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Current mood:  contemplative Category: Music
"The South has something to say" were the words of Andre 3000 at the 1995 Source Awards. when he and Big Boi won best new group for their critically acclaimed Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. But even Andre and big boi could have never guess within the next ten years, the South would rule Hip Hop with an iron fist. In 1996 the No Limit era arrived, riding the success of hit street anthems like "Im bout it" and "make'em say uuh". MASTER P and the No Limit Soldiers single handedly brought "Down South" hip hop to the masses. Hip Hop changed overnight, with groups like "The Hot Boyz" and artists like "Lil'Jon" dominating the radio, doors that were once closed, were now broke down. Critics, who once belittled, were now showering praise, but at whose expense? Since the rise of West Coast hip hop in the early 90's, New York rappers have struggled to gain radio play and sales outside the East. 2003 marked the changing of the guard, with the retirement of Sir Hova (Jay-Z), and the emergence of rap superstar 50 cent. New York was in a state of emergency, with their newly appointed king (50 cent) trading in metaphors and substance for a southern drawl, and a "get rich or die trying" philosophy. Some New York mc's were pressured by their record labels to imitate southern culture, just to sale records. To make matters worse, 50 and G-Unit have openly declare war on the Diplomats, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss. With the city's finest grapping at each other's throat, it would seem that New York Hip Hop is in a state of civil war. One thing's for certain, the South hasn't missed a beat, the success of artists like T.I, and Young Jeezy, have only strengthened the South's grip on Hip Hop. However if history has taught us anything, it's that nothing lasts forever, just ask Saddam.
9:06 PM
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