As we've stated before, the South is truly a force in music. The region is responsible for some of the best bass-knocking, body rocking hits this side of the Mason Dixon line. While there have been names that have stayed at the forefront of the movement, there are others who haven't really received their proper due. These Southern-fried lyricists deserve their flowers while they can smell them. With their contributions going further than reppin' for their city, they've etched their proper place in hip-hop history. While this list is not meant to be definitive, it's definitely meant to remind you of the gems that might've missed your radar. Here's a list of 11 of the most underrated Southern MCs.
1. 8Ball and MJG
Photo credit:Getty Images
Straight Outta: Memphis, TN
How You Might Know Them: The screw face-inducing perfection that is "You Don't Want Drama".
Our Recommendation: Get into the group's attempt to two-step into your soft side with "Space Age Pimpin'".
2. Crime Mob
Photo credit: GIPHY
Straight Outta: Atlanta, GA
How You Might Know Them: The fight anthem to rival all fight anthems, "Knuck if You Buck".
Our Recommendation: Jig to Diamond and Princess holding it down fashionably with "Stilettos".
3. The Hot Boyz
Photo credit: Based-Messiah
Straight Outta: New Orleans, LA
How You Might Know Them: They made history with their innovative, and Webster's Dictionary acknowledged, "Bling Bling".
Our Recommendation: Take it back to the good ol' days, when love was real, with, "I Need A Hot Girl".
4. Scarface
Photo credit: Getty Images
Straight Outta: Houston, TX
How You Might Know Them: Sitting alone in his four-cornered room, staring at candles in "My Mind's Playin' Tricks on Me".
Our Recommendation: Listen to Face get as raw as he can get with "Never Seen a Man Cry".
5. Clipse
Photo credit: Rebloggy
Straight Outta: Virginia Beach, VA
How You Might Know Them: The literal cafeteria table banger, "Grindin'".
Our Recommendation: Watch them go bar-for-bar in a throwback episode of "Rap City: The Basement".
6. Goodie Mob
Photo credit: Marz In Charge
Straight Outta: Atlanta, GA
How You Might Know Them: The masterminds behind the classic, "Cell Therapy" (which, may we add, was included in a pivotal scene in the Oscar-winning film, "Moonlight").
Our Recommendation: Bob your head to this spiritual gem, "Soul Food".
7. Project Pat
Photo credit: Space Cadet
Straight Outta: Memphis, TN
How You Might Know Them: The anthem that made us squawk with pride, "Chickenhead".
Our Recommendation: His collaborations with Three 6 Mafia, including the gem, "Don't Save Her".
8. Ying Yang Twins
Photo credit: GIPHY
Straight Outta: Atlanta, GA
How You Might Know Them: They made "whispering" trendy for the early part of the 2000s.
Our Recommendation: Revisit this instructional Southern lullaby, "Say I Yi Yi".
9. Trina
10. Big K.R.I.T.
Photo credit: BET Networks
Straight Outta: Meridan, MS
How You Might Know Them: Killing the last verse of the classic, "Glass House" (featuring another underrated Southern MC, Curren$y).
Our Recommendation: Catch him at the intersection of drawl and woke with his hit, "Mt. Olympus".
11. Isaiah Rashad
Photo credit: XXL
Straight Outta: Chattanooga, TN
How You Might Know Them: TDE's splash of Southern charm paying homage to yet another southern great, "RIP Kevin Miller".
Our Recommendation: Let the chill vibes of "Free Lunch" get you through your week.
Who is an underrated Southern MC we may have missed? Share with us below!
