Let’s Call It A Movement is weekly column where we highlight the music and members of groups from around the country. In many of my conversation with hip hop enthusiasts the topic of the proliferation of crews’ in the game gets mentioned. Cliques seem to be the new trend artistically, making it increasingly difficult to find a solo emcee that is coming up alone. Therefore, we have decide to set aside some time to focus on the hard work and talents of underground groups, who might be poised to blow up above ground in the mainstream. These musicians have an important influence on the musical direction of their city or hometown, which can metamorphosize into a movement along their journey.
This week, we travel to the soil that gave us T.I., Ludacris, Goodie Mob, and Outkast—Atlanta, Georgia. There, in the Capital of the South, we find a rapidly rising group of emcees, artists, and writers who are taking the city’s fabled club scene by storm. Two-9 has been compared to Wu-Tang Clan, perhaps due to the large amount of members that comprises the group—counting nine in total. However, the comparisons end there. Not because they don’t have the potential to reach their level of stardom, but owing to the fact that they’re sound is unique.
Two-9’s five members have all been influenced by a wide variety of music, which bleeds into their music. If you are looking for strict observance to the trap style that is currently dominating the region, you will not find it in their projects. Instead, they offer you a collection of different styles that do heavily incorporate the sounds of their hometown. Since a good number of the rappers are also producers, it allows the group to have an even stronger control over their sound that can lead to more experimentation. Looking for a specific subgenre? You can probably find a Two-9 representative messing around with it in a unique way.
The group has versatility. Each affiliate brings something different to the table. Their rhymes are on point, their production is good mix of old and new, and their chemistry makes their music come out clean or unified.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the artists who make up the group.
Jimi (@Nativejimi)
