When it comes to rap, Philadelphia is often overlooked as a source of talent. But the City of Brotherly Love has a rich hip-hop history, and its artists have been nominated for some of the most prestigious awards in the music industry. Lil Uzi Vert, Mary J. Blige, Future, DJ Khaled and The-Dream are among the nominees with six nods each.
Freeway is another artist who began building his reputation by doing freestyle in Philadelphia. This young artist was born in 1998, but has managed to get several songs to the top of the charts and his mixtape has become platinum. Beanie Sigel is another Philadelphia artist who has had some public disputes and issues of displeasure with fellow Philadelphia artist Meek Mill. The Grammy nominee for best new artist performed at the last two Made In America music festivals on Parkway in Philadelphia and at the Roots Picnic in Penn's Landing. OuterSpace continues to produce Planetary's most recent works, and is a central player in the underground hip-hop scene.
J Dilla is remembered by a number of like-minded artists in the form of messages from an answering machine. The album's guests include Chrisette Michele, Common, Mos Def, Saigon, Styles P, Talib Kweli and Wale; it also includes Philadelphia artists Dice Raw, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Peedi Crakk, Greg Porn and Truck North, as well as former member Malik B.The Roots is an American hip hop band formed in 1987 by Tariq Black Thought Trotter and Ahmir Questlove Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Perhaps one of their most famous songs is their first single, “To the Beat, Y'all”, a phrase that has become an icon of hip-hop culture. Symere Woods, better known as Lil Uzi Vert, grew up in North Philadelphia and has been a powerful member of the modern hip-hop scene. Philadelphia artists took center stage at the Grammy Awards this weekend when some of them won top honors.
Taalib Johnson, better known as Musiq Soulchild or simply Musiq, is an R&B, funk and hip-hop artist based in Philadelphia. He has two platinum albums, two gold albums and seven hit singles. The City of Brotherly Love has long been a hotbed for hip-hop talent. From Freeway to Beanie Sigel to The Roots to Lil Uzi Vert to Musiq Soulchild - these artists have made their mark on the music industry with their unique styles and sounds. It's no surprise that they were recognized at this year's Grammy Awards.
