Hip hop is saturated with artists who boast about their ability to change the game. Either they specialize in crafting grim street tales, give audiences jaw-dropping stage shows or embody the X-factor that keeps the industry mesmerized by their presence. Some may be lucky enough to have one of these characteristics, but there hasnt been an artist to personify everything rap music has to offer until now. From the depraved streets of Atlantas infamous Bankhead community emerges Slip-N-Slide Records newest discovery, Citty, aka Da Cookie Man.
Although Citty has been rapping since the age of 12, his love for music was overshadowed by the human instinct to survive. As Da Cookie Man, Citty learned that customers are loyal when you provide them with all their necessities. And while he reveled in the vulgarity, depravity, and decadence of street life, he knew it was just a matter of time before it would come to a screeching halt. He closed up Da Cookie Man store and joined the Marines. After four years in the service, touring Mexico, Canada and Japan -- where he enjoyed a stint as a party promoter -- Citty returned home ready to set up shop again -- this time in the rap game.
After living in the studio perfecting his raunchy, yet candid street narrations, Citty hit all open mic sets in Atlanta, performing 13 shows a week. The song, Da Cookie Man showcased his style, which garnered him comparisons to fellow A-Town reps Jeezy, T.I. and Ludacris. I wasnt even trying to get a deal, he explains. I was trying to get heard, but ended up making that one hit record and creating a buzz. Within six months, Citty did 250 shows, traveling to neighboring cities, as well as Alabama, North Carolina and Florida. His authentic depictions of Bankhead living transported listeners from the trap to the club, creating a deafening buzz on the streets and sparking a bidding war among major labels and independents. In the end, Slip-N-Slide signed him, solidifying the Souths chokehold on hip hop.
Citty is ready to continue the legacy of Slip-N-Slide along with label mates Trick Daddy and Trina. Being from Atlanta, Im bringing a whole new sound over there. Its street, but at the same time, its got some commercial stuff, says Citty. I steered away from the music comin from Bankhead. Im doing music in a different way. Its exactly opposite of what Trina and Trick do so its a perfect situation.
The untitled album is much like the first single, Da Cookie Man. It gives listeners a little bit of everything, but its ingenuity is in the composition. The album is like a soundtrack to a movie where each song illustrates a scene. As the listener digests each track, the story unfolds. Jail Time talks about one occasion where Citty was arrested in North Carolina while the heartfelt, Would You Still Love Me, has Citty questioning whether his lady can stay faithful while hes behind bars. We Gotta Go discusses the plight of black men, the War in Iraq and the destructive nature of the streets. This album is one big story, Citty explains. When people hear it, theyll know who I am. It wont be any questions.
Da Cookie Man is back in business.
