Uncle Luke, the iconic figure of Southern hip-hop, has expressed his discontent over the lack of recognition given to the 40-year anniversary of the genre. Speaking passionately, he emphasized the need for a grand celebration akin to the recent 50-year anniversary of hip-hop as a whole. In a recent video, Uncle Luke, whose real name is Luther Campbell, highlighted the importance of commemorating Southern hip-hop’s rich history, particularly its roots in South Florida.

“1985 is when I started Southern hip-hop right here in South Florida, Miami,” he stated, reminiscing about his early days in the industry. He recalled his first tracks, “Throw the Dick” and “The People,” and lamented that the Southern hip-hop scene deserved a celebration that spans cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and Houston. “We need to be celebrating the entire South,” he urged, calling for parties and events to honor the contributions of Southern artists.

Uncle Luke also took a moment to reflect on the emergence of Rick Ross, one of the genre’s prominent figures, stating that he still possesses one of Ross’s first CDs. He reminisced about the early days of Ross’s career, recalling the “Carroll City Cartel” CD that included a phone number for booking. “I have it in my collection,” he proudly declared, noting the significance of this piece in the evolution of Southern hip-hop.

The veteran artist shared his journey in the music industry, explaining how he navigated the complexities of record distribution. He described how he initially took his records to flea markets and local stores, eventually catching the attention of major distributors. “The man, Jerry Baskin, the big distributor, called me up and said, ‘Hey man, we want to distribute this,’” he recalled, highlighting the grassroots efforts that helped shape Southern hip-hop.

Throughout his narrative, Uncle Luke emphasized the importance of music as a collective experience that should be celebrated across the South. He expressed his frustration that the milestone anniversary had not received the recognition it deserved, and he urged fans and artists alike to come together in celebration.

As the conversation around Southern hip-hop continues to grow, Uncle Luke’s call for acknowledgment resonates deeply within the community. His passion for the genre and its history serves as a reminder of the profound impact that Southern artists have had on the broader hip-hop landscape. With the 40-year anniversary approaching, many hope that the spirit of celebration will soon be embraced, honoring the legacy of those who paved the way for the future of Southern hip-hop.