Atlanta is known for many things: its southern hospitality, world-renowned cuisine, and rich history. However, music is one of the most significant aspects of life in the Big Peach. From soulful gospel hymns to chart-topping rap songs, Atlanta has a rich musical heritage that is celebrated in many genres.
In this post, we’ve put together a playlist of 10 of the best songs about Atlanta. Whether you’re from there or just visiting, these songs will give you a taste of what makes Atlanta so special. Let’s get started!
1. “Welcome To Atlanta” By Jermaine Dupri ft. Ludacris
Hailing from the Big Peach himself, Jermaine Dupri is able to provide listeners with a window into the real day-to-day life in the city with the song “Welcome to Atlanta.”
Featuring Ludacris in a catchy rap beat, they sing of roaming gangsters and parties going until well into the morning, giving a glimpse of the social reality and atmosphere of Atlanta.
Since its release in 2002, “Welcome to Atlanta” reached #3 on the US Hot Rap Songs and #7 on the US Rhythmic Billboard charts. It has become a hymn for those who are part of this community.
In 2018, the rappers reunited and released a remixed version of this song for the Atlanta Falcons football team, of which both are huge fans.
2. “Oh, Atlanta” By Little Feat
“Oh, Atlanta” was the first single released of Little Feat’s fourth album Feats Don’t Fail Me Now. It was one of their most popular songs, and the album itself sold more than 500,000 copies.
In this song, as our singer gazes at planes soaring the skies at night, he wishes he is on one of those flights to—you guessed it!—Atlanta. Though upbeat, “Oh, Atlanta” is a song of longing and dreams, with the singer fantasizing of getting back to a red-haired woman in the Big Peach.
3. “F.I.L.A. (Forever I Love Atlanta)” By Lil Scrappy
This song, “F.I.L.A. (Forever I Love Atlanta),” is Lil Scrappy‘s praise to his hometown. It shows how the city holds a very special place in the rapper’s heart, evidenced by the introduction of several lines of “Forever I love Atlanta”—and many times more throughout the song!
He then proceeds to expound how he loves how Atlanta smells, referring to the city as “A,” and how he would live for the city, die for it, and ride for it, no matter what other people say.
If you’re from the Big Peach and have the same feelings for your hometown, this song is sure to get you bopping with its heady rap beat.
4. “Oh, Atlanta” By Bad Company
English rock band Bad Company released “Oh, Atlanta” in 1996. It is a more upbeat country cover to the original released by Alison Krauss the previous year.
The song begins with bopping guitar strumming and harmonica thrills. The singer then starts reminiscing about the city—how he remembers the country music and crazy days and nights. These memories call to him, making him miss Georgia.
But no longer will the singer need to dream of those things; as he sings, he’s on his way back to the city he’s fallen in love with: Atlanta.
5. “Elevators” By Outkast
Hip-hop duo Outkast released “Elevators” in 1996, and it climbed to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the US Hot Rap Tracks chart.
Though Atlanta is not evident in the song title, East Point and the streets Headland and Delowe are mentioned, letting listeners know where the events in the song are happening.
In “Elevators,” the duo shares their rise to fame though it was a rough start, expressing their struggle with making ends meet. But they persevered and moved up in the world—hence the title “Elevators”—and now they’re driving Cadillacs and taking drives down the street with friends and relatives.
If you listen closely, the song is a great lesson in life and striving for what you really want.
6. “Ride Wit Me” By T.I.
Our next song about Atlanta, “Ride Wit Me,” was a promotional single that came out before T.I. released his fourth album, King. The album was #1 on the Billboard 200 and sold 522,000 copies within the first week.
Hailing from Atlanta himself, the song is a nod to T.I.’s familiarity with the city. In it, he raps an invitation for listeners to ride with him. He’ll show you everything there is to know about Atlanta, from where he and his buddies usually hang out to places that should be avoided.
The beat is catchy that’ll have you bopping your head as you take a ride around your hometown, whether it be the A City or not.
7. “Dirty South” By Goodie Mob
As a band based out of Atlanta, Goodie Mob knows the ins and outs of the city. “Dirty South” is a track from their album Soul Food, which was released in 1995. The album was #8 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Billboard chart and certified Gold .
“Dirty South” is another song that explores some of Atlanta’s darker side. Here, Goodie Mob sings of drug exchange and use in the city and the consequences of it.
The story is far from pretty, but the beat can get you rapping along with it.
8. “New Atlanta” By Migos
Similar to many other singers in this list, Migos hailed from the suburbs of Atlanta. They are a trio of men who had been raised together by the mother of Quavo, the group’s frontman.
Their “New Atlanta” may sound like a tribute to something better in the city, but it’s a song that hints at the shadier side of the city. It’s sort of a warning to newcomers to be cautious in Atlanta—you watch what you say, be wary of cameras, and try not to get killed.
This warning could be said for any place you’re at, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area and customs. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
9. “Hot ‘Lanta” By Allman Brothers
“Hot ‘Lanta” is an instrumental tribute for the city of Atlanta, which is also another nickname for the city (hot + Atlanta). The Allman Brothers, an American rock band formed in 1969, performed this piece and released it in 1971. The song debuted on their live album At Fillmore East.
There are featured solos throughout the song played on the organ, guitars, and drum. Towards the end, the beat accelerates and crescendos with the timpani. “Hot ‘Lanta” combines jazz-rock and progressive rock music.
Despite the lack of vocals, the Allman Brothers keep listeners engaged throughout this tune.
10. “Love Shack” By B-52’s
The B-52’s are an American new wave band. In the middle of the 1980s, they were struggling to maintain popularity after their guitarist passed away. Luckily, “Love Shack” was just the comeback that the band needed, and it is now considered their signature song.
A cabin near Athens, Georgia, inspired the B-52’s to write this song. They sing about their love for this hangout spot, which is a little old place with a tin roof and “hot as an oven.” Here, they just let loose, dance, and have fun, and everybody can join in.
“Love Shack” is a feel-good, upbeat song for car rides with friends.
Summing Up Our List Of Atlanta Songs
Atlanta, Georgia, is well-known as the starting point of the Civil Rights Movement. Many people of color call Atlanta home. Several of the artists listed above remember the struggle of growing up in adversity and proving themselves to their hometown.
Additionally, Atlanta is warm most of the year, cultivating a party atmosphere that draws people into the city.
Whether you are on a road trip to Atlanta or dreaming of the warm Atlanta weather, turn up these tunes and enjoy the feel-good vibes.
