The South Got Something to Say

Ray Bellville

Hip-Hop-Rap journalist

“The South has something to say,” an iconic declaration by Andre 3000 after winning best new artist at the 1995 Choice Awards. Though Hip-Hop has had multiple eras of influence since its birth, I’d argue the South, all in all, had the greatest impact on its core. Meaning, it shaped and formed a style that led to success in the genre and had a reach that spread nationwide. Largely ignored for much of Hip-Hop’s life, the south overtook both the east and west with its variety of unique production and lyricism.

City of Syrup

Cultivating the scene in the late 1980’s, DJ Screw and his “chopped n’ screwed” style that is still seen today in larger artists outside of the city, such as Drake and A$AP Rocky. The cut-up samples and slowed vibe were perfect for the city of syrup at the time, as most benefited from the sedated and hypnotic feel. Perfect for a slow day cruising in the car to the Texas heat, only a few alive at the time could understand the slow atmosphere. Seeping into your seat as you hear the words rap and rhyme like a lullaby while the bass is busting out of your car. The “Slab” culture at the time had copious amounts of expensive audio systems and nice low-riders, prioritizing your vehicle as an intimate listening space. DJ Screw and adjacent artists such as Fat Pat, Z-RO, Slim Thug, and UGK created anthems and culture-defining songs. The Geto Boys had a hand in their distinct style, prioritizing their lives as storytelling and pioneering “gangster rap” with the use of live instrumentation, a very key piece in the sound of the South. I couldn’t tell you the number of songs I have listened to that incorporated live brass, giving you chills reminiscent of the big lights at a football game. 

I’m so A-T-L

Atlanta in the modern era is trendiest of all my mentions, producing artists like the duo Outkast, Future, Young Thug, and T.I. Even if you don’t know the artist, you’ve more than likely heard the term “trap music,” which took over and originated in Atlanta using deep, malicious 808’s and dark lyrics. T.I., one of the originators of the trap scene, did so by commonly referencing his struggles in the drug field, or, for simpler terms, the “trap”. On the contrary, Jeezy and others, such as Ludacris, were making club hits that were heard everywhere and opened Hip-Hop to a wider audience, often hearing them at sports events or nights on the town. Though they weren’t as successful as the king of crunk, Lil Jon, releasing songs made for the crowds and to get bodies moving with high intensity screams and catchy lyrics that you couldn’t help but dance to. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have been out at night and heard that raspy yell or heard a banging of tubas and horns paired with an unmatched sensation of joy.

Honorary mentions

Florida had one of the biggest impacts, with it being the biggest influence on the SoundCloud era, having most try to copy the success, fundamentally shifting the way artists drop in the modern era. Before artists like Smokepurp, XXX, and Ski Mask the Slump God were generating buzz from their DIY-punk aesthetic, they were dropping relatively few singles. Memphis had a hand in pushing this, originally opting for artists to produce and distribute their music independently. Following that, they also were a basis for horrorcore rap and were associated heavily with Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat. Louisiana produced bounce, which has had a resurgence recently through TikTok, showcasing parts of the culture that are not normally alluded to. They definitely have the biggest use of the instruments, especially being home to one of the biggest festivals in the U.S., Mardi Gras. Weezy or Lil Wayne has definitely put it on the map, having a style that fits the accent and essence of New Orleans with convoluted and eccentric punchlines. NBA YoungBoy has currently taken a more trap approach, being the biggest artist out of the city.

The southern style of rap has so much to offer with its distinct sound, than what other regions have to offer, primarily the use of bands and orchestra for live sound. Making for some of the more beautiful complex instrumentals that add so much comfort to the tracks in songs like “5% Tint” by Travis Scott and “Still in The Paint” by Denzel Curry. I feel that the South being involved in the mainstream more than the West or East speaks volumes of the grit and hunger that’s in this region. The hustle culture that has been there since the introduction has gone nowhere and now gets to be carried on through the new age as artists will give back to their communities through philanthropy and great music.