Nappy Roots branches out to the ‘Burg

Hattiesburg has managed to land best-selling hip hop group Nappy Roots to entertain the town’s pleasure seekers tonight at Benny’s Boom Boom Room.

Country and proud of it, Nappy Roots is an alternative Southern rap quartet that was founded in 1995 around a sextet of students attending Western Kentucky University, according to an interview with the group by SOHH.com, a premiere hip hop news website.

The core of the group consists of Kentucky natives Skinny DeVille, B. Stille and Ron Clutch and Georgia native Fish Scales. In 2007, Oakland, Calif. native R. Prophet left the group, and in 2012 Kentucky native Big V left, both pursuing solo careers, according to HipHopDX.com.

Nappy Roots released their independently produced full-length debut album “Country Fried Cess” in 1998. The group’s talent and distinctive twist on Southern bounce quickly reeled in the big fish, landing them a deal with Atlantic Records.

In 2002 they released their label debut: multi-platinum best-selling album “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz,” which featured popular singles “Headz Up”, “AwNaw,” and “Po’Folks.” The follow-up album “Wooden Leather” came out only a year later, after which they left Atlantic and started their own label, N.R.E.G. (Nappy Roots Entertainment Group) with distribution rights through Fontana/Universal Music Group.

Since then, they have released two more albums. In 2008, the much-anticipated album “The Humdinger” was issued and was the first not to feature member R. Prophet. Their most recent full-length album, “The Pursuit of Nappyness,” was released as a quintet in 2010.

Last June, the remaining four Nappy Roots released their mix tape “Sh!t’s Beautiful.”

“We wanted to make a project that’s able to promote our upcoming releases, as well as introduce the world to the individuals who make up the collective Nappy Roots,” member Skinny Deville told AllHipHop.com. “We try to make the best music possible and hit as many cities as we can, and without fans’ support, none of that would be possible.”

Their exceptional commitment to the fans might be why Hattiesburg is a stop on their tour, but fans are aflutter with excitement, and apparently the band is too.

“The Nappy Roots are just as excited about this show as we are,” said Boom Boom Room owner Ben Shemper.

“It’s going to be a good day for us po’ folk,” said Hattiesburg local and fan Amanda Terry, referencing two of the groups songs. “It’s only $15 to see a legendary group, and I’m pumped.”

The Facebook event page alone suggests that over 200 people plan to attend.

“You can pretty much guarantee a sold out show,” Shemper said. “Their manager actually asked me for advice on how to promote shows. I was flattered but told him I didn’t do a thing. It’s the Hattiesburg scene.”

Presale tickets are $10 and regular tickets are $15 at the door. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. with local DJ group Ca$h Fountain setting the stage.