Southern Hip-Hop, or Florida Hip-Hop in particular, started off with it’s on flavor. There was definitely a separation between the music made in the mecca of Hip-Hop (New York) and the new ride if southern rap. I think we can give a lot of that credit to Uncle Luke (or Luke Skyywalker) & the 2 Live Crew, Danny D, MC ADE, and Mr.Mixx.
The content wasn’t lyrical more than it was risky, fun, and energetic. The music was more so for dancing. The sound was referred to as “Miami Bass”. After the 80’s going into the 90’s we got artist and DJ’s such as ; DJ NICE & Nasty, Quad City DJ’s (Space Jam), and 69 Boyz (Tootsie Roll).
Miami bass (booty music or booty bass) is a sub-genre of hip hop music that became popular music of South Florida in the 1980s and 1990s. Its roots are directly linked to the electro-funksound of the early 1980s.
The use of the Roland TR-808 sustained kick drum, raised dance tempos, and frequently sexually explicit lyrical content differentiating it from other hip hop sub-genres. Music author Richie Unterberger has characterized Miami bass as using rhythms with a “stop start flavor” and “hissy” cymbals with lyrics that “reflected the language of the streets, particularly Miami‘s historically black neighborhoods such as Liberty City and Overtown“.[1]
Despite early national media attention in the 1980s, Miami bass has never found consistent mainstream acceptance; though its importance has had a profound impact on the development of hip hop, dance music, and pop.
Source : Wiki
Florida Hip-Hop, from the 2000’s to present, has had heavy hitters such as, Rick Ross, Trina, Plies, DJ Khaled, Trick Daddy, Kodak Black, Flo Rida, T-Pain, Ball Greezy, XXXTentacion, Gun Play, Denzel Curry, Khaotic, Woop, and many other artists on lower levels. The music still has the bass sound but has also adopted a “trap” and “goon” aspect. Me personally, I give credit to T.I. in neighboring state of Georgia for the birth of trap music. Just my opinion. That’s neither here nor there. Let me explain why I feel 300lbs of Guwop’s music will broaden the Florida Hip-Hop spectrum.
We are definitely in an era of Hip-Hop where the younger guys definitely have their own lane. Don’t get me wrong, we had young rap artist such as Kriss Kross and Lil Bow Wow but for the most part they kept up with the older generation. There wasn’t a distinct difference besides the lyrical content which was obviously fit for their age. Other than that; the lyrics, beats, and vibe was completely aligned with their OG counter parts.
Now a days, the younger artist have a completely different lane. They are often referred to as “Mumble Rapers” or chastised about their style of dress. Though, when I look back on artist such as Rick James and Prince, androgynous was the style. History is repeating itself but I think people may just be finding a reason to be upset with the young guys excelling so easily in this new technology and internet wave. You have guys like Kodak Black and NBA Young Boy who went viral around the age of 15. The faith that I have in 300lbs of Guwop is that they pretty much hit all facets. The aren’t lazy with their lyrics. They often triple time and even focus on harmonizing. I get the feeling that they want to be respected as artist and not just rappers. By the fans, they want to be loved for their energy.
The bromance between the duo is definitely the first thing that stands out. In a genre full of tough guys and hard faces, the group decided to be their fun, energetic selves. To top off their package, they brought that same energy into their music. The music catches your attention and the videos are just icing on the cake. You can tell that the duo simply wants to inject great vibes and energy into the atmosphere. Their Instagram page is simply hilarious. Check it out for your self. (search 300lbs of Guwop on IG).
I got my first whiff of the group through a clothing line called “Coolie Collection” (Coolie Website Link). The artist modeled the clothing for CEO Blue Steel. Blue Steel ventured into the record business and I guess that’s where the connection was made. The boys definitely caught the viral surge immediately.
They started off separately as 300 Rez or 300lbs of Swag & DK Guwop. 300lbs of Swag + DK Guwop = 300lbs of Guwop.
The group had individual songs and group songs that popped but their break away single was definitely “Teefus”. The song has a great baseline to add to their funky swag. The song focuses on their gold grills. It may sound braggadocios but the boys are so down to earth the make the subject light hearted and amusing . The song got a extra boost when Lil Wayne decided to remix it on his new project “Dedication 6”.
With one music video (Teefus) pushing 600k views and their new single (Plan B) sitting close to 225k, I can definitely say that the group has caught some attention. Their timing is impeccable. Florida needs something refreshing at the moment.
Our top young Florida artist, Kodak & XXXTentacion, have been having a lot of legal woe’s. No knock to them, it simply is what it is. The public needs to see that everything isn’t so uptight. We’re mostly known for our image of beautiful weather and sandy beaches. With that also came a lot of drug activity being that we are on the coast. Frankly, what I’m getting at is Florida needs to drop the 300lbs of blow and get behind 300lbs of Guwop.
Hip-Hop has saved so many lives. We know the story all too well. “Troubled criminal drug dealer, in and out of jail, saved by Hip-Hop”. It’s a perfect way for people to escape their situations. People can only rap about reality and that’s the reality they come from. You can’t knock them.
In the same breath, it’s truly beautiful seeing the energy that this group puts out. The boys still post funny videos on their Instagram of them working at a carwash. If that doesn’t speak volumes of their message, I don’t know what else does.
Pay close attention to their rise. These guys are definitely “it”. I’m rooting for them and also rooting for the shift in gears that their wave will bring. Let’s have fun again. Just like the Uncle Luke days. Thank you 3PG and much success!
Written by Bruce Walton Jr (Facebook Bruce Gad)
Publisher at Keedies Corner
CEO of HB Films & Publications
Contact : HustleBloodFilms@gmail.com
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