Check out details on the premiere of "The South Got Something to Say," a new feature documentary from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop and its journey to dominance.
Before we hit the red carpet, we were joined over the course of the day by some of the city's most influential hip-hop professionals to connect and discuss the future of hip-hop. Programming and curation were led by editors Mike Jordan, Sandra Brown and Sharif Durhams, filmmakers Ryon and Tyson Horne, writers Ernie Suggs and DeAsia Paige, and Najja Parker who was on hand to lead discussions.
“The South Got Something To Say” is a feature-length documentary charting the rise of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, and the lasting impact the music and the culture have had on one of America’s most dynamic cities. The film begins with the iconic moment at the 1995 Source Awards when André 3000 fired a shot across the bow of the entrenched east coast and west coast hip establishments, putting the ATL on the map.
Directed and produced by award-winning filmmakers Ryon and Tyson Horne, “The South Got Something to Say,” tells the story of a city and a culture that grew up side-by-side. The project features exclusive interviews with some of the most important names in hip-hop, including Killer Mike, Goodie Mob, and Jermaine Dupri, as well as some of Atlanta’s most influential political figures such as Ambassador Andrew Young, current Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
The film is the first release from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s new AJC FILMS label, a new initiative focused on bringing the history of the AJC and Atlanta to life through premium, long-form storytelling.
Rashan Ali is a radio and television personality, actor and philanthropist from Atlanta. A FAMU graduate, Rashan began her radio career at Radio One’s HOT 107.9; later moving on to V103 and Streetz 94.5. At HOT 107.9, she was one of three female morning leads in urban radio in the country. She created The Cool Soror Podcast and founded The Coach’s Daughter Production Company. Check her out on “All the Queen’s Men and as a national spokesperson for Rocket Mortgage.
Rocky Bucano is a distinguished figure in the world of Hip Hop, currently serving as the Executive Director and President of The Hip Hop Museum. Born and raised in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, Rocky's illustrious career spans over three decades in the record industry, where he has consistently held executive and leadership positions.
Ryan Cameron is an Emmy award-winning radio personality, host, voiceover artist, and unwavering humanitarian. Hailing from Georgia, Cameron boasts an illustrious career spanning over 25 years within the entertainment industry. Noteworthy achievements include two Emmy Awards and a place in both the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. He currently reigns over the airwaves with the #1afternoon show on WAMJ MAJIC 107.5/97.5.
Shanti Das is an accomplished entertainment industry veteran, speaker, author, and Philanthropist. Shanti worked in the entertainment business for over 25 years. Her music industry career (from intern to Executive Vice President) included promotions & marketing positions at Capitol Records, LaFace Records, Columbia Records, Sony Urban Music and Universal Motown where she worked directly with some of music’s top talent like OutKast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, and more.
If the sound of Atlanta, in all its riotous and metamorphosing glory, could be synthesized into one body of work, EARTHGANG would be both the architect and evangelist of such a seminal project. Comprised of Johnny Venus and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot), the Grammy nominated, Platinum selling duo debuted on the scene with a string of EPs and quickly garnered a reputation for their eclectic style and infectious live energy. There isn't much that EARTHGANG haven't touched with their influence and music, and it isn't stopping anytime soon. The Atlanta natives are on an ascent to become one of hip hop’s most impactful duos.
Maurice Garland is a music journalist and author who was raised in Decatur, Georgia. He started his career as a writer with Atlanta-based Rolling Out Urbanstyle before becoming music editor at OZONE Magazine, and eventually a prolific freelance writer. He is the co-founder of the Pinky Ross Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors at his high school and college alma maters. He also serves as publishing director and mentor to hundreds of teen journalists in the Atlanta area with VOX ATL.
Courtney Hammonds is a prominent figure in the world of fashion and academia, recognized for his fusion of sartorial expertise and intellectual finesse. He is currently senior fashion editor at Upscale Magazine, and has also written for Sheen Magazine, his first venture into fashion storytelling. He has dedicated himself to philanthropy, collaborating with Easter Seals as a Goodwill Ambassador. He has authored five inspirational books exploring the intersection of fashion, style and their impact on communities.
Deante Hitchcock doesn’t just want to make good and timeless hip-hop music. He wants to use it as a vehicle to capture the purest and most honest emotion that most rappers won’t: love. The exceptional emcee’s upcoming sophomore LP, Once Upon A Time (ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records),” departs from his knack for delivering introspective, witty lyrical gymnastics in favor of a more melodic, harmonic collection of songs that puts love front and center.
Ryon Horne is an award-winning filmmaker and video journalist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked for the AJC for more than two decades. He is a video and audio producer covering breaking news, entertainment, sports and features. Horne has won two Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award for his documentary work.
Tyson Horne is an award-winning multimedia journalist. His experience spans news and entertainment and media and includes event photography, editing, production, videography, film and client work with celebrities and high-profile personalities. He is well-known in the entertainment space for his positive attitude and big ideas. Horne has won an Emmy Award and National Headliner Award, and an Edward R. Murrow Award for his documentary work.
Jacinta Howard is an Atlanta-based award-nominated culture and music writer. She's served as the entertainment editor at Upscale Magazine, the music editor at Rolling Out, and a contributing arts and music writer at Creative Loafing. She's currently an editor at Rock The Bells. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and in 2022 she was nominated for an ASME Award. Beyond journalism, Jacinta is an award-nominated novelist. Her books have been highlighted in OkayAfrica, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Access Atlanta, Rough Draft Atlanta, and Book Riot.
Atlanta native Rachel Jackson, serves as the Artist and Livestream Partnerships manager at YouTube & YouTube Music. As a proud alumni of Clark Atlanta University and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., community development and the advancement of girls and women exists at the forefront of her being; while she leads programs such as Future Insiders, YouTube Avenues and her team represents the best and brightest musical talent across the world.
Bem Joiner has a passion Atlanta. As a culture curator and co-founder of Atlanta Influences Everything, Joiner has managed and consulted several lifestyle brands and designed programs for many recognizable clients. Joiner is also one of the founders of CreativeCall.org and was previously community engagement coordinator for the Center for Civic Innovation. He currently serves on the boards of three Atlanta nonprofits, and on the leadership team at 8 Strains.
Mike Jordan launched the Atlanta edition of Thrillist.com in 2008 and grew the local subscriber base to 100,000 readers. His roles over the years have touched every facet of Atlanta Black culture. He has served as an editor and journalism leader for such varied publications as Butter.ATL, Hypepotamus, Cox’s Southern Kitchen, and for radio operations, including Cumulus and V-103. Mike is a member of the Atlanta Press Club board of directors, a co-founder of Canopy Atlanta and a proud father and accomplished musician.
Anyone who meets Cannon Kent-Grant can see she is truly enthusiastic about Music Composition and the people who create it. Currently the National Director of Promotion at Atlantic Records. Her responsibilities include creating promotional schedules for Janelle Monaè, Cardi B, Jack Harlow and Gucci Mane to new name a few. Her creative approach to promotion and devotion to the arts have sustained her 18 years within the label. She’s still excited to work with new talent and expand their reach and brand by connecting them with media and fans in curated experiences.
From the emerging spirit “Neo Soul” movement to capturing the lived experiences of the “Old Souls” that have made Atlanta what it is, Shannon McCollum has documented Atlanta's culture and evolution for decades as a photographer. His moniker, “Same camera, different eye” tells his story in four words. His subjects include Pastor Troy, OutKast, Erykah Badu and icons like Hank Aaron, Jessie Jackson and former mayor Andrew Young.
Sonia Murray has played a large role in Atlanta’s music scene. She paved her own path when she began writing about the city’s burgeoning urban music industry for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering artists likeTLC, OutKast, Goodie MOB, and Jermaine Dupri . In 2019, Murray was inducted into the VOX ATL Hall of Fame. She has volunteered at the institution for over 20 years, working to keep people interested in storytelling, journalism and writing.
Jason Orr has produced and spearheaded movements in Atlanta for decades. He is a musicologist, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, an entertainment consultant, a cultural arts curator, a musician, and a music festival producer. He is best known for the FunkJazz Kafé Arts & Music Festival for which he received a city proclamation designating July 26, 2014 as FunkJazz Kafé Arts & Music Festival Day in Atlanta.
If the sound of Atlanta, in all its riotous and metamorphosing glory, could be synthesized into one body of work, EARTHGANG would be both the architect and evangelist of such a seminal project. Comprised of Johnny Venus and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot), the Grammy nominated, Platinum selling duo debuted on the scene with a string of EPs and quickly garnered a reputation for their eclectic style and infectious live energy. There isn't much that EARTHGANG haven't touched with their influence and music, and it isn't stopping anytime soon. The Atlanta natives are on an ascent to become one of hip hop’s most impactful duos.
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture and entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is also an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host and correspondent for the newsroom’s events and special projects, including “ATL Closeup,” a things-to-do video series featuring local influencers. She has written for national publications, including Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, HuffPost and TheGrio. The Memphis native earned her bachelor’s degrees in English and theater from Spelman College and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago.
Kawan “KP The Great” Prather's music career has spaned two decades. He made his mark on popular culture discovering and nurturing talent as a young executive at LaFace Records, Arista, Columbia Records, Sony Music and Atlantic Records. His career skyrocketed when he received A&R credit for seminal OutKast classics, which have since reached multi-platinum status. In 2016, KP took home a GRAMMY® Award for “Best Rap Song” as the co-writer on Kendrick Lamar’s anthem “Alright” alongside Pharrell. He is currently serving as Head of Music at Pharrell’s i am OTHER imprint.
Ernie Suggs is a veteran journalist covering race and culture, as well as breaking national news and investigative stories. He manages the AJC’s award-winning Black History Month Project. Suggs sits on the Nieman Foundation’s Board of Trustees and served as the vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists. Suggs is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and sits on the board of Harvard University’s Nieman Foundation.
A.R. Shaw is an author, journalist, and TV contributor. He has written two books and has appeared as an on-air commentator for major networks including ABC News, NBC and NPR. He covers sports for The Guardian and serves as executive editor of Atlanta Daily World. Shaw served as a White House correspondent during the Obama administration and has covered multiple Super Bowls, the Summer Olympics in London, and the NBA's first game ever in Abu Dhabi.
Jordan Victoria worked alongside music mogul Jermaine Dupri {So So Def Recordings}. Drawing on her entrepreneurial spirit, she established a luxury-event design brand while living in Los Angeles that provided event planning and concierge services to political clients, entertainers, and professional athletes. Jordan continues to draw inspiration from the entertainment industry, incorporating a unique perspective into each design project. Her ability to tell a compelling story, create a cohesive vision, and evoke emotion has made her a sought-after designer in the industry.
Lowray is a Music Producer and DJ based in ATL. She has been producing for 6 years and DJing for 1 year. Despite her recent entrance into the DJ scene, she has already graced the stages of The Loft, MJQ Concourse, and Red Bull Underground. Her passion for music is constantly growing and evolving and she enjoys cultivating her own personal DJ sound to create timeless moments for any event.
Jewel Wicker is an award-winning journalist focusing on entertainment and culture from her native Atlanta. She is currently the southeast democracy reporter for The Guardian, and hosts film & TV podcast The Boom for WABE. She is a longtime Atlanta Press Club board member and former AJC reporter. Wicker has written for publications including GQ, Billboard, NBC News, The New York Times, and Atlanta magazine. In 2022, she served as the interim managing editor at Teen Vogue.
With a name that rings notorious in the male dominated world of true music elite, Phillana Williams is a source of power and influence that echoes across the music globe. Her work can be credited to artists like P!NK, Ciara, Kanye West, Miguel, Outkast, Jeezy, and many others. Already establishing herself as one of the most respected record label executives and music managers today, Williams has now taken the political world by storm and as one of the top go-to political movement strategists in government.
Joycelyn Wilson joined Georgia Tech in 2017 as an assistant professor in Black Media Studies to teach and continue research in hip hop studies and digital media. As an interdisciplinary scholar and essayist, her current scholarship examines hip hop as a cultural phenomenon, its preservation in the American South, and the capabilities of applying hip hop-inspired design methodologies to connect music and remix with education involving computing, engineering, technology, and media arts.
Join us for coffee, a light breakfast and browse our interactive exhibits.
Village Marketplace
The Village has become a staple in the city of Atlanta, an economic vehicle and has coined the phrase "Support is a Verb." A direct pipeline for Black businesses, we connect Black-owned businesses to engaged consumers, impactful resources, and dedicated community partners. Visit vendors around the lobby.
Rap Map
Anything that is included on the map has been literally “put on the map” by being mentioned in a hit song (from classic underground staples, to local hits, to worldwide chart toppers) or an influential album. Meet artist Joseph Veazy, get your photo in front of the Rap Map, and pick up your own copy.
Atlanta Hip-Hop Archives
What is your Atlanta hip-hop Story? Visit Georgia State University's table to share your Atlanta hip-hop story and to see and hear stories from the archives, pick up archives swag, and see the work of Georgia State students to document Atlanta hip-hop history through the Rap Map and the Krog Street Tunnel project. The archives are working to preserve the legacies of the people and places significant to the growth and development of Atlanta hip-hop, as well as making it available for research and scholarship.
© 2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
All Rights Reserved.
By using this website, you accept the terms of our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, CCPA, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices.
