ATL Plus Magazine: 50 Years of Hip Hop (Atlanta) JUL-AUG 2023 "Mojo: Atlanta's First Rapper"

Page 34

ATL+ CONTENTS

Mojo: The Originator

I

The Rap Superhero of The City.

n the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, where talent and creativity abounded, there were hidden gems that often went unnoticed. One such gem was Mojo, a young rapper who had attended Booker T. Washington High School long before trap-rapper Lil Baby made his mark. Backed by the local label Velvetone Records, Mojo burst onto the scene with a powerful jam titled “Battmann: Let Mojo Handle It.” This 12” single not only showcased his musical prowess but also introduced an intriguing concept—a comic strip featuring Mojo as a rap superhero who used his music to “handle it.” Velvetone Records, known for its commitment to nurturing local talent, had recognized Mojo’s potential early on. With a fresh perspective and a distinctive sound, Mojo’s talent was undeniable, and the label had eagerly taken him under their wing. “Battmann: Let Mojo Handle It” became the anthem that had announced his arrival and had introduced Mojo’s unique persona to the world. The artwork accompanying the 12” single had been a stroke of creative brilliance. A vibrant comic strip had depicted Mojo as a rap superhero, donning a stylish costume and using his music as a powerful weapon to conquer obstacles. This visual representation had perfectly captured Mojo’s essence—a young artist harnessing the power of rap to overcome adversity and inspire others. The song itself had been a testament to Mojo’s skill as a rapper. With a commanding flow, clever wordplay, and infectious energy, he had delivered a performance that had demanded attention. “Battmann: Let Mojo Handle It” had become an instant hit, resonating with listeners who had been captivated by Mojo’s lyrical prowess and the empowering message of the track. Mojo’s connection to Booker T. Washington High School, a historic institution in Atlanta, had added another layer of significance to

his story. The school had a rich musical legacy, having produced numerous talented artists throughout the years. Mojo had followed in the footsteps of these musical trailblazers, representing the next generation of talent to have emerged from this esteemed institution. With Velvetone Records’ support, Mojo’s music had quickly gained traction in the Atlanta music scene. His unique blend of storytelling, social commentary, and infectious beats had earned him a dedicated fanbase, eager to follow his artistic journey. Mojo’s rise had paralleled the growth of Atlanta’s rap scene, where authenticity and creativity had thrived. The collaboration between Mojo and Velvetone Records had not only launched his career but had also highlighted the label’s commitment to nurturing local talent. Velvetone Records had recognized Mojo’s potential and had provided him with a platform to showcase his skills and unique artistic vision. Their belief in Mojo’s talent had proved to be well-founded as he had continued to make waves in the industry. Mojo’s impact had extended beyond the music itself. Through his persona as a rap superhero, he had embodied resilience, empowerment, and the ability to conquer obstacles through the power of music. Mojo’s journey had served as an inspiration for aspiring artists, reminding them of the transformative power of creativity and the importance of staying true to oneself. As Mojo’s story had unfolded, it had become clear that he had been poised to make a lasting impact on the rap scene not only in Atlanta but beyond. With his talent, unique perspective, and the support of Velvetone Records, Mojo had been set to soar to new heights, solidifying his place among the greats of Atlanta’s vibrant music history.

“Battmann: Let Mojo Handle It” had become an instant hit, resonating with listeners who had been captivated by Mojo’s lyrical prowess and the empowering message of the track. 34

ATL+ MAGAZINE


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Articles inside

Polow Da Don The Multi-Talented Force Shaping Hip-Hop and Black Music

4min
pages 144-152

Fabo

1min
pages 142-143

Shawty Lo and D4L Pioneers of Southern Snap Music

1min
page 141

Raheem the Dream The Undeniable Impact of a Hip Hop Legend

3min
pages 136-140

Russell “Block” Spencer

1min
page 133

Pastor Troy The Unstoppable Voice of Southern Hip-Hop

1min
pages 131-132

The Evolution of Hip Hop The South has Something to Say

2min
pages 129-130

Rasheeda Frost

1min
pages 127-128

“Mr. Hanky”

2min
pages 125-126

Mr. Collipark The Influential Producer Behind Hit Songs

1min
pages 120-122, 124

Yung Ralph: “A Journey from the Streets to the Stage”

5min
pages 114-119

Lil Jon The King of Crunk’s Impact on Hip Hop

2min
pages 112-113

David Banner

9min
pages 100-111

Yung Joc A Journey to Musical Success

5min
pages 95-99

Dominque David A Force to be Reckoned With in the Beauty Industry

4min
pages 86-94

Bow Wow From Child Star to Rap Phenomenon

4min
pages 82-85

Dem Franchize Boyz

1min
pages 78-81

Jeezy The Trap Music Icon and Philanthropic Force

4min
pages 74-77

Decoding Trap Music Exploring the Origins and Characteristics of

2min
pages 71-73

Crime Mob Redefining Atlanta’s Hip Hop Scene

4min
pages 66-70

Da Brat: A Pioneering Force in Atlanta's 50 Years of Hip-Hop Evolution

2min
pages 62-65

Jermaine Dupri (JD) A Musical Visionary Shaping the Sound of Hip Hop

2min
page 61

The Synergy of Technology and Hip Hop: Revolutionizing the Sound and Reach of a Genre

2min
pages 57-60

Jazze Pha The Maestro of Soulful Sounds

2min
pages 54-56

Sean Garrett The Versatile Hitmaker Redefining the Sound of Pop and R&B

2min
pages 52-53

Killer Mike The Rapper with a Powerful Voice for Social Change

2min
pages 46-51

Frank Ski

6min
pages 40-45

Aldrin ‘DJ Toomp’ Davis

2min
pages 36-39

Mojo: The Originator

2min
pages 34-35

Johannes Escobar

2min
pages 32-33

Hip Hop and Fashion

2min
pages 30-31

Councilman Antonio Lewis

1min
pages 28-29

Meda Leacock

3min
pages 24-27

Kevin Goolsby The ATL Plus Artistic Art Director’s Journey

2min
pages 16-21

Nilka Clayton

4min
pages 13-15
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