So So Def vs. Dungeon Family: The Greatest Rap Crew Competition
In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.
Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. The voting began with eight crews from the Dirty South, which were selected with your feedback. Now, that bracket is down to four.
SO SO DEF VS. DUNGEON FAMILY
In the mid-1990s, two Atlanta crews were solidifying their role on the scene. Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def had become an ATL hit making-house with successful singles, remixes, and albums. At the exact same time Organized Noize was developing multiple Hip-Hop acts in the Dungeon Family, including OutKast and Goodie Mob. Both anchored by producers, these crews shared important real estate on TLC’s CrazySexyCool and other overlapping songs. While JD and So So Def were big, flashy, and commercial, the Dungeon Family was often earthy, soulful, and didactic. These crews were once rivals, but began working together to make ATL a musical leader and destination. Both collectives defeated heavyweight contenders in Round 1, with So So Def knocking out Quality Control and DF taking out Rick Ross’ MMG crew. Only one Atlanta squad can reach Round 3. Your vote may decide which is the winner.
Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the next round, and to learn of the other East Coast crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.