By Joey Wilkerson
Do you remember the first time you ever heard a small time group from Atlanta scream the word “Southernplaylisticcadallacmusic”? What was their name again? Outkast, of course. What about the first time you ever heard that slowed down pimp style, from some guy named Master P? Or what about the term bling-bling? Wasn’t that term coined by a New Orleans collective named the Cash Money Millionaires? For the last couple of years, the southern states have been making a lot of noise on the hip-hop scene. Names such as Master P, Outkast, Ludacris, The Hot Boyz, and Jermaine Dupri have become household name spoken along side names like Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy, and have also give the south credibility as the “Third Coast” of rap.
Now it’s time to make way for the new generation, or the next big movement in music known as the “New South”. Led by names such as Lil’ Jon, David Banner and Bone Crusher, the south is as strong as ever. Southern rap has a much different sound than the other two coasts. Usually Southern tracks are heavy on bass and have a catchy hook for the whole club to sing along to. “The key to writing a hot hook is taking things people already say and putting it to music,” Lil’ Jon told XXL magazine. His single “I don’t give a F–” is a perfect example of the statement above. Indeed southern music has become a staple in the club scene. If you don’t believe me, check out the crowd reaction when Lil Jon’s “Get Low” gets played next.
Atlanta seems to be the rap capitol of the south, being home to Lil’ Jon and The Eastside Boys, whose latest album “Kings of Crunk” has reached multi-platinum status. Outkast, hailed as the most creative group in rap, claims ATL, as well as Pastor Troy, the Dungeon Family, and Killer Mike. Even the ever-popular Ludacris, who held it down in the summer Hollywood blockbuster “2 Fast 2 Furious” represent his city on a new album called “Chicken and Beer.” The ATL is also home to rapper TI whose new song “24s” is lighting up the radio and clubs from coast to coast. Let’s not forget the Young Bloodz who also have their sophomore CD out called “Drankin’ Patnaz,” featuring the hit “Damn” which includes Lil’ Jon.
David Banner is currently representing Mississippi. Banner’ summer hit “Like a Pimp” featured Texas native Lil’ Flip. In fact, Banner was recently in town along side Lil’ Jon and lyrical heavyweight Bone Crusher, who also had a summer hit with “Never Scarred” featuring more Atlanta natives TI, and Killer Mike. Also look for new comer Kamikaze to drop his first solo joint “2 Broke 2 Ball”. If you move a little bit up north, you’ll come across Memphis’ own Three Six Mafia, one of the most notorious groups in history. Three Six has been holding it down over the course of 13 records spanning the last decade. They currently have a new album out called “The Unbreakables,” which is fueled by yet another summer banger, “Ridin’ Spinners” featuring Lil’ Flip. Even Kentucky is getting a piece of the action with hometown heroes, Nappy Roots. Nappy has just released “Wooden Leather”, the follow up to their platinum debut, “Watermelon, Chicken, and Gritz”. Nappy will be rocking a free show here on campus on Nappy Roots Day, September 16 at Cardinal Stadium.
As you can tell, all the down south boys stay close together. Very rarely is there beef, as the artists realize that there is strength in numbers. Down South rap is like a game of 6 degrees with all of the cameos. And that’s not to mention the Ying Yang Twins, Eightball, MJG, and UGK who also have a big influence on the game. There’s also the southern-owned labels, which includes Disturbing the Peace (Luda), Rap-A-Lot (Do or Die), Def Jam South (led by President Scarface of the legendary Geto Boys), Dungeon Family (Led by Outkast, Killer Mike, and Slim Calhoun) and BME (Lil’ Jon). With all of the diversity, determination and love, the South won’t fade anytime soon.
