Midwest Hip Hop - Cincinnati

Cincinnati

Many well-known hip-hop artists hail from the southern Ohio city. One of the first was Jibri the Wise One whose 1991 single "The House the Dog Built" gained national airplay on radio and music video programs. Hi-Tek, Mr. Dibbs, Mood (band), OTR Clique, Five Deez, Boom Bip, Tanya Morgan, Odd Nosdam and Dose One are more of the artists that have gained international prominence. Critics label some of these artists as alternative hip-hop while others reflect the typical Cincinnati style of rap which is usually characterized with deep Southern influences as well as its own original contributions.

Scribble Jam was a major annual hip hop event that began in 1996.

Despite being shunned by major labels, the area's deep talent base has found an audience through local efforts. Beat Gang has enjoyed local popularity with its "Mr. Miyagi" song/dance as well as hosting rap battles. A website, NatiStreets.com, has been launched to address the growing hip hop fanbase in the area.