Remembering Shawty Lo: 8 Essential Tracks
As fans remember the late Shawty Lo, many will never forget his ability to rap with fervor and his sleek demeanor. Shawty exuded swag. While he was always cooler than the other side of the pillow, he never was timid about diving into the trenches, especially when he released his scathing record "Dunn Dunn" during his battle with T.I.
His time with D4L and the beginning of his solo career will always be cherished because he played an integral role in delivering a sound that changed hip-hop in the 2000's. The snap movement thrived because of his group's ability to tinker with the boundaries of music. While many hip-hop purists questioned the sound, mainstream America enjoyed the newest craze.
His impact will never be overlooked or forgotten. Hip-hop lost a real one. Check out some of his most memorable tracks.
- 1
D4L - "Laffy Taffy"
In 2005, Shawty Lo's group D4L delivered a booming and whimsical record in "Laffy Taffy," which torched the hip-hop scene. The record sat comfortably at the top of Billboard and was a triple-platinum single. In addition, they delivered a remix featuring Busta Rhymes.
- 2
Shawty Lo - "Dey Know (Remix)"
Shawty Lo kept the momentum going when he dropped his infectious tune, "Dey Know." The club-friendly record soared into the Top-40 of Billboard. Because of the song's success, he upped the ante by delivering one of the best remixes of in the 2000's. He tapped Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, and Plies to help solidify his standing in the south, and expand his brand nationwide.
- 3
Shawty Lo - "Foolish (Remix)"
After the success of "Dey Know," Shawty Lo masterfully churned out another banger with "Foolish." The lush-sounding record highlighted his penchant for creating swag-laden records for your everyday hustler. Like "Dey Know," he fed the streets another remix, this time featuring Rick Ross, Birdman, DJ Khaled and Jim Jones.
- 4
D4L - "Betcha Can't Do It Like Me"
Even though "Laffy Taffy" ascended all the way up a la Fat Joe and Remy Ma, it was D4L's first single, "Betcha Can't Do It Like Me," that triggered and established a pulse in the snap movement. Alongside, Dem Franchise Boyz and Soulja Boy, Shawty Lo and D4L injected a new sound and craze that disseminated like wildfire throughout the south and beyond.
- 5
Shawty Lo - "Roll the Dice"
If you recall, Shawty Lo and T.I. were in a heated beef, that featured both artists going at each other's neck. In 2009, Lo attempted to quash the beef with his Coldplay sampled record "Roll the Dice." The record signaled a much needed end to their storied rivalry.
- 6
Shawty Lo - "Im Da Man"
Prior to his success with "Dey Know," Shawty Lo was buzzing on the streets with his hard-hitting track, "I'm Da Man." Of course, because Lo loved giving his songs the remix treatment, he called on Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Young Joc to add their signature touches onto the swagged out record.
- 7
Soulja Boy - "Gucci Bandana" Feat. Gucci Mane & Shawty Lo
We'd be remiss to not mention Lo's contribution on his heater, because this was one of his better features during his career. Soulja Boy had a hellacious run in the late 2000's, especially after his chart-topping hit "Crank That" reshaped hip-hop forever. He continued his trail of bangers when he recruited Gucci Mane and Shawty Lo for "Gucci Bandana."
"Shawty Lo, I really run Atlanta / Scarf around my neck, Gucci Bandana," rapped the ATL rapper.
- 8
Shawty Lo - "M.V.P." Feat. Gucci Mane & Rocko
In 2012, Shawty tag-teamed with Gucci Mane and Rocko to record "M.V.P.". The record served as an ode to all the elite hustlers in the streets of Bankhead. In addition to that, Gucci penned one of his hardest verses to date when he elected to jump on this track. Mean!