Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch. These are the three men that make up one of New York’s most prominent rap groups, The LOX. For nearly 30 years, all three blue collar-esque MCs have stuck together all this time. Jadakiss revealed the underrated reason for their lasting comraderie on Instagram several months ago via a picture of the group praying together. The comments were in total agreement, “Nothing beats prayer ”. “ praying together LOVEEEE”, another user added. Speaking of keeping that chemistry close, what helps build that is performing on a consistent basis. That is exactly what The LOX went ahead did by putting their talents on full display on the Tiny Desk stage.
According to the creators of this platform, NPR, this is the first time that they have done a show with a live band. When this news was announced, a lot of people were sharing their excitement for what The LOX could potentially bring. Former NBA and New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony was one of them, simply saying, “Can’t wait”. Additionally, previous NFL stud receiver for the New York Giants, Victor Cruz also chimed in, “Nah I might have to set an alarm for this one”.
The LOX’s Chemistry & Love Of Performing Is On Full Display
If these two haven’t checked it out yet, they will certainly not be disappointed in The LOX when they do. Despite a different and more chill atmosphere, Sheek, Jada, and Styles managed to bring their street toughness to Tiny Desk. As the usual format goes, they played their biggest hits. “All for the Love”, “Recognize”, “Good Love”, and “Good Times” kicked things off in the first leg. Then, “By Your Side”, “Kiss Your A** Goodbye”, “Money, Power & Respect”, and “We Gonna Make It” rounded things out.
What are your thoughts on the Tiny Desk performance that The LOX put on? Is the best one of the year so far, why or why not? Which rendition did you enjoy the most? Do they deserve even more recognition than they receive as an all-time hip-hop group? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding The LOX. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Previous Industries may be the so-called new kid on the block when it comes to hip-hop groups. However, the chemistry that Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, and STILL RIFT showcase on their debut album Service Merchandise, is quite impressive. To some that may be a surprise. But all three guys have been rapping for years and sharing that Chicago connection helps as well. It is why this uniting of underground talents is such a W, as the trio displays patience with each other. It never feels like either of them are stepping on one another’s toes. They swap out at the perfect time every time, so the guys all receive the ideal amount of time to show off their rhymes. Previous Industries has been working toward Service Merchandise for a little bit now after announcing that they would be joining forces in January.
On top of this bombshell, they got right to it, dropping their inaugural singles, “Showbiz” and “Braids”. Then, about three months later, Previous Industries would release “Pliers”, followed by “Zayre” in June. All four singles were pretty stellar, and they accurately depict what you are getting from them on the LP. That being surgical rhyme schemes and bars over jazzy and abstract instrumentals. Speaking of the latter, each one carries a unique personality. Whether it be the actual instruments or the incredible sample flips, Previous Industries are providing listeners with creatively lush soundscapes for 11 cuts. Give Service Merchandise a whirl if you are looking for engaging underground excellence.
In the late ‘90s, Slum Village emerged as a formidable force in Hip Hop. They burst into the scene with poignant lyrics and a commitment to authenticity. Despite the challenges the group and its members faced, Slum Village has endured and managed to stay together. Although their popularity has declined, the essence of the group has endured over the years. However, there have been different lineups in the group since it was first formed. Because of that, some fans may not know past members, depending on when they began listening to the group. Lovers of the group are in luck though, as Slum Village will be releasing a new album, FUN, soon enough. For old fans who lost track of the group, and newer fans, here’s an overview of the state of Slum Village and the whereabouts of its members.
Slum Village: Detroit Kings
In 1996, J Dilla, T3, and Baatin, the founding members of Slum Village, formed the group in Detroit, Michigan. Subsequently, the first album they recorded together, Fantastic, Vol. 1, unofficially dropped as a bootleg release in 1997. It wasn’t until nine years later that the group officially released the album. Nevertheless, Fantastic, Vol. 1 is still regarded as their debut album. As a trio, the original lineup signed their first record deal in 1998 with Barak/A&M Records. After Fantastic Vol. 1 made its way to listeners, the group’s popularity grew. As the group’s star ascended, they released Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000), their acclaimed sophomore album.
Lineup Changes
While they achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, Slum Village soon faced the harsh realities of the industry, as well as inner turmoil. In 2001, J Dilla left the group to pursue a solo career. Soon after, T3 onboarded Elzhi as a new member, and along with Baatin, the trio released Trinity (Past, Present and Future) in 2002. However, shortly after the album dropped, Baatin had to drop out of Slum Village due to health complications. As a result, T3 and Elzhi were the only members of Slum Village on their fourth album, Detroit Deli (A Taste of Detroit). They remained a duo for their self-titled fifth album as well. Fortunately, in 2008, T3 announced that Baatin would finally rejoin Slum Village. In addition, he also announced that J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, and producer Young RJ would join as members of Slum Village.
Sadly, Baatin passed away in 2009, but he had already recorded new material with Slum Village. As such, he is a credited performer on the group’s sixth album, Villa Manifesto (2010). Unfortunately, this was also the last album recorded or released with Elzhi in the lineup, as he left the group in July 2010. Subsequently, after their seventh album, Evolution (2013), was released, Illa J left the group as well. Since then, Slum Village has operated as a duo, with the current lineup consisting of T3 and Young RJ.
A founding member of Slum Village, T3 is the only one to have never left the lineup. Besides his work with the group, the rapper and producer never really embarked on any solo musical ventures. He has been the most devoted member of the group since its inception, and he remains committed to the group. Besides music, T3 also works as a radio host for Hot 107.5 Hip Hop Detroit.
While he doesn’t rap, Young RJ significantly contributed to the sound of Slum Village for years before he officially joined the group. He has production credits on Slum Village albums as far back as 2002’s Trinity (Past, Present and Future). In addition, the producer has been releasing solo and collaborative projects since the mid-2000s. On September 23, 2022, he released World Tour, his most recent album. He is one half of the current lineup of Slum Village and tours with T3 for performances.
Before Elzhi left Slum Village in 2010, he released his debut album, The Preface, in 2008. Since then, he has dropped two additional albums, as well as several mixtapes and collaborative albums. In 2020, the rapper released Seven Times Down Eight Times Up. His latest project, Heavy Vibrato (2023), is a collaborative album with rapper and producer Oh No.
As aforementioned, Illa J is the younger brother of former member J Dilla. The rapper’s solo debut album was released in 2008 before joining the group. After joining in the early 2010s, he left the group to re-focus on his solo career. Since then, he has released several music projects, including his most recent album, No Traffic (2023). Although he left Slum Village, he has appeared as a guest artist on a few of their tracks like, “Fantastic/Love Is” and “Expressive.”
J Dilla AKA Jay Dee
Another founding member of Slum Village, J Dilla only stayed for their first two albums. Subsequently, he left to focus on his solo career. Between 2001 and 2006, the producer and rapper released three acclaimed solo albums and three EPs. However, on February 10, 2006, he unfortunately passed away at the age of 32 due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus. Since his untimely demise, many posthumous projects have been released under his name. These include the iconic Hip Hop classic, The Shining(2006), Dillarronic (2015), and The Diary (2016), among others.
Baatin
The third founding member of Slum Village, Baatin first left the group in 2002 due to health complications. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Yet, he returned in 2008 and contributed to Villa Manifesto. However, the rapper died before the album was officially released in 2010. Baatin sadly passed away on July 31, 2009, due to an accidental overdose of drugs. He was 35 and was succeeded by his two kids, Michael Majesty Ellis and Aura Grace Glover, as well as his sister, Tina.
Crime Mob, a pioneering force in the Southern Hip Hop scene, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s. Within that decade, the Atlanta-based group left its mark with hits like “Rock Yo Hips” and the classic “Knuck If You Buck.” With their distinct blend of crunk and unapologetic lyrics, the group earned a dedicated fan base and cemented their place in the genre’s history. Their work has also been sampled by artists like Erica Banks. As the years passed, the members of Crime Mob have navigated various personal and professional paths. For fans of the group who have wondered where they are now, here’s what they have been up to.
Crime Mob
Formed in 2002, Crime Mob was originally a group of six rappers, including M.I.G., Cyco Blac, Diamond, Princess, Lil’ Jay, and Killa C. However, following his arrest in 2003, Killa C left the group before they debuted in the music scene. Subsequently, Crime Mob introduced themselves to the world with their debut single, “Knuck If You Buck,” in 2004. Soon after, in August 2004, their self-titled debut album dropped. It appeared on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 90. However, it failed to sell enough units to earn a Gold certification from RIAA. Nonetheless, it brought Crime Mob national fame and set the stage for the success of their subsequent release.
In 2006, Crime Mob released their sophomore album, Hated on Mostly. Peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard 200, it is the group’s highest-charting album. While it isn’t certified in the US, the album spawned the hit song “Rock Yo Hips” ft. Lil Scrappy. Being that it peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Rock Yo Hips” is the group’s highest-charting single.
Since 2006, Crime Mob has not released any new albums. They disbanded in 2007 and only briefly reunited in 2012 to perform at Atlanta’s Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash. Everybody but Princess was present for the performance, and afterward, Crime Mob wasn’t seen together again for a while. However, in 2018, Mike Will Made It succeeded in getting the group back together to feature on “We Can Hit” from the Creed II movie soundtrack. While Crime Mob hasn’t released any new material since then, the group has continued to perform at festivals, shows, and whatnot.
After Crime Mob initially broke up, M.I.G. released his mixtape Small Circle, No Squares in 2010. While he hasn’t released any additional projects since, the rapper has continued working on music and performing with Crime Mob. He is also very active on social media. M.I.G. often gives fans glimpses of his personal life, especially on Instagram.
While mostly keeping a low profile, rapper and producer Lil’ Jay has kept busy over the years. He has produced work for several prominent artists, including Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj. Besides his solo endeavors as a producer, Lil’ Jay has shown up for Crime Mob over the years. Moreover, he continues to perform with the group.
Princess
Younger sister of Lil’ Jay, Princess is one of only two women in Crime Mob. Since the group first separated in 2007, Princess has released a number of solo projects. These include Takin Ova the Throne, Dirty Pop, and PSA. In addition, she promised to release an EP titled Southern Comfort in 2016. However, the EP has yet to drop, but she did become a mother in 2016. Subsequently, in 2019, Princess released Vagina Power, a collaborative EP with Diamond.
The youngest member of Crime Mob, Diamond has built up a successful solo career over the years. Although she is no longer a group member, she certainly made her mark when she was and will always be remembered by fans of Crime Mob. Since her exit from the group, Diamond has worked with several prominent artists, including Ludacris, Gucci Mane, and Waka Flocka, among others. With over ten projects to her name, Diamond has the most extensive solo catalog of all members of Crime Mob. Her most recent body of work, Slim Thick Reloaded, was released in February 2022. She also dropped a handful of singles in 2023, including “Pop Off,” “Bab,” and “BBL.”
Like Lil’ Jay, Cyco Blac produced several songs for Crime Mob, including “Go to War” and “All Madden.” While information about Blac is limited, he has continued to produce over the years. Additionally, he has a family and owns a cell phone store in Atlanta. Besides that, he’s maintained a low-key personal life.
Killa C
Although he is one of the founding members of Crime Mob, Killa C unfortunately did not get to enjoy the group’s success. As aforementioned, he dropped out of Crime Mob before their debut single was released. He spent time in jail for failing to register as a sex offender after being found guilty of child molestation. After the ordeal, he kept a very low profile for many years. However, in 2016, he appeared with other Crime Mob members in a post-show interview. Since then, not much has been seen or heard about the rapper.
Hailing from the iconic era of ‘90s Hip Hop, Onyx was a formidable rap group in the industry. They are renowned for their gritty sound, unapologetic lyrics, and energetic performances that left an indelible mark on the rap landscape. As the years have rolled by, the members of Onyx have taken diverse paths in their personal and professional lives. However, the group remains active, with two of its original four members carrying on as Onyx.
With iconic albums like Slam, the group became popular for their hardcore, fire sound. As a result of their drop in popularity over time, listeners have lost track of the group. Nonetheless, Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, and Sonny Seeza progressed, even if many fans aren’t aware of their whereabouts. Here’s what they have been up to over the years.
The rap group Onyx was originally formed in 1988 by three of its members who were schoolmates. Following the release of their first single in 1990, “Ah, And We Do It Like This,” Fredro Starr, Sonny Seeza and Big DS welcomed Sticky Fingaz into the fold in 1991. Subsequently, the group’s debut album, Bacdafucup, dropped in 1993. Since then, Onyx has released many additional studio albums. However, none were quite as successful as their debut.
Former member Big DS left the group in 1994 to start a solo career. Likewise, in 2009, Sonny Seeza said farewell to Onyx, deciding to focus on a solo career. This left two members in the group — Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz. While they could have dissolved the group completely and focused on their solo rap careers, the two decided to keep Onyx alive. They have continued to release music together, dropping several bodies of work over the years. Some of their most recent projects are Onyx 4 Life(2021), Blood On Da X (2023), and World Take Over (2023).
Fredro Starr
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Rapper Fredro Starr of Onyx attends the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 23, 2009 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage)
One of the founding members of the Onyx, Fredro Starr has kept busy over the years. Not only has he stayed a member of Onyx, but also built an impressive solo career over the years outside of the rap group. Starr has been releasing solo albums since 2001, and so far, has four solo studio albums to his name. His last album, Firestarr 2, dropped on March 9, 2018, and contains some seriously impressive tracks, including “100,000 Miles” and “Private Jet 2 Heaven.”
In addition to his musical career, the hardcore emcee has also racked up acting credits in many films and TV shows since 1993. Some of the films and series he has starred in are, Deceitful (2013), CSI: Miami (2009), and Bust Down (2022). The 52-year-old is a father of three and has been married to model Korina Longin since 2007.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 21: Sticky Fingaz of Onyx performs during the “Dj Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live” at Radio City Music Hall on July 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)
Although Sticky Fingaz joined Onyx last, he has been a dedicated member of the rap group since 1991. With his cousin Fredro Starr, he makes up the current lineup of the group. Just like Starr, Fingaz dropped his debut solo album in 2001. Since then, he has released two additional studio albums, the most recent being It’s About T.I.M.E. (2019). Like his cousin, the rapper has an impressive filmography and has appeared multiple times on-screen over the years. Since his acting debut in 1993, Sticky Fingaz has starred in Breaking Point (2009), The Night Of (2016), and Empire (2016 – 2017), among others.
Sonny Seeza
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–APRIL 10: Rap Group Onyx–Sticky Fingaz (aka Kirk Jones), Fredro Starr (aka Fred Lee Scruggs Jr.) and Sonny Seeza (aka Tyrone Taylor; Suave) appears in a portrait taken on April 10, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Soon after he left Onyx in 2009, Sonny Seeza released his debut solo album Tytanium (2009). His sophomore studio album, Bridges, dropped in 2016, and he hasn’t released any new music since. While he appeared in two movies in the ‘90s, the rapper has not starred in any movies or shows since 1998. He owns an online clothing shop, Allskool Shop, where he makes and sells original Onyx merchandise and art.
Big DS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 01: Rappers Big DS (aka Marlon G. Fletcher) of Onyx and Redman (aka Reggie Noble) are shown in a portrait taken on November 01, 1993 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
As aforementioned, Big DS was the first member to drop out of the rap group Onyx, leaving in 1994. As a solo act, he released one album, Demo Tape, in 1994. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 31 in 2003. The hardcore rapper died as a result of lymphatic cancer.
Geto Boys, also known as Ghetto Boys, one of the pioneering and influential groups in the history of Southern Hip Hop, emerged from the gritty streets of Houston, Texas, in the late 1980s. The group garnered attention for their raw and unapologetic lyrics. They also achieved notoriety for their disturbing music videos, horrorcore rap, and dark lyrics. While they faced controversy and several lineup changes throughout their career, their impact on the rap scene remains significant. Here, we’ll explore where the individual members of Geto Boys are now and provide an update on the group’s collective journey.
Geto Boys: Lineup After Lineup
Geto Boys was formed with the initial lineup of Raheem, The Sire Jukebox, and Sir Rap-A-Lot. After Raheem and Sir Rap-A-Lot departed, the group welcomed DJ Ready Red, Prince Johnny C, and Little Billy, the dancer who later became known as Bushwick Bill. The group made their debut in 1986 with the single “Car Crash,” and released their first album Making Trouble two years later. Unfortunately, their releases received very little attention, leading them to break up.
Soon after, a reconfigured lineup featuring Bushwick Bill, Scarface, and Willie D was assembled. The trio collaborated on the 1989 album Grip It! On That Other Level. In the early ’90s, the newfound Geto Boys gained significant attention when a shooting resulted in Bushwick Bill losing an eye. However, the ghastly incident contributed to the increased sales of their 1991 album, We Can’t Be Stopped.
The Resurrection, Hiatus, & The Foundation
Following Willie D’s departure from the group, Scarface and Bushwick Bill pressed on and welcomed Big Mike into the fold. He made his debut appearance on the group’s 1993 album Till Death Do Us Part. After that, Big Mike left, and Willie D returned for the critically acclaimed album The Resurrection. Following the project’s success, Geto Boys released one more album before embarking on a three-year hiatus in 1999. They returned in 2002 to produce their seventh album, The Foundation, which hit the shelves in 2005.
After this, the band rarely released any albums or performed as a group. They, however, reunited for a special performance at the 2009 Cypress Hill’s SmokeOut Festival in California. Not much was heard from the group until early 2019, when Bushwick Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The group then announced a farewell tour named “The Beginning of a Long Goodbye, The Final Farewell.” A portion of the tour proceeds was to be donated to pancreatic cancer awareness. Unfortunately, this tour was called off right before its scheduled commencement.
Scarface
Brad Terrence Jordan, popularly known as Scarface, maintained a prominent presence in the Hip Hop scene since the Geto Boys’ heyday. After the group’s early disbandment, Scarface pursued a successful solo career. He released critically acclaimed albums such as Mr. Scarface Is Back, The Diary, and The Last of a Dying Breed. Over the course of his career, Scarface quickly gained respect as one of the hardest MCs in the game.
Beyond music, Scarface delved into the business side of the industry. He served as the president of Def Jam South from 2000 to 2005. Through this appointment, he became an influential figure in shaping the careers of emerging artists, particularly Ludacris. Scarface was infamously arrested in 2015 after the BET Awards for failure to pay child support. He’s been long since out of prison, however, and fans got a taste of some of his old-school lyrical magic after he appeared on NPR’s series in December 2023.
William James Dennis, aka Willie D, also ventured into solo endeavors after Geto Boys disbanded the first time. He released several solo albums, including Controversy, Play Witcha Mama, and Unbreakable. However, Willie D also ventured far out of the industry and pursued a career in boxing, which he had initially wanted to pursue before music. He famously knocked out Melle Mel in 1992, and enjoyed a series of wins and losses until he quit in 2000.
Throughout the years, Willie D has been involved in various legal troubles, including aggravated robbery and wire fraud. In 2010, he was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges. Two years later, he released “Hoodiez,” a track featuring Scarface, D-Boi, and Propain. The song quickly gained traction and became a viral sensation on the internet. He’s been a bit lowkey since but made headlines in 2023 after blasting the Grammys for excluding the Geto Boys in their Hip Hop tribute.
Born Richard William Stephen Shaw, Bushwick Bill was an iconic and distinctive member of the Geto Boys. He was fondly remembered for his charismatic presence. Tragically, Bushwick Bill passed away in June 2019 from pancreatic cancer. His death marked the end of an era for the Geto Boys. As a solo artist, Bushwick Bill released several albums, including Little Big Man, Phantom of the Rapra, Universal Small Soulja, and My Testimony of Redemption.
Big Mike
Michael Barnett, better known as Big Mike, was known for his deep, resonant voice and lyrical prowess. Before his association with Geto Boys, Big Mike was also a member of the Convicts, a rap duo alongside Houston-based rapper 3-2. He began his solo career in 1994 with the album Something Serious. Since then, Big Mike has continued to remain relevant in the scene. His most recent album, Finish The Job, was released in 2020.
Jonathan Carmichael, aka Prince Johnny C, played a significant role in producing Geto Boys’ early albums. He also pursued a solo career in 1992 with the album It’s Been a Long Rhyme Coming. However, the album failed to make significant waves. Nonetheless, while he may not have achieved the same level of individual fame as some of the Geto Boys members, his production contributions are indelible.
DJ Ready Red, whose real name is Collins Leysath, was another one of the group’s DJs and producers. He was part of the second lineup for the group, along with Raheem and Sir Rap-A-Lot. After the other two left the group, he continued contributing to Geto Boys’s evolving sound. While he played a crucial role in the group’s early success, he eventually parted ways with the group. Sadly, DJ Ready Red passed away in August 2018 from a heart attack.
Raheem
Oscar Ceres, widely recognized as Raheem in the music scene, hails from Houston, Texas. He departed from the group early on to embark on a solo journey. Under Rap-A-Lot Records, he dropped two albums: TheVigilante in 1988 and The Invincible in 1992. Although he staged a comeback in 2000 with the release of The Tight IV Life Training Camp, he hasn’t unveiled any fresh musical content since then. In addition to this, Raheem has been living under the radar for two decades now.
Sir Rap-A-Lot & Sire Jukebox
Thelton Polk, formerly known as Sir Rap-A-Lot, and Keith Rogers, also known as Sire Jukebox, were both part of the original lineup for Geto Boys. Rap-A-Lot became known as K-9, with production credits on the songs “Car Freak” and Zoo Crew’s “Migrate Adapt or Die.” Sire Jukebox, on the other hand, has kept a very low profile since his days in Geto Boys.
Lil Durkpromised a busy year for his fans a little after he dropped his studio album, Almost Healed. He has certainly delivered on that by going on a feature run and now he is back with another full project. Last week, the Chicago rapper put out his single, “Smurk Carter.” It was a clear nod to one of the greats, Lil Wayne.
From the flow to the cover art for the track, he did everything to emulate the Louisiana legend. Now, he along with some friends, are back with some more heat. The OTF group is here to accompany their leader for some gnarly and head-knocking tracks. Almost all of the gang is here to bring all the energy they can.
Listen To Nightmares In The Trenches By OTF And Lil Durk
However, maybe one of the best cuts here features a dominant performance from Rob49. He lands on the opener, “Nobody’s Safe” along with OTF Boonie Moe. “Eyes Red,” which follows, is another highlight, and “Smurk Carter” closes it out. Other outsiders that land on here are up-and-comer YTB Fatt and Icewear Vezzo.
What are your initial thoughts on Lil Durk and OTF’s brand-new album, Nightmares In the Trenches? Who is your favorite member of the OTF group? Which tracks are you liking the most so far? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Lil Durk and OTF, as well as all of the best album drops.
Nightmares In the Trenches Tracklist:
Nobody’s Safe with OTF Boonie Moe, Rob49, Only The Family
Eyes Red with Lil Durk, Only The Family
Posted At with THF Zoo, CoKilla, Only The Family
Them Ones with Lil Durk, Only The Family
I’m The Type with Lil Durk, chief wuk, Only The Family
Last One with Doodie Lo, YTB Fatt, Only The Family
F*** It with Icewear Vezzo, Only The Family
Hood Said with Lil Durk, Only The Family
Whatever You Wit with CoKilla, Deeski, Only The Family
Billboard recently unveiled their list of the “50 Greatest Rap Groups of All Time.” The outlet put OutKast in the No. 1 slot, followed by Wu-Tang Clan, NWA, A Tribe Called Quest, and more. Though there’s no debate on the major contributions OutKast has made to the world of hip hop since their ’90s debut, some social media users have other ideas as to which group deserves to be number one. Users hit the comments section to weigh in.
“You can’t be serious right now,” one Instagram commenter writes, “They legends but # 1 of all time??????!!!! LMFAOO ain’t no way bruh.” “Wu Tang is the greatest rap group of all time,” another argues. One user claims, “Wu tang the greatest GROUP. Outkast the greatest duo.” Though several commenters believe they didn’t deserve their ranking, fans came to OutKast’s defense.
“Billboard finally got it right,” one social media user says, with another claiming, “If you disagree with this you have no music taste.” “Only people disagreeing with this are 2000’s babies,” one writes alongside a laughing emoji. “Every album these guys travelled to a whole different dimension,” another claims. Other commenters respect the outlet’s decision, though they themselves disagree. “I’m not mad at this but it wouldn’t be my personal choice. Solid overall,” one user writes. Several users believe that OutKast’s creativity alone puts them above the rest, while some believe they haven’t influenced the rap genre enough to take the number one position.
In general, social media users are split when it comes to the outlet’s ranking. Many feel as though the duo should have been considered to be in another category than other groups, because they only have two members while others have more. Several users fall somewhere in the middle, respecting OutKast’s position as one of the greatest rap groups while still thinking another group should have taken the top spot.
Sure, it’s a pretty cold take at this point, but it’s still one of the most interesting and tough conversations to have. Joe Budden recently called Outkast “the greatest group of all time” during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. Moreover, it seems like they were answering prompts and taking shots, and one of the questions that came up was a choice between the Atlanta duo and Mobb Deep. “Well, Outkast is the greatest group of all time,” Budden began. “But I’m from New York… I mean, but Outkast is better than Mobb Deep.”
“I’m not gonna be on camera saying otherwise,” the Slaughterhouse alum added. However, he still gave due respect to Mobb Deep, which is a strong contender in that conversation in their own right. “But Queens, Mobb Deep, Rest In Peace Prodigy,” he remarked to the camera with a salute. As the cohosts agreed, they took a shot, most likely in honor of the fallen hip-hop legend. A lot more groups are usually part of that conversation, but there’s no denying that Outkast is often seen as the favorite.
Still, it does open up a question about what’s considered a rap group in the first place. Sure, Big Boi and André 3000 have an impeccable discography (the best in the genre, some say), but they are two guys stacked up against groups like the Wu-Tang Clan. However, many include Organized Noize in that conversation for their indelible contributions to Big and Dré’s production, so that debate could last thirty more years and beyond. Unfortunately, an Outkast reunion or another album seems like the stuff of legend at this point, but one can dream.
As someone known for their often scathing takes, Joe gets a bit too much flack for just speaking honestly. In this case, it’s doubtful that many will be at his throat for making such an assumption when a GOAT contender (or two, if we’re being fair and honest) is in what he considers the greatest group of all time. The one thing we know for sure, though, is that this is an evergreen point of conversation for the hip-hop world. With that in mind, let us know what you think the greatest group of all time is in the comments and come back to HNHH for the latest on Joe Budden and Outkast.
We love to see legends supporting legends. For his long-awaited weekend of performances at the Apollo Theatre, Drake didn’t keep the stage to himself. Rather, he used the shows as an opportunity to give flowers to a few of his favourites. Specifically, The Diplomats, who joined him two nights in a row, were honoured.
On Thursday (January 26), Jim Jones took to Instagram to celebrate the past week’s amazing event. In the video he posted on his feed, the Canadian hitmaker is seen sporting a Dipset logo jacket. At the same time, Cam’ron and Juelz Santana’s “Oh Boy” plays loudly in the background.
“@champagnepapi official 5th member of #DIPSet,” the New Yorker wrote in his caption. “[You] did [that], [thank you]. Bless up to the whole #OVO.”
As HipHopDX notes, the Harlem venue heard The Diplomats and Drake perform some of their biggest tracks. Among them were titles like “Dipset Anthem,” “I Really Mean It,” and “We Fly High (Ballin’).”
On night one, Drizzy changed Cam’ron as he donned the style icon’s famous pink fur coat and matching hat. Later that evening, Jones went all out by gifting his Canadian friend a custom OVO x Dipset bracelet.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Drake and The Diplomats aka Dipset perform on stage during Drake Live From The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM and Sound 42 at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
As his guests left the stage, the father of one reminded his audience, “These guys right here from Harlem made us dress different, talk different, walk different, rap different — all the way in Canada.”
On night two (January 22), Drizzy flaunted another major wardrobe flex, stepping out in The Diplomats U.S. flag jacket previously seen in Killa Cam’s “Get ‘Em Girls” visual. Santana and Jones also showed off their style chops, rocking custom Jeff Hamilton-designed Dipset x OVO jackets.
Aside from entertaining the Apollo crowd alongside Drizzy and his Dipset crew members last weekend, Jones also had the opportunity to chop it up with New York mayor Eric Adams at the concert.
Read what the “Pop Champagne” hitmaker had to say about the experience here, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates.
praying together LOVEEEE”, another user added. Speaking of keeping that chemistry close, what helps build that is performing on a consistent basis. That is exactly what The LOX went ahead did by putting their talents on full display on the Tiny Desk stage. 
(@nojumper)