Editing Southern hip-hop (section)

== The Dirty Decade ==

"The Dirty Decade", spanning from 1997 to 2007, marked a period of evolution of southern hip-hop. This era witnessed the genre's maturation and widespread recognition, with artists from the Southern United States achieving commercial success. The term "Dirty Decade" is often used to describe the gritty and distinct sound that emerged during this period. Southern hip-hop has its roots in the 1980s, with artists like OutKast and the [[Geto Boys]] laying the foundation for the genre.<ref name="southernspaces.org">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Matt |date=June 10, 2008 |title=Dirty Decade: Rap Music and the US South, 1997–2007 |url=https://southernspaces.org/2008/dirty-decade-rap-music-and-us-south-1997-2007/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Southern Spaces |language=en-US}}</ref> It was during the Dirty Decade that Southern hip-hop gained prominence on a national scale. The genre's influences are diverse, drawing from regional cultural elements and blending them with traditional hip-hop elements. Artists who rose to prominence during this era, such as OutKast, Ludacris, and Lil Wayne, continued to shape the contemporary hip-hop landscape.<ref name="southernspaces.org"/> The regional diversity showcased during the Dirty Decade laid the groundwork for the ongoing growth and expansion of Southern hip-hop.

The Dirty Decade in Southern hip-hop was characterized by specific musical elements that set it apart from other regional styles. Heavy basslines, distinctive use of slang, and a fusion of regional influences into the production were notable features. Producers such as [[Mannie Fresh]], Lil Jon, and [[Organized Noize]] played key roles in shaping the sound of this era.<ref name="southernspaces.org" /> Artists from the region consistently dominated the charts, with many albums reaching platinum and gold status. Crunk music, in particular, gained widespread popularity, with hits like "Get Low" by Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz and "Salt Shaker" by the [[Ying Yang Twins]] becoming notable contributions to the genre.<ref name="southernspaces.org"/>