The 1990s was a defining era for black and hip-hop movies, captivating audiences with unforgettable storytelling and remarkable soundtracks. In this blog post, we'll revisit the top 10 highest-selling soundtracks from black and hip-hop movies of the '90s, ranking them from Gold to Multi-Platinum. So, buckle up and get ready to go through the soundtracks that defined a generation.
12 - Belly (1998) - Gold -
This crime drama, starring rappers Nas and DMX, boasted a Gold soundtrack with tracks like D'Angelo's "Devil's Pie" and Jay-Z's "Crew Love." The album perfectly accompanied the movie's intense storyline.
11 - Bad Boys (1995) - Platinum
The "Bad Boys" soundtrack, released in 1995, accompanied the action-packed film starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The soundtrack featured a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop tracks, with notable artists such as Diana King, Warren G, and 2Pac contributing to the album. While the "Bad Boys" soundtrack did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of the other soundtracks mentioned earlier, it still made an impact and is remembered for its catchy tunes like Diana King's "Shy Guy" and "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle, which served as the film's theme song.
10 - Menace II Society (1993) - Platinum
The Platinum soundtrack of this gritty crime drama featured a blend of rap and R&B tracks. Standout songs like MC Eiht's "Streiht Up Menace" and Spice 1's "Trigga Gots No Heart" underscored the movie's powerful themes.
9 - Poetic Justice (1993) - Platinum
Featuring artists like Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson, the Platinum soundtrack of Poetic Justice delivered a mix of rap, R&B, and soul. Memorable tracks include Jackson's "Again" and Shakur's "Definition of a Thug"
8 - The Nutty Professor (1996) - Platinum
The Platinum soundtrack of Eddie Murphy's comedic take on the classic story showcased contributions from hip-hop and R&B artists like Case, Foxy Brown, and Montell Jordan, making it a '90s treasure.
7 - Boomerang (1992) - 2x Platinum
The 2x Platinum soundtrack of Eddie Murphy's romantic comedy Boomerang featured a star-studded lineup, including Boyz II Men, P.M. Dawn, and Toni Braxton. The album perfectly captured the film's romantic essence.
6 - Above the Rim (1994) - 2x Platinum
This basketball-themed movie starring Tupac Shakur offered a 2x Platinum soundtrack, featuring tracks like Warren G's "Regulate" and SWV's "Anything," showcasing some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B at the time.
5 - Friday (1995) - 2x Platinum
The iconic comedy starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker came with a 2x Platinum soundtrack. The album featured tracks like Ice Cube's "Friday" and Dr. Dre's "Keep Their Heads Ringin'," complementing the film's hilarious narrative.
4 - Men in Black (1997) - 3x Platinum
Will Smith's sci-fi blockbuster Men in Black brought us a catchy 3x Platinum soundtrack. The title track, "Men in Black," performed by Smith himself, became an instant hit, while artists like Snoop Dogg and Ginuwine contributed to the album's success.
3 - Space Jam (1996) - 6x Platinum
This iconic basketball film starring Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes characters gave us a soundtrack that reached 6x Platinum status. With timeless tracks like R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" and Seal's "Fly Like An Eagle," the Space Jam soundtrack took the '90s by storm.
2 - Waiting to Exhale (1995) - 7x Platinum
Whitney Houston's powerful presence in this film led to a 7x Platinum soundtrack, which featured a lineup of top R&B artists, including Brandy, TLC, and Mary J. Blige. Houston's chart-topping ballad, "Exhale"
1 - The Bodyguard (1992) - 18x Platinum
Whitney Houston's legendary vocals shone in this romantic thriller, which boasted an 18x Platinum soundtrack. Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" became an instant classic, while other tracks like "I'm Every Woman" and "Run to You" contributed to the album's massive success.
INSERT
These iconic soundtracks not only added another dimension to the films they accompanied but also made a lasting impact on the music industry. The '90s was a golden era for black and hip-hop movies, and the soundtracks from this time continue to be celebrated and enjoyed today.
Whether you're a fan of R&B, hip-hop, or soul, there's no denying the talent and passion that went into creating these unforgettable albums.
Whether you're a fan of R&B, hip-hop, or soul, there's no denying the talent and passion that went into creating these unforgettable albums.