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Compton Today
By the People, for the People
The Mount Rushmore of 90s West Coast Rap Songs
Noisey selects 4 of the greatest songs from hip-hop's golden age in California.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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West Coast rap during the 90's had dozens of classic songs. Noisey has selected four of the greatest songs to come out of California during that era, including "Summer Breeze" by DJ Quik, "It Was a Good Day" by Ice Cube, "Streiht Up Menace" by MC Eiht, and "100 Miles And Runnin'" by N.W.A.
Why it matters
The 90s were a golden age for West Coast rap, with artists like N.W.A., Ice Cube, and DJ Quik pioneering a distinct sound and culture that went on to influence hip-hop for decades. These four songs are considered among the greatest examples of that era's creativity and impact.
The details
The article highlights how each of the four selected songs captures a different aspect of West Coast rap in the 90s. "Summer Breeze" by DJ Quik paints a vivid picture of life in the neighborhood, while "It Was a Good Day" by Ice Cube revels in the simple pleasures of an ideal day. "Streiht Up Menace" by MC Eiht conveys the harsh realities of growing up in South Central, and "100 Miles And Runnin'" by N.W.A. embodies the defiant, high-energy spirit of the group.
- The songs were all released during the 1990s, the golden age of West Coast rap.
The players
DJ Quik
A rapper and producer who helped define the West Coast sound in the 90s with hits like "Summer Breeze".
Ice Cube
A founding member of N.W.A. who went on to have a successful solo career, known for classics like "It Was a Good Day".
MC Eiht
A rapper from Compton who captured the gritty realities of life in the inner city on songs like "Streiht Up Menace".
N.W.A.
The pioneering West Coast rap group that included Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, known for anthems like "100 Miles And Runnin'".
What they’re saying
“Ayy, wait, wait a minute, Pooh, stop this s**t. What the f**k am I thinkin' about?”
— Ice Cube (vice.com)
“Even if the FBI wants me to shut up, but I've got 10,000 n***as strong. And got everybody singing my 'F**k Tha Police' song.”
— MC Ren (vice.com)
The takeaway
The four songs selected represent the creativity, diversity, and lasting impact of West Coast rap in the 1990s, a period that is widely regarded as the genre's golden age and continues to influence hip-hop today.
