Few songs stand the test of time, notable for their infectious beats, experimental sounds, soulful lyrics, or enduring appeal that make them classics. In cooperation with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we're on a quest to gather this year's top Get Up Anthems from these six cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Guided by curated panels, we delve into each city's sonic history, highlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity and innovation, and celebrate music's power to inspire listeners to get up and pursue their passions, in the spirit of perseverance.
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The Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Atlanta were created through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analysis, social impact and personal emotion to create a ranked list of the songs that inspired, captivated and encouraged A. On a historical dive from 1973 to today, the playlist of the city [click HERE to play] features hometown hits synonymous with the city's rich history and culture, curated by Atlanta's own Killer Mike and London on da Track, Billboard editors Damien Scott and Trevor Anderson and moderated by Rocsi Diaz.
Did they get it right? Or was it off target?
Check out the 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 pounding bass, aggressive beats and an anthem featuring the raw vocals of Bone Crusher. TI and Killer Mike add their distinct flows, contributing to the song's powerful, confrontational vibe. Reaching No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Hot Rap charts, this anthem's lyrics celebrate resilience and defiance, capturing the gritty, unstoppable spirit of Atlanta's street culture and gritty 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 beat with a catchy, singalong chorus. Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy rap about their lavish lifestyles and success, with playful, boastful lyrics that reflect the flamboyant side of Atlanta's trap scene. After twenty weeks of 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 Lil Jon-produced quintessential crunk anthem features explosive energy, heavy bass and call-and-response style lyrics. YoungBloodZ's Sean P and J-Bo deliver powerful lyrics, while Lil Jon's production delivers a relentless, high-octane backdrop. The song's repetitive, chant-like feel made it a party favorite and a defining track of the crunk era, eventually reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
7. “Lifestyle” – Richgang feat. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan (2014)
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 dynamic beat, from producer London on da Track, setting the stage for Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan to showcase their unique, melodic flows, blending rap with tradition song. 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' it reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Lil' C, its minimalist beat and danceable groove, combined with Young Dro's confident delivery, made it a hit in Atlanta's vibrant nightlife scene.
5. “No Mo' Play in GA” – Pastor Troy (1999)
The second track on Pastor Troy's debut album We're Ready (Declare War), “No Play in GA” delivers hard, gritty production with ominous synths and pounding drums, creating a menacing atmosphere. Pastor Troy's aggressive performance and confrontational lyrics deal with 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 fast hats and a heavy bassline. The group members, along with Lil' Scrappy, deliver aggressive lyrics that generate hype. Princess and Diamond stand out with their intense, high-pitched delivery, adding a sharp edge to the track and contrasting with the deeper, grittier vocals of MIG and Cyco Black. This interplay of vocal textures creates a dynamic listening experience, and the song's raw, fighting lyrics make it a powerful anthem in Atlanta's hip-hop scene, peaking 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, creepy beat with eerie keys and a hypnotic bassline. The group's members – CeeLo Green, Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo – deliver introspective lyrics with complex, socially conscious lyrics that address issues such as surveillance, systemic oppression and community struggles. “Cell Therapy,” which peaked at No. 39 on the Hot 100, stood out for its deep, thoughtful content and cemented the Goodie Mob's place in Atlanta's hip-hop legacy.
2. “March Madness” – Future (2015)
Despite not charting on the Hot 100 but peaking 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 has become one of Future's signature tracks. Later crowned one of the “100 Songs That Defined the Decade” by Billboard editors, the Tarentino-produced track features a rich, atmospheric beat with layered synths and a pulsating beat. The soulful delivery and melodic flow of the future glide over the production, with lyrics that reflect the chaos and tension of life on the road, 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 for number one)
1. “Rubber Band Man” – TI (2003)
TI's confidence, charismatic delivery and clever lyricism shine through as he raps about his rise in the trap game and his ability to overcome adversity on the 2003 track “Rubber Band Man” from his sophomore album Trap Music. At No. 30 on the Hot 100, the song's celebratory, resilient spirit helped cement TI'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 flows and Big Boi's clever, narrative lyrics bring a vivid picture of life in the South on “Player's Ball.” They featured on their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, the track is credited with its seminal work in introducing the world to the distinct sound of Atlanta hip-hop. Released in 1993, the Organized Noize-produced song's smooth blend of funk and rap, along with its celebration of Southern culture, set the stage for OutKast's storied career and established Atlanta as a major hub for innovative hip-hop. The song marked Outkast's first chart hit, peaking at No. 37 on the Hot 100, No. 12 on the 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 fueled the discussion at home! And be sure to catch up on all the content for the Get Up Anthems series HERE
