Here in the ATL we like to think we know a few things about hip-hop music. We recently celebrated 20 years of Outkast, some of us have walked the halls of the same place Ludacris recorded music for the first time, and we will forever support T.I. because it would just be un-Atlantan of us not to. There are TV shows related to our deep love of the genre, and we will forever be proud of being ATLiens.
While it’s obvious which legendary greats we appreciate, we’ve put together a short list of 5 Atlanta-based hip hop artists we are currently listening to and think you should too. Put some headphones on and enjoy!
Cyhi The Prince
When a hip hop artist says they got into rapping through being a good poem writer, we pay attention. Born Cydel Young and originally from Stone Mountain, he is currently signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzik, Bu Thiam’s BuVision, Kanye West’s GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. He also cites Greg Street as a mentor, which is about Atlanta as you can get. His latest mixtape, Hystori: Black History Project was executive produced by his GOOD boss Kanye West.
Sonny Digital
Hailed by Calvin Stovall of BET as “one of the game’s hottest young producers,” Sonny Uwaezuoke, aka Sonny Digital, began making music at an early age. The young artist already has a Grammy nomination under his belt for 2 Chainz’ Based On A T.R.U. Story album and has worked with a string of top-tier hip hop stars such as Kanye West, Soulja Boy, Roscoe Dash, Young Jeezy, Future and many more.
Killer Mike
Although Killer Mike is already an Atlanta staple, he is still a neccesary mention in case for some reason you haven’t already been bumping his beats. An associate of Outkast, Killer Mike made his debut in 2000 on “Snappin and Trappin” on Stankonia. His latest endeavor is as one half of hip hop duo Run The Jewels, who recently released their critically acclaimed Run The Jewels 2.
Sleepy Brown
Another associate of Outkast, Patrick “Sleepy” Brown has also been active in the hip hop scene since the early ’90s as a member of Atlanta-based production group Organized Noise. His 70’s influenced style of music was likely influenced by his upbringing – his father is Jimmy Brown, the lead vocalist and saxophonist of funk band Brick.
The Difference Machine
Signed to Psych Army Intergalactic, this psychadelic rap group definitely brings something new to the Atlanta hip-hop table. They say they are not ministers, philosophers or politicians, but that they are psychedelic rapp machines.
The Difference Machine will be at the new Aisle 5 tomorrow night with CunninLynguists. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 9pm.
This list is about 5 years old
Sorry you feel that way! We’ll be sure to make a list of NEW hip hop artists you need to know next time. Any suggestions?
Some of my favorite artists! Great article!