Ep 2. The Southern Lab

In season 4 episode 2 of Hip-Hop Evolution titled The Southern Lab, viewers are taken on a journey through the birth and evolution of Southern hip-hop. The episode begins with a look at early Southern rap in cities like New Orleans and Miami, where artists like DJ Screw and Lil Wayne were innovating and pushing boundaries.

From there, we move on to the emergence of the Atlanta hip-hop scene in the late 1990s, which was dominated by artists like OutKast and Goodie Mob. The show explores how these artists helped put Atlanta on the map as a hip-hop powerhouse and how they influenced a generation of Southern rappers that came after them.

The episode also delves into the rise of trap music in the early 2000s, which was popularized by artists like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Young Jeezy. Viewers learn about the origins of trap music and how it became synonymous with the Southern hip-hop sound.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with some of the biggest names in Southern hip-hop, including OutKast's Big Boi, T.I., and The Neptunes' Pharrell Williams. These interviews offer insights into the creative process behind some of the most iconic Southern hip-hop tracks of all time and shed light on what makes the Southern hip-hop sound so unique.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when the show explores the connections between Southern hip-hop and other Southern musical genres like blues and gospel. Viewers learn about how these genres have influenced Southern hip-hop and how artists have incorporated them into their music.

Overall, The Southern Lab is a fascinating exploration of Southern hip-hop and how it has evolved over the years. With insightful interviews, great music, and a deep dive into the history of the genre, this is a must-watch for fans of hip-hop and music history.