What's the deal folks?! This is one that has been greatly anticipated and asked about. This is where we celebrate the reigning capital of hip-hop, the notorious "A", or Atlanta. Over the last twenty years, the A has been really flourishing in every aspect: entertainment, sports, culture, and more. Everything moves and shakes around Atlanta. From the days where a young visionary named Jermaine Dupri had his sights set on having the A being the next big thing when he discovered Kris Kross and establishing So So Def Records to when two young fresh-outta-high school teens named Andre and Big Boi completely turned the music world on its ear with their debut album, Atlanta was destined for greatness. Let's not mention their teams of the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Thrashers, all of which have been successful at some point. Let's also not mention the NUMEROUS shows that originate out of Atlanta such as the highly successful show of the same name,, as well as the ever ratchet, yet sophisticated, Real Housewives Of Atlanta, and all the Tyler Perry movies. We could go on and on about the evolution of the A, especially its music. Instead, we'll concentrate on the best albums to come from the new Mecca of Black music.
25. Killer Mike- Pl3dge
Killer Mike has been establishing himself as one of the south's most hungry and focused lyricists over the past decade and some change. With his Grand Hustle debut, Pl3dge, he continues the same tenacity that made prior albums such as I Pledge Allegience To The The Grind (I and II) and Monster such very dope releases. One can't deny cuts like "Ric Flair" and "Ready, Set, Go", as they are quintessential verbal ass kickings from the guy who would become one half of arguably the most feared duo in all of hip-hop, Run The Jewels. This album proved that he stood among his peers as one of the best out.
24. B.O.B.- The Adventures Of Bobby Ray
Atlanta by way of Winston-Salem, NC (Tre-4 stand up!) lyricist B.O.B. has been compared to artists such as Wyclef Jean and Andre 3000 in terms of being conceptual, yet genre-blending, emcees. A prime example would be his fairly eclectic debut, B.O.B. Presents...The Great Adventures Of Bobby Ray. While his heart is undeniably hip-hop, he utilizes different styles for different sounds and quite an array of influences. The album spawned two huge singles in "Nothin' On You" featuring a new up-and-coming artist at that time named Bruno Mars and the Hayley Williams of Paramore-assisted "Airplanes", and the album itself scored double platinum units, making it his highest selling album to date.
23. Jeezy- Seen It All: The Autobiography
The A's infamous "snowman" delivered quite the dope effort in 2014, with his fifth album, Seen It All: The Autobiography. With his past trap classics such as Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession, Jeezy remained consistent with his approach of the streets and the glorifying of drugs. While Let's Get It is considered one of the most definitive coke albums ever, Seen It All was definitely among his most personal albums to date. Over fairly menacing production, Jeezy spills his heart in more of these songs, plus goes deeper into why he is in fact that "coke rapper". Very interesting album and another high scorer for Jeezy.
22. Field Mob- Light Poles & Pine Trees
Childhood friends Shawn Jay and Smoke first caught the attention of people with their albums 613: From Ashy To Classy and From The Roota To The Toota, which was a gold-seller. However, with their third album, Light Poles & Pine Trees, it was their attempt to expand their audience, especially being that they had just been signed with Ludacris' Disturbing The Peace Records. the results were overall very entertaining. They still sounded hungry and still sounded like they wanted to be the next dominant duo from the south. They scored a fairly major hit with the Ciara featured "SO What", but also had trunks rattling with the Jamie Foxx and Luda featured "Georgia", thus making this album a knockout.
21. Killer Mike- R.A.P. Music
The very beginnings of Run The Jewels started with this epic release from Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music. Many have seen this as his own AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, and in many cases rightfully so, Mike goes for the throat like we had never heard him prior. His animalistic approach to confronting government and community issues were very apparent, but also just centered on highlighting his ability to be a lyrical giant. Arguably his best solo outing, El-P provided him the perfect backdrop for the content and material he was going for on this album, and is regarded as a slept-on classic across the board.
20. Field Mob- 613: From Ashy To Classy
Two friends named Shawn Jay and Smoke had an original charisma and chemistry that was intriguing, and with their debut 613: From Ashy To Classy, we were able to fully see their potential within the game. An all-around searing hip-hop release, they had a certain something, and with their debut, we were beginning to figure out what 'it' was, but regardless, this album was a head-turner. Although it wasn't the most promoted album there was, those that did manage to scoop the album up heard an album filled with a ton or promise over some knocking, speaker-ready production.
19. CHildish Gambino- Because The Internet
After scoring a major win at the Oscars for his breakout hit series Atlanta, Childish Gambino has become even more of a household name than before. Before the show took, however, this multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian delivered a very innovative and ambitious album called Because The Internet.This album, if the animated cover doesn't distract you enough, if an album to be heard repeatedly to be able to fully absorb the richness this album actually possesses. More of a step up than his debut, Camp, this album made Donald Glover an emcee that could be inspected, as he had his sights on success by not being boxed in by any particular genre or style. The album ended being certified gold and showed that Glover could hold his own in this game successfully.
18. Ludacris- Release Therapy
With album number five from Ludacris, Release Therapy, Luda went to a more serious and personal place within his life and his career. He still comes with his typical ass shakers and club fillers such as "Money Maker", as well his street penchants like the Jeezy-assisted "Grew Up A Screw Up", but he also goes for the emotions on the MJB-featured "Runaway Love", and it all balances itself into a compelling piece of work from Mr. Bridges. He cut his hair, which typically means that a groeth has started, and with Release Therapy, we definitely saw a more mature Luda, yet the same down to earth guy with a heart that examines all parts of life.
17. Youngbloodz- Against Da Grain
Sean Paul (not the Grammy Award-winning reggae artist) and J-Bo were these two new young jacks that presented a thumping debut album in '99, Against Da Grain. Draped in traditional southern sounds of soul and some blues mixed with thick 808s, this rather impressive debut showed the potential of what these two cats possessed. Highlighted by the cuts "U-Way", "Shake' Em Off", and especially the standout "85", Youngbloodz showed that they belonged the ever burgeoning and flourishing southern reign of hip-hop, and this album was their launching pad.
16. Ludacris- Word Of Mouf
On Ludacris' second album, Word Of Mouf, we fully start seeing the limitless abilities of Chris Bridges as an emcee and overall talent. Reaching a new plateau left off from his debut, Back For The First Time, this album attempted to reach broader audiences and construct even hotter singles, and both missions thoroughly accomplished. Standouts a plenty on this release, this double platinum, Grammy nominated album established Luda as an official star, with cuts like "Area Codes", "Saturday (Ooh Ooh)", and the riotous "Move Bitch". Definitely among his strongest, and most consistent, efforts, Luda showed that the south had a new superstar if there were any doubts before.
15. Cool Breeze- East Point's Greatest Hit
Dungeon Family member Cool Breeze was first heard on Goodie Mob's seminal debut album, Soul Food, and helped them coin the term "dirty south". Later he appeared on Outkast's simply divine sophomore album ATLiens and Goodie's second album, Still Standing. It was time for Freddie Calhoun to drop his debut album, East Point's Greatest Hit, which was highly touted and gained a lot of respect. Largely produced by Organized Noize, the album consisted of that southern thumping soul that ON was so famously known for, and was responsible for one of the most blazing posse cuts of the late nineties with the Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Witchdoctor-assisted "Watch For The Hook". Largely slept-on, it didn't stop this album from being one hell of a debut release.
14. T.I.- Paper Trail
By the time Clifford "T.I." Harris' sixth album, Paper Trail, hit, T.I. was a bold contender for the most successful artist to emerge from the south at that particular point in time. Averaging platinum units per album at this time, there was no stopping T.I. Many saw this as arguably his most commercially accessible album, but it definitely continued to grow his fan base. There were single all over the place on this release, which surely helped to make the album hit the figures it did. With Paper Trail, T.I. became a certified star
13. Ludacris- Chicken & Beer
Ludacris was on a complete roll come his third album, Chicken & Beer. After the breakout success of his second effort, the aforementioned Word Of Mouf, Chicken & Beer continued his momentum, with even more sureshot hits and comedic punchlines mixed with witty wordplay. Not a serious ort completely in-depth album, the album is feel-good, partying (or chilling) hip-hop. Besides the tremendous intro cut to the KNOCKING "Blow It Out" and the strip club anthem "P-Poppin". More crass than his last one, this was most adult-natured release, but it was no matter. The album earned him double platinum status, and only served to make his star appeal shine even brighter.
12. Young Jeezy- Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
The trap genre was really starting to take off in '05. If T.I. and Gucci Mane were the forefathers of the trap genre, Young Jeezy put it on another plateau. His anticipated debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, is served as a trap classic, and one that could be considered one of the best coke rap albums to ever exist. Jeezy makes the drug lifestyle seem easy and effortless with little to no consequences. Hitting platinum status with this eponymous and engaging debut, Jeezy became the new star from the A and became someone everyone from T.I. to Jay-Z would have hits with. One of the most rugged debuts to hit us in years.
11. T.I.- Urban Legend
With T.I.'s third album, Urban Legend, he expounds upon the momentum his prior album, Trap Muzik, left behind with even more heat attached to this album. Many have considered this album T.I.'s overall best, with cuts like "Bring 'Em Out", the anthemic "U Don't Know Me", and "ASAP" killing the radio and the speakers at will, the album was more confident and more self-assured lyrically. While we saw his hunger and the rawness of Trap Muzik, he saw an overall cohesive album that had highlights simply everywhere here. If you didn't think he had arrived with Trap Muzik, you were definitely a believer with this one.
10. Outkast- Speakerboxx/The Love Below
Talk about an all-time classic. Outkast's fifth album, Speakerboxx/The Love Below, was one of the single greatest accomplishments the south has ever produced. While their prior treasures of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, Aquemini, and Stankonia definitely showed them as stars, this album propelled them into super-stardom. Selling over eleven million units, thie double album was divided into halves, with Andre's half being the highly artistic The Love Below and Big Boi's half being the ultra funky and soulful Speakerboxx. The trip, overall, was a brilliant concept by one of the most impactful and intriguing duos of all-time.
9. Ludacris- Theater Of The Mind
We all knew Ludacris had an album on his hands that would completely be his magnum opus, from a technical, conceptual, and lyrical point of view. He accomplished that with Theater Of The Mind, as this is unquestionably his most cohesive and most complete album ever. Lyrically, he rounded from the occasionally somber and dark moments of Release Therapy and came out hungrier than we had heard him in years. Over some of the most scorching production he had ever rhymed over, Luda went full circle with going back to his chip on his shoulder attitude and a need to let people know he wasn't to be screwed around with. Mixing comedy, consciousness, sexual, and straight microphone ripping, Luda delivered the album of his career with this one.
8. Outkast- Stankonia
One would be hard grasped to try to duplicate the magnificence of Aquemini, but Outkast surely attempted to do so with their fourth album, Stankonia. While not the organic beauty Aquemini was, it was definitely a funk-filled, gumbo-serving plate of greatness from Outkast in its own right. Every bit the unbelievable effort as prior efforts, Stankonia put Outkast in higher echelon than before. Utilizing different styles of rock, funk, gospel, soul, and techno, Outkast went beyond their own personal boundaries yet again and presented an album worthy of them being known as modern day legends.
7. T.I.- Trap Muzik
The album that started the trap genre. Wanting to up the ante from his debut album, I'm Serious, he secured a new deal with Atlantic Records and he presented his sophomore album, Trap Muzik, and this T.I. at his absolute hungriest. Mr. Harris was a hustler and every story he told was presented with such clarity and vivid detail, one could swear they were in the streets with him. Hits like "Rubberband Man", "Be Easy" and "24s" soared this album into platinum category, but there would probably be no Gucci, Waka Flaka, Yo Gotti or Jeezy without the influence of his album. T.I. showed he had what it took to hold Atlanta down with pride and presented himself a formidable new artist in the game.
6. Big Boi- Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son Of Chico Dusty
With the breakup of Outkast, many were wondering if or when we would hear solo projects from the famed, Grammy Award-winning duo. Questions were answered in the form of Big Boi's debut, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son Of Chico Dusty. The album was very much another version of Speakerboxx, and showed that he had the pull and the talent to be a star without the Outkast stamp labeled upon him. The entire album is unequivocal Big Boi and is some of the most unapologetically southern sounds you'll hear to this very day. Incredible cuts like the battle-hungry "General Patton" and the knocking and infectious "Shutterbug" help define the greatness that is this effort. Definitely a southern classic.
5. Outkast- Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
The album that started it all. Many call this album the album that defined a generation in the south. Outkast's debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was as fresh to hip-hop as anything could've been in the early to mid-nineties. Not since early Geto Boys, UGK and Eightball & MJG had we heard this kind of soul from the south, with a bit of a twist to it. Dre and Big Boi were two kids in their late teens looking to make their names known, but not even they could've foreseen the impact this album would make, not just upon their careers but for a whole city and region. This is still a timeless effort that stands the test of time and wins. Nobody you look up to love in hip-hop that comes from the A probably would've been in had it not been for this album, and this officially put themselves and the A on the hip-hop map, never to be the same again.
4. Goodie Mob- Still Standing
It's not an easy job following-up something as breathtaking as Goodie Mob's debut album, Soul Food, but they did a very admirable job with Still Standing. In many ways, many have argued this may even be better, as it was a bit more experimental with sounds and styles, all of which worked greatly. They stick to issues close to them such as Black awareness, Black uplifting, and, for lack of a better term, staying woke. This effort put to rest any doubts whatsoever that they couldn't repeat the same acclaim as Soul Food, as they showed that the Goodie boys were just that damn good.
3. Outkast- ATLiens
Still feeling the sizzle off their groundbreaking debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Outkast wanted to continue their momentum with their sophomore album, ATLiens. We knew immediately with their first single, "Elevators" that this would be a little different, although not necessarily radically, from their debut. What we didn't expect was just how amazing this album would be. Not only did they make an effort even better than their debut, which is saying something in itself, but this became one of their most heralded projects ever. Bringing a futuristic soul vibe to the album, they get deeper in content and lyrically they start really coming into their own. This album is flawless, and when people truly think and believe that this is the best album they've ever made, it's really hard to argue their stances.
2. Goodie Mob- Soul Food
Fresh off their two appearances on Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik came Cee-Lo, Khujo, T-Mo, and Big Gipp, otherwise known as Goodie Mob. While we got an inclination of what we were in store for with their unreal first single "Cell Therapy", what we got from their debut, Soul Food, was simply beyond stellar. This album is considered every bit as important to the emergence of Atlanta to the forefront of hip-hop as Southernplayalistic in every way. Raw, heartfelt, and honest, this album is far from the chilled out, feel good overall vibe of Outkast's debut. This is more socially conscious and very poignant. This stunning album deserved more than a gold plaque, however, this is still heralded as one of the greatest southern albums of all-time, and for a multitude of great reasons to this day.
1. Outkast- Aquemini
It's no secret that Dre and Big Boi were really becoming stars. After the widespread acclaim of their previous two albums, it was time to present their third album, Aquemini. Nobody quite expected the musical and artistic brilliance this album contained. using more live instrumentation and more soulfully psychedelic tones, this album was simply ahead of its time. Dealing with personal issues while also rhyming about self-discovery, Dre and Big Boi presented an album that's as eclectic as it is masterful and basically in another atmosphere. The organic and lush nature of the production made for their most experimental album up to this point, but this was also a coming of age album for them in the process as men and emcees. Basically put, one of the most fu8lfilling musical rides in hip-hop history.
Honorable Mentions
Outkast- Idlewild
Cee-Lo- Cee-Lo Green & His Perfect Imperfections
Ying-Yang Twinz- United State Of Atlanta (U.S.A.)
T.I.- King
T.I.- Trouble Man; Heavy Is The HEad
T.I.- Us Or Else
Ludacris- The Red Light District
Ludacris- Ludaversal
Disturbing The Peace- Golden Grain
2 Chainz- Based On a T.R.U. Story
Young Jeezy- The Recession
Young Jeezy- The Inspiration
Jeezy- Church In These Streets
Jeezy- TM103
Migos- Culture
Migos- YRN
Bubba Sparxx- Dark Days, Bright Nights
Bubba Sparxx- Deliverance
Killer Mike- I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II
Killer Mike- Monster
Cunninlynguists- A Piece Of Strange
Cunninlynguists- Strange Journey Vol. 2
Cunninlynguists- Strange Journey Vol. 3
Cyhi The Prince- Black Hystori Project
Youngbloodz- Drankin' Partnaz
Youngbloodz- Evcrybody Know Me
Backbone- Concrete Law
Witchdoctor- A S.W.A.T. Healing Ritual
P.A.- Straight No Chase
P.A.- My Life, Your Entertainment
Slimm Cutta Calhoun- The Skinny
Dungeon Family- Even In Darkness
Mike WILL Made It- Ransom 2
Gucci Mane- The State vs. Radric Davis
Future- DS2
Future- Honest
Waka Flocka Flame- Flockaveli
Lil' John & The Eastside Boyz- Put Yo Hood Up
Lil' John & The Eastside Boyz- Kings Of Crunk
Raury- All I Know
As you can see, there are many impactful and game-shifting efforts from so many artists from Atlanta. Easily running the rap game to this day, the A has become the hip-hop capital of the world at this very point in time. With more and more artists emerging from Atlanta, and new sounds continuing to evolve, don't expect them to let loose of their stronghold within hip-hop no time soon. The A sound has influenced all regions everywhere in the nation and they haven't lost a bit of steam. Until next time y'all!
No comments:
Post a Comment