Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition): A Hip-Hop History

As the 1990s begun, hip-hop was merging with mainstream music and becoming a worldwide phenomenon. By the end of the 90s, hip-hop was “at the center of global pop culture” (225). Hip-hop artists began to emerge from all corners of the United States, bringing brand new perspectives to the genre. These new players included Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and more. Music was at a peak in terms of variety, and rap was mixing into other genres. At the same time, it was one of the best times for female rappers because of that variety. Foxy Brown and Lauryn Hill also emerged during this time. Lauryn Hill came from New Jersey and recorded two albums with the Fugees before going solo. Her solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1997), incorporated rap, hip-hop, and soul. It was the number one album and won five Grammys. Lauryn Hill sang about real problems that women in America faced: disrespect, sexual assault, difficulties in relationships. Her intelligent lyrics contrasted with those of artists like Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown. Biggie asked Lil’ Kim to join his crew after hearing her rap, and she quickly became the star of the group.