From gangsta rap's heyday to the rise of Beyoncé, this playlist captures one of the most fertile, dynamic periods in hip-hop and R&B, not to mention the first time they truly dominated the pop charts—a shift that continues to define music today. Don't think of it as nostalgia; these tracks sound as good now as they ever did. We update these selections every week, so if you hear something you like—whether it's a new discovery or a forgotten favorite—add it to your library.