In this week’s Breakdown we explore the stereotype that rappers from the south are less lyrical than their counterparts from other regions and question whether the south’s reigning influence will ever waver. Award-winning journalist and author of Dirty South: Outkast, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy & The Southern Rappers Who Reinvented, Ben Westhoff provides his perspective on the topic, along with lyrical luminary Phonte Coleman. Phonte revisits the polarizing reception of Little Brother’s critically acclaimed sophomore release, The Minstrel Show—which debuted in 2005 amidst southern rap’s rising Billboard dominance. He also shares his thoughts on whether the south will ever fall off.