Southern Hip Hop – Luke and the FLA Scene “From the Bottom to the Top”
I’m from Tampa, Florida – born and raised. With that being said, it must be noted that our history with Hip-Hop has been like any other region outside of the northeastern United States. We have been disrespected, disregarded, ignored, and pretty much slept-on. But no more – the tables have turned and everyone wants to be down – even New York. Then again, you do have those New Yorkers who are claiming to “take rap back”. But like Tony Rock said on Poison Clan’s “Poison Freestyle”, “Y’all takin’ rap back?/get off that kick/the only thing you might be able to take is this…” You figure it out.
Truth be told, Southern hip-hop music has been thriving for a long time now. We just weren’t getting the same respect that we were giving. For years, we admired and emulated the best in the game – Run DMC, LL Cool J, whoever was hittin’ in the ’80s. But at the same time, we were building on the electro-funk sounds of Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic, Kraftwerk, Newcleus, and Cybotron. However, the music that we were making was dismissed as trash. In the ’90s, Southern rappers were considered “Bamas”, “country” and “slow”, even though 2 Live Crew, Poison Clan, Geto Boys, 8-Ball & MJG, and UGK proved that the South wasn’t all about shaking ass – though it usually is (And there’s NOTHING wrong with that).
Much like the West Coast, the South has always been about the independent hustle – following our own suit. The man who set the standard was the leader of the 2 Live Crew – Luther Campbell aka Luke Skyywalker aka Uncle Luke aka Captain Dick. Before there was No Limit, Cash Money, Suave House, or So So Def, there was Luke Skyywalker Records. Along with Rap-a-Lot Records, Skyywalker Records set the standard for black-owned rap labels waaaay back in 1985 (some say ’83!). I’m sure there were other black-owned rap labels during that time in the South, but none had the impact of Luke’s label. In addition to 2 Live’s success, there was Anquette, Poison Clan, LeJuan Love, and MC Shy-D (with DJ Toomp and DJ Man), and others who helped to build a powerhouse roster, on ONE label!
The South, particularly Florida, had many other artists and producers who never got the props they deserved outside of the South: MC ADE, DJ Magic Mike, BeatMaster Clay D., Gigolo Tony, MC Shy D, Jam Pony Express, Bass Style Express, Superstar Rated R., Gucci Crew II, Mike Fresh, DJ Man, DJ Toomp, Anquette, Disco Rick and the Dogs, Poison Clan, DJ Uncle Al, M4sers, Joey Boy Records, Pandisc Records and anyone whom I may have forgotten. I apologize for leaving anyone out, but your contribution to Southern hip hop is greatly appreciated.
…More Southern Hip-Hop To Be Continued
http://www.vibe.com/article/uncle-luke-vh1-hip-hop-honors-go-fk-yourself
Vinyl Words 