The Big 3: Miami’s Got One, Shouldn’t Hip Hop?

On July 8, Lebron James put the world to sleep with his prolonged announcement (I want an hour of my life back) that he was leaving Cleveland to hit South Beach with his buddies Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The trio has since been dubbed “The Big 3”. Hip hop has seen successful trios in the past with the likes of The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest and Run DMC, but it’s debatable whether all members of these trios carried the weight equally.Sure Pras had a “Ghetto Superstar”, but it’s unlikely he would be mentioned on the same level as Wyclef and Lauryn.

With that being said, what trios (2 emcees and a producer) could be hip hop’s Big 3? We’d like to offer some suggestions.

1. Blu, Talib Kweli & Alchemist

Any fan of Talib and Blu would say that their styles are a perfect match. After Alchemist brought them together on “Therapy” (along with Evidence and Kid Cudi), this seems like a trio capable of bringing out an underground classic, we’d like to nominate HerFavoriteBlacksmith for their debut’s title.

2. Brother Ali, Freeway & Jake One

Another trio that has already worked together (“The Truth” off of Jake One’s White Van Music), Ali and Freeway are both underground stars that rap intelligently about their rough backgrounds. With these lyricists on top of Jake One’s hard hitting beats, we’re fiending to see a group album. The Stimulus Champion (oxymoron?) would be blasted on car stereos across the states.

3. Chali 2na, Cee-lo & Kno

Maybe I’ve lost it, but 2na’s deep voice with Cee-lo on the hooks? Add in Kno’s masterful production? I think we have a surprise winner. Might want to avoid the name Gnarly 2na though.

4. Evidence, Black Thought & Budo

Two accomplished emcees with raspy styles over Budo’s flavorful beats, especially the slower ones. This group would surely win over fans who crave lyrically-robust albums. Evidence of Thought could rise up the charts and be disrespected by radio stations simultaneously.

5. Big K.R.I.T., Andre 3000 & Ant

This may just be a mash up of one of my favorite up-and-comers and an all-time great, but put Three Stacks on some southern hood shit over the dark, melodic beats? I’d buy this in a heartbeat. Roses Really Smell Like K.R.I.T would sell faster than Justin Bieber’s virginity.



Maybe we’re asking too much, but wouldn’t a dope new group catch everyone off guard? There is an endless list of fantasy groups that would be incredible together, the real question is what group do you want to see form?
And, yes, we’re judging you based on your selections.



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Published by Jake Greene on August 23, 2010 at 9:00 am
abovegroundmagazine.com