A solo emcee previously with the St. Lunatics, Nelly put the long-ignored St. Louis scene on the map with his album’s title track and chart-topping debut single “Country Grammar.” Supported by bouncy beats and undeniably catchy production, his charismatic sing-song rhyme style has earned him love from millions of new fans. Nelly’s sophomore LP Nellyville featured even more platinum hits, loaded with heavy-rotation singles such as “Hot In Herre,” “#1,” and “Dilemma.” After the tremendous success of his sophomore LP, Nelly also founded several charities (including one for his cancer-afflicted sister and one for underprivileged kids from the neighborhood), launched his Apple Bottom clothing company for the ladies, and started his own energy drink called Pimp Juice. He released a remix album Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention in 2003, and the following year made history by releasing two new LPs simultaneously: Suit, a mellow love-rap collection, and Sweat, aimed squarely at the clubs.
- Brolin Winning

The self-proclaimed king of southern hip-hop, T.I. has built a career off catchy nihilism that banks on both self-determination and dope-boy darkness. The frequently incarcerated Atlanta native is small in stature, ill-tempered and walks with the swagger of Jay-Z, a combination that prompts his critics to dub him hip-hop’s Napoleon. His first offering, 2001’s I’m Serious, didn’t exactly burn up the charts, but it featured production from the Neptunes and displayed a tenderness that subsequent releases would downplay. In many ways, 2003’s Trap Muzik was T.I.’s official unveiling; the irresistible single “Rubber Band Man” served as a raison d’etre of sorts for the star. After doing a bid in prison for cocaine charges, he returned in 2004 with the comparatively cheery Urban Legend. Sometime between the release of that album and 2006’s King, he had begun to challenge 50 Cent and Eminem as the most famous emcee in the world. T.I.’s next album, 2007’s T.I. vs. T.I.P., explored the division between the rapper’s street persona and his corporate interest. It continued to cement his status as the king.
- Sam Chennault

Baby Bash’s first success came as part of the Latin rap group Latino Velvet, where he was known as Baby Beesh. Latino Velvet released two albums and toured consistently, earning a loyal following in California. When the group eventually parted ways, Houston rapper South Park Mexican asked Bash to work on some songs with him. Frequent travels back and forth from California to Texas (coupled with Cali’s skyrocketing rents) led Bash to relocate to Houston, where he immersed himself in the burgeoning Latin rap scene. With his heavy beats and fly rhymes constructed around solid hooks, it didn’t take too long for the labels to come knocking. Bash released his major label debut, Tha Smokin’ Nephew, in 2003, and scored with the single, “Suga Suga.” In March, 2005, Baby Bash released his sophomore effort, Super Saucy. The album played like an ode to women, weed and whiskey (Hennessey, of course), and gleaned the radio hit, “Who Wit Me.”
- Linda Ryan

The self-proclaimed King of Crunk, Atlanta rap icon Lil Jon has built up a formidable empire since he first hit the scene in 1997. Best known for his hyperactive, chant-along style, he’s scored a long string of crossover hits, including “Bia Bia,” “Get Low,” and “Damn!” And he’s not just a rapper — Jon’s production skills are in serious demand from all kinds of artists, among them Usher, who enlisted him to lace the beat for his single “Yeah.” In addition to cranking out platinum hits, Lil Jon has also helped to develop new talent, including Lil Scrappy and Trillville.
- Brolin Winning