TDE vs. Odd Future: 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.
After unveiling the eight crews representing the East Coast bracket on Monday (May 1), and eight crews representing the Midwest yesterday (May 2), the voting continues with eight from the West Coast, which were selected with your feedback. Below, you will find the four Midwest matchups, along with instructions on how to cast your votes for the winners on BET.com and have the chance to win prizes, including two tickets to the 2023 BET Awards.
TDE VS. ODD FUTURE
At the top of the 2010s, Southern California watched two generational Hip-Hop movements rise simultaneously. Both TDE and Odd Future built fanbases through the Internet, using compelling music, great music videos, and charisma to their advantage. By the middle of the decade, these crews had reached the top of the charts and were exercising their creative visions at the highest level. Members of these crews frequently collaborated, supported one another, and watched their digital grassroots efforts blossom into forces that shifted culture for years to come. The crews of Top Dawg Entertainment and OFWGKTA have produced superstars that have helped define the last dozen years in Rap. Only one of these squads can remain as the West Coast bracket shrinks from eight crews to four.
DEATH ROW FAMILY VS. HIEROGLYPHICS
In the mid-1990s, the Death Row family and the Hieroglyphics crew had simultaneous movements. Coming straight outta Compton and Long Beach, Death Row was topping the charts, appearing on magazine covers, and dominating video and radio shows. Meanwhile, 400 miles North, Del The Funky Homosapien, Souls Of Mischief, and Casual were cultivating a West Coast underground through Jazz-tinged beats and dynamic lyricism. There was respect among these artists, as Tupac was photographed with Del when both artists were on the come-up. Years later, Snoop Dogg and Souls Of Mischief would make music together in a full-circle moment. For now, Hieroglyphics squares up against the Death Row family in a Round 1 coastal California bout.
SICK WID IT VS. DANGEROUS CREW
E-40 and Too Short led movements out of the Bay Area dating back to the 1980s. These pioneers built their crews with standout artists who could be unique and multi-talented. In 40’s case, he started with family and extended to a collective that lasted for decades. For Too Short, he assembled a squad of rappers, musicians, and producers in the Dangerous Crew who would go on to make history and hits. 40 and Short have since released two collaboration albums, including the recent Mount Westmore collective with Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. However, despite the love and fellowship, only one of these crews can reach Round 2.
The West Coast battles heat up with N.W.A. & The Posse versus the Soul Assassins crew. These collectives represent major movements in and around Los Angeles, with incredible production supporting accounts of street life, low-riding, and demands for the empowerment of under-represented communities. Both rooted in the 1980s, the Soul Assassins’ run took shape just as N.W.A. & The Posse dispersed. N.W.A. & The Posse came to prominence with the release of its eponymous compilation album in 1987, which featured Eazy-E’s seminal “Boyz-N-The-Hood” record. By 1992, most of the principal players in the crew had disbanded, due in large part to conflicts over compensation. In contrast, DJ Muggs, B-Real and Sen Dog’s breakout came with the release of their eponymous Cypress Hill album in 1991, featuring the hit single “How I Could Just Kill A Man.” Notably, N.W.A.’s Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and MC Ren worked with members of the Soul Assassins crew during the 1990s (including the chart-topping hit “Check Yo Self”). While an ensuing misunderstanding between Cube and Cypress Hill was put to rest long ago, Hip-Hop fans must choose between these crews over a quarter-century later. Only one of these West Coast contenders can advance to Round 2.
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 Midwest 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.