Over the past couple months, there has been some buzz building up for an Atlanta rap group that’s not named Migos. For the past few years, this group has flown under the radar; getting cosigns from other artists, opening on tour for others, and just trying to find a sound that fits them. After almost ten years since the group formed, they have finally made the breakthrough to the mainstream. Recently, they were added to J. Cole’s recording label Dreamville after one of their closest music friends, J.I.D., signed earlier in 2017. Now, who is EarthGang?
EarthGang was formed in 2007 by Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot. The two met in high school on a field trip. Due to their passions for rap music, they started a group. Over the next ten years, they dropped EPs, albums, and a multitude of singles without gaining any national buzz, but they were making moves locally. The group’s first buzz was in 2014 from their album Shallow Graves for Toys which received high praise from many in the music media, and it introduced the world to what their music was about, along with their style. The next couple months, they began touring with Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Bas, and many other artists, making connections across the hip hop landscape. In 2015, they dropped their second album, Strays with Rabies. This project was well put together and showcased both of their unique rap styles with funky, southern style rap. The project itself is my overall favorite by them because of the style of music combined with the funky lyricism that Venus and Doc have.
The group’s biggest hit came in the form of a song that wasn’t “theirs”, however, the original version belongs to their music group, Spillage Village. On DJ Khaled’s album, Major Key, the song “Jermaine’s Interlude” features EarthGang on the hook. The hook belongs to their original song “Can’t Call It”. The track was one of the most popular tracks on the album, and the story J. Cole tells in the song is powerful. Over the next year, J. Cole stayed in touch with EarthGang and fellow Dreamville member J.I.D. After Cole signed J.I.D. earlier in the year, people were wondering what the plans would be for EarthGang. It seemed strange that J. Cole signed someone who was working with EarthGang before the group themselves. As always, Cole had a plan.
Last month, it was announced that EarthGang signed to Dreamville Records, and they released their first EP on the label titled Rags. The signing of EarthGang now gives J. Cole’s label a rap group. The label now gives EarthGang a mainstream platform that can only help take off their career. The deal was perfect for both parties. Their newest EP features some fantastic production and great features from J.I.D. and Mick Jenkins. The group has an album in the works titled Mirror Land that is said to be coming out sometime at the end of 2017. Dreamville fans, I think we’re all waiting on a Cole album more than anything else, however, EarthGang will create a new fan base for the label, and the label will help gain fans for them.
One of the reasons EarthGang is starting to take off is because their music reminds you of Atlanta. The southern style rap that OutKast perfected in the 90s is making a comeback in the 21st century. EarthGang gives you those OutKast-type vibes and is completely different from the sound you are hearing from Atlanta currently. EarthGang is a breath of fresh air for old school, new school, any school hip-hop heads who want to be taken back to the southern style rap times of Atlanta.
Happy Music Monday!
JTA (@jtapersources)