* En anglais uniquement
With Atlanta being one of rap music’s most fertile cities, it takes a special artist to soar above the saturation. That artist is East ATL’s own Spodee. The multi-faceted MC remains void of his region’s rapper pool stereotypes (drug dealer bars built primarily on single syllabics), while sharing the attributes of his region’s upperclass––the versatile pen of Future, street credibility of Young Jeezy, articulation of T.I. In fact, the latter MC signed Spodee to his first deal. Today, after graduating from Grand Hustle Records, Spodee beams as the luminous future of Dreams World/Sony.
The first thing your ears will notice about Spodee is his way with words. He’s as thoughtful as he is articulate. Credit this to him being raised by a Howard University law school-graduate of a single mother, who happens to be the current presider over the home of the iconic Angela Davis’ non-profit. Spodee’s mother graced her son with grade A integrity, drive and curiosity, but she couldn’t teach him manhood. That inquisitiveness, unfortunately, led the young football player and hip-hop fan towards the street life and ultimately a prison cell before he could legally vote.
While incarcerated, Spodee pondered where his innate talent, purpose and passion in life lied. All three queries shared the same answer: Emceeing. That answer came just three months after Spodee’s release. With 400 songs written––during his imprisonment––and not a single beat or recording secured, the fearless scribe entered a local showcase at Club Crucial and performed a solely a cappella set. His minimalist approach was so impressive that it caught the attention of T.I.’s manager, eventually leading to a meeting with and ultimate signing to the Rubberband Man. Shortly after scoring a “surreal” deal, Spodee’s new label boss would ironically be sent to prison. This caused Spodee to learn the business of music on his own. Several years of hard lessons earned him enough experience and relationships to become the King of his own hustle.
By 2015, Spodee linked with production duo Nard & B (Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla, 2 Chainz) and formed his own sound, entitled “Trench Muzik.” The result was 2016’s throughly impressive mixtape “Out Tha Mudd Vol. 1” which helped its author borrow the audiences of featured guests like Atlanta rap stars Lil Uzi, Trouble and the late Bankroll Fresh. Spodee’s infectious hustle and flow grabbed the attention of industry vet and Dreams World CEO Joseph Charles. Charles decided to make the ATLien the face of his new venture with Sony.
Now with a street heater primed for the chart climb, Spodee is in position to claim the crown he’s been grinding for since serving his debt to society. “From Tha Bottom,” is club banger rich with witty slick lines atop catchy flute keys and a bevy of bottom. It allows Spodee to properly rep the A’s sonic, while pushing its culture forward. This clearly isn’t your standard trapper turned rapper. “I make street music, but I’m articulate, intelligent and charismatic,” says Spodee. “I want all of that to come through my music.”