Should we throw the labels away? In this episode we discuss how Big K.R.I.T.’s musical explorations of Blues, Folk, Gospel, Jazz, and Rock help us to reconsider how we view the concept of Americana and Southern music stereotypes

How can you deny a powerful woman? In this episode we discuss North Carolina rapper Rapsody and her 2019 release, “Eve”, including our favorite significant moments from the album and its questionable omission from Grammy consideration.

Does Southern Hip-Hop still “own” trap music? While trap music started in the American South, its influence has become global, as artists all over the world are putting their spin on the genre. In this episode we define the waves of trap music over the last few decades and get some help from Trap Music Museum co-curator DL Warfield, then take a deep dive into the expansion of Latin trap music with journalist and music critic Gary Suarez.

Are the lines still blurred? In this episode we discuss how ideas of consent show up in Southern Hip-Hop, and revisit the controversial “Tip Drill” music video with one of the video's featured performers for a conversation on how women’s bodies—and voices—are critical to how the music is performed, perceived, and ultimately remembered.

Recorded live at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Christina and Regina dig deep into the museum’s exhibition, “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech” and explore how Southern hip-hop artists such as 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, and Gucci Mane relate to Abloh’s notion of “Tourist vs. Purist.”

Is it still hard out here for a pimp? We revisit the 2005 movie “Hustle & Flow” to explore the significance of the film to the city of Memphis and its Hip-Hop identity. Plus, we highlight Three 6 Mafia’s epic Oscar win—one of our favorite Hip-Hop moments—to think about where that accomplishment fits into the group’s current legacy.

What’s in a name? Everything. We trace the origin of the term "Dirty South" and explore how it still echoes throughout Southern Hip-Hop today, and discuss why this branding is important to how we will remember (and pay for) “Hot Girl Summer” for years to come. Plus, we talk to the founders of the Grits & Biscuits touring party to learn how they carve out space for Dirty South newness and nostalgia for audiences across the nation.

Bottom of the Map Season 2 is back on February 3rd! Southern Hip-Hop: Explored. Explained. Exalted.

How does the culture get paid what it’s worth? In this live episode we partnered with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs for its public arts program ELEVATE, where we talked with Ryan Wilson (co-owner of A3C Hip-Hop Festival and The Gathering Spot) and Janeé Bolden (Managing Editor of Bossip) about the value of Cultural Capital in the mainstream marketplace.

Can Cultural Capital combat Gentrification? For this episode we partnered with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs for its public arts program ELEVATE, where we had a chance to talk about how Hip-Hop’s Cultural Capital is in conversation with Political Capital and Financial Capital when big neighborhood change is on the way. First up, we had a conversation with Renaldo Nehemiah, who is a curator and stylist to hip-hop celebrities from Ludacris to Migos to Jermaine Dupri....

How do we overcome the grind and get to the hustle? In this episode we discuss the origins of Self Care and how that is reflected in the artists and music of Southern Hip-Hop. Regina and Christina share personal reflections on how they’ve tried to take better care of mind, body and spirit as they navigate their careers. Lastly, we visit Local Green Atlanta to learn how this restaurant is creating healthier Hip-Hop food culture.

The stage adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me is kicking off its national tour…in Atlanta! We got a chance to catch up with The Collective Culture - the team bringing this show south. We discuss how Coates’ work reflects current notions of HBCU culture, fatherhood and hip-hop, plus the contemporary connections between Atlanta and Harlem, with Ronald B. Williams and Erin White. The Collective Culture (Ronald B. Williams, J. Carter and Erin White) presents the Apollo...

Is Drake stealing Southern sauce? Did Nelly cross the line? What if Ceelo never sang again? This week we address these and other burning questions as we revisit some segments of past episodes that kept our heads spinning, plus answer some fan questions from social media! We start it off by touch on our “Sounds of Multiple Souths” episode and address Drake’s connection to Southern Hip-Hop and how that reflects in his music…and his beard (just as important). We also highlight a segment from...

Who still needs a record deal? Record labels have played an important role in how we think about Southern Hip-Hop. In this episode we discuss prominent labels, prominent deals, and whether it still means as much to be signed now as it did in the pre-digital era.

How does the spiritual coexist with the secular?We discuss how Southern Hip-Hop artists investigate their spiritual practices through religion, acts of faith and their music. Plus, we get a visit from the South’s favorite Pastor.

Who said Crunk was dead? In this episode we trace Crunk Music's roots in Memphis and Atlanta to its mainstream relevance, and highlight what makes the genre still relevant today.

Is space really the place? In this episode, we discuss the roots of AfroFuturism in music and popular culture, and how Southern Hip-Hop became a prominent outlet for expression. Plus, what's AfroFuturism without Future?

Is strip club culture in Southern Hip-Hop on the decline? In this episode we navigate the mystique and the microeconomics of one of the most talked about aspects of Hip-Hop in the South. Does reality match the (American) dream?

How do HBCU marching bands influence Southern Hip-Hop, and vice versa? Oh, plus Beyonce.