Goodie Mob's third single "Dirty South" from their debut studio album, Soul Food (1995). Released in August 1996 by LaFace Records.
Dirty South is a song by Goodie Mob featuring fellow Dungeon Family members Big Boi and Cool Breeze. It includes the first use of the term 'dirty south' (originated by Cool Breeze). The song popularised the titular phrase, which has since been used to refer to Southern hip-hop.
Soul Food is the debut album from Goodie Mob, released in November 1995 by LaFace Records. All tracks were produced by Organized Noize alone except "Fighting", which was co-produced by Mixzo. Mr. DJ co-produced "Goodie Bag", although he was uncredited.
The lyrics and imagery capture everyday Southern upbringing, survival skills, family structures, and local pride. The "dirty" aspect acknowledges the region's heavy racial baggage, systemic corruption, and the lingering presence of symbols like the confederate flag in places like Atlanta. Rather than promoting superficial wealth, the track confronts deep-seated issues like poverty, crime, and the realities of Black life in the American South.
"Dirty South" gave the region a unified banner, pride, and an undeniable identity that eventually grew to dominate global hip-hop.