T.I.

Atlanta-born rapper T.I., once called "the Jay-Z of the South" by Pharrell Williams, is known for hits like "Whatever You Like" and albums such as "Paper Trail." Collaborating with artists like Young Thug and Meek Mill, he has left a mark on the Atlanta rap scene. Despite legal issues, T.I. achieved commercial success, with several Top Ten albums and Grammy nominations. He has also acted in films like Ant-Man and starred in VH1's "The Family Hustle."

Southern rapper Petey Pablo, born Moses Barrett III in Greenville, NC, rose to fame with the 2001 hit "Raise Up," an anthem for North Carolina. His debut album, *Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry,* reached the Top Ten and was Grammy-nominated for Best Rap Album. Collaborating with stars like Timbaland and Lil Jon, Pablo's single "Freek-a-Leek" from his second album became a Top Ten hit. After a hiatus due to legal issues, he made a comeback in 2018 with *Keep on Goin'.*

Paul Wall, a Texas hip-hop icon from Houston, is known for his affable, boastful rhymes and syrupy beats. Rising through the Swishahouse label, he gained fame with Mike Jones' "Still Tippin'" and solo hit "The Peoples Champ," which topped the Billboard 200. Wall's collaboration on Nelly's "Grillz" earned a Grammy nomination and bolstered his custom mouthpiece business. He continues to release music independently, collaborating with artists like Chamillionaire and Termanology, while maintaining a prolific presence in the hip-hop scene.