From the '90s to the early 2000s, MTV came through for us with the rawest music performance series ever. With no elaborate sets, lip syncing or choreographed acrobatics allowed, MTV Unplugged invited artists to bring their A game for a 100 percent, stripped-down-to-the-core, intimate, acoustic set. A live performance on the show separated true vocalists from studio artists and became the litmus test for authentic talent. Equipped with only a mic, a stool and a band, some of our all-time faves delivered 60 minutes of authentic, musical magic.
In homage to the golden era of the show, here are 12 classic hip-hop and R&B moments from MTV Unplugged that forever changed the game.
1. Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz
After releasing two chart topping studio albums, critics came for Mariah Carey for her lack of concert tours and live performances. To silence the skeptics, Sony booked her for a live MTV Unplugged performance. What resulted was a showcase that reached international multi-platinum status and introduced us to the sweet, soulful voice of R&B artist Trey Lorenz. Mariah Carey's 1992 performance goes down as one of the greatest in MTV Unplugged history.
2. Maxwell
With only one album under his belt, this classic 1997 performance of "This Woman's Work," solidified Maxwell's place as a Neo Soul icon. Statistically speaking, if you're around the age of 18 or 19 years old, there's a 72.5 percent chance that this song was the catalyst for your conception. Facts.
3. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged showcase is more than just a performance, it’s a transformative spiritual experience. Ms. Hill held nothing back and delivered her entire soul on the stage. Gems, on gems, on gems!
4. Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz is literally everything — black, white, retro, rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, psychedelic, pop and folk. In his1994 MTV Unplugged performance, Kravitz gave us a sample of all that delicious gumbo.
5. Mary J Blige
Y'all know that classic bop Mary does when she's feeling herself? That's how you know it's real. Your girl always comes through, and this soulful Unplugged performance is no exception. Get into this classic rendition of "Sweet Thing."
6. Jay Z with The Roots
When Jay Z invited Jaguar Wright to the stage for this live Unplugged performance with The Roots, they literally made the "Song Cry.” Oh, you thought you were going to hear actual vocals in this clip? Cute. Not unless you cop that Tidal.
7. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds with Eric Clapton
In the '90s to early 2000s, Babyface wrote and produced all the R&B hits. No, really – all of them! With over 26 number ones and 11 Grammys to his credit, the artist took a step back into his singing roots inviting Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder to join him for a smooth soulful, acoustic kickback.
8. Erykah Badu
With the triple platinum success of her debut album, Erykah Badu introduced us to Baduizm and we've been entranced every since. This 1997 Unplugged performance showcases the entire Badu vibe. Has she aged at all though?
9. Boyz II Men
When it comes to '90s R&B, Boyz II Men defined the genre. This 1992 R&B Unplugged performance reminds us why Shawn, Wanya, Nathan and Michael will forever wear the Nayhoo crown.
10. L.L. Cool J
Clearly L.L. loves his moms. With "Momma Said Knock You Out," the iconic lyricist had no choice but to deliver the rawest Unplugged rap performance of all time.
11. Alicia Keys 
In the summer of 2005, Alicia Keys took the stage at Brooklyn Academy of Music in her native New York to perform songs from her multi-platinum albums Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys. The showcase introduced us to "Unbreakable," one of the dopest black love anthems ever.
12. Jodeci
No one delivered soulful, vein popping, leather in the summertime wearing, raw R&B quite like Jodeci. In this MTV Unplugged performance, the two sets of brothers snatched '90s R&B edges from all the girls.
Shoutout to MTV Unplugged for creating all these classic hip-hop and R&B moments.
