Yung Booke and Skooly enlisted T.I. & Killer Mike to ask a serious question: “What Happened To Atlanta?” In the past year, we witnessed the city undergo tragedy after tragedy, from the RICO indictment against Young Thug, Gunna and YSL to the numerous deaths of rap legends, both old and young. However, in Yung Booke and Skooly’s new single, “The Real A (WHTA)”, they enlist the help of Killer Mike and T.I. to reflect and expand on the state of the city.
Skooly, who remains a pivotal force in Atlanta’s scene, takes his eccentric signature melodic style to hold down the hook as he looks at how his city became gentrified. “Water boys, they came to set up shop until they made ‘em leave,” Skooly raps after reflecting on the numerous icons who’ve come before them. While there is a morose undertone to the song, Skooly also provides a sense of optimism and hope for the next generation.
Yung Booke & Skooly Tap In With ATL OGs, Killer Mike & T.I.
T.I. and Killer Mike’s presence in the song undoubtedly accentuate the despair in Skooly and Booke’s delivery. Mike reflects on the city during his days growing up and the violence that occurred during the time due to street violence. The Run The Jewels rapper comes through with a history lesson that details how dealers from Miami tried to overtake the city until “They killed them Florida boys and baby mamas, bloody summer.”
Meanwhile, T.I. analyzes the state of Atlanta right now, especially with the influx of deaths that have occurred in the city. The rapper looks back at the origins of the trap and the rise of crack in the city before detailing the contrasts between the streets then vs. now. Specifically, he reflects on the rise of switches and opiods that have led to numerous deaths of cherished artists and residents of the city. Check out the collab above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.
Quotable Lyrics
We was taught, if you see police, then you yizzell twizzelve
And shut the fizzuck, if you get caught then don’t f*ckin’ tizzell
My patner went to jizzail, came back, knew the Alto Shuffle
Somebody tried and beat the stuffin’ out the out of towner