(Photo By Band Camp)
Ladies and gents meet ATL artist J-Coop. He comes to the attention of the site courtesy of our affiliate Rod McCoy. He recently gifted the world with a project titled Good Day ATLanta. It serves as a throwback to the Golden days of the Atlanta music era prior to all of the fades and trends that exist today. He colorfully describes the project as follows: “Welcome to the home of the brave, pimps, playas, hustlas and everything between. The album, Good Day ATLanta, will serve as the cultural rebirth of ATLanta music. Throughout its journey to becoming the mecca of Hip-Hop music, the city seems to have forgotten where it came from. This album will remind the world that it’s a lot more going on in the A besides what’s on your TV and radio.” Let’s dig into the 10 track collective and get a refresher course of what the old ATL was all about.
“Welcome To ATLanta”
The production here is smooth. The conventional base, groovy southern musical elements, upbeat tempo, and feel good vibe work favorably together. The hook is on point too. The vocals are extremely appealing and the lyrics are straight to the point. The verses are likable. J-Coop serves up a magnetic flow, gifted wordplay, and well executed rhymes. He exudes that certain charm that Southerners are known for which would make anyone feel welcome in his city. A sprinkling of lines worth mentioning are: “Gotta be ’bout that action. Ain’t no room for relaxing. Pedal to the metal. I’m a push it to the maximum. That Kilo still bumping in my radio, I’m jamming. Once again I say, ‘Good Morning. Welcome To Atlanta.’ Better mind yo manners cause them boys keep them hammers. N—as got them cannons and I ain’t talking ’bout no camera.” Those are some seriously sleek opening bars right there. Overall, this is a dope home pride style record.
“Fo Da Souf”
The production here is of high quality. The low key foundation, discreet yet trendy background details, measured pace, and somber vibe make for a strong mixture. The hook is decent though it doesn’t appear until almost the end of the selection. The delivery is engaging and the lyrics are expressive. The verses are gratifying. J-Coop dishes out a very distinctive flow, clever wordplay, and authentic rhymes. He paints a nice vivid picture of the grittier side of the A while at the same time paying homage to some of the greats that came before him in the infamous music scene. Take notice as he spits: “Shut ’em down. Give ’em hell. Everybody claim they trill. But everybody ain’t real. Don’t come round here with that bulls–t rap. Learned that from the jump boy, way way back. Big Boi and Dre put the South on the map. N—as dropped the ball. I done picked up the slack. Dropping knick-knack bones all over your head. And the flow so cold I don’t think they understand that I’m ’bout to go in. Nah ho I ain’t playing. Ain’t a goddamn game. I’m a one man band.” One can not deny that those bars right there are straight fire. As a whole, this song is a banger as well as a site favorite.
“2DopeBoyzNDaCadillacSTiLL” F/ Truth
The production here is clutch. The hearty bass line, snazzy supporting components, middling gait, and down to earth vibe are flawlessly crafted. The hook is valid too. The delivery is colorful and the lyrics are diverting. The verses are of a top of the line quality. Truth kicks things off and J-Coop brings things home. Both individuals slay with personality laced flows, quick wordplay, and premium rhymes. They generate a classic anthem for just riding around and / or zoning out to. A handful of lines worth running back from J-Coop include: “I ain’t worried ’bout no b—hes. All I do is mind my business. I’m just trying to stack my riches. Keep some food in my kitchen. Put my Lac on suspensions. I don’t usually f–k with Swishers. But if you got it, then I’m with it. (…) I’m a player by nature. And I can see you a hater. But I still love ’em the same. I’m a send you a prayer. Keep it Gucci my n—a. Don’t be huffing and puffing. Or we busting yo muffin. Then we f–king yo woman.” Those words right there are just oozing with swag. In the end, this is another winning record and a very respectable nod to the old Outkast joint that it references.
**My Two Cents: Good Day ATLanta is everything that it is described to be. The production seamlessly transports you back into that old school Atlanta atmosphere and the content gives you the auditory visuals to match the sentiment. J-Coop certainly reminds the listener why the A is such a key player in Hip-Hop history as it pertains to the Southern music scene. My only critique is that there could have been just a tad bit more diversity style & sound wise. But that by no means takes anything away from this nostalgic piece of art. Readers need to show this one some love asap. -MinM
