25 classic songs that define Atlanta hip-hop

In the early 2000s, the city of Atlanta was becoming a popular hub of Southern hip-hop. It was only right that Georgia natives Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris teamed up on the epic city anthem “Welcome to Atlanta.” The track helps define the party lifestyle in the city as they rap on the hook, “Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play / And we ride on dem thangs like every day / Big beats, hit streets, see gangsters roamin’ / And parties don’t stop ‘til eight in the morning.”

Undoubtedly, Outkast is one of the pioneers of putting Atlanta hip-hop on everyone’s radar. The group’s second album ATLiens was a fitting title because, to many people, they were otherworldly and didn’t sound like other hip-hop artists. The album’s eponymous single helps the group show their love for their hometown and how they depict themselves to the world. 

In the early ‘90s, Jermaine Dupri discovered and signed the duo Kris Kross to his So So Def label. The group’s debut single, “Jump,” was not only a party anthem, but it helped usher in a fashion statement of wearing backward clothes. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. 

In the early 2000s, T.I. proclaimed himself as the King of the South. With an extensive discography of hit songs, it’s a title that couldn’t easily be argued against. When he released his third album Urban Legend, he teamed up with Swizz Beats on the lead single “Bring Em Out.” On the track, T.I. addresses any haters and doubters of his success.

In 1995, the hip-hop group Goodie Mob released its debut album, Soul Food. On the track “Dirty South,” the group reflects on the police crackdown on drug deals. Although Goodie Mob didn’t create the term “dirty south,” it seemed like more fans started using it after their song was released. 

Although the trio Travis Porter released most of their music in the early 2010s, they could be pretty popular today. On their hit single “Bring It Back,” the members rap about being attracted to a woman’s body and how she moves it. The production alone, just like most of Travis Porter’s discography, becomes an ultimate party starter. 

In 2006, Yung Joc had everyone in clubs going up for his debut single, “It’s Going Down.” It also helped that the single came with a distinct dance to it — a dance that people still do today when they hear it. “It’s Going Down” remains Joc’s best-selling single. 

Sometimes music lovers need the type of hype song to play when someone tries to step to them. Luckily, Crime Mob and Lil Scrappy released a classic hype anthem with “Knuck If You Buck.” It’s the type of song that people rap at the top of their lungs and brings high energy for people to display in any club. 

In 2010, Wake Flocka Flame released his debut album, Flockakveli. The album garnered four singles, including the hit track “No Hands.” In pure Waka form, the song embodied the essence of a pure Atlanta party anthem that gets everyone hype. 

Jermaine Dupri has always been the type of executive to help elevate other artists, and he did that when he signed the hip-hop group Dem Franchize Boyz to his So So Def label. At the time, the snap music subgenre was gaining steam, and the group’s hit single “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It” helped popularize it. In prime snap form, the single brought on a dance that made everyone want to lean with it and rock with it, respectively. 

In the early 2000s, The Neptunes were becoming a high-demand production duo. They worked with Ludacris on his hit single “Southern Hospitality.” On the track, Ludacris details the style and lifestyle of people in the South. 

In the 2000s, Atlanta’s crunk era was on the rise as a prime sub-genre, and Unk’s hit song “Walk It Out” became the ultimate club anthem. The song encouraged listeners to do the “Walk It Out” dance, a routine that would have easily gone viral if TikTok had been around then. 

Bone Crusher is not the type of person people should step to because if they do, the rapper is not backing down. That’s the type of sentiment he had on his 2003 single “Never Scared.” If people step to him outside of the club, he will show people that he’s not a punk. Tread lightly. 

Shawty Lo was a member of D4L before he decided to pursue a solo career. His big single came in 2007 when he dropped “Dey Know.” It’s the type of song in which Lo wanted to make sure that people never forgot his name. 

Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz had everyone yelling “From the window to the wall!” on their 2002 track “Get Low.” It was a prime time for the crunk era, and Lil Jon and his crew took over the airwaves. On the track, they want to see how low a woman can go on the dance floor.

Fast Life Yungstaz may only have one big hit with their 2009 single “Swag Surf,” but it’s timeless. Maybe it’s the nostalgia or the unified dance of swaying that continues to bring people together. Whatever the case, “Swag Surf” continues to get a lot of play at universities, parties, and events. 

Migos represents the newer generation of Atlanta artists. The trio teamed up with producer Metro Boomin on their hit 2017 single “Bad and Boujee.” The song keeps the essence of the Atlanta trap sound as the group reflects on their new money and having expensive taste. 

Several Atlanta artists helped usher in the snap music subgenre, and hip-hop group D4L was one of them. Their breakout single “Laffy Ŧaffy” was a prime track of that era. While some people may think they were referring to candy of the same name, the title actually refers to seeing women dance. 

In 2008, Jeezy released his fifth studio album, The Recession. He teamed up with Kanye West on the lead single “Put On.” It’s the type of track that embodies how people are going to represent themselves and where they’re from. The song became a top-20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Gucci Mane has always shown off his fly jewelry. His 2005 track “Icy” reflects how flamboyant his jewelry can be. As he raps in the first verse, “Got a house around my neck and my wrist on chill / Any given time, 250 in your grill.” 

In 2012, Trinidad James took the music world by storm when he dropped his debut single, “All Gold Everything.” Although James is about wearing gold jewelry and icing his mouth with gold grills, the song is all about flossing, even if people hate on what one possesses.

In 2015, Future released his hit song “March Madness.” Although the title comes from the same name as the annual NCAA basketball tournament, Future uses the track to highlight everything from driving nice cars and interacting with women to living lavishly. 

After making waves as one half of the duo Playaz Circle, 2 Chainz released his debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story. He teamed up with producers DJ Mustard and DJ Free on his hit single “I’m Different.” Between the insane production and 2 Chainz’s short catchphrases, it’s a song that’s still a favorite among the rapper’s fan base. 

It’s always cool to see rappers who represent their hometown. Pastor Troy has love for his city of Atlanta on his track “No More Play in GA.” He doesn’t appreciate people talking badly about his hometown, and he’s ready to go to war to make sure his city gets the respect it deserves. 

When people think of the crunk era, Lil Jon was a pioneer. It was only fitting that he produced the Ying Yang Twins’ “Salt Shaker.” It’s the type of track that encourages women to move their bodies on any dance floor.