25 classic songs that define Atlanta hip-hop

In the early 2000s, the city of Atlanta was becoming a popular epicenter for Southern hip hop. It was only fitting that Georgia natives Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris teamed up for the city's epic anthem, “Welcome to Atlanta.” The song epitomizes the city's party lifestyle with the hook, “Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play / Ride dem things every day / Big beat, streets, gangs roaming / The party don't stop 'till 8 a.m.”

OutKast are arguably one of the pioneers who brought Atlanta hip-hop to the public's attention. The group's second album answer The album title was fitting as to many they were otherworldly and sounded different to other hip hop artists, and the album's title single helps showcase their love for their hometown and how they present themselves to the world.

In the early '90s, Jermaine Dupri discovered the duo Kris Kross and signed them to his label, So So Def. The group's debut single, “Jump,” was not only a party anthem but also pioneered the backwards fashion statement. The song reached number one on the charts. Billboard It was on the Hot 100 for eight weeks.

In the early 2000s, T.I. called himself the King of the South, a title that is hard to argue with given his extensive discography of hits. When he released his third album, urban legend, He teams up with Swizz Beats for the lead single, “Bring Em Out,” in which TI addresses the haters and doubters of his success.

In 1995, hip hop group Goodie Mob released their debut album. Soul food. The song “Dirty South” is about police crackdowns on drug trafficking. Although Goodie Mob didn't coin the term “Dirty South,” more and more fans started using it after their song was released.

Though the three-piece Travis Porter released most of their music in the early 2010s, they're still pretty popular today. In their hit single “Bring It Back,” the members rap about being attracted to the female body and the way they move. As with most of Travis Porter's discography, the production alone makes for a great party starter.

In 2006, Young Joc got the whole club going with his debut single “It's Going Down.” The single also had a unique dance element that still gets people dancing when they hear the song. “It's Going Down” is Joc's best-selling single.

Sometimes music fans need a pumping song to play when someone is trying to dance along with them. Luckily, Crime Mob and Lil Scrappy have released a classic pumping anthem called “Knuck If You Buck,” the type of song that gets people rapping at the top of their lungs and gets people high energy in any club.

In 2010, Wake Flocka Flame released their debut album. A flock of Akveli. The album spawned four singles including the hit “No Hands,” a pure Waka song that embodies the essence of a pure Atlanta party anthem that gets everyone pumped.

Jermaine Dupri has always been the type of executive to elevate other artists, and he did just that when he signed hip-hop group Dem Franchize Boyz to his label So So Def. At the time, the subgenre of snap music was gaining momentum, and the group helped popularize it with their hit single “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” This single was the height of snap, and it created a dance that got everyone leaning and swaying along.

In the early 2000s, The Neptunes were becoming a popular producing duo. They collaborated on Ludacris' hit single “Southern Hospitality,” in which Ludacris details the style and lifestyle of Southern people.

As Atlanta's crunk era emerged as a major subgenre in the 2000s, Ankh's hit “Walk It Out” became the ultimate club anthem, encouraging listeners to do the “Walk It Out” dance, a routine that could have easily gone viral had TikTok existed at the time.

Bone Crusher is not the type of person people should approach because if they do, the rapper won't back down, a sentiment he expressed in his 2003 single “Never Scared.” If people approach him outside of the club, he shows them he's no punk. Tread with caution.

Shawty Lo was a member of D4L before starting his solo career. His hit single was “Dey Know” released in 2007. It's a song about how Lo wants people to never forget his name.

Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz had us all yelling “From the window to the wall!” in 2002 with their song “Get Low.” It was the height of crunk and Lil Jon and co were dominating the radio. The song is about showing how low a woman can go on the dance floor.

Fast Life Yungstaz may only have one big hit, the 2009 single “Swag Surf,” but the song is timeless. Maybe it's the nostalgia or the swaying, unified dance that continues to bring people together. Either way, “Swag Surf” continues to be played heavily at colleges, parties, and events.

Migos represents a new generation of artists from Atlanta. The trio teamed up with producer Metro Boomin for the 2017 hit single “Bad and Boujee,” which reflected the group's newfound money and luxury while still retaining the essence of the Atlanta trap sound.

Several Atlanta artists pioneered the subgenre of snap music, including hip-hop group D4L. Their hit single “Laffy Ŧaffy” was a defining song of the era. While some may think it was a reference to the candy of the same name, the title actually refers to the image of a woman dancing.

In 2008, Jeezy released his fifth studio album. recession. He teamed up with Kanye West for the lead single, “Put On,” a song that embodies the type of song people use to describe themselves and where they come from. The song became a Top 20 hit. Billboard Hot 100.

Gucci Mane has always sported flashy jewelry, and his 2005 song “Icy” shows just how flashy his jewelry can be, as in the first verse he raps, “House on my neck, cold on my wrist/Any time I get a 250 on the grill.”

In 2012, Trinidad James took the music world by storm with the release of his debut single, “All Gold Everything.” James is wearing gold jewelry and a gold grill on his mouth, but the song is about flossing even if people don't like what you have.

In 2015, Future released the hit song “March Madness,” which takes its title from the annual NCAA basketball tournament of the same name, and sees Future highlight everything from driving fancy cars and hooking up with the ladies to living the lavish lifestyle.

After gaining popularity as one half of the duo Playaz Circle, 2 Chainz released his debut album. Based on the TRU story. He teamed up with producers DJ Mustard and DJ Free on the hit single “I'm Different,” which remains a favorite among the rapper's fans thanks to its great production and a quick catchphrase from 2 Chainz.

It's always fun to see a rapper represent his hometown. Pastor Troy expresses his love for his hometown, Atlanta, in the song “No More Play in GA.” He doesn't take kindly to people who badmouth his hometown and is ready to fight for it to get the respect it deserves.

Lil Jon was a pioneer of the crunk era, and it was only fitting that he produced the Ying Yang Twins' “Salt Shaker,” a song that gets the ladies moving on the dance floor.