Killer Mike, London on Da Track & More Rank their Atlanta Top 10 Get Up Anthems: See The List
Few songs withstand time, distinguished by their infectious beats, experimental sounds, poignant lyrics or enduring appeal, rendering them as classics. In partnership with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we’re on an exploration to roundup the top Get Up Anthems over this next year from these six cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Guided by curated panels, we delve deep into each city’s sonic history, spotlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation and celebrate the power music has to inspire listeners to get up and chase their passions, in the spirit of perseverance.
The Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Atlanta were crafted through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analytics, social impact and personal sentiment, to create a ranked list of the songs which inspired, captivated, and energized the A. In a historical dive from 1973 to present day, the city’s playlist [click HERE to play] features hometown hits that are synonymous with the city’s rich history and culture, hand selected by Atlanta’s very own, Killer Mike and London on da Track, Billboard editors, Damien Scott and Trevor Anderson, and moderated by Rocsi Diaz.
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Did they get it right? Or were they off the mark?
Take a look at their Top 10 Get Up Anthems for Atlanta:
10. “Never Scared” – Bone Crusher feat. T.I. and Killer Mike (2003)
A single from Bone Crusher’s debut album AttenCHUN! and produced by Avery Johnson, “Never Scared” features booming bass, aggressive beats, and an anthemic hook delivered with Bone Crusher’s raw, gravelly voice. T.I. and Killer Mike add their distinct flows, contributing to the song’s powerful, confrontational vibe. Peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Hot Rap charts, the lyrics of this anthem celebrate resilience and defiance, capturing the tough, unapologetic spirit of Atlanta’s street culture and crunk music scene.
9. “Icy” – Gucci Mane feat. Young Jeezy and Boo (2005)
The standout track from Gucci Mane’s debut album Trap House, “So Icy,” produced by Zaytoven, features a melodic, piano-driven beat with a catchy, sing-song chorus. Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy rap about their lavish lifestyles and success, with playful, boastful lyrics that reflect the flashy side of Atlanta’s trap scene. After twenty weeks climbing the Hot 100 charts, the song peaked at No.46, and No.23 on the Hot Rap Songs Chart.
8. “Damn!” – YoungBloodz feat. Lil Jon (2003)
Released in 2003, “Damn!” is a hit single from YoungBloodZ’s second album Drankin’ Patnaz. The quintessential crunk anthem, produced by Lil Jon, boasts an explosive energy, heavy bass, and call-and-response style lyrics. Sean P and J-Bo of YoungBloodZ deliver assertive verses, while Lil Jon’s production provides a relentless, high-octane backdrop. The song’s repetitive, chant-like hook made it a party favorite and a defining track of the crunk era, ultimately landing at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
7. “Lifestyle” – Richgang feat. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan (2014)
Charting at No. 16 on the Hot 100, “Lifestyle” is a single from the compilation album Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1. The song features a sleek, futuristic beat with bright synths and a bouncy rhythm, by producer London on da Track, laying the foundation for Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan to showcase their unique, melodic flows, blending rap with sing-song delivery. The lyrics reflect their rise from hardship to success, embodying the aspirational and celebratory spirit of Atlanta’s new wave of hip-hop.
6. “Shoulder Lean” – Young Dro feat. T.I. (2006)
Released in 2006, “Shoulder Lean” from Young Dro’s debut album Best Thang Smokin’ peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Lil’ C, its minimalist beat and danceable groove, coupled with Young Dro’s confident delivery, made it a hit in Atlanta’s vibrant nightlife.
5. “No Mo’ Play in G.A.” – Pastor Troy (1999)
The second track on Pastor Troy’s debut album We Ready (I Declare War), “No Play in GA” delivers gritty, hard-hitting production with ominous synths and pounding drums, creating a menacing atmosphere. Pastor Troy’s aggressive performance and confrontational lyrics address themes of street life and regional pride, resonating with Atlanta’s underground rap scene. Although it didn’t chart commercially, the track’s raw energy and unapologetic attitude cemented Pastor Troy’s status as a Southern rap icon.
4. “Knuck If You Buck” – Crime Mob feat. Lil Scrappy (2004)
A legacy track from Crime Mob’s self-titled debut album, “Knuck If You Buck” is characterized by its relentless, high-energy beat, punctuated by rapid hi-hats and a heavy bassline. The group’s members, alongside Lil’ Scrappy, deliver aggressive, hype-inducing verses. Princess and Diamond stand out with their fierce, high-pitched delivery, adding a sharp edge to the track and contrasting with the deeper, grittier vocals from M.I.G. and Cyco Black. This interplay of vocal textures creates a dynamic listening experience and the song’s raw, combative lyrics make it a powerful anthem in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, landing at No. 76 on the Hot 100.
3. “Cell Therapy” – Goodie Mob (1995)
Released in 1995, “Cell Therapy” is the lead single from Goodie Mob’s debut album Soul Food. Produced by Organized Noize, the track features a dark, brooding beat with eerie keys and a hypnotic bassline. The group’s members – CeeLo Green, Big Gipp, Khujo, and T-Mo – deliver introspective verses with complex, socially conscious lyrics that tackle issues like surveillance, systemic oppression, and community struggles. “Cell Therapy,” which reached No. 39 on the Hot 100, stood out for its deep, reflective content and solidified Goodie Mob’s place in Atlanta’s hip-hop legacy.
2. “March Madness” – Future (2015)
Despite not charting on the Hot 100 but landing at No.35 on the hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and spending two weeks on the Rap charts, “March Madness” is a single that became one of Future’s signature tracks. Later crowned as one of the “100 Songs that Defined the Decade” by Billboard editors, the Tarentino produced song features a lush, atmospheric beat with layered synths and a pulsating rhythm. Future’s emotive delivery and melodic flow glide over the production, with lyrics that reflect the chaos and intensity of street life, as well as moments of personal reflection. The track’s haunting sound and introspective lyrics capture the essence of Atlanta’s modern trap music.
(Tied at Number One)
1. “Rubber Band Man” – T.I. (2003)
T.I.’s confident, charismatic delivery and clever lyricism shine through as he raps about his rise in the trap game and his ability to overcome adversity in the 2003 track, “Rubber Band Man” from his sophomore album Trap Musik. Peaking at No. 30 on the Hot 100, the song’s celebratory, resilient spirit helped solidify T.I.’s reputation as a major force in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.
1. “Player’s Ball” – Outkast (1993)
André 3000 and Big Boi’s distinctive, Southern-inflected flows and clever, narrative lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the South in “Player’s Ball.” Featured in their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, the track is celebrated for its foundational work in introducing the world to the distinct sound of Atlanta hip-hop. Released in 1993, the song’s smooth blend of funk and rap, produced by Organized Noize, along with its celebration of Southern culture, set the stage for OutKast’s legendary career and established Atlanta as a major hub for innovative hip-hop. The song marked Outkast’s first chart hit, landing at No.37 on the Hot 100, No.12 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop and No.1 (for six weeks) on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Watch the full discussion HERE and recreate the cocktails that powered the conversation at home! And be sure to follow along on all content for the Get Up Anthems series HERE
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