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Behind the Stripes

Goodie Mob

By Atlanta United FC

April 11^th, 2019

It was 1995. The hip hop world was dominated by east versus west, Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. at their peaks. There was a new swagger brewing in the South, and a new album called Soul Food dropped from a group of four emcees: T-Mo, Khujo, Big Gipp and CeeLo. Together they were known as Goodie Mob.

“We put Atlanta on the map,” T-Mo says. “The Dungeon Family birthed the Atlanta rap scene. Being a part of the first family of the South is a real honor. And I won’t lie, we envisioned what it would become from the beginning.”

The Dungeon Family, named after the basement in South Atlanta where they wrote and recorded songs, grew into the most influential musical collective in the city. Goodie Mob teamed up with producers Organized Noize and a young duo who went by the name of “Outkast” to change the city’s music, and hip hop scene at large, forever.

“The first song I ever made,” T-mo says, “my verse says ‘we ain’t from Manhattan because Atlanta is where it’s happening.’ It’s about having that confidence right away, that swag with that southern drawl.”

That basement was responsible for “ATLiens” – both the double-platinum album and the now-universally-accepted term for people living in Atlanta – and seemingly countless more of the most iconic songs in Southern hip hop. As the collective’s success grew so did the city’s, blossoming into the cultural capital that it is today. And the elder statesmen got a front-row seat.

"When we came in, it all seemed predestined,” CeeLo says. “We had all known each other for so many years, as far back as elementary school. That’s what’s special about Atlanta to us: we’ve been around. For all the growth, we’ve been right here. And to still be here, it’s a very gratifying thing that we’ve survived.”

It’s been nearly 25 years since Soul Food, and Goodie Mob is still making music in their home city. They say they’ve lived in other cities, but Atlanta will always be their home. And in between national tours and a new album, they will occasionally allow themselves to look back at their legacy. One of those moments occurred at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where they were introduced to the Atlanta United supporters’ group named in their honor: Footie Mob.

“When I heard there was a Footie Mob supporters’ group, I smiled because it felt like our music, and really hip hop in general, had crossed barriers yet again,” Khujo says. “I think a lot about what the music we started has become, but this city has grown in so many ways: movies, business opportunities, this stadium we’re standing in. The growth is infinite right now for Atlanta.”

“Atlanta finally got to that spot where it’s a real melting pot," he continued. "Just having this stadium in the heart of the city has done so much for the community. Now with soccer coming to Atlanta, Atlanta United bringing home a championship, it’s just opened the door so wide.”

CeeLo is standing on the other side of the suite, practicing his form for the Golden Spike ceremony. He’s been to a few matches in the past and is starting to feel the pre-match hype.

“The other sports are obviously intense in their own ways, but there’s just another energy in here,” he says. “To have that kind of component integrated into Atlanta and just watch the city take to it so naturally was great.”

“We love Atlanta,” CeeLo continued, “Anything we can do to further the cause and the success of Atlanta, we’re here and we’re up for it” – he pauses for a laugh and a few swings of his hammer – "We’re ready to fight for the crown too, so anyone who wants to go against Atlanta United, bring it on.”

As the four Atlanta icons made their way to the capo stand, thousands of Footie Mob scarves were raised to the sky. It was the ultimate show of respect to the godfathers of the southern swagger that would go on to define a city - and a soccer club.

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