When it comes to the legacy of Southern Hip-Hop, Uncle Luke isn’t just a pioneer—he’s a warrior. 
In a recent Instagram video that had social media shaking, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, frontman of 2 Live Crew, opened up about the literal fights he and his crew had to engage in to earn respect for Southern artists during the 1980s and 1990s. And yes—we’re talking real hands thrown with Run-DMC, Redman, and even Eric B. & Rakim.
“Do you know how many fights I had to have?”
“We was in Biloxi, Mississippi and got into fisticuffs with Run-DMC on stage because we was them n-ggas from Miami and we were ‘Bama,” Luke shared. “Everybody had disrespect for us. We weren’t supposed to be in Hip Hop.”
This wasn’t just about clashing personalities—it was about defending a region that mainstream hip-hop once treated like outsiders. For Luke, Miami Bass wasn’t just a genre, it was a movement, and one that had to be protected by any means necessary.
Disrespect Across the Map
Luke didn’t stop with Run-DMC. He recalled friction with several iconic acts:
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Salt-N-Pepa & Kid ‘n Play: “They got on BET and said, ‘That sh*t they doing in Miami is not Hip Hop.’”
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Eric B. & Rakim: Only gave 2 Live Crew three minutes to perform during a show in Memphis.
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Redman: Got into it over a skit from 1992’s “I’m a Bad” that mocked Southern slang and style.
And Luke? He confronted each moment head-on.
“Back then, I’m converting from being a street dude to this music thing so I got a lot of street still in me,” he explained.
More Than Music—It’s Legacy
Even now, Uncle Luke says the fight isn’t over. Southern Hip-Hop has since produced chart-toppers, cultural icons, and global movements—but the need for respect still hits home.
“Still to this day, we fight for our respect, and you have stood behind us every step of the way. We will continue fighting. There will be a day this year where we come together and celebrate Florida Hip Hop artists from the top of the state to the bottom.”
From Miami to Memphis, Luke’s message is loud and clear: Southern Hip-Hop earned its place—and it won’t be denied again.
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