Luther Campbell, commonly known as Luke, is an influential American rapper, record label owner, and music producer, best known for his role in shaping the Southern hip-hop genre, particularly Miami bass music. Born on December 22, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he gained prominence in the late 1980s as the frontman of 2 Live Crew, a group known for its sexually explicit lyrics and pioneering use of sampling. Their 1989 album, "As Nasty As They Wanna Be," became the first album to be deemed legally obscene in the United States, sparking significant debates about censorship and freedom of expression in music. Other notable works include "Banned in the U.S.A." (1990) and "Move Somethin'" (1989). Luke's impact extends beyond music; he played a crucial role in the First Amendment battle over artistic expression, influencing subsequent hip-hop artists and the broader cultural landscape. His work laid the groundwork for the emergence of Southern hip-hop, and he has been a prominent figure in advocating for artists' rights. In addition to his music career, Campbell has also made forays into acting, entrepreneurship, and politics.