Atlanta is often cited as one of the most influential cities in music, and there’s a reason why. There are multiple artists that have made Atlanta into a city synonymous with hip-hop. Here are 3 (in no particular order) that have had some of the biggest impact on the game!
Gucci Mane
Gucci Mane, born Radric Delantic Davis, is one of the pioneers of trap rap, a genre born in Atlanta that is more popular than ever since its early 2000s inception. Although Gucci has been through numerous stints in prison, he still managed to put out amazing music even while incarcerated. If fact he released some 60 tracks while in custody from January 2014 to May 26, 2016, including a 36-track compilation album on iTunes in April of 2016. Since his release Gucci has been nothing short of prodigious releasing 7 studio albums as of 2021 further cementing his place as one of the most successful rappers ever to come out of Atlanta. He has a clear voice, strong wordplay, and longevity. His career has spanned over two decades, but his impact on the city’s culture will last for generations.
OutKast
OutKast is certainly one of the most influential groups of Atlanta, Georgia. The rap duo, consisting of André “3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton was formed by the fellow high school students in 1992, issuing their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik shortly after in 1994. The duo’s unique sound with its blend of funk, soul, and r&b influences were fresh and unique for the time and resulted in increasingly successful albums culminating in the hit 2003 release Speakerboxx/The Love Below which won the Grammy for album of the year. In total OutKasts major accomplishments include 8 studio albums 4 number 1 singles 6 Grammys, 37 Billboard Music Awards and 2 American Music Awards during their time together. Outkast has also been a pioneering band in the rise of hip-hop music opening doors for other artists such as T.I., Ludacris, Travis Scott, and Gucci Mane among others.
Ludacris
Ludacris was born Christopher Brian Bridges in Atlanta. He was quickly signed with Def Jam after local rap group Larceny added him to their roster. His major label debut album “Back for the First Time” was released in 2000 and went on to sell over 2 million records worldwide. His 7 subsequent albums, most recently 2015’s Ludaversal have all been certified multi-platinum. Ludacris is also perhaps just as successful on the screen with over 40 film & TV entries on his IMDB page with the most frequently occurring entries consisting of his appearances in several installments of the highly popular Fast & The Furious movie franchise. Most recently Ludacris is known for his hilarious Instagram account that has almost 80 million followers.