Photos: So So Def artists, then and now

Black History Month

Photos: So So Def artists, then and now

So So Def artists Nelly, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Bow Wow, Ludacris, Anthony Hamilton, Bone Crusher, Dondria and Jermaine Dupri through the years.

Da Brat in 2000.

Da Brat in 2012. The first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album, Da Brat was discovered by Jermaine Dupri in 1993. She's released four albums and went to prison for a time for assault. She has also appeared in several films, including "Glitter."

Nelly in 2001.

Nelly in 2013. The rapper, who hit it big with his album "Country Grammar" in 2000, released a mixtape in November 2012 and served as a judge on the CW show, "The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep."

Lil Jon in 2003.

Lil Jon in 2013. The Atlanta native has recorded with Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz since 1993 and has produced many hit rap singles. He's reportedly working on a new album.

Xscape -- Latocha Scott, Kandi Buruss, Tamika Scott and Tiny Cottle -- in 2004.

Former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and her husband TI in 2012. Cottle continues to record and write and appeared in the BET show "Tiny and Toya."

Former Xscape member Kandi Burruss in 2013. Burruss, who stars on the Bravo show "Real Housewives of Atlanta," continues to record and write songs for other artists, including Pink and Mariah Carey.

Lil' Bow Wow in 2001.

Bow Wow in 2013. The rapper, known as Lil Bow Wow for the early years of his career, has released six albums with his seventh, "Underrated," set to be released in 2013. He's also an actor, having appeared in "Like Mike " and "Madea's Big Happy Family."

Bone Crusher in 2003.

Bone Crusher in 2010. The Atlanta native has released two albums and has made guest appearances on the albums of many other artists, including Kelis and Mariah Carey.

Two members of Dem Franchize Boyz in 2005.

Dem Franchize Boyz in 2010. The group, who released their first album in 2004, had their most recent release in 2008. Member Parlae was arrested in 2006 after a studio raid turned up drugs, weapons, and money, though charges were later dropped.

Youngbloodz in 2000.

Youngbloodz in 2004.

Dondria in 2009.

Dondria in 2012. The singer was signed by So So Def in 2006 after developing a following on YouTube. She is reportedly releasing her second album in 2013.

Ludacris in 2013. The rapper, who grew up in Atlanta, released his major label debut in 2000. His album "Ludaversal" is set to be released in 2013. He is also a successful actor, having most recently appeared in "New Year's Eve" and 2013's "Fast and Furious 6."

Ludacris in 2001.

Hip Hop producer Jermaine Dupri, right, and fellow rap performer Mase in 1998.

Jermaine Dupri in 2013. The founder of So So Def Recordings, Dupri discovered acts including Kris Kross, Xscape and Da Brat. He's also a successful rapper in his own right, with two albums including 2001's "Instructions."

Anthony Hamilton in 2005.

Anthony Hamilton in 2012, with Lenny Kravitz (right). The singer, who released his first album in 1996, broke through with his second album, "Comin' From Where I'm From" in 2003. He released "Back to Love" in 2011 and was recently featured on the "Django Unchained" soundtrack.

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Da Brat in 2000.

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