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Biography
By 2002, hip hop had already been a cultural phenomenon for the better part of a decade and a half; however, with some exceptions the east and west coasts still had the monopoly on producing the most commercially succesful and critically acclaimed examples of the genre. This was beginning to change with the rise of game changing groups like Outkast and the Goodie Mob but this was the year that one of the first groups to truly rock the boat in favour of the south came really arrived.
And all it took were six students and a record shop. Nappy Roots began with six attendees of the Western Kentucky University. Kentucky natives Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, and Big V, along with expats R. Prophet (from Oakland, California) and Fish Scales (Milledgeville, Georgia). The group came together in 1995 out of a shared love of music, in the next three years they built up a devout local following, using ET’s Music, a local record shop that doubled as a production studio, as a base of operations.
In 1998 they released their debut album “Country Fried Cess” independently. It was a very big deal in their home town, enough for Atlantic Records to investigate and later sign them the following year. The group took their time with their debut major label effort, and the album, "Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz", wouldn’t be released until 2002. However, the care, effort, and attention to detail put into making the record would pay off handsomely.
Buoyed by the hit singles "Headz Up", "Awnaw", and "Po' Folks", “Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz” would be certified multi-platinum, and made the group one of the biggest names in hip hop for the whole of 2002. For reference, 2002 was also the year that Eminem’s “The Eminem Show” and Jay Z’s The Blueprint 2” came out, so that in and of itself proved that Nappy Roots were no flash in the pan. Quick to strike while the iron was hot, their follow up “Wooden Leather” came out the following year and was even more critically acclaimed, with some of the records production work coming from the iconic Lil’ Jon and some no-hoper by the name of Kanye West.
However the group’s artistic streak wasn’t going to leave them for long and Nappy Roots left Atlantic to start their own label. Their first independently released album came in the form of 2007’s “Innerstate Music” an album that they called a taster for the following year’s “The Humdinger”. This was another album to gain considerable critical acclaim and was a top ten hit on the Billboard rap charts. Since then the group has seen Big V and R. Prophet leave to start solo careers but the band are still creating music that’s as fun as it is intelligent and shot through with integrity. They’re truly unique talents, ones that make Hip-Hop as a whole a more interesting, vital place with their very presence.
Live reviews
Nappy Roots, a Southern born hip-hop group consisting of Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch and Fish Scales. Having formed in the mid 90s, the group has achieved a large fan following, despite the leaving of members R. Prophet and Big V (both who left to pursue solo careers).
Together, the group is a force to be reckoned with. They storm the stage as soon as the MC introduces them, and throughout their entire set, they utilize the entire stage. They have a DJ in the back that runs all their tracks, but the best part about their set is the additional free rap that they will throw in. This free verse, as well as changing to some of their songs to fit the bill, are what make each of their live shows unique and unpredictable. Mid-way through the show they introduce themselves, and the interaction between all of them is amazing to see. They are clearly bonded over their passion of their craft. The crowd shows a lot of love, constantly cheering and moving along with them. Pretty much everyone in the venue has been a long time fan, or was brought along by a long time fan. The group is full of energy and excitement.
Ellinoinsta
Nappy Roots have been around since 1995 and were declared the best selling hip hop group of 2002. They have been nominated for Grammy and MTV Awards. And if you see them perform live, you can see why.
Constantly upbeat in their performance, Georgia rappers Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch and Fish Scales ooze charisma as soon as they open their mouths. In an hour long set, you can tell how much they love to perform. With some artists it comes across that they just want to sing the songs and get the job done. But Nappy Roots insisted on including the audience in all of their biggest songs, such as Po Folk and Good Day, so the crowd could feel the same buzz that they were feeling. The only negative side of their performance is that there is heavy reliance on backing tracks and lighting which if anything, distracts from their talent rather than enhancing it.
Nappy Roots are one of the few remaining old school rappers in the US and have firmly established their position as some of the best performers of this generation.
sasha-morris-1
Them Big Smo, the lacks, and denum Jones did great last night a really good concert. Enjoyed very much. The crowd the atmosphere and the musicians were out standing. Definitely going to another one very soon.
noah-yonn
Awsome show great vibes nappy roots was great so where openers kind dub and thin air crew. Great venue definitely will go back. Wish the venue had Modelo, or Coors light for my girl but all around good time
Alexlbryan1
It was cancelled the day before the show. Super duper Weak sauce. Very disappointed. Got an email the day before. Was refunded but still stinks, was looking forward to it.
Sar311
