Mississippi hip hop is a genre of music that has not traditionally been known for its culture, but Mississippi has produced a number of artists who contributed to hip hop's growth and revolution overall.
Mississippi Hip Hop History
Mississippi has a rich musical history that spans multiple genres and styles. The state is known for its contributions to blues, gospel, rock and roll, and country music, among others. This article will explore the evolution of music in Mississippi, from its earliest roots to the modern era.
Blues music is perhaps the most well-known genre associated with Mississippi. The blues originated in the Mississippi Delta region in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Delta was an area of Mississippi known for its fertile soil and large plantations, and it was home to many African Americans who had been brought to the area as slaves. It was in this environment that the blues was born, as musicians began to create a new style of music that incorporated elements of African rhythms, work songs, and spirituals.
One of the earliest and most influential blues musicians from Mississippi was Robert Johnson, who was born in Hazlehurst in 1911. Johnson was known for his powerful voice and intricate guitar playing, and he wrote many of the songs that would go on to become classics of the blues genre. Other notable blues musicians from Mississippi include Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King.
Gospel music also has deep roots in Mississippi, and it has played an important role in the state's cultural history. Gospel music is a form of religious music that is characterized by its use of call and response singing, harmonies, and emotional intensity. Many of the early gospel groups in Mississippi were formed in churches, and they would often perform at local events and gatherings.
One of the most famous gospel groups from Mississippi was The Dixie Hummingbirds, who were formed in Greenville in the 1920s. The group became known for their tight harmonies and energetic performances, and they would go on to influence many other gospel groups in the years to come.
Mississippi hip hop music has a rich and diverse history, with roots that extend far beyond the Bronx in New York City, where the genre is often thought to have originated. In fact, Mississippi hip hop has been embraced and celebrated by communities all over the world. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Mississippi hip hop has evolved into its own unique style that reflects the state's culture, history, and struggles.
The origins of Mississippi hip hop can be traced back to the 1980s, when the genre was first starting to gain popularity in other parts of the country. At this time, a few enterprising DJs and MCs in the state began experimenting with creating their own beats and rhymes, often drawing on the funk, soul, and blues music that has long been associated with Mississippi. These early pioneers of Mississippi hip hop faced a number of challenges, including a lack of access to the same resources and infrastructure that were available to artists in larger cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Mississippi Hip Hop Artists
One of the most influential Mississippi hip hop artists to emerge is David Banner, a rapper, record producer, and actor from Jackson, the state's capital. Banner, whose real name is Lavell William Crump, began his music career in the late 1990s and has since released several successful albums, including "Mississippi: The Album" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his ability to blend different genres of music, including hip-hop, soul, and rock.
Another prominent Mississippi hip hop artist is Big K.R.I.T., a rapper and producer from Meridian. K.R.I.T., whose real name is Justin Scott, began making music in the early 2000s and has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Live from the Underground" and "4eva Is a Mighty Long Time." He is known for his introspective lyrics and his ability to infuse his music with southern charm and soulful melodies.
Mr Presidential
In addition to Banner and K.R.I.T., Mississippi has also produced a number of up-and-coming hip-hop artists who are making waves in the industry. Oscar Hunt III, who is known as Mr. Presidential, was brought up in the well-known Presidential Hills neighborhood of Jackson. His natural gifts, determination and ambition suggest that he is likely to be a big name in hip hop.
Music, it appears, is ingrained in Mr. Presidential's inheritance. His dad, a local DJ, ran a DJ partnership called "The Hi-Way Travelers Motorcycle Club" which played at various occasions and events in the early 70s; and they still have the actual records. His brother, T. Hunt, is a founding part of the underground team The Presidential Players, as well as the organizer and CEO of Mercenary Records, making part of Jackson's hip hop royalty and playing a vital role in igniting Mr. Presidential's excitement in hip hop.
According to Mr. Presidential, his enthusiasm began when his brother was producing music and beats. "[I] used to spend hours with him just watching," he says.
Mississippi Hop Hop Scene
Despite its relatively small size and rural character, Mississippi has a thriving hip-hop scene that is supported by a growing network of venues, radio stations, and record labels. The state has a number of hip-hop festivals and events, including the Jackson Indie Music Week and the Mississippi Hip Hop Awards, which celebrate the talent and creativity of local artists.
One of the challenges facing hip-hop artists in Mississippi is the lack of recognition and support from the mainstream music industry. Many talented artists from the state have struggled to gain the attention of record labels and radio stations, which often prioritize artists from larger cities and more established markets. However, this has not deterred the state's artists from continuing to create and innovate within the genre.
Mississippi Hip Hop Conclusion
Hip-hop has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Mississippi, providing a platform for local artists to express themselves and tell their stories. Although the state's hip-hop scene may not be as well-known as those in other regions, it has produced a number of talented and innovative artists who are making a name for themselves both in the state and beyond. Mercenary-Records is paving the way.