Surprisingly, with Atlanta being at the core of Civil Rights History, a Mecca for Hip-Hip Music, and now a burgeoning developer for the city’s internal culture. Here is a short list by virtue of their association and/or collaborative moments in tandem with the hip-hop aesthetic.
Photo Cred: Marrecus Gregory
Cascade Family Skating Rink popular for its late 1980’s and 1990’s early rise in the Atlanta hip- hop scene. While on the rise and early in their career; music industry exec and Hip- Hop legend Jermaine Dupri, producer Dallas Austin, and the members of TLC could be found at the rink. In 2006, ATL’s own T.I a rapper starred in the film ‘ATL’ filmed at Cascades. The film loosely based on Dallas Austin and Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins is a coming of age film which helped make the “round the way girl” as cool as going to college.
Photo credit: Dustin Chambers
Stankonia Studios is the birthplace of the Outkast. A legacy and the creation of many hit records began within those walls. The legendary hip- hop duos Outkast were gatekeepers for the Atlanta Hip- Hop scene. The studio stays true to its’ original vibe with framed pictures affixed to the walls. Making it more akin to a museum for Atlanta’s Hip Hop History, then a studio:this place is ironic.
Photo credit: Dustin Chambers
Big A Car Wash is legendary for its historical presence in Outkast’s music video for ‘Benz or Beamer’. The Wash is not in business but you can still drive by to see what it looks like.
Photo credit: hotspotatl
Lenox Square Mall when you ‘google’ it everything Hip-Hop related pops-up. For marketing purposes; many labels, management companies and Public Relations firms conduct meet and greet events within the complex. Lenox Square Mall is a designation platform in Atlanta. Rappers such as T.I. started handing out flyers and CD’s in the Lenox Square Mall parking lot. You never know who you might see while shopping.
Photo by: Dustin Chambers
Magic City the strip club; well known for the exotic and lavish lifestyle, the best strippers, the hottest music, and the coolest DJ’s. Young Jeezy, Young Thug, Future, and Gucci Mane just to name a few had their hit records played there; while making it “rain.” In a documentary, produced and directed by Lauren Greenfield, DJ Esco, “It’s like Motown was in the 70’s with groups on every corner singing; trying to get a deal.” Future, made his single ‘Magic’ after a night of partying and inspiration.
The Urban Design Commission in the City of Atlanta nominates and regulates a buildings or districts historic or landmark status. The Commission is the governing power which reviews and comments on project properties, rights of-way, and or parks that might warrant such designations within the City of Atlanta. As the purveyors of the culture; we need more than a list.
