Thanks to the likes of OutKast, T.I., Goodie Mob and Ludacris, Atlanta is arguably the “third coast” of hip-hop talent. The city is full of rap legends who have blessed our playlists and inspired music across all genres.
But in recent years, some of the city’s most beloved and influential hip-hop artists have passed in tragic ways. With November 1st being two years since the tragic passing of Takeoff, here’s a list of the Atlanta rappers that have left us entirely too soon.
Rich Homie Quan
Born Dequantes Devontay Lamar in Sept. 1990, Rich Homie Quan was a rapper who broke into the industry with the 2013 single, “Type of Way.”
While he was originally a solo artist, he later became part of the group Rich Gang with Birdman and fellow Atlanta MC Young Thug and created the popular track, “Lifestyle.”
Other hit songs Quan released included, “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)“ and “Walk Thru.”
While he didn’t create this track, the song and dance “Hit the Quan,” was inspired by the dance he often did during his live performances.
He died on Sept. 5 at his Atlanta home at 33 after his girlfriend found his body on the sofa after taking her son to school.
Takeoff
Born Kirsnick Khari Ball in June 1994, Takeoff was born and raised in Metro Atlanta. He had immense success thanks to the work he released with the Migos. Coming together as a trio in 2008, he and the group rose in popularity after the release of their 2013 single, “Versace,” which was later remixed by Drake and became an absolute smash hit.
The song that helped he and the Migos jump into mainstream stardom was the 2015 single “Bad and Boujee,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert. The single eventually went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their 2017 album, Culture, debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 and would put them among the most recognizable rappers in the country.
The only solo album Takeoff released was “The Last Rocket,” in November 2018.
Three years later on November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
Lil Keed
Born Raqhid Jevon Render in March 1998, Lil Keed was a rapper who gained mainstream popularity after signing to Young Thug’s imprint YSL Records.
Before signing with Thug, Keed was gaining local momentum in Atlanta after releasing several mixtapes including “Trapped on Cleveland,” “Slime Avenue,” and “Keed Talk to ‘Em.”
The most popular song he released to date was “Nameless.”
Keed died in May 2022 from eosinophilia. After being sent to the hospital after experiencing stomach pain, he suffered a seizure and passed away hours later at the hospital.
Trouble
Born Mariel Semonte Orr in November 1987, Trouble was a rapper who didn’t quite reach the same level of mainstream success as other artists on this list, but was still respected in Atlanta.
Throughout his career, he released more than nine mixtapes and only two studio albums.
Although he started making music in 2011, Trouble did not release his debut studio album, “Edgewood,” until 2018 under Mike Will Made It’s EarDrummer Records.
Two years later, he released a follow-up titled, “Thug Luv.”
Trouble was fatally shot in June 2022 during a home invasion. He was visiting the apartment of a woman he knew in Conyers, Georgia.
Shawty Lo
Carlos Rico Walker was born in March 1976, Shawty Lo initially became known as a member of the hip-hop group D4L, which was formed in 2003.
Their biggest record to date is the Southern hip-hop classic, “Laffy Taffy” which was a single from their only studio album, “Down for Life,” which was released in 2005.
Lo eventually left the group and began a solo career. His debut single, “Dey Know,” is probably his biggest to date and was a single from his debut solo album “Units in the City” which was released in 2008.
Althought he did not release another studio album until after his passing, he continued to stay active and was even embroiled in a rap beef with fellow Atlanta rapper T.I.
Lo died in Sept. 2016 after being involved in a single-vehicle car crash in Atlanta. “Rico,” only the second studio album in the Lo’s discography was released in 2017 posthumously.
Bankroll Fresh
Born Trentavious Zamon White in August 1987, Bankroll Fresh was a local Atlanta artist that never quite known on a mainstream level but was a star in the city of Atlanta.
He appeared and collaborated with several Atlanta-based artists including Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and Metro Boomin. The biggest record he was featured on to date is the 2016 Jeezy track, “All There.”
Throughout his career, he released five mixtapes including “Street Motivation,” “Life of a Hot Boy” and “Bankroll Fresh.”
He died in March 2016 after being fatally shot at an Atlanta recording studio. After his death, “In Bank Trust, the Fresh’s only studio album, was released posthumously.
Left Eye
Born Lisa Lopes in May 1971, Left Eye was known as a member of the R&B group TLC.
Although she wasn’t born in Atlanta, she later moved there in the 1990s and lived there until her death.
Left Eye was a member of TLC from 1990 to 1999 and enjoyed immense success, releasing three beloved albums between that time, including “Ooooooo... On the TLC Tip,” “CrazySexyCool” and “FanMail.”
After a feud with the group caused a split, she released her debut solo album, “Supernova.”
Although she later rejoined the group, she died in a car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras in April 2002. “3D,” the group’s fourth studio album was released months after her death in Oct. 2002.
The final solo studio album in Left Eye’s career, “Eye Legacy,” was released posthumously in January 2007.