Jermaine Dupri & Uncle Luke Reveal the Untold Stories Behind Freaknik

InterviewsHip Hop

Apr 2

So, you think you know about Freaknik? Well, think again. It's not just some faded memory or urban legend. It was the ultimate street party that took over Atlanta back in the '80s and '90s. And trust me, it's way cooler than you remember.

Ebro Darden recently sat down with two Hip Hop heavy hitters, Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke, on Apple Music 1. They dug deep into the roots of Freaknik, revealing its rise from a humble street gathering to a phenomenon that rocked the city.

Now, let's talk about Uncle Luke. Not just your average Hip Hop artist—he's a pirate radio DJ who's been making waves long before Freaknik was even a blip on the radar. But he's not without his own saga. Ever heard about the time he went by the name Luke Skyywalker and got sued by none other than George Lucas? Yeah, that happened. Uncle Luke dished out the details, sharing how he ended up forking over $500,000 in court.

But setbacks aside, Uncle Luke's legacy looms large, especially in the Black strip club scene, which he pretty much pioneered. And then there's Freaknik. Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke cracked open the vault, revealing its origins, its evolution, and everything in between.

Jermaine Dupri dropped some serious knowledge bombs, too, shedding light on how Freaknik started as a lifeline for HBCU students who couldn't make it home for spring break. "They had no money. They couldn't go home for spring break," Dupri shared. "And there was five people that said, 'I'm sure it's a hundred other kids out here that's in the same space. Let's throw a picnic for them that can't go home.' We ain't even going to charge them for food. They was giving away food. It was almost like Burning Man."

But hey, it's not all talk. Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke have put together an exclusive playlist featuring all the tracks that set the Freaknik scene on fire. So, if you're ready to take a trip down memory lane, just hit play HERE. And then catch the full episode HERE.

Ready to dive into the madness? Then what are you waiting for? Tune in, turn it up, and let the good times roll.