N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode we chop it up with the legendary duo, 8Ball and MJG! Hip-hop is more than music; it’s a culture, a movement, and a collection of stories woven by pioneers who’ve shaped its sound and essence. One such story is that of 8Ball and MJG, Southern hip-hop icons whose influence spans decades. In this episode we offer an in-depth glimpse into their journey, highlighting their rise, collaborations, and impact. Throughout their career, 8Ball and MJG have worked with some of hip-hop's most prominent figures. From touring with N.W.A to connecting with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and collaborating with Outkast, they’ve formed deep relationships within the hip-hop community. Their connection with UGK, showcased their strong Texas ties and mutual respect among Southern hip-hop artists. Their stories also highlighted the challenges Southern artists faced in gaining recognition during hip-hop's early days when the genre was heavily dominated by East and West Coast sounds. Despite this, they persevered, becoming cultural ambassadors for Memphis and the broader South. As hip-hop continues to evolve, 8Ball and MJG’s legacy remains intact. Their influence can be seen in the respect they’ve garnered from artists like 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. Younger generations continue to be inspired by their sound, authenticity, and resilience. The duo emphasized the importance of securing ownership of their music. With the resurgence of older artists reclaiming their masters, 8Ball and MJG expressed their intent to ensure their catalog benefits their families for generations. Listen as we explore 8Ball and MJG's impact on hip-hop. From their Southern roots to their groundbreaking collaborations and the respect they’ve earned within the industry, their story is one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering authenticity. Make some noise for 8 Ball and MJG!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆 *Listen and subscribe at https://www.drinkchamps.com Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:30 - Discussion of 8Ball and MJG's origins and how they met in seventh grade. 00:15:00 - Signing with Suave House Records. 00:25:00 - Collaborations with Industry Legends N.W.A, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, UGK, including memories of Bun B and Pimp C. 00:26:20 - 8Ball and MJG receive their Flowers! 💐 00:33:30 - Quick Time with Slime 🏆 00:35:45 - Influence of Organized Noize. 00:45:30 - Overcoming Challenges in Southern Hip-Hop. 00:55:00 - Memorable Studio and Tour Stories 01:05:15 - Their influence on younger artists and their place in hip-hop history. 01:15:00 - Discussion about reclaiming music ownership and ensuring generational wealth. 01:25:30 - Announcement of a scripted series chronicling their rise in hip-hop. 01:50:00 - Challenges and unique experiences of performing in Southern venues during hip-hop's early days. 02:00:00 - Revisiting their debut album "Comin' Out Hard" and its influence on the Southern rap movement. 02:10:30 - Highlights of working with other Southern legends. 02:20:00 - How their fashion, slang, and production choices influenced a generation. 02:30:00 - Reflecting on Memphis hip-hop culture and their dynamic with Three 6 Mafia. 02:40:00 - Their thoughts on the current state of hip-hop, especially in the South. Follow Drink Champs: https://www.instagram.com/drinkchamps https://www.twitter.com/drinkchamps https://www.facebook.com/drinkchamps https://www.youtube.com/drinkchamps DJ EFN https://www.crazyhood.com https://www.instagram.com/whoscrazy https://www.twitter.com/djefn https://www.facebook.com/crazyhoodproductions N.O.R.E. https://www.instagram.com/therealnoreaga https://www.twitter.com/noreaga