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OutKast puts Atlanta on the map
OutKast releases Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik The popular duo start to challenge east/west coastal dominance, the music celebrates Southern Black identity. Songs from the album feature lyrics that are rooted in culture, pride, and local slang. Atlanta’s growth as a Black cultural hub is a historical factor that helped the growth of hip-hop in the south. -
Crunk and snap music era
Artists such as Lil Jon and Dem Franchize Boyz created high energy party music allowing the youth to express themselves through dance. The rise of BET, MTV and viral culture helped spread crunk beyond Atlanta and music is becoming a cultural escape from economic stress. -
Trap music is born
Artists like T.I., Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy start creating music with lyrics that reflect the reality of street life, poverty, and systemic barriers. The overall tone of the music shifted, from party to pain and survival. High incarceration, low income and urban neglect in Atlanta neighborhoods gave artists plenty to write about. -
Atlanta becomes hip-hop capital
Artists from Atlanta start gaining global notoriety like young thug, migos, and future. Streaming and social media help them spread their culture further than it has been before. Slang, fashion, and music, all features of Atlanta culture become global. -
Hip-hop as protest
Atlanta artist Lil Baby drops a song called the bigger picture during BLM protests. This shows how hip-hop has grown into a tool for social justice and activism. The tone of the music shifts to conscious rap mixed with personal and political themes. The historical context behind the music is during the George Floyd protests there was a lot of youth led activism and calls for police reform.