Miami rapper Trina rose to fame after featuring on Trick Daddy's 1998 hit Nann. Her gold-certified debut Da Baddest Bitch launched a successful career marked by Top 20 albums like Diamond Princess, hit singles including Here We Go, and reality TV stardom.
Baton Rouge rapper Webbie signed to Trill Entertainment as a teen, releasing collaborative albums like Ghetto Stories and Gangsta Muzik with Lil Boosie. Known for hits like Gimme Dat and Bad Bitch, he released the successful Savage Life album series.
Texas hip-hop artist Paul Wall rose to fame with Houston label Swishahouse, gaining a larger audience on Mike Jones' platinum hit Still Tippin'. His solo success peaked when The Peoples Champ topped the Billboard 200 in 2005. He also featured on Nelly's Grammy-nominated number one hit Grillz.
Originating from Memphis, Tennessee, Southern rap pioneers 8Ball and MJG formed in the 1980s. Known for influential milestones like Comin' Out Hard and In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1, the duo achieved commercial success with their Bad Boy Records release Living Legends.
Joseph Wayne McVey, known as Z-Ro, is a Houston, Texas, rapper celebrated for his bluesy, introspective Southern hip-hop. He blends hardcore rap with R&B, delivering raw narratives in a distinctive baritone. Noted for albums like "The Ghetto Gospel" and "Unappreciated," he earned recognition as one of America's most underrated rappers by The New York Times. Z-Ro is also known for collaborations with the Screwed Up Click and Trae tha Truth.
Houston rapper Slim Thug, leader of the Boss Hog Outlawz, broke through featuring on Mike Jones's 2004 hit Still Tippin'. He released his Billboard number two debut Already Platinum in 2005 and appeared on Beyoncé's chart-topping Check on It.
Houston rapper Marcus Lakee Edwards, known as Lil Keke, is a pioneer of underground rap and original member of the Screwed Up Click, working closely with DJ Screw. His 1997 debut album, Don't Mess wit Texas, featured the hit single Southside. He signed with Swishahouse Records in 2005 and released numerous albums, including Money Don't Sleep and Legend Hotel. In 2016, he received recognition from President Obama for community service in Houston.
Trick Daddy, born Maurice Young in Miami, Florida, is a Southern hip-hop artist known for his distinctive delivery and street anthems. He significantly shaped Miami's music scene. Popular songs include "Let's Go," "I'm a Thug," and "Nann Nigga" (with Trina). His album "Thugs Are Us" achieved platinum status. He has collaborated with artists such as Lil Jon and DJ Khaled.
Devin the Dude, born Devin Copeland in Pontiac, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas, is a Southern hip-hop artist known for his unique, laid-back, and often weed-centric style. Often called "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper," his albums include "The Dude," "Just Tryin' ta Live," and "Soulful Distance." He has collaborated with artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nas, and André 3000.
