Atlanta is one of the biggest hubs for Hip-Hop talent. The culture runs deep and rich, and the people of this city ride hard for what they’ve built. These days the city is commercially known for “trap rap” coming from artists like 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Future, and more.
Atlanta’s sound is much more than that style and those artists however. The experimental creativity flows wide throughout the city, touching on many rappers who use different elements to create fresh sounds.
Check out our first official list of “10 Atlanta Rappers You Should Be Supporting in 2021” if you’d like to discover the diverse music scene coming out of Atlanta.
10 Atlanta Rappers You Need To Support
Young Nudy
Young Nudy is known for many things. Whether it’s his feature in Tay-K’s “The Race,” his debut album “Slimeball,” or my personal favorite project of his, “Sli’merre.” This project was produced in full by in-demand producer, Pi’erre Bourne, featuring his signature strange and atmospheric beats.
My favorite song from this album that’s still on my playlist to this day is, “Joker.” While he’s collaborated with some huge names like 21 Savage and Lil Uzi Vert, this track proves he doesn’t need any features to create heat. Young Nudy effortlessly embodies the experimental hip-hop sounds coming out of Atlanta.
Lil Gnar
Lil Gnar’s already done a lot. From skateboarder to fashion designer and entrepreneur to rock star rapper. What’s cool about Lil Gnar is his ability to cross into different sub genres of rap and even across genres to rock.
Though short, Lil Gnar’s discography is nothing short of diverse. From rock infused, screamo trap rap on his track, “SiCK IN THE HEAD” with Travis Barker to commercial Atlanta hip-hop sounds in tracks like, “Brand New Booty.”
With such diverse artistry, Lil Gnar is able to hop on a track with essentially anyone. Trippie Redd, Lil Skies, Lil Yachty, and more, there’s no doubt Lil Gnar is making a name for himself in the hip-hop scene.
Kenny Mason
Kenny Mason isn’t just a rapper. He’s a storyteller, a lyricist, a producer, an artist, and beyond. His debut album, “Angelic Hoodrat” presents a mix of MF DOOM style and Atlanta style production, with even a little rock mixed in. Finished off with profound lyrical abilities, this was a project that was being crafted for 3 years before hitting streaming platforms in 2020. You can hear the diversity throughout the album when comparing the first track, “Firestarter” with heavier track, “Metal Wings.”
Kenny takes a Kendrick Lamar like approach in his music. Introspection, authenticity, storytelling, tied up with clear articulation. Kenny Mason successfully lays out life growing up in Atlanta, making a solid name for himself in the area’s hip-hop community.
Hopping on track, “Cereal” with IDK and fellow Atlanta native JID, Kenny’s lyrical abilities are put to the test. He delivers with ease. Kenny proves he belongs on tracks with those he’s taken inspiration from. While one of the smallest names on this list (in terms of social media), Kenny Mason may likely be one of the greatests coming up in the hip-hop world.
Check out the visuals to his newest track, “Partments.”
KEY!
A rapper that is on the constant grind, KEY! has been creating a name for himself in the Atlanta music scene. KEY! is best known for his 2018 album “777” fully produced by legendary producer Kenny Beats. By working with a producer like Kenny who is known for his custom creations, “777” perfectly depicts KEY! as an artist and his abilities. You can hear this on tracks like, “Demolition 1+2” and “Toronto.”
His style seems to really embody the new sound of Atlanta hip-hop. With a minimalistic sound that still finds a way to include compelling and experimental elements.
Check out his track “My Puppy” from his most recent project, “The Alpha Jerk,” accompanied by some dope visuals.
Also check out his freestyle on Kenny Beat’s “The Cave.”
Reese LaFlare
Reese LaFlare, though a lesser-known name worldwide, is a huge name in Atlanta. He has been an early innovator in Atlanta’s trap rap scene, collabing with other Atlanta names like KEY! and Curtis Williams. Reese takes influence from many older names in hip-hop but takes those elements and gives them a modern touch.
After many mixtapes dating back to 2011, Reese LaFlare released his debut self–titled album in 2018. This project features huge names like Pusha T, Ty Dolla $ign, and of course some Atlanta native rappers like Young Thug and Gunna.
A song of his I highly recommend is, “Escalators,” but also check out the music video for his song with Yung Bans.
Lil Keed
Although one of the younger rappers on this list, Lil Keed is rising faster than most. It’s no surprise that Lil Keed grew up in the same neighborhood as Young Thug. You can hear the influence throughout his higher pitched vocals, with it being most apparent in his 2019 hit, “Snake.”
While still early in his career he’s collaborated with huge names like Travis Scott and 21 Savage. One of my favorite collaborations of his, is his hit single with Lil Uzi Vert and YNW Melly, “Pull Up.”
It’s just a matter of time that Lil Keed will hit the same level of stardom as other mainstream Atlanta rappers like Young Thug and Lil Baby. Lil Keed is leading the way for the next generation of auto-tuned trap rap.
K CAMP
While one of the more well known names on this list, I wanted to feature K CAMP as he’s still not quite a household name. A dynamic artist all around, from vocals to lyrics to production. K CAMP can swiftly change between singing, melodic rap, and lyrical rap. His beats go from sensual R&B vibes on tracks like, “Comfortable,” to bass heavy trap beats on tracks like, “Lottery (Renegade).”
K CAMP even dabbles in other genres, featuring in Seeb‘s pop rock track, “Run It Up.” K CAMP is a rapper that continues to excite, and that’s no surprise based off of his hometown of Atlanta. He’s released 3 projects last year alone, with a dozen more under his belt. You won’t find a dead end when pressing shuffle on K CAMP.
Coca Vango
What is there not to like about Coca Vango? Consistently showing off his goofy personality on Instagram and through his music videos, Coca Vango is guaranteed to be your next favorite rapper. With his higher pitched delivery comparable to artists like Young Thug, Coca presents uplifting and genuine feel good hip-hop. You can hear this clearly on his track, “Sauce All on Me.”
Aside from rap, Coca Vango is a fashion icon and art aficionado. These interests translate into his creative expression throughout his music and accompanying visuals. The video for his track, “Get In There” makes you want to be apart of his crew.
Peewee Longway
Signed to Gucci Mane‘s 1017 Records, Peewee Longway’s talent is validated. Peewee is a huge name in Atlanta with an engaged fanbase nearing 1 million followers on Instagram. Peewee Longway seems to be the king of collabs. He has collaborated with endless big artists like Lil Baby and Lil Yachty.
His feature on Young Thug’s song, “Quarterback” showcases his ability to keep up with the best. Tracks like “Rerocc” and “Fiji Water” proves he can hop on a track alone. One thing that’s certain about Peewee Longway, is that he doesn’t have a long way to the top.
SahBabii
SahBabii quickly made a name for himself after the release of his debut album, “S.A.N.D.A.S.” With hits like “Purple Ape” and “Pull Up Wit Ah Stick” there was no doubt this album would blow up. Mixing his sing-song flow and intriguing lyrics to the rising Atlanta hip-hop sound puts him him on track to becoming known worldwide.
What SahBabii is most known for is keeping it light. He aims to create atmospheric hip-hop that brings you to another dimension. He successfully executes that throughout his whole discography.
SahBabii’s many projects prove he doesn’t need any features on his tracks. Though his song “Outstanding” with 21 Savage proves how well he can keep up with the big names.
Check out the music video to his track, “Ready To Eat.”
As you can hear, Atlanta is nowhere short of talented rappers. With cultural diversity throughout the city, it’s no surprise the experimental sounds coming out of this Georgia city. One thing that I love about hip-hop is how the rappers location really molds their sound. While the diversity shines throughout the music, you can still hear a classic Atlanta sound intertwined through each artist.
Like what you just heard? Follow the playlist!
More Cannabis & Music Content
10 FLORIDA RAPPERS YOU SHOULD BE SUPPORTING IN 2021
11 INGLEWOOD ARTISTS YOU SHOULD BE SUPPORTING IN 2021
HOW TO CRAFT ENGAGING ADS FOR YOUR MUSIC
LEARN HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PREMIERE YOUR MUSIC
THE 2020 WEST COAST WEED TOUR
