Video - 2000s Hip Hop Revolution: Southern Rap and Kanye's Game-Changing Beats

In the 2000s, hip hop saw the emergence of Southern rap as a dominant force, led by artists like Lil Wayne, T.I., and Ludacris. Lil Wayne's prolific output and mixtape culture helped redefine the genre, while T.I. popularized the term "trap music." The decade also marked the rise of Kanye West, who blended soulful samples with introspective lyrics, revolutionizing both production and style. Meanwhile, OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" achieved critical and commercial success, winning a Grammy for Album of the Year. These artists collectively expanded the boundaries of hip hop, introducing new sounds and themes.