However, the influence of blues is not limited to the B.B. Kings and John Lee Hookers. Its influence has been felt in many other genres, including hip-hop. Brad “Kamikaze”, a Jackson resident and former member of Crooked Lettaz, said that “people who were pioneers in their field, those people were bred right here, Mississippi.” “Hip-hop was born out of the blues. It is the most popular form of music today. It is the voice of the young, the revolutionary generation. It’s important to invite us to the dinner table when you talk about music, about history. Franklin spent his childhood in New York, where one of his best friends lived. Franklin brought back a souvenir from him: a mix tape recorded by a New York City rap station. Franklin stated, “It just blow my mind; that tape was mine.” “I had never been exposed to other hip-hop music — which wasn’t being played yet down here?” Franklin said. He, like many in Jackson, had just gained access to cable TV programs that featured music videos. He was hooked. Franklin stated that he was the first to get into the hobby. It was still a fad, and not very popular at the time. I was one of the first to seriously pursue hip hop. Fast forward to December 1995. Franklin had met David Banner and they realized that they were compatible and could challenge each other lyrically. They decided to record some songs. “There wasn’t a representation of Mississippi hip-hop in the world. We had to tell our story,” Franklin stated. Banner replied, “Let’s name ourselves Crooked Lettaz paying homage Mississippi.” So Franklin and Banner walked slowly to the home of a man to record their first album. They signed a major recording deal a year later. Franklin stated that “the rest is history, as they say.” It was critically acclaimed. It’s still regarded as one of the finest albums from the South. We were the guinea-pigs for a New York record label. They were not familiar with Southern artists. They were setting the standard.” After several years of being together, they went on their own to pursue successful solo careers. Banner’s new album, The God Box, was released earlier this year. It is his first album in seven years and highlights the experiences of being a black American man. It’s more than just an album. Banner described his new album as an “art exhibit”. It’s almost like a secret. It’s something people will have to make their own decisions about. Everybody will find something different from the album. I’ll let you decide. Banner stated, “Technically I’m not Mississippi’s first rapper, but I’m grateful for helping change people’s perceptions of our people in general.” “Our people have been some of the most influential leaders, sports figures, and business moguls.” Over time, the list has expanded to include such well-known rap artists as Rick Ross, Afroman, and Nate Dogg. Two brothers, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, grew up in Ida Street’s housing project. They are just three miles away from the Tupelo home where Elvis Presley was born. The brothers found comfort in hip-hop music as children and learned how to make beats, DJ and record songs. The brothers, known today as Rae Sremmurd are a rap duo who have been featured at The BET Hip Hop Awards, on The Tonight Show, and have landed on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Top 40 lists multiple times. Meridian’s Big K.R.I.T is another Mississippian who has taken the hip-hop world by storm. He was born Justin Scott. His latest album, 4Eva is a Mighty Long Time was released in October to wide critical acclaim. Scott said that he hopes it will encourage people to visit my hometown. “Or, at the very least, pay more attention and not get caught up in Hollywood’s or other movies’ portrayals of the area. There is a lot to love. There is a lot to be proud of, and there are many good things in my hometown of Mississippi. It’s me wanting that music and lyrics — telling a tale about a place not considered a vacation spot for most people — to be included.” Although Big K.R.I.T and Rae Sremmurd are well-known for their work with Mississippi’s rap artists, other state officials are also doing their best to support the state’s industry. Shanel Jones (CEO of Jackson Hip-Hop Scene, and founder partner of the Jackson Hip-Hop Awards) stated that she has complete faith in the industry. “Yes, the scene is strong but not strong enough. People are making moves, staying in the city and making it big because they believe Mississippi will continue to be an influence on hip-hop. “Our music is a mix of blues, country bluegrass, gospel and some island flavors. Mississippi is a melting-pot,” Franklin stated.