Style

The 25 Most Stylish Atlanta Rappers of All Time

Who's the style king of the South?

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Similar to how Atlanta's sonic landscape has been shaped by coastal influences—namely, Miami Bass and MC Shy-D's Bronx roots—hip-hop style in Atlanta has also carved out its own identity by borrowing from different regions. Characterized by heavily casual looks and affordable basics suited to the area's climate, ATL style ranges from Dem Franchize Boyz' tall white tees to the eclectic, ever-changing styles of OutKast.

We took a long look at the pantheon of Atlanta rappers to pick out the sartorial heavyweights. These are the guys who either embodied the trends of a particular hip-hop era, or continue to influence how Atlanta's hip-hop scene dresses today. They are The 25 Most Stylish Atlanta Rappers of All Time.

RELATED: The 10 Most Stylish Rappers From Atlanta Right Now
RELATED: The 50 Most Stylish Rappers of All Time
RELATED: The Oral History of Freaknik

25. Raheem The Dream

Born in Miami, Raheem The Dream brought the Miami Bass influence to Atlanta's sound, which helped shape the scene. Style-wise, he was no joke either. From color-blocked track suits to all-over print shirts and leather trenchcoats, he was definitely up on '90s trends and had a wardrobe that could probably rival Will Smith's on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Advertisement

24. Lecrae

Lecrae's style exemplifies what the average rapper dresses like today. In the context of Atlanta rappers, it's not a bad place to be. He's not pushing any envelopes, but he definitely knows what he's doing: Just look at the white tuxedo jacket and patent leather sneakers he wore to the Grammys. Like his music, it's presentable enough to introduce to mom, but not out of touch or corny enough that you wouldn't mess with it yourself.

23. Arrested Development

Arrested Development's conscious rap predates the backpack look and their Afrocentric style is a great example of the cyclical nature of trends. At the time, gangsta rap was at its peak and style trends followed suit. What earns Arrested Development a spot on this list is that when we look back now, there are a few pieces Speech and his crew rocked that would look cool today, even if at the time it was long on its way out.

Advertisement

22. Gucci Mane

From his big belly, gaudy jewelry, and generally unkempt appearance, it's hard to imagine him landing a spot on a best-dressed list. But when it comes to Atlanta hip-hop style, Gucci Mane is at the forefront. Gucci’s role in Spring Breakers works because he is the epitome of the successful street rapper—his cars have changed and his jewelry has multiplied (two standout pieces: the Bart Simpson chain and the Atlanta Falcons football helmet), but he's still the same old Gucci.

21. Kilo Ali

Another sonic pioneer of Atlanta hip-hop, Kilo really owned the '90s hip-hop look. He also had a penchant for bright, fiery colors. We're talking red varsities and Georgia ballcaps, Orioles jerseys, to orange and green tracksuits with Mecca T-shirts, as seen on the cover of Organized Bass.

Advertisement

20. Big Gipp

Although his solo career may not have gone as swimmingly as Goodie Mob mate Cee-Lo, style-wise, he can stand toe to toe. Big Gipp isn't afraid to get weird with his style—but he keeps it cemented in the real world. Case in point: the cheetah shawl he wore over a suit at 2013's amFAR Gala. Or the crazy paisley jacket he wore at 2009's BMI Urban Awards. Considering Cee-Lo opted for a glittery motorcycle jacket, it's safe to say he held his own.

19. Cee Lo Green

No matter what anyone thinks of how Cee-Lo dresses, it's clear that he doesn't care either way. Whether he's rocking full-on muumuus or one of his many, many motorcycle jackets, his style is simply fearless. However, it's important to note that it isn't always ostentatious. Even though he has a flair for dressing weird and loud, every now and then he can tone it down.

Advertisement

18. Ghetto Mafia

Formed in 1993, Ghetto Mafia formed the archetype for what many Southern rappers would be known for style-wise. Nino and Wicked took basic wardrobe staples that were more in line with the West Coast's regional hip-hop style like flannel shirts and rugged jeans, and gave it a distinct southern edge by mixing it with UGA caps, oversized that hung down to your knees, and most notably the stark white T-shirts that appeared on the cover of their second album, Full Blooded Niggaz.

17. Kris Kross

Even though their whole style was a gimmick, it was one that worked. Whether you clowned or copied their backwards clothes, it was an undeniable moment in the annals of hip-hop style. It wasn't just the fact that they wore their clothes backwards that was interesting, it's that they were wearing awesome stuff anyway. We're talking baseball, hockey, and basketball jerseys, carpenter jeans, Timberlands, and enough Starter gear to make a nostalgic hipster foam at the mouth.

Advertisement

16. Future

Future's upped his style game considerably since cuffing Ciara. While his style remains streetwear-friendly, consisting of military-inspired outerwear and camo gear mixed with high-end designer leather jackets, caps, and tees. Billionaire Boys Club and Louis Vuitton at the same damn time? You bet. Ever the sneakerhead, his kick game is to be envied.

15. Jermaine Dupri

JD took the whole slick producer/rapper schtick that Diddy popularized it and gave it a fresh ATL take. And hey if he managed to pull a chick like Janet Jackson, it's safe to say it worked. While he cleans up awesome in a suit or can stunt by rocking coordinating Louis Vuitton gear at a basketball game, he also takes style risks like Polo cricket sweater vests, matching shorts, red boat shoes, and a pork pie hat in the summer.

Advertisement

14. Trinidad James

Hypebeasts, we know 'bout cha. Trinidad James may be a relative newcomer to the hip-hop scene, but it's clear that he's already making waves. Whether he has any staying power has yet to be determined, but what's evident from the get-go is that he has serious style. Sporting animal print, jewelry, bright colors, and Supreme gear (way before the plebeians), Trinidad James is a serious contender as one of the best-dressed rappers right now. Even though he's essentially channeling Deion Sanders' '90s steez, it doesn't make it any less awesome.

13. Tony MF Rock

Next to MC Shy-D, Tony MF Rock was one of the originators of the Atlanta hip-hop scene. As such, the Coke-bottle frames and satin varsity jackets brought the golden age of hip-hop down South. Plus the cover of Let Me Take You to the Rock House was definitely inspired by the movie Scarface. The all-white kit with a banded collar was a bold move, but what really took the cake was his accessory game. From thick dookie chains to thin necklaces with a noticeable pendant, Tony MF Rock wore all of them well. A stint in the military put his rap career on hold, but he came back as El Pus bassist Woodchuck in the early '90s, rocking a much quieter style.

Advertisement

12. Lil Jon

Lil Jon is a testament to finding a uniform and sticking to it. While he may not be winning any best-dressed awards, he has a style that was distinctly his own, while paying homage to other Atlanta rappers. Lil Jon's style is all about crunk: excess, ignorance, and luxury personified. In an era of rap characterized by bling, could you really argue with that pimp cup?

11. Another Bad Creation

Another Bad Creation earns their spot on this list because of the rule of well-dressed kids. See, anytime a kid rocks gear that is 100% on point, it automatically looks better than its grown-up counterpart—because things done in miniature just become 10 times more adorable. (See “Kross, Kris.”). Seriously, you can rock red pants and Timbs or white shorts and Jordans and look awesome, but the truth is if you are a child, you will get more props. And yo—you can't touch those airbrushed overalls on the cover of the "Iesha" single. You just can't.

Advertisement

10. Success-N-Effect

Success-N-Effect absolutely killed it. Gaining national exposure when the trio signed onto a Miami label, and also for being one of the first politically charged rap groups, they were the epitome of late-'80s/early-'90s freshness. Just peep the block-striped rugbys, flattops, and pegged khakis. Everything from the blue tracksuits with gold chains and awesome hats to tagged-up denim vests and jeans made them stand out.

9. Ludacris

In the early 2000s, Ludacris was pretty much the guy you thought of when it came to Southern rap. The drawl, the inflection, the comedic flow, all of it combined to cement him a place in not only Atlanta, but the hip-hop world. As such, his popularity also meant people started noticing his style, too. The corn rows and simple white tank top of the "Get Back" video were a style staple of Southern hip-hop. And who can forget his awesome afro, baggy gear, and clean sneakers either? To top it off, Luda cleans up well in a suit.

Advertisement

8. MC Shy-D

Born in the Bronx, MC Shy-D is credited with bringing hip-hop to Atlanta, and then putting its fledgling scene on the map. Forming the Ultimate Krush MCs with Tony MF Rock, he broke out on his own and achieved success with Miami Bass-inspired sounds. But when it came to clothing, no one could top his leather hat. What is that thing? A yarmulke? A backwards cap? Whatever kind of hat it was, it made for the perfect style signature, and definitely set his kits apart—notably the black-and-red Georgia varsity he rocks with gray acid-washed jeans, and adidas sneakers on the cover of Comin' Correct In '86. Coming correct, indeed.

7. Young Jeezy

Credit's due where credit's due: We would have never seen the snowman shirt without Young Jeezy. HIs strong suit has always been T-shirts that capitalize on his drug-dealing, trap-luxury persona—just check out the "Mr. 17.5" T-shirt. The fact that he also rocks hip-hop style staples like white tank tops with aplomb helps, too. But what's really interesting about his style is that he manages to stay current without looking like a trend victim. Midnight-blue tuxedos allow Jeezy to stunt on the red carpet, and minimal, slim-fit leather jackets and murdered-out Versace gear show he not only has style, but restraint.

Advertisement

6. 2 Chainz

2 Chainz took a total style 360. Like, for real, he would not have been this high had it not been for the amazing rebranding he's done, combined with some great musical strides and a newfound home with G.O.O.D. Music. While he formerly used to be a big advocate for brands like True Religion, his new style has him decked out in gear from the likes of Givenchy and awesome leather jackets from Versace. His style isn't just getting bolder—it's getting better. What makes 2 Chainz’ style stand out is how it has scaled up with his success, making him appear like a better version of himself. And isn't that what good style is all about?

5. T.I.

What's great about T.I.'s style is that it embodies his two personalities: the suave King of the South T.I. and his grittier counterpart, T.I.P. He looks exceptionally classy in a suit, and can even step up his casual game with kicks like Margiela sneakers and slim-fitting bomber jackets. But, he still retains his street cred through accessories like Timberland boots, his dog-tag chain, and the anti-gravity beanies that somehow remain perched on the precipice of his head.

Advertisement

4. Dem Franchize Boyz

What Ghetto Mafia established style-wise, Dem Franchize Boyz took to a whole other level. Not only did they establish the de facto anthem of tall white tees everywhere, they brought the whole coordinated-outfit game to the new millennium. What Dipset was to Harlem, these guys were to ATL. In that particular time frame, there wasn't a fresher-dressed rap group from the A.

3. Big Boi

While his OutKast counrterpart gets more daps on his gear, you can't deny that Big Boi is a king in his own right. If Andre 3000 represents how the Atlanta male should aspire to dress, then Big Boi is their more real counterpart. He is how stylish Atlanta guys actually dress. An early adopter of throwback gear, he literally puts on for his city—readily representing any of Atlanta's sports teams in Mitchell & Ness caps or old-school Pistol Pete Maravich jerseys. Ever a boss, he also mixed traditional Atlanta rap gear like white tees and baggy jeans with doses of pimp style, like the fur coat he's draped in on the cover of Speakerboxxx.

Advertisement

2. Young Dro

Consistency goes for miles when it comes to menswear, and Young Dro has that in spades. Whereas many hardcore 'Lo heads opt for the brand's heyday of '90s Snow Beach anoraks and suicide ski jackets, Dro keeps it classy in prep-inspired gear that also accurately reflects the South's own propensity for looking dapper. Young Dro is perpetually in his Sunday best, even if he's wearing bright orange cargo shorts and a nautical-striped polo shirt.

1. Andre 3000

Not only one of the most stylish rappers ever, 3 Stacks is definitely Atlanta's most stylish son. The secret to his style is his ability to transcend boundaries—streetwear, prep, high fashion, workwear—there seems to be no style he's afraid of. Long before Kanye West got weird with masks or had put on his first Dior suit, Andre 3000 was making the case for rappers in skirts and slim-cut suits.Most notably, Andre 3000 paved the way for every rapper who wanted to dress against the grain.

He had his fair share of criticism from the media (like the Native American outfits at the 2004 Grammys) and ribbing from his friends (just peep the first few seconds of the music video to "International Players Anthem"), and he doesn't let any of it get to him. The best part? He embraces his style mistakes. But even then, a misstep for Andre 3000 is like a step up for the average rapper anyway.

Advertisement

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App