There are a lot of big names that music fans love in the world of hip-hop. From Jay-Z to Tupac to Dr. Dre to Eminem, Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and many more. But the presence of all those high-wattage marquee monikers doesn’t mean there isn’t a little room for some upstarts and for some one-hit wonders to get some shine, too. Let’s take a look at trio of tracks from artists who achieved great success with their compositions but who never quite followed it up after that. In fact, the artists may be so obscure to you that you might have even forgotten about them. Still, they’re definitely worth revisiting. Indeed, these are three rap one-hit wonders from the mid-90s you likely forgot about that still slap!
Videos by American Songwriter
“Come Baby Come” by K7 from ‘Swing Batta Swing’ (1993)
This song, which hit no. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, is all about the intense amorous feelings brought on by lust, specifically the kind that comes with the warm weather. Taking a look at the music video for the track from the New York-born rapper K7, the song is brought on by the bright sunshine as much as it is by the perspiring bodies who enjoy it in the hotter months. It’s a catchy track with hyped vocals and a sticky saxophone. While this tune isn’t often remembered these days, it certainly slapped at its height in the mid-90s.
“Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-n-Effect from ‘Hard Or Smooth’ (1992)
Did somebody say saxophone? This impossibly catchy song featured perhaps the best-known saxophone sample in all of hip-hop history. In fact, it is so irresistible that Jay-Z later sampled it for his song “Show Me What You Got” in 2006. But instrumentation aside, this song, which hit no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a cult classic from the Harlem-born rap group Wreckx-n-Effect. It’s about shaking your behind—something that is found in rap music often. But it was also remixed a few years later for the basketball-themed song “Rim Shaker”. Pure and simple, it’s a fan favorite.
“Tootsee Roll” by 69 Boyz from ‘199Quad’ (1994)
Here’s another incredibly catchy track on our list of rap one-hit wonders. Who hasn’t repeated the line “Let me see you tootsee roll!” a few times? This tune, which hit no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, helped promulgate an entire dance. It’s also one of the most fun hip-hop songs from the mid-90s. Even if it isn’t in your regular playlist, the track from the Jacksonville, Florida-born rap group is one that’s assuredly lodged in your memory banks. Next time you’re hosting a party, throw it on and see the people smile.
Photo by BSR Agency/Gentle Look via Getty Images
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