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We are all aware of the biggest rap groups that have enjoyed an abundance of success in the rap industry. The G-Units, Lox, and Dipsets of the world. But there are some groups that haven’t enjoyed as much success as the aforementioned groups, but were equally impactful.
Here are four forgotten rap groups that paved the way.
Ying Yang Twins
Group 1: Ying Yang Twins
The Ying Yang Twins are much more than just another rap group from Atlanta. They are pioneers for the southern rap music movement that exploded in the Early 2000s. They debuted in 2000 and gained popularity thanks to their collaborations, particularly with famed Atlanta super producer, Lil Jon. Their song “Get Low” Peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Their global record sales of 5.4 million are not one that particularly jumps off the page at you. However, their influence cannot be measured. They have paved the way for various southern rap groups such as Migos, Dem Franchize Boyz, and countless others.
Method Man & Redman
Group 2: Method Man & Redman
Method Man and Redman are one of those rap duos who will forever be linked with each other. The two have created several classic albums together, and even co-starred on the big screen in the stoner classic How High. Their debut album, “Blackout!,” sold over a million copies in the US. Before the emergence of Method and Red, the concept of rap duos had become a lost art. But Method and Red became a staple in hip-hop culture. They display the importance of brotherhood through their music. After they debuted in 1999, rap groups were resurgent, as opposed to solo acts. Particularly on the East Coast with groups like G-Unit, The Lox, & The Diplomats debuting in the Early 2000s.
Salt’N’Pepa
Group 3: Salt’N’Pepa
When you think of the biggest influence on the female rap game, the names that usually come to mind are Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, or Foxy Brown. But long before they arrived on the scene, it was Salt-N-Peppa who was leading the charge for female rap. After their debut album Hot, Cool, & Vicious dropped in 1986, they sold over 1 million copies. It was a historic debut as it made them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum RIAA status. Salt ‘ N ‘ Salt’N’Pepa paved the way for other rap groups such as Floetry, Xscape, and City Girls.
Terror Squad
Group 4: Terror Squad
Nowadays, the success of an artist is largely based on the success of those around them. But it wasn’t always this way. Fat Joe was one of hip-hop’s pioneers in terms of being an active rap artist who simultaneously ran a record label when he started the group, Terror Squad. And it was clear that he wasn’t just faking the funk. Group members such as Remy Ma, Cool & Dre, and DJ Khaled went on to have successful careers as solo acts as well. The group’s biggest hit, Lean Back, achieved the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for three consecutive weeks.
