Enjoy five definitive Atlanta picks personally selected by ATL legends DJ Applejac and Stan Smith, who’ve just released an EP on Inner Tribe Records entitled Measure Twice Cut Once.

Stream and buy the Measure Twice Cut Once EP on Bandcamp here.

DJ APPLEJAC’S FAVOURITE 5 ATL ALBUMS

After joining the Atlanta chapter of the Universal Zulu Nation in 1992, Applejac cut his teeth at the likes of Freaknik playing ‘crate joints’. He formed DJ super group The Unknown Soldiers in 1995 with Jaycee (Goodie Mob tour DJ), Dose and M3, then the group Showtime with his cousin Big Dippa in 1997.

He was recently honoured as one of ATL’s Ministers Of Sound, and was member of Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat Class of 2016.

Showtime – Featured Presentation

This was the one that started it all for me. It was even more special to make it with my cousin.

MC Shy D – Got To Be Tough

I believe this album was the first full length rap album by an Atlanta artist, plus he repped Decatur so that was a HUGE deal at the time.

Outkast- Atliens

In my opinion, this is the album that turned the tide for Southern Hip-Hop.

Outkast- Stankonia

This album (in my opinion) set the stage for what they would do years later for Speakerboxx/The Love Below.

Mass Influence – The Underground Science

Very important album in the ATL Hip-Hop pantheon, as this album gave credence and exposure to our underground hip-hop scene.

STAN SMITH’S FAVOURITE 5 ATL ALBUMS

Stan Smith aka “Steam” has been a participant in the culture of Hip Hop for more than half his life. He cut his teeth early as a B-boy, graffiti writer and an emcee.

Although talented in all 3 endeavors, the rhyme bug bit the hardest, and for the last couple of decades has honed his skills and proven to be a dexterous, thoughtful and versatile rhyme slinger.

Already considered a formidable emcee, stepping out of the proverbial box has allowed his wordplay to span from Indiana to Atlanta and beyond.

Goodie Mob – Soul Food

Distinctive styles and conscious lyrics over soulful beats. They unabashedly represented their region.

Ghetto Mafia – Straight from the Dec

Was hard yet melodic. The duo’s unorthodox style over almost bluesy tracks were infectious and they put Decatur in your face.

Y’all So Stupid – Van Full of Pakistans

‘Traditional’ hip-hop with live instrumentation (which seemed to be synonymous with southern hip-hop) and dope emcees who didn’t take themselves too seriously. Plus the group name is very original. Fun times in Atlanta.

Da King and I – Contemporary Jeep Music

Dope traditional hip-hop with slick lyricism and Faceman with the splashes of dancehall style chatting.

Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Conceptually great. Good storytelling. Basically two solo albums where the guys were able to present where they were creatively at the time. Big hits as well.