Putting Atlanta rap on the map
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Art courtesy of Joseph Veazey
You’re a fan of Atlanta hip-hop but couldn’t find Headland and Delowe on a map. Behold the Atlanta Rap Map, an all-encompassing and painstakingly illustrated view of Atlanta’s greatest cultural export.
From Kris Kross to Quavo, Atlanta is the capital of hip-hop, and local illustrator Joseph Veazey wanted to pay tribute.
Flashback: Three years ago, while working at Adult Swim, Veazey wanted a passion project that combined his talent for drawing details and his lifelong love of Atlanta hip-hop.
- For the next three years, he spent roughly one hour a night hand-painting the map, researched public archives and spelunked into the depths of YouTube comments.
Easter eggs: In East Atlanta, a chicken with an empty speech bubble represents Gucci Mane’s "Chicken Talk" mixtape.
- Look closely at Gwinnett County, where Veazey grew up, and you’ll spot the artist painting on an easel.
Worthy of your time: Proceeds will be donated to HOPE Atlanta, the nonprofit that helps people living with homelessness, at risk of homelessness and facing displacement because of gentrification — including in areas on the map.
- “Anytime a person has the potential to generate money through culture, that person should at least use some of the proceeds to directly contribute to the culture,” says Veazey, who today heads the design and branding agency Veazey Studio.
Head to atlrapmap.com to stock up before Christmas.
