Everything Black People Love About The 1990s
Every generation claims its era was the best. We’ll give you a minute to make your case. Alright, we’re gonna let you finish, and we know you didn’t ask, but we’re here to tell you anyway – the 1990s were one of the best decades in history.
In a time before everything was captured on social media, when you had to be home to catch your favorite shows (or talk to your person), and you could almost guarantee that Larenz Tate, Nia Long or Morris Chestnut would be starring in the hottest new film, it’s hard to argue that any time was better. By the way, all three actors have aged like fine wine.
Although it’s been over 30 years since the first episode of “Martin” premiered on Fox, we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for all things 1990s. From the fashion, to the music, to the movies that shaped the decade, we’re taking a look at everything Black folks love about the 1990s.
The Fashion
@e.dawg.grove 90’s Black American Fashion Black American fashion in the 90’s was one of, if not arguably, the best time of fashion. It featured vibrant colors mixing Hip-Hop and R&B, along with high fashion trends of the era. During this era baggy denim jeans mixed with boots, sports shoes and high heels were made a major trend. Its influence was seen all around the world of its time and even up until today when you look at recent fashion trends of the most recent era. Women would dress classy yet with an urban touch to the outfits bridging the gap between ladylike and tomboy attire. Black Americans also showed iconic fashion through hair with styles such as Poetic Justice box braids, high top fades, finger waves and pixie cuts. Jewelry has always been a major accessory that complimented outfits by Black Americans and the 90’s were no stranger to it, carrying the tradition of rope chains from the 80’s to large gold earrings accompanied by bucket hats. During this time the construction boot known as Timberland was popularized by Black Americans with sales rising from $80 million in 1991 to $500 million by the year 2000. Famous rappers, like Biggie Smalls with the iconic rap bar of (“Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn”), cultivated the brand of Timberland placing them outside of the category of construction to urban street wear. Other stylish urban wear worn and popularized arguably in the 90’s were FUBU, Karl Kani, Tommy Hilfiger and Cross Colours along with many other brands. It was classy, it was urban, it was stylish and it was flashy all wrapped in one. A reflection of the culture and long history of innovation when it comes to Black American creativity. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #FYP #BlackResilience #BlackLeadership
In the 1990s, Black fashion was bold and creative. Overalls, bucket hats and body con dresses were closet staples, so were baggy jeans (worn with a bra top or an oversized jersey). Cross Colours, FUBU and Starter were favorite brands (for the guys and girls).
Bold, Gold Jewelry
I still want bamboo earrings till this day https://t.co/QSxoqJKbMP
— Jossy
(@Bckyettfagain1) June 2, 2025
Black folks have always used jewelry as a form of self-expression, and the 1990s were no exception. We made big, bold statements with our bamboo earrings, Cuban link chains and Afrocentric pendants that were an important symbol of Black pride.
It’s Gotta Be The Shoes
One of the best ways to make a fashion statement was with a fresh pair of shoes, which either meant a fresh pair of Air Jordan sneakers or Timberland boots (even in the summertime). Now that we think about it, neither ever really went out of style.
The Hilarious Sitcoms
There may have been fewer channels back in the 1990s, but there was plenty of great Black television. Sitcoms were everything during this time, and shows like “Martin,” “Living Single,” “Moesha” and “Sister Sister” kept us laughing. Damn, we miss the WB!
Classic Rom Coms
When it came to the movies, the 1990s gave us lots of great romantic comedies that many Gen Xers can still binge-watch today (they can probably quote them line for line, too!). Films like “Love Jones,” “Boomerang” and “The Best Man” gave Black viewers a chance to see themselves in love on screen.
Deep Drama
But the movies weren’t all fun and games. The 1990s gave us hard-hitting dramas like “Boyz N The Hood,” Menace II Society” and the classic Spike Lee-Denzel Washington collab on the biopic about the legendary civil rights leader, “Malcolm X.”
Hip-Hop, Of Course
Although some Gen Zers may beg to differ, the 1990s were considered by many to be the Golden Age of hip-hop. It’s hard to argue that any other time in history saw such great music come out of every section of the country. Whether you preferred East Coast rappers like Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z, West Coast artists like 2Pac and Snoop or rappers who repped the Dirty South like Three 6 Mafia or Goodie Mob, there was something for everyone.
A New R&B Era
Black R&B artists dominated the 1990s, from boy bands like Bell Biv DeVoe and Jodeci to solo artists like Usher and Ginuwine. The decade also saw the rise of Neo-soul artists like Maxwell and D’Angelo.
Go Ladies!
Don’t get it twisted, Black women did their thing too. Artists like Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill dominated the hip-hop charts, dropping bars with the best of their male counterparts. Not to be outdone, no one could hold a note to R&B artists like Toni Braxton, Brandy, Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige.
Serious Slang
Like most decades, the 1990s was also defined by the slang terms of the time. If someone told you that you were “buggin’ out,” they wanted you to know that you were being irrational. If something cost you a “grip,” you might have to dip into your savings to pay for it. And you’d better not leave a party without telling your friends you were “Audi 5000, G!”
Super Sports Eras
The 1990s saw some amazing eras for professional sports teams. It’s hard to forget about the Chicago Bulls, who dominated the NBA in the 1990s, winning championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998; the New York Yankees, who Derek Jeter helped secure Major League Baseball championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999 and the legendary Dream Team – the first U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team to feature NBA players with a legendary roster that included Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Patrick Ewing.
You Better Werk!
Strutting through the doors that trailblazers like Pat Cleveland, Donyale Luna and Bethann Hardison opened for them, the 1990s saw the rise of the Black supermodel. Gorgeous ladies, including Beverly Peele, Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell, walked runways for top fashion houses all over the world and graced the covers of some of the biggest fashion magazines.
Hit Me On The Hip
Forget cell phones; if you were trying to reach your people in the 1990s, one of the best ways to stay in touch was with a pager. Friends and family could send their phone number to the device that would alert you with a buzz or tone to let you know they wanted you to call them (when you got back to your landline or a pay phone, of course). Some special contacts might “hit you on the hip” with a special code like “143,” which meant “I love you.”
In a time before everyone and their grandmother had a cell phone, it was the next best way to reach people when they weren’t home. Plus, they were far less invasive because the person had to wait for you to call them back!
Give it Up For Grills
Jewelry wasn’t just for your ears or around your neck. Some people showed off their style by wearing grills – blinged-out covers on their teeth, made of gold, silver or platinum, featuring diamonds or other jewels as accessories. Although rappers like Slick Rick, Flavor Flav and Nelly made them cool, the practice originated among wealthy Etruscan women around 800 BC who wore bridges made of false teeth and gold.
