Top 10 Atlanta-Based Rappers Of All Time
If you’re in any of Panorama Productions’ nightclubs, be it Decades, Echostage, Barcode, L8, Soundcheck, or Ultrabar, rap from Atlanta-based artists has been setting a top-tier party standard for nearly three decades. From the breakout sounds of Outkast to Migos’ modern pop domination, there’s 25 years of iconic songs and artists. Listed below, as compiled from Billboard charts, journalists’ lists, and numerous other takes on the legacy of Dirty South rap, are the 15 top artists in Atlanta rap history.
NUMBERS 15-11
15. Yung Joc
14. Goodie Mob
13. ILoveMakonnen
12. Killer Mike
11. Young Jeezy
10. Rae Sremmurd
The lead rappers from Mike WILL Made It’s EarDrumma Records are Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, aka Rae Sremmurd. Impressively, in under four years the duo has released two full length albums, four top ten rap singles, one of those being “Black Beatles,” a single that also reached the top of the Hot 100 charts as well. The sky’s the limit for Rae Sremmurd, and if this list were being made in a year, they could easily be further up the chart!
9. Waka Flocka Flame
One of the most eye-catching rap-to-pop stars of the past decade is the Atlanta-born emcee famed for trap anthems including “Hard In The Paint” and “Grove St. Party.” Flame’s unique excellence though is in his ability to cross over from rap into electronic music, as he impressively grew in superstar acclaim during the EDM era. The only emcee on this list with singles alongside Flosstradamus and Borgore, as well as Drake and Wale, he’s set an expansive standard of excellence.
8. Gucci Mane
When not incarcerated, there’s possibly no greater underground-legendary rapper in the music industry than Gucci Mane. Having amazingly released 10 studio albums and a seemingly unlimited stream of mixtapes, his output is voluminous. 2009’s “Wasted” may be his ultimate hit, and one of the most exciting smashes of the “turn up” era. As well, if you include songs like “Lemonade” in the mix, he’s an underrated hit-making superstar.
7. Migos
Whether it’s their first mainstream smash “Versace” or current chart topper “Bad and Bougee,” the trio of Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff are well on their way to zooming up the chart of respect among their fellow Peach State-based hip-hop legends. There’s a quite true statement that can be made that Migos’ member Quavo could be the most consistently excellent emcee in the rap industry today. Only barely scratching the surface of the heights they could eventually reach, they may have the greatest current pure hit-making potential of any of the artists listed on this countdown.
6. 2 Chainz
Maybe the most veteran emcee on this list, 2 Chainz’s career actually began in 1997 as Playaz Circle member Tity Boi. That group had initial success joining with Lil Wayne for 2007 single “Duffle Bag Boy,” but when Tity Boi split from Playaz Circle in 2011 and became 2 Chainz, his career reached another level of success. A part of 13 top 10 rap singles in the past five years, he’s recorded with everyone from Kanye West and Nicki Minaj to Juicy J and A$AP Rocky.
5 (tie). Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em
From doing the “Superman” to “[turning his] Swag On,” “Kissing [Girls] Through The Phone,” discovering his “Pretty Boy Swag,” sending “LOL :-)” texts and so much more, Soulja Boy truly embodied the simplicity of the pop potential of Atlanta rap. A dance-rap heavy-hitter, five of the first ten singles he ever released were top 10 hits, and overall, those singles sold nearly 20 million copies. If you’re of a certain age, admit it, you had NUMEROUS Soulja Boy ringtones…
5 (tie). Future
From releasing single “Turn On The Lights” in 2012 to co-releasing the What A Time To Be Alive mixtape with Drake in 2015, Future’s had a meteoric superstar rise that puts him directly in line with the likes of Lil Jon, Soulja Boy, and his modern contemporaries Migos. Future’s ability to blend sing-song hooks with a relaxed and undeniable pop swagger has allowed him to surge to mainstream superstardom.
4. Ludacris
In a roughly 15 year career, Ludacris has sold 15 million albums. Not only has he sold such a significant number of albums, but improving upon Soulja Boy’s earlier mentioned standard, eight of Ludacris’ first ten singles were top 10 rap chart hits. In his career past 2003, he became a mainstream superstar, with six top ten Billboard Hot 100 singles including “Stand Up” and “Money Maker,” which reached number one overall. With a literal decade of smash jams that still fill dance floors to the modern era, he’s a supreme Atlanta hitmaker.
3. T.I.
At least 30 hits, nine albums, Grammy, MTV, Billboard, and BET Awards, plus innumerable other honors into his career and T.I. has set a superstar rap standard unapproachable even by other star artists in the genre. From his duets with artists including everyone from Rihanna to M.I.A., as well as street-beloved classics like “Bring Em Out,” “Rubberband Man,” and “U Don’t Know Me,” he’s had a diverse set of instant classic moments.
2. Outkast
Though not necessarily known as much for inspiring dance parties past songs like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below’s “I Like The Way You Move” and Stankonia album single “Bombs Over Baghdad,” the work of Big Boi and Andre 3000 have inarguably set the vibe and flow of Atlanta rap for nearly 25 years. Hits like “Player’s Ball,” “Elevators,” and “Ms. Jackson” are as much a part of hip-hop culture as graffiti and breakdancing.
1. Lil Jon
As both a rapper and producer, Lil Jon has 20 total top ten hip-hop singles in his career. If a clubgoer, it’s the idea that he’s a vocalist on songs including “Get Low” and “Turn Down For What,” or the man behind the boards for Too Short’s “Blow The Whistle” and Usher’s “Yeah” that should list him as not just an Atlanta rap all-time great, but a hip-hop cultural icon, and probably also an immediate Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, too.
Elvis Crespo: 8.6.16 at Echostage
DCClubbing Presents
Elvis Crespo
Live in Concert
Saturday August 6, 2016 | Doors 9:00pm | Ages 18+
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE • Washington, DC
VIP and Venue Information – 202.503.2330
The Suavemente Elvis Crespo is making his Echostage debut on Saturday August 6!
Alesso: 9.4.16 at Echostage
DCClubbing Presents
Alesso
Sunday September 4, 2016 | Doors 9:00pm | Ages 18+
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE • Washington, DC
VIP and Venue Information – 202.503.2330
David Guetta: 3.4.16 at Echostage
Glow Washington DC Presents:
David Guetta
March 4, 2016 | Doors 9pm | Ages 18+
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE • Washington, DC
VIP and Venue Information – 202.503.2330
David Guetta makes his return to Echostage on March 4!
Summer Concerts in DC
Summer has finally arrived and DC! The best time of year for outdoor concerts, stadium-packed shows, and serious summer lineups. This summer is on pace to be one of the most epic so far: Foo Fighters, Nicki Minaj, the Moonrise Festival, and so much more. Better start budgeting your Summer cash now, because you are probably going to want to see all of these. And by probably, I mean definitely.
Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional
When: June 17, 2015
Where: Peir 6 Pavilion
Tickets: Ticketfly
Tell the angst-ridden teen in you that is freaking out over this to take a couple of deep breaths and then reassure them that yes: this is indeed real. The emo royals who once ruled your AIM profile (don’t lie) and sang about “screaming infidelities” is reuniting for the first time in 5 years with none other than Third Eye Blind. Need I say more?
Panda Funk
ft. Dirty Audio, Deorro, Zoo Funktion, and Iez
When: June 26, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Wantickets
“What good is art if no one gets to enjoy it?” Excellent question, Deorro. Panda Funk, lead by Deorro himself, is a west coast record label that prides itself on discovering new artists and letting them explore their capabilities. They aim to keep music as authentic and real as possible, and their show this summer at Echostage should prove to any skeptics just what they’re about.
Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowout
When: July 7, 2015
Where: RFK Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Saying that this is a concert of colossal proportions would still be putting it mildly. To celebrate their 20th anniversary as one of the greatest, most influential rock bands alive (not to mention the coolest – have you ever read an interview with Dave Grohl? What a guy), the band is bringing together many of the groundbreaking American acts featured in their HBO docuseries, Sonic Highways: Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, LL Cool J feat. DJ Z-Trip – the list just goes on.
In the words of Wayne and Garth: We’re not worthy!
Taylor Swift
When: July 13-14, 2015
Where: Nationals Park
Tickets: Tickets.com
Leave a blank space in your calendar open! It’s time to party like it’s 1989! If you can’t make it one day, shake it off because there’s a second show!
I’ll stop.
But in all seriousness, my girl T-Swift deserves some credit: Her last album shattered the sales of whatever it was Justin Beiber put out and that is something everyone can get on board with. She’s also broken a few Guinness records that haven’t been touched (or realized) since the pre-Napster and mp3 days when TRL was the deciding factor of who achieved platinum status (#throwback #missyouCarson #rememberwhenDiddyranonthattreadmill?). And she’s coming to DC’s beloved Nationals Park.
Adventure Club
When: July 17, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Wantickets
The Montreal duo started out as a pop-punk band, but after getting bored they switched to the high energy dubstep genre of EDM, generating their initial fan base with a remix of Brand New’s “Daisy”. Taking influence from Echostage veterans such as Tiesto, Skrillex, and Flux Pavillion, Adventure Club’s high energy Christian Srigley and Leighton James are no strangers to the festival circuit: appearing at both EDC Vegas and Ultra Miami in the past few years – their DC show will most definitely be worth checking out.
Nicki Minaj
When: July 22, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Live Nation
Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint Tour hits Jiffy Lube Live this July, bringing special guests Meek Mill, Rae Sremmurd, Tenashe, and Dej Loaf with her. If the trap/rap/pop mix on her December ’14 album is any indication of this tour’s direction, it’ll definitely be a rager on pace with the over-the-top style and attitude we’ve all come to know and love.
Flo Rida
When: July 24, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Southern rapper Flo Rida makes his Echostage debut this July following his October 2014 EP release My House. Having performed and worked with artists such as DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, and, of course, T-Pain (a collab which resulted in a Grammy win for “Low”), this show is sure to be a blowout. Tables and tickets are still available for now, but will more than likely sell out soon. If you want to be a part of this party, I’d get on it quick.
Milky Chance
When: July 27, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
The German duo Milky Chance are quickly rising to fame with their laid-back blend of slinky dance beats, acoustic details, and soulful vocals. Their hit single “Stolen Dance” came out in 2013, but didn’t catch on stateside until late 2014. When it did, though, the song shot to #39 on the Billboard Top 100 in just a few short weeks. Still not sold? Give “Down by the River” and “Flashed Junk Mind” a listen, I dare you to not immediately purchase tickets.
Moonrise Festival
When: August 8-9, 2015
Where: Pimlico Race Course
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Oh. Shit.
It’s back: two days of the best music Glow DC has to offer – which, coming from the people who put the #2 club in the country on the map, is a whole lot. Think Coachella just for EDM, but Coachella in it’s pre-commercialized golden days when it was more about the music and less about who was in attendance wearing godknowswhat (although, to be honest, the fashion will probably still be pretty awesome). Not as awesome as the acts themselves, though: check ClubGlow.com for lineup announcements leading up to the big day.
J. Cole
with special guests Big Sean, Jeremih, and YG
When: August 9, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Ticketmonster
J. Cole brings his Forest Hills Drive tour to VA this Summer, accompanied by hiphop artist Big Sean, contemporary R&B singer Jeremih, and Compton rapper YG (you may recognize those last two from the radio-regular earworm “Don’t Tell ‘Em”). Approved and promoted by Jay-Z, J. Cole has been known to put on a energetic, diverse show: blending rap with jazz, R&B, funk, and neo soul with a love of storytelling. If anything, you should go to this purely for the “I heard it first” bragging rights – Billboard is predicting big things for guy’s future.
Twenty One Pilots
with special guest Echosmith
When: September 8-9, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Anyone who has lived in the DMV area knows that September still counts as Summer, so finish yours off with a show that has been selling so well and so fast they added a second night. Animated indie-rockers Twenty-One Pilots mix elements of hip hop, hard rock, and pop into performances that have consistently left fans wanting more. Bonus: Echosmith is their special guest. Be there and be like the cool kids (zing!).
For more shows, updates, and other DCClubbing events: visit our Event Calendar and our friends at Club Glow and Echostage!
Armin Van Buuren: 9.24.15 at Echostage
Glow Washington DC presents:
Armin Van Buuren
September 24, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
For more than 15 years, the Grammy-nominated Dutchman has been living to the rhythm of his own international success. His 5-time number one position in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag Top 100 poll has been the result of his loyalty to fans, his creativity in the studio, the perseverance with which he hosts his weekly radio show ‘A State of Trance’, and the energy he brings to the crowds in front of him. Despite the heavy pressure that comes along with being one of the world’s most popular DJs, Armin has always kept his focus on the music. And that’s exactly what keeps him going.
Echoversary: 9.18.15 + 9.19.15
Glow Washington DC presents:
Echoversary
Celebrating 3 Years of Echostage
September 18-19, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
Join us in celebration as we commemorate 3 amazing years at Echostage with a two-night blowout featuring Tchami, Bingo Players, and Henry Fong! Check back for updates on what is sure to be an epic September lineup!
Ruby Rose: 9.4.15 at Echostage
Glow Washington DC presents:
Ruby Rose
with Michael Woods
Friday September 4, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
Yes! The one and only Ruby Rose, who gained fame recently by appearing in the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black, is coming to Echostage on Friday September 4th for a full live DJ set with Michael Woods!
Many may not know that Rose has critical acclaim first and foremost as a DJ. In 2012 she released her first single with Gary Go and she’s continued performing between television and charity appearances ever since.
Tickets go on sale Friday July 31 at noon!
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More information | ClubGlow.com | Tickets on sale Friday 7/31 at 12pm!
DJ Snake: 8.15.15 at Echostage
Glow Washington DC presents:
DJ Snake
August 15, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
William Grigahcine, better known by his stage name DJ Snake, is a French DJ of Algerian descent, rapper and producer mixing hip hop and electronic music.
He is a Grammy-nominated producer and artist who debuted into the international scene with singles “Bird Machine” and “Turn Down for What” in 2013. “Bird Machine” is a collaboration with fellow French act Alesia. The single was picked up by Mad Decent, a Los Angeles-based record label run by Diplo, and released in February 2013. In June 2013, DJ Snake was invited by Diplo to do a live mix on his radio show, “Diplo & Friends”, which airs on BBC Radio 1.
He and Dillon Francis released “Get Low” on DJ Snake’s official YouTube page on February 10, 2014. On April 30, 2014, DJ Snake was labeled as an “Artist To Watch” by FoxWeekly.[11] DJ Snake and Dillon Francis were announced as alternating supporting artists for the summer Mothership Tour 2014 with Skrillex.
Spring Concerts in DC
It’s Springtime in DC.
That means Cherry Blossoms, warmer temperatures [FINALLY], and most importantly: major concerts and festivals that will gear you up for the serious summertime lineups. Here is your guide to the best shows the DMV has to offer this season. Whether it’s the shows at Echostage, the outdoor mega concerts at Jiffy Lube Live, or the festivals at Merriweather Post Pavillion and the Pimlico Race Track — the DMV’s got it all. We’ve scouted some of the best gigs here, so if you want to grab seats for one of these must see concerts you better think fast, tickets are already on sale or nearly sold out for just about everything listed!
Eric Prydz
When: May 22, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Wantickets ($40)
Bottle Service: Tables@echostage.com | 202.503.2331
Eric Prydz is an Echostage veteran who knows how to put on a great show. He rocked NYE 2014, and in that year of shows, it was arguably one of the biggest. He returns this May to play for those of you who would are partying locally Memorial Day weekend, and he will not disappoint.
Dave Matthews Band
When: May 23, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets:Live Nation ($54- $102)
The Dave Matthews Band will be back on the road again this year, kicking off a sprawling summer trek through North America. If that fact in and of itself isn’t awesome enough, the group will also be performing two full sets each night. That’s right: TWO. One electric, one acoustic. A very special evening indeed, because these shows are going to feature both the career-spanning music you already know and love as well as a few new and unique songs each night.
Sweetlife Festival
When: May 30-31, 2015
Where: Merriweather Post Pavillion
Tickets:One Day ($97.50-$225) Two Day ($175-$350)
Sweetlife Festival announced a 2-day festival, featuring over 22 hours of music and more than 25 of our favorite artists like Calvin Harris, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX, Billy Idol, Tove Lo and much much more.
Lana Del Rey
When: June 11, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Live Nation ($30- $330)
Lana Del Rey’s Endless Summer Tour is the upcoming first official concert tour by American recording artist Lana Del Rey in support of her second studio album Ultraviolence (2014).
Country Mega Ticket
When: Multiple Dates June- September 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Live Nation ($250)
Do you like country or do you LOVE it? Jiffy Lube Live proudly announced the 2015 Country Mega Ticket, an ten-show package featuring the summer’s hottest country shows at the venue for all you country mega fans out there. The 2015 Country Megaticket gives you the chance to buy tickets before everyone else, weeks before the individual show tickets are available.
