However, I felt some type of way when I heard him say in a recent interview that he put Philly on the map. Like I said he probably popularized the hardcore element of their Hip Hop scene. But as a Hip Hop fan I was listening to Philly Hip Hop before he came out and I don’t think he put them “on the map.”
He did make a good point about the younger generation who might have limited knowledge of Philly Hip Hop and think it started with Meek Mill. To jump on that statement, I feel it necessary to show love to the Philadelphia emcees who were putting down for the culture. These people put me on to the vibe in Philly and showed me that some of the best lyricists in the game come from their city.
They might not been as hard as Siegel, but I feel they help put Philly on the map before Beans even touch the scene. Here are five artists/groups who were putting on for Philadelphia.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Have to start here, because these are the first people I saw represent for Philly. I wrote about Will Smith as an actor and how people forgot he was talented rapper. I didn’t forget
3 Times Dope
I used to love that “Funky Dividends” song! He was showing me that Philly swag at a young age. They definitely need to be mentioned when it comes to Philly Hip Hop.