The Roots Picnic has been an annual tradition in the band’s hometown, Philadelphia, for the past decade, but this year, they expanded that tradition to the West Coast with a concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring a slew of rap pioneers like Arrested Development, Black Sheep, Common, Queen Latifah, The Pharcyde, and more. The show was a success, so it’s returning in June 2025 with A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95.
This time around, the lineup consists of acts that had their biggest breakouts in the middle of hip-hop’s golden decade, with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DJ Quik, E-40, Goodie Mob, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Lil’ Kim, Raekwon, and Redman & Method Man all billed to take the stage, backed — as always — by The Roots and Black Thought. As for why they picked 1995 as the focus year, Questlove explains in the press release:
1995 was our true arrival. Nineteen eighty-seven was the Year of the Creative Adhesive, the year that tied together [Black Thought]’s world and my world in high school, and 1991 was the Year of the Green Light, the year we gave ourselves permission to take our resources and passion and pursue our dream. But 1995? That was the Year It All Came Together, the year when our first major release, Do You Want More?!!!??! was sent into the world. Hip-hop was an entirely new ballgame back then, on an entirely new playing field. Those were the days when there were still things like mainstream terrestrial radio, bloated video budgets, and creativity at both the regional and the global levels. Those were the days that produced classic album after classic album, unleashing countless new ideas about art. Those were the days when the world was our oyster. This is the story of those days
A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95 takes place on 6/8/2025. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 11, at 10 am PT at hollywoodbowl.com.
On this day in Hip Hop history one of Atlanta’s oldest collectives, Goodie Mob, stepped on the scene with their hit debut Soul Food. As the second release by Georgia’s own Dungeon Family collective, Soul Food confirmed that the south truly had something to say.
In the early 90’s, southern Hip Hop’s appeal was purely commercial. Club anthems and summertime jams monopolized the southern air waves, not allowing any room for the conscious to make much headway between the NoLa bounce, Miami bass, and Houston’s Chopped and Screwed sub-genres. What made Goodie Mob stand out was their ability to build on the style created by close co-conspirators, OutKast. That innovation coupled with the collaboration with LaFace‘s own production powerhouse Organized Noize, Goodie Mob was able to create one of Atlanta’s first hit albums.
Soul Food was the world’s introduction to the ‘dirty south’, with the household term being first coined on this album. Musically, Goodie Mob was a synthesis of southern gospel, jazz, blues, with a touch of Atlanta’s signature marching band sound. As lyricists, the crew had a righteous gangster appeal with very by-any-means-necessary undertones. Their poetic and harmonic style allowed them to play as a voice of the south sonically and through their subject matter.
Commercially, the album was a success from the otherwise unknown group. Within the first few months of its release, the album had both been certified as gold by the RIAC and sold over 500,000 copies in the United States. The album’s singles, “Cell Therapy”, “Soul Food”, and “Dirty South” all became southern classic making The Top 10 Rap Singles chart. The album itself peaked at #43 on the Billboard 200 chart and #8 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.
Recognized for his eclectic style and distinguishable voice, the Goodie Mob’s Ceelo Green will definitely be getting his “Soul Food” on today as he celebrates his 49th trip around the sun.
Ceelo was born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway-Burton in Atlanta, Georgia to two firefighter parents, both of whom he’s lost by the time he was 18. Green’s love for music started in the church, however, he rose to international fame shortly after embarking on a solo career. Green released two solo efforts before dropping his St. Elsewhere album with Danger Mouse in 2006 after forming the group Gnarls Barkly with the New York-based DJ/producer. ‘Crazy” aided in gaining both Green and Danger Mouse international fame, topping the pole position in the UK and Rolling Stone calling it the “greatest song of the decade.”
Green was one of ten guest musicians who contributed to the 1999 Santana album Supernatural. Lauryn Hill wrote “Do You Like the Way”, and she and Green both provided lead vocals. Green also contributed to the track “We’re All Gonna Die” on the 2000 album Eat at Whitey’s by Everlast, and the song “Reverse” on the 2000 album Forever by Puff Daddy.
Big Gipp, a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene, has left an indelible mark with his unique style and contributions to the genre. As a founding member of the iconic Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob, he has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of rap music. But what exactly is Big Gipp’s net worth in 2024? Let’s delve into the life and career of this influential artist to uncover the financial success he has achieved.
393469 01: Big Gipp arrives at the Source Hip-Hop Awards August 20, 2001 in Miami Beach, FL. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Born Cameron Gipp in Atlanta, Georgia, Big Gipp rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the influential hip-hop collective known as the Dungeon Family. Alongside fellow members CeeLo Green, Khujo, and T-Mo, he formed Goodie Mob, a group renowned for its thought-provoking lyrics and innovative sound. Goodie Mob’s debut album, Soul Food, released in 1995, received critical acclaim and cemented their status as pioneers of Southern hip-hop.
Breakout Moments & Accolades
Big Gipp, Khujo, CeeLo Green and T-Mo of the hip-hop group The Dungeon Family in November, 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
Big Gipp’s talent and charisma as a rapper quickly garnered attention within the industry. His distinctive voice and storytelling prowess set him apart, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as OutKast, contributing to the Dungeon Family‘s legendary status in hip-hop. Goodie Mob’s success continued with subsequent albums like Still Standing and World Party, solidifying their position as one of the most influential rap groups of their time.
Throughout his career, Gipp has amassed a plethora of accolades, including Grammy nominations and collaborations with industry heavyweights. Moreover, his ability to seamlessly blend Southern influences with innovative production has earned him respect from peers and fans alike. Whether through his solo ventures or as part of the Dungeon Family collective, Gipp continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop and leave an indelible mark on the genre.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 28: Big Gipp and Khujo of Goodie Mob perform in concert during 2019 Super Bowl Live at Centennial Olympic Park on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Beyond his work with Goodie Mob, Big Gipp has pursued various solo ventures and collaborations, further expanding his artistic horizons. He has released solo albums and mixtapes, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop. Additionally, Big Gipp has ventured into acting and entrepreneurship, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for exploring new opportunities.
Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, Big Gipp has remained resilient, continuing to make his mark on the music industry. His dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
Conclusion
According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 2024, Big Gipp boasts a net worth of $1 million. While this figure may fluctuate over time due to various factors, it serves as a testament to Gipp’s enduring influence and success in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Big Gipp’s net worth in 2024 reflects not only his financial success but also the impact of his contributions to the world of hip-hop. As a founding member of the Dungeon Family and a trailblazer in his own right, Gipp continues to inspire aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. With his sights set on future endeavors, Gipp remains a formidable force in the ever-evolving landscape of music and entertainment.
Goodie Mob recently sat down with SOHH to discuss various aspects of the music industry. Khujo Goodie, Gipp, and T-Mo delved into topics such as the state of the modern hip-hop world, the art of hip-hop sampling, and the influence of Drake‘s success. In this exclusive interview, the members shared their perspectives on the lack […]
Thomas DeCarlo Callaway-Burton, widely known as Cee Lo Green, is a reputable artist and pioneer of Southern Hip Hop. The Atlanta native is a versatile performer who has released several albums. His work also extends past his solo career, as he has released music as a part of two successful groups – Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley. Cee Lo Green’s hits also transcend one specific genre. His music covers R&B, Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Funk, Pop, and more.
Cee Lo Green’s influence on Southern music is indelible. As a member of Goodie Mob, Green and his fellow group members served to push the sound into mainstream consciousness. The group has been active since 1991 and most recently released their sixth studio album Survival Kit in 2020. Gnarls Barkley is a duo consisting of Cee Lo Green and producer Danger Mouse. Together, the pair have released two albums and a host of singles. The team kicked off in 2003 and went on an indefinite hiatus in 2010. Overall, Cee Lo has a whopping thirteen studio albums under his belt.
Cee Lo’s hits have proved his longevity and earned him a spot on the list of Hip Hop’s most revered acts. He has gained recognition from the studio to the stage for his powerhouse vocals, smooth jazzy tone, and incredible presence. Here are Cee Lo Green’s biggest hits.
7. “Smiley Faces” (2006)
The follow-up to Gnarls Barkley’s chart-topping “Crazy” was “Smiley Faces.” By comparison, the single failed to achieve the overwhelming success of its predecessor. Nonetheless, “Smiley Faces” was met favorably and performed well in Europe. In the UK, the song peaked at the No. 10 spot.
6. “Bright Lights Bigger City” (2011)
“Bright Lights Bigger City” was released as the fourth single from Cee Lo’s third album, The Lady Killer. The single was a moderate success in Europe and subsequently topped the charts in Israel. “Bright Lights Bigger City” is a boogie, funky number reminiscent of the 70s disco scene.
5. “Soul Food” (1995)
In 1995, Goodie Mob released the album Soul Food. The title track became a Southern staple for its ode to Southern-style food, popularly termed “Soul Food.” The single also plays on the group members’ life choices and how they’ve served to become food for the soul. “Soul Food” featured Sleepy Brown and has become one of Goodie Mob’s signature songs.
4. “It’s OK” (2010)
After the success of “F* k You!” in mid-2010, Cee Lo released “It’s OK.” The single was uptempo, as well as brilliantly written. Like many of Cee Lo’s hits, “It’s OK” documented the topic of heartbreak. The single was praised for its Motown-esque and Northern soul sound, coupled with Cee Lo’s vocals.
3. “Cell Therapy” (1995)
“Cell Therapy” was the first song Goodie Mob ever released. A trademark song, “Cell Therapy” tells the story of several injustices African American communities face. It addressed several issues, including government propaganda, drug addiction, and more. The song remains the only song to chart in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, “Cell Therapy” topped the Billboard Hot Rap Singles and ended the year as one of the most successful rap songs of 1995.
2. “Crazy” (2006)
Gnarls Barkley was formed in 2003, before the release of Cee Lo’s sophomore studio album. After that, the duo would achieve global success with their debut single, “Crazy.” The song would later become a chart-topping hit in the UK, Canada, Denmark, and many others. In addition to this, “Crazy” hit the second position on the Billboard Hot 100.
A monumental hit, “Crazy” appeared on several notable films and television shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and Kick-Ass. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. It eventually became the best-selling single of 2006 in the UK. A unique fact about the song is that Danger Mouse once shared that “Crazy” was recorded in just one take.
1. “F**k You!” (2010)
Unarguably Cee Lo’s biggest hit to date, the singer achieved insurmountable success with “F**k You!” The track was the first single off his third solo album, The Lady Killer. On the surface, “F**k You!” is simply about a breakup, but Cee Lo has also claimed the song is about the music industry. The single become a global hit, topping the charts in the UK, Scotland, and Netherlands. On the Billboard Hot 100, the song reached the penultimate spot, becoming his highest charting song to date.
“F**k You!” has also become Cee Lo’s signature song and has been performed live numerous times. The single, which featured witty lyrics, was lauded by fans and critics alike. The single also highlighted Cee Lo’s durability as an artist, charting more than 15 years after his first appearance. Furthermore, the song was nominated for three Grammys, including Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. It eventually went on to win the Best Urban/Alternative Performance Award.
Veteran artists often revisit times Rap’s Golden era when Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were dominating the culture. Both rappers were killed in drive-by-related shootings six months apart, and their memories are regularly honored by the friends who knew them well.
Goodie Mob’s Big Gipp visited the Bad Speakers Podcast and was asked about his relationship with Tupac. He shared tales of getting kicked out of strip clubs and partying with the beloved star.
“That’s when he was in the city ’round here raising hell,” Gipp recalled. “Pac was like that. You ever got your homeboy, it’s almost like he ain’t scared of nothin’? It’s like, this n*gga here, he fool scary. He ain’t scared of nothin’, but you like, I’mma sit back and think about the situation. But shawty just gon’ react.”
“If you with him, and he do somethin’, then you with him,” he continued. Gipp also remembered watching Tupac in the studio, rapping “with a cup of Hennessy and a cigarette in [his] mouth.”
“Rapped that sh*t like water. He was just so much fun.”
NEW YORK – JULY 23: Rappers Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls (Christoper Wallace) and Puff Daddy (sean Combes) perform onstage at the Palladium on July 23, 1993 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Gipp laughed about how the late rapper would “show out” wherever he went. Further, he spoke on The Soul Train Awards when Pac created a scene.
“Just imagine, we get out there to The Soul Train Awards. We giving out an award, when we give out the award, it go to commercial break,” said Gipp. It was then that Tupac, Suge Knight, and their crew interrupted the ceremony by kicking in the door and making a grand entrance.
“Just kick open, boom! It’s Tupac. He come down the middle of the road like, ‘Yeah! What’s up shawty! He got on all the camouflage, Big Suge with him. Ran right after Biggie and them.”
“So, when they show the movie, when Pac comes backstage and is going off on Biggie, Goodie Mob’s standing in the middle of them.”
Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)
We love when rappers share their picks for the top five rappers. It gives us insights into their influences and creative processes. It often vindicates some of our most deeply held beliefs about the culture and genre. It puts newer or younger fans (sometimes older) onto a broader range of artists to check out. And, of course, it gives us an endless well of fuel for our most cherished Twitter debate, ensuring that we’ll have enough fat to chew on until the sun burns out.
The latest rapper to contribute to the long-running tradition is Lil Wayne, whose list is quite a doozy, containing both the expected picks and some left-field surprises that actually make sense when you consider his own unique approach to the art of rap. Wayne gave his answer in a special edition of What’s Wright? With Nick Wright, a podcast version of the Fox Sports personality’s popular show.
Almost as well known for his affinity for hip-hop as Wayne is for his sports referencing raps, Wright offers his own list (a pretty humdrum collection including the usual picks: Jay-Z, Tupac, Wayne himself, Kanye West, and T.I.), which Wayne says he respects. Then Wayne starts off his own list with a pick that far too few people include for my taste, Missy Elliott. Vindication!
Missy is a pick that makes perfect sense for Wayne — a quirky writer and performer who outright avoids convention and whose influence resonates throughout the industry, even if she rarely gets credit for it. Good one on Wayne for including her. Of course, Jay-Z enters his list (he’s repeatedly said that the Brooklyn rapper is his favorite MC ever). He also credits Biggie and Gucci Mane — another interesting pick, although not wholly unexpected from a Southerner like Wayne. Guwop’s influence throughout the bottom half of the States is undeniable and inextricable. His last pick is pretty mind-blowing though.
He cheats a little by picking a group, but rather than a well-worn, oft-tapped collective like Wu-Tang Clan, Wayne once again shows his Southern roots by choosing Atlanta mainstays Goodie Mob, a four-man band that includes Big Gipp, CeeLo Green, Khujo, and T-Mo. Their debut album, Soul Food,
is considered a classic and as part of the Dungeon Family, they worked extensively with Outkast and Organized Noise, two of the most pivotal groups in Southern rap.
Not a bad list, all things considered. And like I said before, pretty telling when you compare Wayne’s influences to his output. It’s easy to see why he goes against the grain so much and the results so often turn out so well.
Check out Lil Wayne’s full interview with Nick Wright above.
