Long before Atlanta became the center of the hip hop universe, four men from the Southside were laying the foundation for what would become one of music’s most influential movements. Goodie Mob — the original mouthpiece for the Dirty South — didn’t just represent Atlanta. They redefined what Southern hip hop could sound like, look like, and fight for.

As they take the stage for the BET Experience 2025 Class of ’95 Picnic, Goodie Mob is stepping back into a spotlight they helped create — but never truly left.

Formed in the early ’90s, the group — CeeLo Green, Big Gipp, Khujo, and T-Mo — emerged from the same Dungeon Family collective that birthed OutKast. And just like their cousins in rhyme, Goodie Mob brought a radical new sound to a genre that had, until then, been mostly bi-coastal.

In 1995, their debut album Soul Food hit like scripture. Over dusty, gospel-infused beats from Organized Noize, Goodie Mob offered a gritty, unfiltered portrait of Black Southern life — touching on everything from systemic racism and spiritual healing to police brutality and survival. It was a protest record, a soul record, a street record. It was the truth, unapologetically seasoned and deep-fried.

Songs like “Cell Therapy” and “Dirty South” weren’t just hot — they were prophetic. “Who’s that peeking in my window? Pow! Nobody now.” That line alone etched itself into the DNA of hip hop forever.

But what truly set Goodie Mob apart was their heart. They didn’t just talk about the block — they talked about what it meant to be Black in America with nuance, pain, and poetry. Their music wasn’t escapism; it was a mirror. And for many, it was the first time they saw their own reflection in the genre.

Over the decades, the group has remained a force, even as its members explored solo success. CeeLo Green, of course, achieved massive crossover fame with Gnarls Barkley and “Crazy,” along with his solo work. But even during those years, the group’s core message and chemistry never died.

Now, in 2025, they’re stronger than ever — older, wiser, and still fully committed to spitting the truth. And with the world caught in another cycle of protest and political upheaval, their message is once again timely. Maybe more than ever.

At BETX, fans can expect to hear the classics — “Soul Food,” “Cell Therapy,” “Black Ice” — but also newer records that prove Goodie Mob still has something to say. Their live shows are known for their intensity and soulfulness, with each member bringing their own energy: Gipp’s cool delivery, Khujo’s raw vocals, T-Mo’s commanding presence, and CeeLo’s transcendent hooks.

And don’t be surprised if there are surprise Dungeon Family appearances. When you invite Goodie Mob, you never know who might show up. That’s family.

More than just a performance, this is a reckoning — a celebration of where Southern hip hop came from, and a reminder of the values that got it here. In a city — and an industry — that often prioritizes flash over substance, Goodie Mob continues to prove that soul never goes out of style.

Their place on the Class of ’95 Picnic stage isn’t just deserved — it’s essential. Because without them, there is no trap. No ATL takeover. No Black excellence movement from the A. There’s no blueprint without Goodie Mob.

Don’t miss Goodie Mob live at the BET Experience 2025. Watch the BET Awards on Monday, June 9th at 8 PM ET on BET and grab your tickets for all BETX events now at bet.com/topic/betexperience.