The Best Atlanta Artists and Albums: Ranked

Arguably the new epicenter of rap and birthplace of trap, Atlanta has given rise to some of the greatest hip-hop artists of the 2000s. While nearly impossible to rank the veterans vs. the newer trappers, we did our best to come up with the ultimate Atlanta ranking list.

We chose the best 14 artists to come out of Atlanta, debated on their best album, then finally tackled the daunting task of ranking each album. Even the lower rankings on this list are great albums with talented artists that, in our opinion, beat out so many others. Taking all of that into account, here’s our list.

14. Paper Trail (T.I.)

Paper Trail was an album released in 2008 by Atlanta rap pioneer T.I. As one of the inventors and drivers of the trap subgenre, he has been known to flex his lifestyle through his music. His sixth studio album is somewhat of a victory lap for the accomplished rappers with a mix of hit pop songs and harder cuts about how far he has come. With features from the top of the game like Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake, this album went number one on Billboard 200 and had two songs reach the top spot of the charts. The album also went double platinum in the U.S. and earned a Grammy nomination for best rap album in 2009, clearly marking it as a staple for this era of hip-hop.

Songs like “Live your Life” and “Swagga Like Us” are a sign of the time but are still classics now. The album still has deep cuts like “Porn Star” that have been somewhat lost in the cultural zeitgeist but stole hold up very well in an era dominated by electronic beats and auto-tune. Adding to its historical relevance, Billboard recently rated the project 87th on its list of best R&B and Hip-Hop albums of all time. Paper Trail ages like fine wine and is definitely a good flashback into 2000s rap and how it has evolved. -Kai

13. Trap House 3 (Gucci Mane)

One of the most enjoyable albums on this list, Trap House 3, is a perfect embodiment of trap music. It’s all the greatness of Gucci Mane but in the format of a cohesive album, which is atypical for the mixtape maestro. It avoids the trap music pitfall of sounding repetitive from song to song, which is largely owed to the theatrical-sounding production, which stages the album as a well-polished work.

Features are effectively placed throughout the album to keep things lively but do not take away from the identity of TH3 being Gucci Mane's album first and foremost. Gucci raps with a consistent quality, which we’ve come to hear from him for well over a decade now. As for notable features, 2 Chainz stole the show for me, coming in harder than I have ever heard him on the track “Use Me.” Chief Keef contributed to making a great atmosphere and overall track on “Darker.” Rich Homie Quan was a welcome addition to several tracks, including “Chasen Paper,” which also features his dynamic second half, Young Thug (“Yung” Thug at this time), and this chemistry shows.

Front to back, it is a perfect album to be bumped in the car. In my mind, trap music is the perfect driving music, and it's what I hear when I imagine a car with its windows down and speakers thumping. Trap House 3 delivers that signature Atlanta trap sound with a consistency that makes it a set-and-forget album to play straight through on a drive. -Jack

12. Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2 Chainz)

Coming in at number 12 is one of the most iconic pink album covers: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music by 2 Chainz. Released in 2017, this is 2 Chainz’s most notable project featuring artists like Travis Scott, Migos, Nicki Minaj, Swae Lee, Drake, and Jhené Aiko, who helped carry the album. This album’s production has an incredible range with various beats to match each song’s meaning and debuted at 2 on Billboard 200.

The album has a unique storytelling aspect that is often overlooked. “Poor Fool,” the 7th track, describes the financial dynamic between him and his mom with the memorable line, “Poor fool, streets don’t love you like I do. I said close your mouth and eat. You make some paper then you make your own rules.” In his song “4AM” with Travis Scott, he discusses his rise to the top and the work he put in to get there.

The album pushed forward Atlanta’s trap scene on a national level. Although most of the songs are not as frequently streamed as when they were released, the most streamed song on the album, “It’s A Vibe” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz, and Jhené Aiko, hasn’t lost its spark. It is still regularly bumped in cars, venues, and parties across the country and is beloved by the city of Atlanta. Although this album brought more popularity to Atlanta’s music scene and offered great depth, Pretty Girls LIke Trap Music isn't as timeless or feature-independent as other albums on this list. Nonetheless, we can confirm: pretty girls do indeed like trap music. -Kira

11. The Recession (Jeezy)

Growing up in the South, listening to Jeezy was essential. The Recession was made at a time when everyone was “down bad”: the 2008 recession. It was a time when people needed the motivation to hustle, and this was the album to do so. The Recession was Jeezy’s 5th studio album coming off his run with Thug Motivation. As the “snowman” said himself: he came back to give everybody hope. The economy began to grow when this classic dropped. Jeezy spoke about relevant topics that are still happening today, such as trappers moving weight and being caught up by the feds. In addition, the government is actively trying to indict artists with drug charges and Rico cases. Such a topic is still relevant today due to the current indictment of Young Thug and Gunna.

This was a trapper’s bible that they listened to from sun up to sundown. Though some of the lyrics may be a little outdated (as seen on “Amazin’”), this is a solid album that can be played at any given time you need to go get it. “Put On” is the staple song that is the cherry on top, with Jeezy and Kanye making for a great duo. It would later go on to be featured in Skate 3, arguably one the most influential games in the gaming community. Nonetheless, this album earns an earnest #11 spot on our list due to Jeezy’s influence being majorly popular amongst the southern regions, whereas the other albums on the list had influence on a global scale. -Jamison

10. Flockaveli (Waka Flocka Flame)

Realistically, I don’t think Flockaveli is some sort of transcendent showcase of hip-hop – but that doesn't mean it isn’t a damn good time. Because even though Waka Flocka Flame’s debut project may lack consistency and direction, it has more energy than a power plant. Flockaveli is an absolute relic of the early 2010s that still can be heard at any rager. Cuts like “Hard in da Paint,” “Grove St. Party,” and “No Hands” are certified classics that have managed to be go-to’s on the aux for a decade now. And the widespread popularity of these tracks tends to distract the casual listener from a treasure trove of electric songs littered throughout the album.

Sure, there is not a ton of variation throughout the album regarding production or subject matter, but the lifeblood of Flockaveli is its unrelenting ability to turn you up. The LP doesn’t need to be listened to front to back: you very quickly know what you’re going to get from the jump. Flocka and producer Lex Luger’s direction on the album can also be argued as the beginning of trap music’s popularization, which has led to the subgenre being widely in demand over the past 10-15 years. Flockaveli had a chokehold on music with its party anthems and is still getting people amped up in 2022. Shortcomings and all, this project is so fun and underappreciated as a whole. -Jonah

9. Savage Mode II (21 Savage and Metro Boomin)

There’s something about 21 Savage and collaboration albums that bring the best out of the 30-year-old, British-born, and Atlanta-raised rapper. His third and most recent full-length work with legendary producer Metro Boomin is the perfect example of this, as 21 proves why he is considered one of this generation’s strongest, most dynamic, and most unique artists.

Savage Mode II is a lyrical threat, as 21 consistently raps about his present and potential “opps” and the impending consequences for those who cross him. It also contains some of the most maximalist and spectacular original beats Metro has ever released. The dark and devastating instrumentals of “Glock in my Lap,” “Many Men,” and “Snitches & Rats” all impressively illustrate the deadly and intimidating bars laced within almost every track on the album. However, this menacing delivery is contrasted on tracks such as “Rich ***** Shit,” where 21 asserts his status above those against him over a lush, luxurious, R&B-inspired beat, and “RIP Luv,” where he addresses his more sentimental side, exposing his struggles with losing his first love. Despite the dissimilarities, 21 demonstrates his ability to intertwine multiple themes on Savage Mode II and show his dynamic performance skills.

The beauty and cohesiveness of the project are a result of its cinematics. 21 characterizes himself almost like a supervillain through his cocky and incitive bars paired with the chilling and somewhat sinister narration from Morgan Freeman, reminiscent of the outro of Michael Jackson’s classic single “Thriller.” Savage Mode II is, without a doubt, 21 Savage’s most well-rounded, expansive, and encaptivating project to date. -Alex

8. Because The Internet (Childish Gambino)

Because the Internet is Gambino’s second studio album that featured his breakout hit “3005.” The album came at a time when Gambino was leaving his acting role on the show “Community” and was transitioning into a different part of his life. The same can be said for those who grew up with this album. It’s an album that makes you mature and realize the fake around you. Gambino wanted to tell a story from this idea of discovering who’s real and fake.

Because the Internet is broken up into 4 acts, and Dissect Podcast perfectly explains the whole ideology behind it. Dissect Podcast on Youtube analyzed and explained the true meaning of “3005” as it correlates to the visuals. Because the Internet partially has tones about existential loneliness, as that’s one of the themes towards the second half of the album. I won’t quote the whole video, but I recommend checking it out if you want to learn more about the meaning of “3005.” (link)

The rollout of this album was arguably one of the most niche rollouts in recent decades as Gambino played this persona of “The Boy” anytime he would make media appearances for this album. This is an album that has aged fairly well, with each track sounding like something that could have been released today. The influence of Gambino garnered widespread attention from fans all over. His most influential moment during this rollout is a freestyle from Funkmaster Flex, where he freestyles over Drake's “Pound Cake.” -Jamison

7. R.A.P. Music (Killer Mike)

Killer Mike is one of the most outspoken rappers coming out of the Atlanta scene. After making his debut featuring on Outkast’s Stankonia, he released five different albums but never really received mainstream recognition. With the release of R.A.P. Music, Mike, alongside the production of EL-P, introduced a new and refreshing sound. The album came to critical acclaim and is largely seen as the album that kickstarted Run the Jewels (the duo that would later form between Killer Mike and EL-P) by the hip-hop community.

What makes R.A.P. Music really stand out is Killer Mike’s charisma throughout the album. From front to back, Mike drops aggressive, politically charged bars that show us what he’s about. This is especially prevalent on the track “Reagan,” where we hear Mike rapping about the destruction that the Reagan era caused the black community ranging from the war on drugs to Reaganomics to U.S. involvement in the middle east to benefit the oil lobby. The track, in my opinion, is the most politically charged on the album and can be seen by many as one of the few tracks that encapsulate Killer Mike’s ideology. Overall, R.A.P. Music is Killer Mike’s most complete solo album to date and one of the better solo albums to come out of the Atlanta scene. -Davis

6. Culture (Migos)

Before I talk about the influence that Migo's sophomore studio album had coming out of the ATL, I would like to give Takeoff his flowers as he tragically passed away recently to another senseless act of violence. As I listen this album, I would not have any problems with this being the #1 album on today’s list. The nostalgia it gives me listening to these albums brings me back to a good point in life, but more importantly, it is one of the most accomplished projects in recent rap history.

The project includes features from extremely influential hip-hop figures like Lil Uzi, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, and DJ Khaled. It took over 2017, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200, ranked 8th best album of 2017 on Billboard’s 50 Best Albums of 2017, and even had a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. The longevity would continue as it finished the 66th album on the 2018 Billboard 200 and even the 83rd album on the Decade’s (2010-2019) Billboard 200. The album is also known as a platinum-selling LP. It is also good to know that out of the 13 songs on the album, 4 would reach the Billboard 100, 3 of the singles would be in the top 20. These singles were “Slippery” (29), “T-Shirt” (19), “I Get the Bag ft Gucci Mane” (11), and “Bad and Boujee” (1 for three consecutive weeks).

This album’s legacy, influence, and accomplishments will go down as one of the best to come out of ATL. Just as Takeoff said, “I ain’t left off Bad and Boujee,” Culture ain’t left off of our Top 15 Atlanta Album List. -D

5. Die Lit (Playboi Carti)

Carti’s sophomore album Die Lit isn’t hailed for thought-provoking lyrical wit but rather for the South Atlanta native’s electrifying delivery and production. After the success of their first collaboration, “wokeuplikethis*,” Carti enlisted producer Pi’erre Bourne to put together 15 of the project’s 19 tracks. The pair have become synonymous with the gritty and psychedelic sound they popularized with Die Lit. Pi’erre’s whimsical beats combined with Carti’s trap lyricism and brazen swagger create an inimitable sound, which feels like playing an 8-bit video game on hallucinogens.

Carti’s sophomore record seems completely contemporary, despite being almost four years old, due to its simultaneous mix of intensity and playfulness. His intense delivery over perky production earned instant popularity for Die Lit.

Carti has shown an affinity for repeating his lyrics incessantly in every song, but the constantly evolving tone of Pi’erre’s instrumentation keeps the record stimulating. The vigorous arrogance of songs like “R.I.P.” and “Choppa Won’t Miss” were some of Carti’s first ventures into the anarchical style that many of today’s rappers have co-opted. The album is also decorated with titanic features like Travis Scott, Skepta, Nicki Minaj, Chief Keef, and Young Thug.

Die Lit is a perfect encapsulation of an era in trap music that blends ethereal spacey production with thunderous reverberating bass hits, and it stands out as one of the best albums ever forged by Atlanta’s rap culture. -Harry

4. The Forever Story (JID)

By now, if you don’t have JID on your radar as one of the best and brightest emcees in the game, you might have to get your equipment checked out. ESPECIALLY after the release of his latest and third studio album, The Forever Story (aka the biggest Grammy snub this year), where JID showcases his skills and talents as an utterly rounded hip-hop artist.

On “Crack Sandwich,” JID highlights his strength as a vivid storyteller over a modern boom-bap beat. JID gets deeply personal with infectious melodies as he smoothly croons about perseverance on the RnB/Gospel-inspired “Kody Blu 31.” Throughout the project, JID highlights his influences by rapping alongside them on tracks such as “Stars,” where he is joined by Yasiin Bey, and “Just in Time,” which features Lil Wayne. Additional features from current Atlanta artists such as 21 Savage (“Surround Sound”) and Earthgang (“Can’t Punk Me”) give us a glimpse into the bright future of Atlanta hip-hop that JID and his contemporaries are carving out.

Throughout the project, JID employs his signature bouncy cadences, notably on the opening track “Raydar,” the closer “Lauder Too” (a direct call back to the closing track on “The Never Story”), and during the second half of “Surround Sound.” If you are looking for a rap album that displays diversity on both technical and artistic levels, do yourself a favor and check out “The Forever Story.” -Jake

3. DS2 (Future)

There are certain trap albums that are good. Then there are certain trap albums that serve as benchmarks within the trap scene. Then there are albums that serve as benchmarks within Hip Hop. Dirty Sprite 2 is one of those albums. It is a focal point of what made trap a subgenre so prominent during the 2010s. Despite having only one feature, the tape is a perfect example of how the spot for the biggest city in the rap scene has become Atlanta’s to lose.

Featuring the big three of the 2010s Atlanta trap production (Metro Boomin, Southside, and Zaytoven), the grimy beats with booming 808s match perfectly with the psychedelic melodies provided by Future’s delivery. He bounces between some of his hardest songs (“Stick Talk,” “I Serve the Base”) and the crooning slower cuts (“Slave Master,” “Rich $ex”). You’ll find one of Future’s best-ever tracks in “The Percocet & Stripper Joint,” a song that combines the introspection of something from Monster with the trippy production that is so well known from DS2.

While many trap albums released during this era now sound dated, DS2 passes one of the hardest tests in all of music: not sounding completely out of style eight years after its release. If Future were to drop an album with this sound today, I’d welcome it. -Spencer

2. Jeffrey (Young Thug)

Coming in at #2 on the list is one of the most iconic trap albums ever made. Everyone almost instantly recognizes Jeffrey from the album cover, which features Young Thug posing by himself in a flowing dress. Besides his great choice of album covers, Thug delivers his hardest-hitting and most creative album to date. Naming every track after different icons and influences in his life, Jeffrey was Thug’s escape from his usual rap persona. From the first strum of the reggae-style guitar on “Wyclef Jean”, listeners realize that Thug has created something different from his past projects. His voice continues to be used almost like an instrument in his music, maybe even more so than before. This doesn’t change the fact that Thug was able to reinvent his sound on this album without turning away from elements that make his sound so appealing.

Overall, Jeffrey is one of the best examples of a great album. It’s fun, intriguing, catchy, and goes hard all at once. What’s even more impressive is how Young Thug is still utilizing this formula to this day, creating refreshing music with each album he releases. Unfortunately, we all know that he can’t make music in jail, so Jeffrey will have to do for now. -Ben

1. Aquemini (OutKast)

When our staff was mulling over where to rank each of these albums, there was absolutely no debate about where OutKast’s Aquemini belonged. The third project from Andre 3000 and Big Boi is their best effort and perhaps one of the best efforts in the history of rap. Placing this LP anywhere other than first seemed like sacrilege. Aquemini established the south as a true player in hip-hop and turned OutKast from a force within the region into a major presence nationwide.

But other than signifying a cultural shift, Aquemini showcased an evolution from 3 Stacks and Big Boi that makes it a colorful epic. The contrast between the two emcees drives OutKast’s success, and the clashing personalities were perfectly balanced on “Aquemini.” While Andre 3000’s flair and poetic writing pushes the album’s ambitions, Big Boi keeps it grounded with his realism and more traditional style of rapping. And as a result, the project is like a yin-yang of funk-infused hip-hop. -Jonah