydream (1995)
Some of the greatest voices ever in music came together to create a memorable tune when Mariah Carey collaborated with Boyz II Men. Their song was called “One Sweet Day,” and it was featured on Carey’s fifth album,Daydream. This record was huge for her, asit was right after her monumental success with her famed Christmas album.
The song became an absolute sensation, ranking first on 16 US charts. This included the Hot 100, the Adult Contemporary chart, and the Dance Singles Sales Chart. As the year ended, it was still the number two song on the Hot 100. By the decade’s end,it returned to being the top song on the chart, further cementing its legacy.
4Lauryn Hill - Nothing Even Matters Ft. D’Angelo
Album: The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s diamond-certified debut solo album,The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, has been revered since its release in 1998. The album received many accolades and further contributed to Hill’s barrier-breaking career. One of the songs that helped the record become so beloved is"Nothing Even Matters,” which features singer D’Angelo.
The collaboration between the two offers an intimate glimpse into love, all while showcasing a complex musical arrangement. Everything combined to create a relatable tune that caught on. It ended up on three differentBillboardcharts, helping spread the word about Hill’s debut. Now, it remains one of her top hits.
32Pac - California Love Ft. Dr. Dre
Album: All Eyez On Me
There have been many songs about California, but it can be argued that none are bigger than “California Love.” The track features two legends, 2Pac and Dr. Dre. Of course, with 2Pac’s untimely death in 1996, this track has now becomeone of the defining tunes that helps tell the story of his short but illustrious career.
This track has a little bit of everything, from catchy lyrics to a phenomenal beat. Additionally, the accompanying music helps add to the song’s ambiance. The tune became a number one hit on four differentBillboardcharts, including the Hot 100. Along the way,it received many accolades, quickly cementing its legacy.
2Salt-N-Pepa - Whatta Man Ft. En Vogue
Album: Very Necessary (1993)
One of the catchiest songs from the 1990s was “Whatta Man” by Salt-N-Pepa, featuring En Vogue. This tune also had a memorable beat, helping it also become a dance hit. Although it didn’t reach the top of theBillboardHot 100,it placed as high as third. However, it was number one on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
The song was actually sampled from Linda Lyndell’s 1968 tune, “What a Man,” but Salt-N-Pepa made it their own. Another accolade they received for the tune was a nomination for a Grammy Award. Although they didn’t win,they did secure a couple of other awards, further adding to the song’s rich history.
1Brandy And Monica - The Boy Is Mine
Album: Never Say Never (1998)
After getting the song’s title idea from an episode of Jerry Springer, Brandy took the concept and secured Monica to sing on the track with her. Together, they created magic, collaborating to make “The Boy Is Mine.” Their voices matched flawlessly,making the tune as smooth and catchy as could be while telling a compelling story.
The track became part of Brandy’s second studio album,Never Say Never. The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards and secured a win at the show.It topped fourBillboardcharts, including the Hot 100. It became one of the biggest hits of the year, and its legacy has continued on.
Although both singers were very protective of the tune when it came to anyone trying to cover it, they were okay with it when Ariana Grande asked to do so. Grande’s rendition added another layer to the song’s incredible history. Now,Brandy and Monica will go on tour in 2025 to celebrate 27 years of the tune.
