OutKast told rap fans that "the south had something to say" at the 1995 Source Awards, but even they probably didn't foresee the takeover that would commence over the next decade after making that statement. While 'Kast repped Atlanta, there were a bevy of artists from other states also putting in work, notably the Geto Boys from Houston and Uncle Luke from Miami. But the state that would truly shatter the glass ceiling was Louisiana.

Being that most A&R reps bypassed the south in gravitated towards the west and east coast throughout the '80s and early '90s, southern artists were relegated to the indie market and would cultivate their own loyal fan bases. One of those artists who benefited from that was New Orleans native Mystikal. Aligning himself with local powerhouse Big Boy Records, the rapper would release his self-titled debut album in June of 1994.

The collection was a big success in the independent market, which prompted Jive Records to offer Mystikal a record deal. Finding himself on one of the biggest labels in rap music, Mystikal would release his sophomore album, Mind Of Mystikal, on Oct. 10, 1995. The LP featured several songs from his debut album in addition to a few new tracks and remixes.

Mystikal wouldn't rise to prominence on a national level until joining Master P's No Limit Records roster, but Mind of Mystikal serves as the foundation of the artist that would go on to be a legend in the south.

  • 5

    "Murderer"

    Featuring Insane

    Mystikal gets felonious with "Murderer," a song that is heavy on violence and nihilism. Produced by L "Precise" Williams, the beat is powered by 808 drums, keyboards, and synths, which Mystikal glides over while laying down his murder game. "Guns murder n----- at night, n------ even kill n------ at night / Cops murder n------ at night / But I'll be f----- if I let a n---- take mine," he raps. Mystikal and costar Insane go out blazing with a bevy of bars seeking retribution in cold blood and show little remorse for the damage done.

  • 4

    "Y'all Ain't Ready (Remix)"

    Featuring G-Slimm and Precise

    The original version of "Ya'll Ain't Ready" may be a monster in its own right, but the jazzy remix is just as good. The New Orleans rhyme-spitter brings in G-Slimm and Precise for some assistance on the hook and background vocals while he rips the track to sheds. Taking his rapid fire flow into overdrive, Mystikal delivers a remix that trumps the original and gives his die-hard fans something vibe out to on the album.

  • 3

    "Never Gonna Bounce"

    Mystikal reminds listeners to get their mind right on the uptempo jamboree, "Never Gonna Bounce." "I'm tryna' do my thing like a rap star," he spits before sending shots at racists, rapping, "Crackers wanna label me a n---- man, but I'm a bigger man / I said f--- David Duke, I'm a trigger man." "Never Gonna Bounce" is the standout party track on Mind Of Mystikal and will have the most timid of crews mobbing on the dance floor.

  • 2

    "Here I Go"

    "Here I Go" is a head-nodding banger that helped him emerge from a promising local talent to a bonafide star. From promising brutal acts of violence to anointing himself the Prince of the South, Mystikal is brash as ever and has no problem talking greasy to the opposition. Featuring more chants and random rhymes, the song isn't the best indicator of Mystikal's lyrical aptitude, but gets a slot on this list off of the classic beat and its sheer energy alone.

  • 1

    "Beware"

    Louisiana is a breeding ground for rap artists and although the state wouldn't truly be put on the map until 1997, it still had more than a few notable acts by the time Mystikal released his major label debut. Two of those acts were The B.G.'z and UNLV, the latter of which had sent shots at Mystikal on their diss song, "Drag Em N the River." This prompted the Jive Records signee to strike back on "Beware." On the song, produced by L "Precise" Williams, Mystikal spits venom at his enemies with lines like "Whenever you n----- decided to get too big for ya' britches / Leave em in stitches, laying in ditches" and "Don't f--- with the rhyming black belt, watch yo self." Mystikal delivered fiery lyrics on this slept-on diss track.

  • Bonus

    20 Underrated Rap Albums You Need in Your Collection

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