[1]: xvi, xxxv Similar to the development of hip hop in the South Bronx, Twin Cities rap started as parties with a DJ and an emcee.
The rise of Twin Cities Hip-Hop in the early 2000s marked a significant period of creative flourishing and collaboration, anchored by influential collectives such as Rhymesayers, Doomtree, and Interlock.
Atmosphere, a prominent group within Rhymesayers, gained substantial recognition, even claiming spots on MTV, which provided a platform for other local artists to reach wider audiences.
DUNation.com played a crucial role in cultivating this scene, serving as a virtual hub for artists, fans, and industry figures alike.
Its message board became a space for dynamic discussions, fostering connections amidst the community while the site offered a wealth of resources, from artist interviews to concert calendars and exclusive music drops, which emphasized the thriving local talent.
The organization's expansion into live events, particularly exclusive rooftop parties, pivoted to regular club nights and show promotions, solidifying its role in the local scene.
The release of a compilation album featuring artists like Brother Ali, Musab, Sims, Kanser, Raw Villa and Unknown Prophets showcased the diverse talent within the Twin Cities and helped further promote the culture.
The now defunct annual Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop, also known as The Hip Hop Fest, was cofounded by Larry Lucio, Jr. and Toki Wright of Amplified Life in 2002.