Baton Rouge rap is a subgenre of Southern hip hop characterized by its heavy, lyrical focus on street life, poverty, and struggle. Emerging in the late 1990s and gaining popularity in the 2000s, this style is marked by slow-to-mid-tempo beats, often featuring 808 drums and heavy synths. Vocal styles range from melodic drawls to aggressive, raspy deliveries, frequently incorporating Louisiana's unique Creole and African American cultural influences. Baton Rouge rap's raw, unapologetic storytelling and vivid depictions of urban life have resonated with listeners, particularly in the Southern United States. Drawing from the city's rich musical heritage, including zydeco and jazz, this genre has evolved alongside other Southern styles, such as Houston's chopped and screwed scene. What sets Baton Rouge rap apart is its unflinching portrayal of life in one of America's most impoverished cities, imbuing the genre with a gritty, authentic swagger that's both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Be Somebody

Kevin Gates

Single - Released November 25, 2024