If MTV was a person, they would be the old guy on the beach wearing a Speedo, trying to lure pretty girls over to share their towel. They've been going out and partying for decades, bringing with them a heap of bands, many of which suck. Hard. There are a couple of keepers in there, though. Take the Notorious B.I.G. video posted above. He's wearing what appears to be a short-sleeved sweater and it's still awesome. Take the link for a few more performances that won't make you want to pack your ear canals full of sand.
No Doubt, "Just a Girl"
Solo Gwen is great, but she was definitely at her best when standing on stage with the rest of No Doubt.
Primus "Jerry was a racecar driver"
Les Claypool does things with a bass guitar that shouldn't even technically be possible. Even if the music sounds a little dated, the performance is incredibly entertaining.
Cypriss Hill, "How I Could Just Kill a Man"
Nothing like a winter coat and a knit cap to keep you warm on a beach where it's 90-degrees.
LL Cool J, "Mama Said Knock You Out"
Is it just us, or does LL actually look scrawny compared to his present-day self? Like, his neck...he has one. Still, even then, if Mama said so, he'd wreck us with one punch.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Knock Me Down"
Though this video lacks the live audio of the performance, it certainly captures the essence of 90s Spring Break with the crowd rocking out in neon hats and the Chili Peppers exercising their strict no shirt policy. Also, nice gloves, Anthony Kiedis.
Genuine, "Pony"
We had to have an ode to 90s R&B in here, and no one encapsulates the time, look, and sound better than a "Pony"-singing, silk purple-shirted Ginuwine. As for those of you who don't know/remember "Pony," well, shit, you just missed your shot at Tom Haverford's heart.