"One-Nine-Nine-Nine" is featured on Soundbombing II, a compilation album by Rawkus Records released in 1999.

The song features an introduction by Talib Kweli, guest rapping by Sadat X and production by Hi-Tek.

A music video was released for it, which also featured briefs cameos from Jeru The Damaja and Harold Hunter.

Common's vocals on the song were sampled in "Mic Like a Memory" by Cunninlynguists.

In the song, Common talks about the days of old and comments where he sees hip hop music heading in the future.