Whether you fancy yourself a Hip-Hop connoisseur or you’ll dabble in a little rap here and there, you will nonetheless acknowledge the massive influence of Atlanta sounds on the genre at the moment. Right now, it even feels like “pop” music is just an outdated euphemism meaning “attractive men and women singing over trap-esque production”. Literally, going anywhere right now, puts you in danger of hearing pulsating bass drums, flying kicks, and somebody yelling at you too either “turn up” or “leggo”. Georgia’s freshest peach has already taken over the clubs, the streets, the radio, and last night my mom made a cobbler with a side of sweat tea, so even my own home.
However, while most of these Atliens’ music are incorporate the sounds of the strip club, club, and drug dealing, there is a new vanguard slowly distinguishing themselves. Adopting styles that may fall out of the range of what is normally thought of as modern Atlanta rap, these emcees offer something new and refreshing to those willing to listen. No, their mission is not to create a massive wave of change or to enlighten listeners with conscious lyricism. Instead, its about doing and being themselves as authentically as possible.
Two-9, a collective consisting of one solo rapper and two groups, are leading the charge. Curtis Williams, FatkidsBrotha (Davey and Light Skin Mac 11), and Retro (Jace and Ceej) have already released a slew of mixtapes, toured the country, and collaborated with big name musicians, helping to cement their place in their Hip-Hop scene. They offer a fun time and an authentic view into their lives, trials, successes, and defeats. Thanks to their unorthodox approach to making music, their plethora of music videos, and their high octane live shows, the group has garnered an serious following.
We got to sit down with the crew and discuss some of their recent moves and their past. In our extended conversation we found out a lot about the collective, so much so that we will present the full interview in three installments. We concluded our conversation by focusing on Retro Su$hi’s music and features; as well as the groups maniac work ethic. Check it out.
Jimi (@Nativejimi)
