Atlanta - The Headquarters of Hip-Hop (2024)

Many of today's most influential and impactful hip-hop artists and producers came out of Atlanta.Some of the most legendary artists were produced there, and ever since, floods of talented musicians, producers, and performershave been making their way down south to createtheir own legacy.

Atlanta's music history stems back toartists like Usher, Young Jeezy, T.I. and Ludacris.ManyAtlanta-based artists often appear on Billboard charts repeatedly, making newaspiring artists even more eager to dip their toes in the prosperous Atlanta music pool.

Groups like Outkast and TLC gaveAtlanta someof the most impactful music and influential musicianssince the 90's. The history is deep and the list goes on with names new and old,

• Mike Will Made-It
• Gucci Mane
• Young Jeezy
• London on da Track
• Childish Major
• Soulja Boy
• Southside
• T.I.
• Ciara
• Waka Flocka Flame
• B.o.B.
• Ludacris
• Black Metaphor
• Jermaine Dupri
• Andre 3000
• Lil Jon
• Usher
• Ying Yang Twins
• CeeLo Green
• C-Note

The Hottest Music City in The Country

The music scene, and hip-hop especially, is thriving in Atlanta. Since the city has become a hotbed for the culture, producers, artists, and executives alike have begun to flock to the city.

Many of the most have their roots in Atlanta, and everyone wants to stay as close to the pulse as possible. Meaning young and talented new producers and rappers are arriving in swarmsto create and be a part of that new and dynamic Atlanta sound.

However, the "Atlanta sound" is constantly evolving, making it a prime spot for new artists to experimentand see just how far they can push the boundaries.

These new emcees, producers, rappers, and DJs may be the individuals that influence the next generation of rap.

With the Internet makingit easy to share newly created music immediately, it is distributed quickly and profited offfaster than many thingsin this world.

For over a decade, Atlanta has been considered a hip-hop mecca. It is consistently discovering new hip-hop artists and featuring them on radio stationslike V-103, Hot 107.9 or Street 94.5. Atlanta music experts have trouble going in depth about Atlanta'ship-hop music scene because "it's more than just a genre.”

"The South Got Somethin' To Say"

Andre 3000 is asouthern legend, and many believe that he may be the sole reason Atlanta has such a strong voice in the hip-hop music scene.

In 1995, at the Source Awards, many remember his speech that put Atlanta on the map.After Andre 3000 and Big Boi won the award for Best New Rap Group, they were met with boos by a loud spoken East Coast/West Coast crowd.

However, Andre took it in stride and commented on the "close-minded people" that would not listen to his demo. He ended his speech saying the infamous line,“The South got somethin’ to say,” leaving audiences around the globe wondering what was next f`or the rap group and the hip-hop city.

Andre did not disappoint, many artists, includinghimself, began to provejust how musically ingenious Atlanta artists were.

Artists likeLil Jon, Gucci Mane, Future, and Young Thug debuted theirdiverse styles of music and dress expanding the range ofhip hop.

Many artists in the past did not veer away from the similarstyles and successful artists on their coast, but Atlanta has forced the hand of traditional sounds.Andre made it cool to be terrestrial, Lil Jon made it cool to "get crunk," and Future capitalized on the “struggle rapper” approach.

Do You Even Go Here?

"Name dropping" is a common way to associate oneself with a prestigious place, person, or thing. It establishes validity, and that is why it seems every rap artist and producer now has to reference their ties to Atlanta.

Associating oneself with Atlanta establishes credibility among peers, fans, and the big names in the industry. In other words, if you rep the ATL, you are musically relevant.

Artists like Lil Bow Wow and label partner, Da Brat both launched their careers as proud Atlantans, but are from Columbus, Ohio and Joliet, Illinois, respectively.

More artists are following this lead, like Usher, who goes hard for Atlanta despite his Dallas, Texas roots. He even encouraged Justin Bieber, his protégé, to rep the ATL in his debut single “One Time" despite the fact he isn't even from this country!

Another Canada native that might just be the most notable Atlanta lover of all time, is Drake. He isinfatuated with the Atlanta Hip-Hop movement and the eroticized stripper club scene lifestyle. It is more than clear that Atlanta is hot right now, and everyone wants a piece of it.

Atlanta is Winning, Admit it or Not

Hip-hop has a long standing history in the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles. They were the two main cities artists flocked to in order to grasp a piece of the rap game.

However, in the 90's, Outkast, TLC, and others made a name for themselves in a city that was not New York or L.A.

They paved the way forartists like T.I., Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Usher to make it in Atlanta and appear on the radio more and more. The city began to gain attention and benefit from the economic growth.

Now that the media has picked up on Atlanta's appeal, more franchises are opening and headquarters are movingto this southern city.

In the past, artists would move to New York or Los Angles to"shop around" their demos and search for opportunities, but now the new destination is Atlanta.

Califoria and New York had their time to run hip-hop, but now it's Atlanta's time to stand at the forefront.

Through the eras, hip-hop artists have emulated the styles in whatever region was hot at the time, and now artists from all regions are imitating the south with trap beats and lyrical styles to try new sounds that have been successful for them.

If you want to be a part of the exciting new music being produced out of Atlanta, our music school and production program can enhance your skills.

Our state of the art facilitywill give youthe opportunityto work and learn on the equipment and latest technology that the top producersuse,preparingyou for today's fast-paced industry in the music mecca that is Atlanta.

Call today or click on the link below for more information about our hip-hop music production school in Atlanta, Georgia!