“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected. The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16, an Elite 8, and so on, until one winner is determined. For each match-up, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot count.

The last match-up of Round 4 is a face-off between two iconic Rap duos. OutKast is thankful to still be in the tournament after nearly falling to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in the tightest match-up so far. Additionally, Gang Starr had their closest face-off against Eric B. & Rakim in the previous round. None of that matters as these two juggernauts clash. Big Boi and André 3000 let the whole wide know that the South had something to say. Meanwhile, Guru and DJ Premier epitomized the East Coast hardcore sound on the big stage in the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. Two of the most consistent catalogs in Hip-Hop compare resumes with your vote deciding who enters the Final 4.

OutKast

(defeated Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in Round 3, 50.5% to 49.5%)
(defeated Migos in Round 2, 97% to 3%)
(defeated 8Ball & MJG in Round 1, 78% to 22%)

Even a dozen years since their last project, OutKast maintains legendary respect with Heads. André 3000 and Big Boi introduced Hip-Hop to a lot of attributes to southern living. Once they had the industry’s attention, the Decatur duo dropped the Cadillac in gear and took listeners to the cutting edge of creativity, style, and originality. Number one albums and Grammy Awards followed by a versatile group that could be bookish and pimp-inspired, as well as rhyme slow and incredibly fast. Although the Idlewild soundtrack remains the last ‘Kast project, ‘Dre and Daddy Fat Sax have teamed up for a la carte songs and features since 2006 to keep their discography fresh and make fans want that ol’ thing back. Moreover, this pair kicked in the door for Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, Cool Breeze, and a whole family of unique creatives. The South always had something to say, and as far as Hip-Hop groups from anyplace, OutKast may have said it best.

Gang Starr

(defeated Eric B. & Rakim in Round 3, 60% to 40%)
(defeated Method Man & Redman in Round 2, 72% to 28%)
(defeated The Beatnuts in Round 1, 93% to 7%)

A DJ/producer from Prairie View, Texas and an MC from Boston, Massachusetts moved to New York, and that’s where Gang Starr would take its most critical strides. Releasing six albums between 1989 and 2003, this duo’s legacy is solidified as one of Hip-Hop’s most influential and cult-respected groups. Several iterations of DJ Premier’s production style helped define New York’s sound in the ’90s and 2000s with his way of chopping samples, creating elaborate chord progressions, and scratching choruses for emphasis. Guru had a unique approach to MC’ing that still stands out to this day, spitting sharply constructed rhymes in a calm, all-knowing spoken-word type of cadence. The voice and the hands made beautiful, cutting-edge music. Together, the duo was able to shine in the underground and influenced generations of artists. After focusing on individual endeavors in the mid-2000s, their chapter came to a close with Guru’s untimely passing in 2010, but their legacy remains timeless, as DJ Premier continues to be an in-demand producer decades after his debut.

Which One Of These 8 Hip-Hop Groups Will Be Named The Best Of All-Time?

So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.