The South has something to say.. Still
The south has gotten a bad rap on its representation in hip hop. Old heads will be quick to remind you that the mecca of rap is New York, upheld by artists like Biggie, Wu Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Nas, etc. Competing with that narrative is the foundation of most barbershop debates as the geographical divide is as tense as the generational divide in hip hop today.
The only artists that the east coast seem to pay proper respects to are ones that embody the lyricism or swagger that they associate with their homebred favorites such as T.I or Outkast’s Andre 3000. The presence of the Migos, Future, or 2 Chainz is mocked or belittled regardless of their sustained success. To put it simply, southern artists don’t garner the same respect as their east coast counterparts.
Cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Memphis, and Miami have solidified themselves as cornerstones in hip hop music with contributions of flows, melodies, stories, and movements. Killer Mike’s recent Grammy win for rap album of the year points to the tide changing of the tired narrative about southern artists. The sentiment has been fought since the mid 2000’s when many rap superstars were from areas where just a decade earlier had little traction. Rap stars like UGK, Lil Wayne, T.I, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Three 6 Mafia, Trina, and DJ Khaled spearheaded the strong arming of the industry. Each of their catalogs accrued to a point to where they’ve proved they are just as artistic, lyrical, and polarizing as the game has to offer.
Often relegated as strip club music or a guilty pleasure of rap purists, the south has been fighting the stereotype castigated upon themselves from the early days of Uncle Luke, Master P, Juvenile, and Silk the Shocker. Southern rap has undoubtedly kept hip hop fun and light while still releasing music that evokes thoughts and emotions. It embodies what it means to be a well rounded individual that makes music instead of being bound by the expectations purists romanticize from the genre. For every trap artist like Waka Flocka or OJ Da Juiceman there is a storytelling M.C like Scarface or Big Boi.
The communal scene that artists from the south have created embraces different styles and stories, which has kept them from being stagnant or having their spot taken (similar to New York). The bridge between the seasoned artists and new crop of talent is blossoming in a way the rest of the game has a hard time accomplishing. I see more collaborations and salutes from the south O.G’s, possibly because of their own experiences being shunned early in their careers. Artists like A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and Young Thug got co-signs from southern greats like Bun B and T.I at a time where their alternate approach to making music was judged harshly by lifelong fans of the genre.
The artists from the south have become beloved characters that have an easier time branching out to other opportunities, probably because of their ability to showcase their personality in their music. Whether it’s reality shows, movies, or product; southern rappers seem to be able establish themselves as brands much easier because of their relatable personas. Stories told in films like ATL, Hustle & Flow, Idlewild or the television show Atlanta occupy the standing that the previous generation admired from films like Belly and Paid In Full.
The South took the baton by force from the east coast nearly 20 years ago and doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon by keeping themselves fresh, innovative, and unafraid to change the rules of hip hop. Check out the playlist that showcases the eclectic style of the south that changed Hip Hop into what it is today.
