Soul Culture: Hip Hop Highlights of The Decade

Ten years into the 21st Century and Hip Hop is now one of the biggest grossing industries in the world today. Forget the music – the clothing, films and TV deals have all played a part in establishing this way of life as one of the biggest phenomenons. To think it all started off with just two turntables and a mic…
As 2010 dawns, its time to take a look at what has had the streets and discussion boards talking; the artists, the controversies and sadly, the losses. The Hip Hop Highlights of the Decade…

THE GREAT WHITE HOPE & THE GOOD DOCTOR RETURNS (2000)  

At the advent of the year 2000, the world had seen a few changes; the number one golfer in the world was black and the rap artist dominating the charts was white. Fresh from his Slim Shady LP debut in 1999, the Marshall Mathers LP catapulted one particular Detroit lyricist to new heights. Thanks to his anarchic lyrics, Dr Dre’s backing and controversy away from the mic, Eminem became one of the most revered and scorned artist of recent history. But on the other side of the spectrum, rap was able to witness the return of true royalty in Dr Dre when he released his much anticipated 2001 album. With an all-star cast to help along the way, the West rose once more during the dawn of the new millennium. 




THE RISE OF THE SOUTH (2000 onwards)  

The nineties will be most remembered for the epic and tragic feud between the East and West coast rap scenes. During these times, Hip Hop in the South was not only ignored, but scorned upon by many. Fast forward to current times and you’ll see the stranglehold on the scene is held predominantly by Southern artists. With an explosion of lyrical talent, party animals and the biggest DJs, the South no longer plays third place to the supposed ‘big two’ and has left many on both coasts pondering just when their dominance will come around again. 








MR WEST ENTERS THE BUILDING (2003 onwards) 

It was the breath of fresh air Hip Hop needed. Marking his arrival as a talented producer, Kanye West became synonymous with his incredible contribution to Jay-Z’s classic The Blueprint. In 2004, after a near fatal accident, Mr West dropped The College Dropout, a Hip Hop odyssey filled with soul, wit, honesty and a swagger which would later become his trademark. Four albums and many award shows later, Kanye West has reached a pinnacle which only he could dream of and with his musical creativity showing no signs of stopping, expect his plaudits and ego to grow from the next decade onwards.  







RAP’S ELITE PRODUCE A BLUEPRINT FOR ALBUMS & BATTLING (2001) 
Boasting soulful samples and a lyrically superior Shawn Carter, the gauntlet was thrown by the Roc’s superstar for the title of ‘Best Rapper Alive’. Whilst briefly addressing the haters who were taking shots at his throne, Jay-Z reserved his special attention to Queens’ residents Mobb Deep and Nas on the “Takeover” track. Spitting harsh, somewhat truthful verses at the Mobb and Nas, many declared Jigga the winner of this supposed battle.
But little was known of the onslaught which God’s Son had in store for Hova. In an incredible retaliation, Nas came back with one of the most venomous diss records in history, “Ether”. Nas’ onslaught dissected the Jigga man in every way possible, from his musical “thievery” to his physical appearance. Whilst afterwards, more barbs were traded between the two emcees, they never came close to the colossal records which were the “Takeover” and “Ether”.
What must be remembered from this battle isn’t who won but what it did for the Hip Hop scene: it provided two great albums from two legends, a battle which many artists wouldn’t be able to withstand. To round it off, the two protagonists collaborated on Nas’ Hip Hop Is Dead album, putting aside any ill feeling they may have had. The last great Hip Hop battle, possibly ever.

For the full list including 50 cent and Lil Wayne go to www.soulculture.co.uk