On Atlanta’s Quintessential Music Labels and “Creative” Sounds: How the “South” Connects with Global Geographies

• In Event: Community and Urban Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 9: Culture

Abstract

Starting from the mid-2000s, rap music has transformed, from the East Coast–West Coast binary to a new category, rap music of the South; specifically produced in the “Southern” cities such as Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans. Atlanta's music industry has reflected the racial and economic segregation of this city, one that
was transformed by the expansion of its urban center to suburbs due to the move of economic enterprises and people migrating outwards to the suburbs. Although Atlanta was home to a specific hip-hop scene since the 1980s, the music industry ignored for many years the contemporary urban sound of this city, giving emphases to the East and West Coast musicians in this genre and their themes and styles. My goal is to apply the theoretical framework I use in my study of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) in Istanbul, Turkey, to the Atlanta’s CCI. Specifically, I wish to look in the experience and activities of LaFace Records, So So Def Recordings, 1017 Records, Grand Hustle Records, Quality Control Music, YSL Records, and LVRN (Love Renaissance). My method of choice is the conduct of in-depth, open-ended, and semi-structured interviews with the creative actors: the musicians and various other artists involved in CCI of Atlanta. My aim in this research paper, of which a first draft will be presented at ASA’s 2026 Annual Meeting, is to unravel Atlanta’s contemporary urban sounds in alignment with the city’s
economically and racially segregated history. As to the second phase of this paper, I will be focusing on the global connections and artistic networks generated by these musicians.

Author

• Ceren - Mert Travlos, University of North Georgia