The future of Atlanta hip hop dominance over the industry seems strong after the surprise album release from Offset, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin.  These three-young artists represent the cities culture ideally with their joint project titled “Without Warning.”  Just as the title suggests the album drops a bombshell of hits.

Although the release of the project may be unexpected to many, for those who keep up with pop culture news, there is no surprise element with the release. The confirmation on social media and news outlets the day before the release of the album made it officially known to the world that these guys have been working to provide fans with this trap genre masterpiece.

Offset isn’t unfamiliar with sharing the spotlight on songs. His primary rap group Migos also debuted their number one Billboard album “Culture” back in January. Although Offset is currently the most popular artist at this time due to his success and marriage proposal to rising hip hop star Cardi B, he isn’t the only talented one on the album.  21 Savage and Metro Boomin are both platinum award winning artists for their previous collaborations “X,” “No Heart,” and the summer anthem “Bank Account.”

The musical experience of these critically acclaimed artists shows. The exhilarating tempo of the melodies produced by Metro Boomin, combined with the raw lyrical abilities of 21 Savage and Offset’s cohesive hooks allow the listener to have a mesmerizing listening experience.

The second track on the album titled, “Rap Saved Me,” embodies my above reference. The beginning of the song starts off with a thunderous instrumental that shakes the listener to the core. After the rhythmic sync of your head bobbing to the beat, you hear the lyrical prowess of 21 Savage. His lyrics are clear; rap saved him from the grimy life of inner city poverty in Atlanta.  The raw truth embedded into the ever line of the song is complemented with Offset’s seductive hook that traps the listener even deeper into the song.

Although the Atlanta hip-hop scene is widely known as the pinnacle of rap, there is still a darker side to the city. Track eight, “Run Up the Racks,” taps into the reality of living in the city with the sixth highest violent crime rate in the country. Unlike other songs on the album, this track doesn’t rely on the vocals of Offset. Instead 21 Savage takes the sole role of explaining the griminess of the nicknamed drug capital of the east coast. He addresses the social and economic hardships that plagued his youth and the lives of current impoverished adolescences trying to make it in the bloody city today. One of the saddest messages given in the song is the lack of hope. For those trying to escape their impecunious upbringing it seems like the only way out is to live a life of crime or seek fame. According to the song, the hard truth for those who find their way out is the realization there is no escaping the lingering memoirs of fallen loved ones and personal woes. Not even for the millionaire rap star.

The last song on this 10-track album is titled “Darth Vader.” Offset and 21 Savage praise themselves and acknowledge the fact they’ve made it safely to the top of the rap game. It’s also a last reminder that their reign at the top has just begun since all three are just now entering their prime. At this point if you don’t understand how remarkable it is to hear this much talented together, then you need to get your  ears fixed. I’m sure years for now this project will be consider a milestone for both Atlanta and the hip hop community.