Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com

Atlanta Hip-Hop Newsletter #1

Franco — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:50:38 +0000

Every Monday, we send a hand-curated email with the latest Atlanta hip-hop news to our subscribers. This is what we delivered to ATLRap insiders inboxes last Monday (Aug 17, 2014). Subscribe here. It’s free!

Trinidad James was dropped by Def Jam. James made the announcement via a tweet. Not too long ago James was one of the hottest new names in hip-hip as his single “All Gold Everything” was #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. (Billboard)

Young Jeezy says his new single “Seen It All” made Jay Z shed a tear. (Hypetrak)

Young Thug made his first television appearance. T.I. brought Young Thug to The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon for a live performance of their collaboration “About The Money“. It got rave reviews. (Noisey)

T.I. is making the press rounds promoting his single “No Mediocre” and forthcoming album Paperwork: The Motion Picture. After his Jimmy Fallon interview and performance, T.I. was on Hot 97 for Ebro In The Morning. Watch the full interview here.

Outkast performed at Drake’s annual OVO fest in Toronto. Towards the end of their set, Andre and Big Boi brought out Bun B for “Int’l Players Anthem”. (RapRadar)

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Former CTE signee Freddie Gibbs says Young Jeezy is lying about financing his career. (AllHipHop)

Did you know Jermaine Dupri was managing Mariah Carey? He’s not anymore, though. (Page Six)

Ray J enlisted Atlanta rap group Migos for his latest song “ATM”. (Radio)

Have a news tip for the next newsletter? Send it to us.

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Snoop Dogg: “Atlanta Is Running Hip-Hop Right Now”

Franco — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 20:06:14 +0000

Atlanta wasn’t always the capital of hip-hop, but it most definitely is now. Ask Uncle Snoop.

For those who don’t know, Snoop Dogg has one of the most entertaining YouTube series on the planet called GGN Hood News.

Last month, Snoop Dogg interviewed comedian and Decatur native Jack Thriller on GGN. After learning about Jack Thriller’s Atlanta origins, Snoop offered some great insight about Atlanta’s dominance and influence on hip-hop culture.

“How does it feel that Atlanta runs the fucking hip-hop game now? C’mon now, you remember when they used to call [Atlanta rappers] country bumpkins [or say] ‘get that bullshit outta here,’ [or] ‘that shit is wack.’ You remember that? Cause I was right there with them riding with the Atlanta [rappers] cause they were my homies from day one. I never said that about [Atlanta rappers], but n—-as used to talk bad about about Atlanta rappers…”

In the clip [see below], Snoop continues discussing Atlanta’s influence on hip-hop culture and addresses the Trinidad James controversy. The Atlanta conversation begins at the 1:45 mark.

The post Snoop Dogg: “Atlanta Is Running Hip-Hop Right Now” appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

ILoveMakonnen Gets Drake On “Tuesday” Remix (Makonnen Reacts!)

Franco — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:59:19 +0000

Is ILoveMakonnen the next music star to come out of Atlanta? Drake seems to think so; the superstar rapper-slash-singer jumped on the remix to ILoveMakonnen’s “Tuesday”. The original song, titled “Goin Up On A Tuesday”, is produced by Atlanta producers Sonny Digital and Metro Boomin and appears on ILoveMakonnen’s I Love Makonnen EP. Described by Stereogum as a regional hit, “Tuesday” is far from well known. Drake doing a remix will change all of that.

Listen to ILoveMakonnen “Tuesday” feat. Drake below:

Watch ILoveMakonnen react to hearing Drake on “Tuesday”. It’s pretty awesome.

Drake jumping on ILoveMakonnen’s bubbling song “Tuesday” is a familiar move since Drizzy did this with Migos “Versace” around this time last year. It’s great for ILoveMakonnen, and it makes Drake look in-touch with the underground at the same-damn-time.

The song debuted at 1:46 AM EST on Tuesday via ILoveMakonnen’s official website.

Drake’s OVO team posted the “Tuesday” remix on their official blog around 2:30am EST.

The post ILoveMakonnen Gets Drake On “Tuesday” Remix (Makonnen Reacts!) appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

10 Young Thug Songs That Explain The ATL Rapper’s Crazy Buzz

Franco — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 22:13:27 +0000

Listen to these 10 Young Thug songs to hear why there is so much buzz about this ATL rapper.

During his recent interview on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Atlanta’s T.I. referred to Young Thug as “one of the hottest cats in the rap game right now”.

While the Internet debates whether or not Young Thug is gay, the Atlanta rapper continues to create songs that resonate with hip-hop fans across the globe.

If you’re not familiar with Young Thug’s catalogue, we’ve put together a collection of 10 Young Thug songs that will help get you caught up.

10 Young Thug Songs That Explain Thugger’s Buzz

1. Young Thug – “Stoner”

We’re starting this collection Young Thug songs with some of Thuggers more popular jams. “Stoner” is Young Thug’s most successful song to date, selling just shy of 400,000 digital copies. It’s also Young Thug’s most popular song on Spotify with over 5.1 million streams as of August 10, 2014.

2. Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan – “Lifestyle”

Young Thug teams up with another one of Atlanta’s rising stars, Rich Homie Quan, for “Lifestyle”. This song was released under Birdman’s Rich Gang umbrella this summer, and continues to make waves on YouTube.

Young Thug Song Analytics for “Lifestyle” via YouTube:

For the record, Thuga Thug is not officially part of YMCMB, but the Atlanta rapper has said he will eventually become an official part of the Cash Money empire.

3. Young Thug “Danny Glover”

“Danny Glover” is the Young Thug song that Kanye West was caught dancing to back in January. We’re still wondering what Danny Glover thinks of Young Thug making him relevant to pop culture again.

4. Young Thug & Gucci Mane “Ride Around The City”

If there’s one rapper who deserves credit for seeing Young Thug’s potential, it’s Gucci Mane. The next 3 songs on the list of Young Thug songs are Young Thug and Gucci Mane collaborations that we play at the ATLRap headquarters.

“I chased the boy down and told him like, you’re one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with,” Gucci said last year, after recruiting Thug to come work at his private studio, the Brick Factory, an “open environment” where a team of producers and rappers worked around the clock. (BuzzFeed]

“Ride Around The City” is one of our favorite Thuga x Gucci collaboration, and the song features one of the the catchiest Young Thug hooks to date.

5. Young Thug & Gucci Mane “Bricks”

Again, Young Thug brings this song to life with his chorus. Yaa-yaa-yeah.

6. Young Thug & Gucci Mane “Shooting Star”

“Shooting Star” is one of the standout songs from Young Thug’s critically acclaimed 1017 Thug mixtape. 1017 is in reference to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad Records, the label that Young Thug represents.

7. Young Thug “Condo Music”

This song sounds like a hybrid of Future and Lil Wayne. It’s more triumphant-sounding than Young Thug’s more recent material. Try putting this on when you’re driving. It’s good driving music.

8. Young Thug “Strange Things”

The Lil Wayne comparisons make sense when you hear a song like “Strange Things”. Since Wayne plans on retiring soon, maybe this is why Birdman is so eager to work with Young Thug?

9. Young Thug “Fuckin Witcha” ft. Cash Out

“Fuckin Witcha” originally appeared on I Came From Nothing 2, a Young Thug mixtape from 2011. If “Strange Things” reminds you of Lil Wayne, wait until you hear Thuga on “Fuckin Witcha”. Clearly Wayne was a huge influence on Thugger. What’s cool, though, is how Young Thug has evolved his style.

10. Young Thug – “Some More”

“Some More” is the perfect way for us to conclude our top 10 Young Thug songs. We anticipate this song to keep gaining momentum in the coming weeks!

Young Thug Song Analytics for “Some More” via YouTube:

Need some more Young Thug music? Check the Most Popular Young Thug songs according to Spotify:

The post 10 Young Thug Songs That Explain The ATL Rapper’s Crazy Buzz appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

Rocko “Poet” EP Mixtape Review

Franco — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 23:02:29 +0000

Rocko is one of the most compelling characters in the hip-hop game. If you follow Rocko on Instagram, you know the Atlanta artist wears many hats. Rocko is a successful record label executive, ambitious entrepreneur, loving father, and poet. Wait, did we just say Poet?

Shortly following the the release of a new single “I’m Good” with Lil Wayne, Rocko surprised his supporters with Poet. It’s no coincidence that Rocko’s Poet was released a few days following the death of poet Maya Angelou.

It wasn’t a situation where I was trying to capitalize on her death, it was more a tribute to her and paying homage to everything she brought as far as her poetry…

Rocko’s Poet: What You Can Expect

Poet is an eight track EP that features Rocko Da Don rapping over production by Chase N Cashe, Fatboi, and 808 Mafia. The beat selection is one of the strong points of Rocko’s new album.

Rocko is one of the kings of Atlanta’s rap movement, but no other Atlanta rap artists appear on Rocko’s Poet. The one rapper who is on Rocko’s Poet EP is hip-hop legend, Nas. Their collaboration, “Hustler”, is one the stand-out songs on Poet. Rocko holds his own lyrically with Nas riding shotgun.

I’m the baker, the barber, the busboy, the chef
The CEO, the rapper, MC Rocko the best – I got a million hustles
I’m a doctor, I’m a lawyer, but me not no judge
I’m an accountant, me need it all, me not gon budge
Natural born hustler, yes, that is us
In living color flow, look Im King in My Ivory – explanation
Way-an, weave-out, trainer, boxer, I do it all
Realtor, builder, painter, artist
Play a little softball too, come to pitchin I’m the hardest”

On “Call You In Heaven”, Rocko expresses his desire to talk to his loved ones who have passed away and delivers a song that anyone who has ever lost a close family member will feel.

“Pain” talks about how people turn to drugs when they are going through life struggles.

People deal with pain in different ways
They drinking pints of lean all day, smoke and Patron
Drink and my Kush, I don’t know if I’m coming or going
I’m in pain, shout out to my little nigga
He died snortin that booger sugar
They listen to me, I give em’ hope
H-O-P-E, acronym, hold on pain ends

The title track off Poet is one of the strongest. If you’re a fan of Lingo creativity, “Poet” will put a smile on your face. Rocko finds more ways to use the prefix of Poet (“po”) over-and-over in his verses. The real highlight of “Poet” is the Chase n Cashe instrumental Rocko raps over.

Phenomenal Woman – Rocko pays tributes to the “real women” on this

Final thoughts: Overall, Poet is one of Rocko’s strongest projects to data. It’s short, but sweet. No filler, just real spill.

The post Rocko “Poet” EP Mixtape Review appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

10 Ludacris Songs That Will Never Stop Being Awesome

Franco — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 22:46:54 +0000

Ludacris is an Atlanta rap legend, but it seems like some hip-hop fans forgot. In recent years Ludacris — real name Chris Bridges — has been spending more time acting, hosting, and promoting his Soul headphones line.

Here at ATLRap, we celebrate Atlanta rappers. And what worries us is that younger rap fans don’t realize the depth of Ludacris’ catalogue. Luda has hits for days. There’s no doubt that younger rap fans are familiar with Ludacris’ more recent hits like “How Low” and “One More Drink”, but we want to focus on the Ludacris songs that have stood the test of time.

So here’s what we did: Our team of rap tastemakers and curators got together and compiled 7 Ludacris songs that we think are still awesome. We made a conscious effort to NOT includes songs where Ludacris is the featured guest; that might be a separate post in the future. For now, though, sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of the Atlanta artist we know as Ludacris.

1. Ludacris – Area Codes feat. Nate Dogg

Featuring an unforgettable Nate Dogg chorus and hilarious Ludacris one-liners, “Area Codes” is without-a-doubt one of the greatest Ludacris songs of all time. It was also a perfect song for radio since every major market’s area code was shouted-out throughout Ludacris’ three verses.

I bang cock in Bangkok
Can’t stop, I turn and hit the same spot
Think not, I’m the thrilla in Manilla
Schlong in Hong Kong/em>

ATLRap Fun Fact: The video that played on MTV & BET replaced the word “hoes” with “pros” i.e. “I got pros in different area codes.” It kind of reminds us “My Hitta”.

ATLRap Stat: “Area Codes” peaked at #24 on the US Billboard Hot 100

2. Ludacris – What’s Your Fantasy feat. Shawnna

“What’s Your Fantasy” was Ludacris’ first big hit. Originally appearing on Incognegro, “What’s Your Fantasy” features Ludacris spilling the beans on all his sexual fantasies over a Bangladesh instrumental.

We can do it in the White House
Try to make them turn the lights out
Champagne with my campaign
Let me do the damn thing

ATLRap Stats: “What’s Your Fantasy” peaked at #21 on the US Billboard Hot 100

3. Ludacris – Move Bitch feat. Mystical & I-20

With Mystical and I-20 on his side, Ludacris effectively created a song that embodies what road rage feels like. I-20’s voice still sounds insanely deep in 2014.

I’m doing a hundred on the highway
So if you do the speed limit get the fuck outta my way

ATLRap Stats: “Move Bitch” peaked at #10 on the US Billboard Hot 100

4. Usher – Yeah feat. Ludacris & Lil Jon

When Ludacris appears as a featured guest, it can make a song. Usher’s “Yeah” was already a hit, but Ludacris’ guest verse made it a smash.

Watch-out my out-fit ri-dic-ulous
In the club lookin so conspicuous
>And Rowl! These women all on the prowl
if you hold the head steady I’m a milk the cow

5. Ludacris – Southern Hospitality feat. Pharrell

Back before Pharrell was Happy, he was featured on this classic Ludacris song. Produced by the Neptunes, “Southern Hospitality” was the follow-up single to “My Fantasy”. This song showed the world that Ludacris was far from a one-hit wonder.

Cadillac grills, Cadillac mills
Check out the oil my Cadillac spills
Matter of fact, candy-paint Cadillacs kill
So check out the hoes my Cadillac fills

Side note about the lyrics: Clearly this kind of lyricism wouldn’t fly in 2014. It’s not exactly environmentally conscious, ha!

6. Ludacris – Growing Pains feat. DTP

Who says Ludacris doesn’t have substance? On “Growing Pains”, Luda and his DTP comrades get nostalgic about growing up in College Park.

I brush teeth, brush naps and calm streets
Dreamin’ of Cadillacs, wood wheels and plush seats

7. Ludacris – Roll Out (My Business)

“Roll Out” is one of those Ludacris tracks that makes you appreciate Luda’s orgiinality as an MC. Most rappers who heard the “Roll Out” instrumental would never have though to ride the beat like Luda. But that’s what makes Ludacris special.

Now tell me who’s your housekeeper and what you keep in yo’ house?

8. Ludacris – Splash Waterfalls

When 50 Cent and G-Unit were dominating the radio in the mid-2000s, Ludacris was able to stay relevant by staying in his lane. On “Splash Waterfalls”, Ludacris raps about one of his favorite topics: sex.

ATLRap Fun Fact: “Splash Waterfalls peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100

9. Ludacris – Get Back

ATLRap Fun Fact: “Get Back” peaked at #13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

10. Ludacris – Pimpin All Over The World

What a great way to finish the countdown. “Pimpin All Over The World” was cut from a similar cloth as “Area Codes”.

And I’m like (ugh), Heyy girl how ya doin,
you are the woman that I’m really pursuin, I would like to get
To know ya, can you gimme ya name,
if you jot down ya number you’ll get mine in exchange, Heyy

The post 10 Ludacris Songs That Will Never Stop Being Awesome appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

Gucci Mane In Jail: “I’m Releasing 5 New Albums In 2014”

Franco — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:05:28 +0000

Is Gucci Mane in jail? It doesn’t sound like it.

Technically speaking, no. Gucci Mane is actually in prison, and the Atlanta rapper will remain there until 2106. On May 13th, Gucci Mane — real name Radric Davis — plead guilty to a federal gun charges. As part of the plea deal, Gucci Mane must serve three years behind bars. Gucci was initially facing up to 20 years so the news could have been much worse. The conviction stems from a nearly back-to-back arrests in September 2014.

On September 12, 2013, Davis, who was a felon at the time, was found in possession of a firearm,” a federal prosecutor’s news release said. “Then, just two days later, on September 14th, he again possessed a firearm different from the earlier gun. On both occasions, Davis displayed the loaded firearm, acted erratically, and made threats to individuals, including police and his attorney.” [CNN]

Despite his physical absence, Gucci Mane has maintained a consistent presence on the web thanks to a steady flow of new material. If you frequent the most popular rap blogs, you often see new Gucci Mane songs or full mixtapes by Gucci Mane. In fact, many fans of the Atlanta rapper are unaware if Gucci Mane is in jail because of all the new music Gucci has released since the arrest in September. The steady flow Gucci Mane music is showing no sign of slowing down, even though Gucci is expected to be incarcerated until 2016. Last week Gucci Mane announced — via a prison payphone — that fans can expect a triple album on June 17th. A triple album.

What is interesting about the project is that each of the three albums features Gucci Mane collaborating with an up-and-coming Atlanta rap superstar. The Purple Album features Young Thug. The Green Album features. The White Album features PeeWee Longway. According to Gucci Mane himself, production for World War 3D is provided by Mike Will, Sonny Digital, Metro Boomin, and 808 Mafia, to name a few. Listen to Gucci Mane make the announcement about his new music from a prison payphone:

If you think that Gucci Mane releasing a triple album is crazy, you’ll be blown away by what Gucci Mane plans to release following the June release of World War 3D. Following World War 3D, Gucci Mane will release two more albums, Trap House 4 and Trap God 3. Fans can expect Trap House 4 on the Fourth of July and Trap God 3 on September 13th.

How is Gucci Mane able to release so much new music from behind bars? Gucci Mane has a super-human work ethic. When Gucci Mane isn’t getting in trouble, the Atlanta native is usually in a recording studio. Our sources tell us that Gucci Mane had 10 albums worth of material in the vault prior to the September arrest.

Gucci Mane’s work ethic is unprecedented. In the seven years he’s been active in hip-hop, the Atlanta rapper has released more projects—both mixtapes and albums—than perhaps all of his contemporaries. Gucci’s commitment to studio recording is well-documented, and his tremendous output in less than a decade supports this. [Complex]

If our sources are correct, and Gucci Mane has ten albums worth of material in the vault, expect Gucci Mane to remain a relevant name in the hip-hop game in the next three years.

The post Gucci Mane In Jail: “I’m Releasing 5 New Albums In 2014” appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

T.I.’s Fight With Floyd Mayweather Was Good For Business

Franco — Thu, 29 May 2014 23:39:06 +0000

T.I.’s Fight with Flloyd Mayweather Boosts Album Sales?

It’s been 71 weeks since T.I.’s Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head album was released, but sales are up 6% this week. To date, the Atlanta rapper’s Trouble Man album has sold 524,623 copies. T.I.‘s fight with Floyd Mayweather — which has been one of the most talked-about news stories this week — looks like it was good for business. Check back this time next week to see if the increased (negative) publicity has positive results on T.I.’s album sales.

The post T.I.’s Fight With Floyd Mayweather Was Good For Business appeared first on Atlanta Hip-Hop News & Music Insight | ATLRap.com.

Is Young Thug Gay For Men Or Horny For Attention?

Franco — Wed, 28 May 2014 02:41:41 +0000

Young Thug: Gay or Nay?

Is Young Thug gay? Young Thug is a rapper from Atlanta, GA that grew to prominence in 2013 following the release of his 1017 Thug mixtape. Today, Young Thug is one of the hottest names in hip-hop, and his single “Stoner” is in heavy rotation on radio stations throughout the United States. But Young Thug is also one of the most talked-about rappers because of questions regarding his sexual orientation.

Music: 10 Young Thug Songs That Explain Thugger’s Popularity

If Young Thug is gay, it makes sense that he hails from Atlanta. If you spend more than a day in Atlanta, it’s clear that Atlanta is a very gay-friendly city. In fact, Atlanta is one of the gayest cities in the USA. A 2005 NPR report indicated that Atlanta has the “largest population of black gay couples in the United States.” Considering that Atlanta is arguably home to more rappers than any other US city, the odds are that there’s at least a handful of gay rappers from A-Town. Right?

Hip-Hop as a genre has always been hyper-masculine, but in recent years, the culture has become more accepting to homosexuality. Whereas rappers often used gay slurs in their raps, in 2014, that type of lyrical content is frowned upon. Eminem — once accused of being homophobic — publicly supports gay marriage. Lil B released an album entitled I’m Gay, and the only person shocked by that was DMX.

But what’s different with Young Thug is that there’s legitimate questions about his sexuality. Fans aren’t sure if it’s a publicity stunt. And Young Thug isn’t just a semi-known rapper or an Internet celebrity like Lil B. Young Thug is one of the rising stars of the genre.

Why do people thing Young Thug may be gay?

1. Young Thug admits to wearing dresses. Not the leather kilts that Kanye West rocks on stage. We’re talking legitimate dresses. Like the one your sister wears. A Google Image search for “Young Thug Dress” returns some very interesting results:

2. Young Thug has weird nicknames for his friends. When was the last time you called your boy “babe”? Do you ever call your buddy “my love”? We’re not judging, just asking.

3. Young Thug has been wearing red nail polish lately. That’s a first in hip-hop.

3. But Young Thug says he’s not gay. Do you believe him?

Our Opinion: We could care less if Young Thug is gay. The reality is that people are gay. It’s not a choice. To all the homophobic straight people reading this, wrap your brain around this: Did you choose to be straight? We don’t think Thugger is gay, but rather that he’s trolling the Internet for attention. And it’s working!

Editor’s Update: Someone should do a version of this, but fill it in with things from this post. Do you know how I know you’re gay? Because you wear women’s clothing and nail polish.

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2 Chainz Verbally Assaults Funkmaster Flex During NYC Performance

Franco — Fri, 02 May 2014 23:06:52 +0000

2 Chainz took time out of his New York City performance to diss Hot 97 DJ and On-Air Personality Funkmaster Flex

This is ridiculously short-sighted on 2 Chainz’ part. First of all, no one saw Funkmaster Flex say 2 Chainz freestyle was wack. It’s not like Flex was on Sportscenter. He was on ESPN 2. Second of all, dissing influencial deejays is one of the dumbest moves a rapper can make. You would think 2 Chainz would know better considering he’s a veteran of the rap business, but hey, nothing surprises me these days.

Timeline of the 2 Chainz / Funkmaster Flex beef:

June, 2012: 2 Chainz kicks a freestyle during an appearance on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 radio show. Watch the freestyle below:

April 2014: During an appearance on ESPN 2’s Highly Questionable, Funkmaster Flex disses 2 Chainz. Well, not sure if you can even call it a diss, but considering how sensitive rappers are, it’s not a surprise 2 Chainz took Flex’s public comments some type of way.

XXL reports:

…the Hot 97 DJ was asked who had the worst freestyle on his show. After mulling over the question for several seconds, seemingly not wanting to out the rapper with the struggle bars, Flex finally confessed. “The freestyle that wasn’t very good on my show, it had to be 2 Chainz.” Flex then expounded on his answer saying the ATL rapper probably had an off day. “Honestly, I think I caught him off guard,” he added. “I think he didn’t expect me to ask him to do it. Because I’ve heard him on shows freestyling before so I knew he could handle it. But I think that day he couldn’t handle it.”

April 30, 2014: 2 Chainz takes time during his performance in Flex’s hometown to voice his displeasure.

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