Who coined the phrase shout out?

It's impossible to pinpoint exactly who coined the phrase "shout out." It's a phrase that likely emerged organically from slang usage, probably within the African American community in the United States.

Here's why:

* Origins in the early 20th century: The term "shout out" has roots in the early 20th century, reflecting the practice of shouting messages to individuals or groups, particularly in urban environments. This aligns with the rise of "shout" as a way to express enthusiasm or to call attention to someone or something.

* Evolution in the 1980s and 90s: The phrase gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in hip-hop culture, where it became a common way to acknowledge and give credit to friends, fans, or other artists.

* No singular creator: As slang often does, "shout out" developed through widespread use and cultural acceptance.

Therefore, while the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, it's safe to say that it emerged from the collective creativity of the African American community and its widespread use in various cultural contexts.