Dictionary

99 problems en · NOUN

Etymology

Coined by American rapper Ice-T in 1993 in the song "99 Problems" off the album Home Invasion, likely referring to 99 percent. Further popularized in Jay-Z's song "99 Problems" off The Black Album (2003).

Meanings

1. (plural, plural-only) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see 99, problems.
2. (idiomatic, plural, plural-only) An innumerable amount of problems which nevertheless implies one notable matter is not considered a problem.
   • Future human explorers on the moon might have 99 problems but staying warm or cool won’t be one. 2022 July 26, Holly Ober, “UCLA scientists discover places on the moon where it’s always ‘sweater weather’”, in newsroom.ucla.edu, archived from the original on 13 Aug 2026:
   • “Donald Trump has 99 problems going into the midterms,” one Democratic strategist said. “But money ain’t one.” 2026 February 10, Shane Goldmacher, Theodore Schleifer, “Republican Cash Edge Threatens to Swamp Democrats in the Midterms”, in The New York Times:
   • It all meant that the way was clear for Bradley Wiggins to establish himself as the rightful successor to the Tour de France throne. The order was still a tall one: see off Cadel Evans, Vincenzo Nibali, Frank Schleck, Jurgen Van Den Broeck, Robert Gesink, Ryder Hesjedal, Denis Menchov, Alejandro Valverde and any number of day-to-day issues. But not Andy Schleck or Alberto Contador. Brad has 99 problems but the Schleck ain't one of them. 2012, John Deering, Bradley Wiggins: Tour de Force, →ISBN, page 56:

Forms

wikipedia: The Black Album (Jay-Z album) · wikipedia: Home Invasion (album) · wikipedia: 99 Problems