The Liner Notes
Issue №23 · September 18, 2026 · a new edition every week
Special Issue · The Hip-Hop & Rap Hits Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
hip-hop · 1995–1997
Boom Bap on the Boulevard
- The Countdown · Top 10 Boombox Block-Party Cuts
- Mixtape Map · Inside Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
- Needle Drop · “Informer” by Snow
- In Memoriam · Dick Diamonde
Issue №23
September 18, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
The needle's down and the crowd's loud — let the block party roll.
We built the whole issue around Hip-Hop & Rap Hits: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony headlines, plus the '70s deep cuts you forgot you memorized.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Stay analog, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
hip-hop · 1995–1997
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is an American hip-hop group from Cleveland, known for their unique fusion of hip-hop, gangsta rap, and R&B. The lineup includes Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone. They were instrumental in popularizing the rapid-fire chopper style and blending melodic rap with their gritty lyrics. With hits like "1st of Tha Month," "Tha Crossroads," and "Look into My Eyes," they brought Midwestern hip-hop to the forefront and showcased a distinct sound that set them apart. Their innovative approach to rhythm and harmony has left a lasting impact, making them a significant force in the music scene since their arrival.
Artist Spotlight
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony · cont.
“Formed 1991”
The facts
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in the crate
From the Zine
Rise of the Rhymes
Hip-hop became the voice of a generation.
In the late '70s, hip-hop emerged from the streets, bursting with raw energy and a beat that demanded attention. It was a cultural revolution, pushing back against the polished pop that dominated the airwaves. The gritty realism of the Bronx spilled into our speakers, turning block parties into legendary showcases of talent. As artists like Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature broke through, they transformed hip-hop into a mainstream phenomenon, making it impossible to ignore, even for the most staunch pop purists.
By the '90s, rap had woven itself into the fabric of pop culture. Tracks like Coolio's “Gangsta's Paradise” and Puff Daddy's “I'll Be Missing You” showcased a new depth, blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious hooks. This wasn’t just music; it was a movement, a soundtrack to our lives, addressing everything from heartbreak to celebration. As we danced to “Jump” or vibed to “This Is How We Do It,” hip-hop became a universal language, uniting kids from all walks of life in a shared experience of rebellion and joy.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 5Needle Drop
Informer
Snow · 1992 · Hip-Hop/Rap
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
Needle Drop
Informer
Snow · 1992 · Hip-Hop/Rap
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Boombox Block-Party Cuts
Buckle up for a nostalgic ride through the Top-10 hip-hop hits that defined a generation. From unforgettable hooks to iconic beats, these tracks are the soundtrack to our youth.
- 1
Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.)Coolio · 1995
A haunting journey through life’s struggles, echoing the weight of choices we all face.
- 2
- 3
I'll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans, 112)Puff Daddy & Faith Evans · 1997
Nostalgia washes over me, remembering love lost and cherished moments.
- 4
Can't Nobody Hold Me Down (feat. Mase)Puff Daddy · 1997
The ultimate anthem for the unstoppable spirit; I can still feel that energy.
- 5Tha Crossroads
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony · 1996
A haunting melody that pulls at the heartstrings, echoing memories of friends gone too soon.
The Countdown
Top 10 Boombox Block-Party Cuts · 6–10
- 6
Rump ShakerWreckx-n-Effect · 1992
This playful anthem turns every gathering into a dance-off, igniting wild, carefree energy.
- 7
- 8
This Is How We Do ItMontell Jordan · 1995
Every beat makes me want to celebrate; the party starts when this one drops.
- 9
C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)Quad City DJ's · 1996
An irresistible call to groove, bringing back memories of dance floors and good times.
- 10
Where My Girls At?702 · 1999
A timeless empowerment anthem, reminding me of unforgettable nights with my ride-or-die crew.
Scene Report
Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
The Sound
This scene thumped with heavy basslines, catchy hooks, and clever wordplay, creating an irresistible blend of grooves that filled the airwaves. Samples from funk and soul classics were expertly flipped, giving new life to timeless tunes.
The Look
The streets shimmered with bright colors and bold fashion statements. Baggy pants, oversized jackets, and fresh kicks became the uniform of the era, while graffiti art exploded on city walls, embodying the vibrant spirit of hip-hop culture.
The Artists
MC Hammer · Coolio · Puff Daddy · Salt-N-Pepa · Naughty by Nature
Scene Report
Hip-Hop & Rap Hits · The Records
Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.)
Coolio · 1995
Tonite'S Tha Night
Kris Kross · 1996
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Hip-Hop Block Party · New Jack Swing
Scene ReportCassette Clash
2Pac vs. Busta Rhymes
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
2Pac takes the round.
Split the room, settled the bet.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Hip-Hop & Rap Hits · 📼 1/2
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Radio Bangers
Everybody knew the hook.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Hip-Hop & Rap Hits · 📼 2/2
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Sample Flips
Old grooves, brand-new hits.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1999…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Believe
Cher
At the movies
- The Matrix
- Fight Club
- The Sixth Sense
On TV
- The Sopranos premieres
- Family Guy
- SpongeBob SquarePants premieres
In the headlines
- Napster launches
- Y2K anxiety peaks
- Nokia 3210 everywhere
From the Zine
Rituals of the Beat
Your hip-hop experience was a lifestyle.
Picture this: you and your crew, decked out in baggy jeans and fresh kicks, ready to hit the local skate park or house party. The air is electric with anticipation, and the beats from Wreckx-n-Effect’s “Rump Shaker” are blasting from the boombox, setting the scene for what feels like a mini-ritual. Everyone’s gathering, exchanging mixtapes and debating the latest bangers, each track a badge of honor in your ever-growing collection.
As night falls, you huddle in a circle, trading verses and trying to keep up with the rhymes of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It’s a moment of connection, where the music becomes a backdrop to your stories, your struggles, your triumphs. Whether you were getting jiggy with it to Will Smith or singing along to “Where My Girls At?” with your squad, each gathering was a celebration of hip-hop culture—a way to express who you were and who you aspired to be.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 16Chart Flashback
1982 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1982 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John sat at #1, and Daryl Hall & John Oates racked up 3 charting hits.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Atari Jaguar
1993–1996
"Do the math" — 64 bits that didn't add up.
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Going to Crazy Mama's with my best friend and roommate Damon Zex was an adventure! Legendary was the after hours parties at the Batcave, Bruce and Charlie Nutt's house. Bruce was a little older than Charlie,band he loves 50s rockabilly. Charlie loved Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Oh the turntable fights they would get into! And who controlled the turntable, controlled the night.”
“This is one of the best Genesis Songs believe it or not!”
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape… · cont.
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“almost a month since i buried you mum, i always promised you would go out to this. i hope u boogied ur way back home, where ur 17 and nothing bad has happened yet.”
“absolute banger”
The Back Page
Whoomp! (There It Is)
Tag Team · 1993
Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith)
Run-DMC · 1986
Misheard for 30 Years
“Sweet dreams are made of cheese”
…is actually “Sweet dreams are made of this” — Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams.
Classifieds
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
Next week: Mean Mr. Mustard's
That’s the issue.
A fresh edition of The Liner Notes drops every week, composed from the crate — the artists, the years, the charts, and the stories behind them.
The Liner Notes · Issue №23
FinSpecial Issue · The Hip-Hop & Rap Hits Issue
The Liner Notes
Certified
Nostalgia
Artist Spotlight
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
hip-hop · 1995–1997
Boom Bap on the Boulevard
- The Countdown · Top 10 Boombox Block-Party Cuts
- Mixtape Map · Inside Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
- Needle Drop · “Informer” by Snow
- In Memoriam · Dick Diamonde
Issue №23
September 18, 2026 · $3.33
From the DJ Booth
Dear Listener,
The needle's down and the crowd's loud — let the block party roll.
We built the whole issue around Hip-Hop & Rap Hits: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony headlines, plus the '70s deep cuts you forgot you memorized.
Pull up a beanbag, drop the needle, and add your version in the margins — every song's got a Memory Wall.
Stay analog, — The G33Z3R DJ
This week’s issue: Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
Editor's LetterArtist Spotlight
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
hip-hop · 1995–1997
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is an American hip-hop group from Cleveland, known for their unique fusion of hip-hop, gangsta rap, and R&B. The lineup includes Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone. They were instrumental in popularizing the rapid-fire chopper style and blending melodic rap with their gritty lyrics. With hits like "1st of Tha Month," "Tha Crossroads," and "Look into My Eyes," they brought Midwestern hip-hop to the forefront and showcased a distinct sound that set them apart. Their innovative approach to rhythm and harmony has left a lasting impact, making them a significant force in the music scene since their arrival.
“Formed 1991”
The facts
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in the crate
From the Zine
Rise of the Rhymes
Hip-hop became the voice of a generation.
In the late '70s, hip-hop emerged from the streets, bursting with raw energy and a beat that demanded attention. It was a cultural revolution, pushing back against the polished pop that dominated the airwaves. The gritty realism of the Bronx spilled into our speakers, turning block parties into legendary showcases of talent. As artists like Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature broke through, they transformed hip-hop into a mainstream phenomenon, making it impossible to ignore, even for the most staunch pop purists.
By the '90s, rap had woven itself into the fabric of pop culture. Tracks like Coolio's “Gangsta's Paradise” and Puff Daddy's “I'll Be Missing You” showcased a new depth, blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious hooks. This wasn’t just music; it was a movement, a soundtrack to our lives, addressing everything from heartbreak to celebration. As we danced to “Jump” or vibed to “This Is How We Do It,” hip-hop became a universal language, uniting kids from all walks of life in a shared experience of rebellion and joy.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 4Needle Drop
Informer
Snow · 1992 · Hip-Hop/Rap
On a boombox at the bus stop.
staring out a backseat window as the streetlights blurred.
It's a time machine disguised as a pop song.
▸ Play it on
Tap ☆ to set your player — from then on it's one-tap play everywhere.
If you like this…
The Countdown
Top 10 Boombox Block-Party Cuts
Buckle up for a nostalgic ride through the Top-10 hip-hop hits that defined a generation. From unforgettable hooks to iconic beats, these tracks are the soundtrack to our youth.
- 1Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.)
Coolio · 1995
A haunting journey through life’s struggles, echoing the weight of choices we all face.
- 2
- 3I'll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans, 112)
Puff Daddy & Faith Evans · 1997
Nostalgia washes over me, remembering love lost and cherished moments.
- 4Can't Nobody Hold Me Down (feat. Mase)
Puff Daddy · 1997
The ultimate anthem for the unstoppable spirit; I can still feel that energy.
- 5Tha Crossroads
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony · 1996
A haunting melody that pulls at the heartstrings, echoing memories of friends gone too soon.
- 6Rump Shaker
Wreckx-n-Effect · 1992
This playful anthem turns every gathering into a dance-off, igniting wild, carefree energy.
- 7
- 8This Is How We Do It
Montell Jordan · 1995
Every beat makes me want to celebrate; the party starts when this one drops.
- 9C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)
Quad City DJ's · 1996
An irresistible call to groove, bringing back memories of dance floors and good times.
- 10Where My Girls At?
702 · 1999
A timeless empowerment anthem, reminding me of unforgettable nights with my ride-or-die crew.
Scene Report
Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
The Sound
This scene thumped with heavy basslines, catchy hooks, and clever wordplay, creating an irresistible blend of grooves that filled the airwaves. Samples from funk and soul classics were expertly flipped, giving new life to timeless tunes.
The Look
The streets shimmered with bright colors and bold fashion statements. Baggy pants, oversized jackets, and fresh kicks became the uniform of the era, while graffiti art exploded on city walls, embodying the vibrant spirit of hip-hop culture.
The Artists
MC Hammer · Coolio · Puff Daddy · Salt-N-Pepa · Naughty by Nature
Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.)
Coolio · 1995
Tonite'S Tha Night
Kris Kross · 1996
Essential Tracks
Related rooms: Hip-Hop Block Party · New Jack Swing
Scene ReportCassette Clash
2Pac vs. Busta Rhymes
| ◀ | 🔥 Chart Hits | |
| 📈 Highest Peak | ▶ | |
| ◀ | 📅 Staying Power | |
| ◀ | 💿 Catalog Depth | |
| ◀ | 👑 #1 Singles |
Final Verdict
2Pac takes the round.
Split the room, settled the bet.
The Mixtape Map
Inside Hip-Hop & Rap Hits
A guided tour of the tape — cluster by cluster.
📼 Radio Bangers
Everybody knew the hook.
📼 Sample Flips
Old grooves, brand-new hits.
Time Capsule
Meanwhile, in 1999…
What was going on in the world while the music played.
Believe
Cher
At the movies
- The Matrix
- Fight Club
- The Sixth Sense
On TV
- The Sopranos premieres
- Family Guy
- SpongeBob SquarePants premieres
In the headlines
- Napster launches
- Y2K anxiety peaks
- Nokia 3210 everywhere
From the Zine
Rituals of the Beat
Your hip-hop experience was a lifestyle.
Picture this: you and your crew, decked out in baggy jeans and fresh kicks, ready to hit the local skate park or house party. The air is electric with anticipation, and the beats from Wreckx-n-Effect’s “Rump Shaker” are blasting from the boombox, setting the scene for what feels like a mini-ritual. Everyone’s gathering, exchanging mixtapes and debating the latest bangers, each track a badge of honor in your ever-growing collection.
As night falls, you huddle in a circle, trading verses and trying to keep up with the rhymes of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It’s a moment of connection, where the music becomes a backdrop to your stories, your struggles, your triumphs. Whether you were getting jiggy with it to Will Smith or singing along to “Where My Girls At?” with your squad, each gathering was a celebration of hip-hop culture—a way to express who you were and who you aspired to be.
By The Liner Notes staff.
p. 11Chart Flashback
1982 by the Numbers
The year-end Hot 100
Rewind to the 1982 Billboard Year-End Hot 100 — where “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John sat at #1, and Daryl Hall & John Oates racked up 3 charting hits.
The 1982 Top 10
Gone But Not Forgotten
Atari Jaguar
1993–1996
"Do the math" — 64 bits that didn't add up.
Read the full piece →p. 13“Opened · 1993”
The Details
From the Memory Wall
Dear Mixtape…
What these songs remind our listeners of — in their own words.
“Going to Crazy Mama's with my best friend and roommate Damon Zex was an adventure! Legendary was the after hours parties at the Batcave, Bruce and Charlie Nutt's house. Bruce was a little older than Charlie,band he loves 50s rockabilly. Charlie loved Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Oh the turntable fights they would get into! And who controlled the turntable, controlled the night.”
“This is one of the best Genesis Songs believe it or not!”
“almost a month since i buried you mum, i always promised you would go out to this. i hope u boogied ur way back home, where ur 17 and nothing bad has happened yet.”
“absolute banger”
The Back Page
Whoomp! (There It Is)
Tag Team · 1993
Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith)
Run-DMC · 1986
Misheard for 30 Years
“Sweet dreams are made of cheese”
…is actually “Sweet dreams are made of this” — Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams.
Classifieds
- FOR SALE: 14 Columbia House CDs. Technically still unpaid. Make offer.
- LOST: One JNCO jean leg, approximately the size of a garbage bag.
- FREE: Box of cassette singles. You haul. Bring a Walkman to test.
Next week: Mean Mr. Mustard's
That’s the issue.
A fresh edition of The Liner Notes drops every week, composed from the crate — the artists, the years, the charts, and the stories behind them.
The Liner Notes · Issue №23
Fin📰 Off the Wire
This week in the world we came from — real headlines, straight to the source.
- Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Removal and Gaza at Philadelphia ConcertConsequence
- The Weeknd Debuts New Song “Tokyo” With Yoko Takahashi At Asian Tour KickoffStereogum
- Orville Peck Says He Made Out With an Oakland Raiders PlayerConsequence
- Where 'Kiss Destroys Anaheim '76' Ranks Among Their Live AlbumsUltimate Classic Rock
- Papa Roach Bassist's Health 'Emergency' Forces Festival ExitLoudwire
- Steve Howe Is 'Making Progress, Slowly' Months After SurgeryUltimate Classic Rock
Headlines are curated from public feeds and link to their source — read the full story there. The full Gazette →