| Hip Hop Tournament: Da Dirty South |
| 3/10/02: Welcome to the South bracket of the Illuminati 2G Hip Hop Tournament. The South in my opinion has always been the most slept on regions in the country in terms of talent. While many would describe the sound of southern hip hop as "bounce", lyricists like Ludacris, Outkast and Scarface show that their are many deadly mc's in the region. Let's take a look at the region and see who the heavy hitters are: |
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| Ludacris has become a major player in hip hop faster than any of the rappers in this tournament. His second album, "Word Of Mouf" is tearing up the charts and he is one of the most sought after rappers to have guest appear on a album. I think Luda was a comedian in another life because his lyrics are full of one-liners to keep you laughing, but he has enough skills to keep you intriged. The only weakness I see in Ludacris is maybe if he wanted to go a different direction or style in his music, will it be received warmly or fall on deaf ears. Ludacris is the most diverse rapper in the South and he is staking a claim to the title of the King of the South. |
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| You can not have a conversation about rap in the South and not mention the name of Scarface. The reigning King is gearing up to drop another bomb on the industry. His new name now is Face and his next album is rumored to be dropping on Def Jam South. Already the CEO of one of the most successfull labels in rap, Scarface continues to add accolades to an already legendary career. Last years champ out of this region is still one of the favorites and it is easy to see why that is the case. |
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| Arguably the greatest hip hop group of all time, Outkast has become the spokesgroup for consistency and originality. The group recieved a well deserved Grammy for their work on "Stankonia", and their greatest hits package is one of the best collection of hits on 1 album. With no real weaknesses, Outkast embodies everything that is good about rap and the success that a group can have when they stick to their formula and keep it original. |
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| Laugh if you want, but Jermaine Dupri has been an important icon in music for over a decade now. If people would stop comparing his accomplishments with Puffy all the time, I think he would get the respect that he deserves. A much better rapper than what people give him credit for, JD has dropped 2 successfull albums and has produced for just about every major act in rap and r&b. Obviously, JD is not a lyricist or a artist that is going to drop quotables on you, but he is a person that has been making hits for a long time and admit it or not, he has probably made you dance every once and a while. |
| Honorable Mention: T.I., UGK, Goodie Mob, Geto Boys, Mystikal, Juvenile, Tela, Eightball, MJG, 3-6 Mafia, Trick Daddy |
| Results: Ludacris VS Scarface- The legend against the heir apparent. Luda is almost there, but I give the edge to Face for his longevity and realism. Results: Outkast VS JD- No contest. Outkast has all the ingredents you ask for in a group and although JD has the credentials, he is no match. Final: Scarface VS Outkast- In a rematch of last years final, I give the edge to Outkast this time due to the fact that their always evolving style and consistent multi-platinum sales have been a staple in rap for a couple of years. Scarface will be dropping a new album this year and it will be one of the years best, but Outkast has the versatility to advance. Stay tuned as next week we will look at the Midwest. |