The Sum Up: 19 Naughty III by Naughty By Nature

The Sum Up: 19 Naughty III by Naughty By Nature

By 1993, Naughty By Nature was a hip-hop powerhouse, balancing gritty street narratives with radio-friendly anthems. Coming off the success of Naughty by Nature (1991), which gave the world “O.P.P.”, the trio—Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee—had nothing to prove but everything to gain. Their third album, 19 Naughty III, released on February 23, 1993, kept the momentum rolling, blending party-starting energy, sharp lyricism, and Jersey-bred attitude into one of the defining East Coast albums of the early ‘90s.

This wasn’t just another rap album—it was a blueprint for balancing commercial success with street credibility.

The Sound & Hip-Hop Influence

With Kay Gee at the production helm, 19 Naughty III had a polished but raw sound, fusing boom-bap drums, funk-inspired samples, and catchy hooks. Unlike some of their hardcore East Coast counterparts, Naughty By Nature had a knack for making anthems that rocked both the block and the club.

Treach’s rapid-fire flow and undeniable charisma made him one of the most underrated MCs of his era, effortlessly shifting between aggressive street bars and playful, tongue-twisting rhymes. The beats were infectious yet rugged, proving that hip-hop could stay hardcore while still dominating the charts.

The Singles & Standout Tracks
• “Hip Hop Hooray” – The undeniable anthem that took over radio, clubs, and sports arenas alike. Its infectious “Hey! Ho!” chant made it one of hip-hop’s most recognizable hooks ever.
• “Written on Ya Kitten” – A playful, flirtatious track that showcased Treach’s slick wordplay and Kay Gee’s bouncy production.
• “It’s On” – A hardcore banger that reaffirmed Naughty By Nature’s street credentials, proving they weren’t just about feel-good anthems.
• “Ready for Dem” – A gritty track that embraced dancehall influences, displaying the group’s versatility.
• “Sleepin’ on Jersey” – A prideful hometown anthem that let the world know New Jersey wasn’t to be overlooked in hip-hop.

This album cemented Naughty By Nature’s ability to make crossover records without compromising their East Coast grit.

Certifications & Success
• 19 Naughty III was certified Platinum, proving the group’s ability to turn street energy into mainstream success.
• “Hip Hop Hooray” became a global anthem, topping the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart and peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, a massive achievement for a hip-hop group in 1993.

It wasn’t just numbers—Naughty By Nature changed how hip-hop anthems were crafted, making call-and-response hooks essential for crowd participation.

The Lasting Impact

Naughty By Nature didn’t just make hits—they reshaped hip-hop’s relationship with mainstream audiences. 19 Naughty III set the standard for groups like OutKast, The Fugees, and The Black Eyed Peas, proving that you could be both lyrically sharp and commercially viable.

“Hip Hop Hooray” remains one of hip-hop’s most enduring anthems, sampled and referenced by everyone from 2Pac to Nas to Will Smith. The album also solidified Treach’s reputation as a top-tier lyricist, influencing MCs who valued both flow and charisma.

Whether rocking clubs, block parties, or stadiums, 19 Naughty III ensured Naughty By Nature’s place in hip-hop history.

Verdict

A perfect blend of raw street hip-hop and mainstream appeal, 19 Naughty III showed that Naughty By Nature was more than a one-hit wonder—they were cultural architects. From the streets of Jersey to the global stage, this album cemented their legacy as one of hip-hop’s most versatile and influential groups.

Rating: 9/10 – An East Coast classic with timeless anthems.