Lil Baby claims Future as top Atlanta rapper of all-time
Lil Baby has been taking over the rap scene in 2025. The rapper’s latest album, WHAM, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his third number one album in his career. The album is more than just another success for Lil Baby—it represents his continued growth and dominance in the rap game. To promote WHAM, Lil Baby has been making rounds on some of the biggest podcasts, giving fans insight into his thoughts on the music industry, his own career, and the Atlanta rap scene.
One of the most memorable moments from his recent DeepCut podcast interview was when Lil Baby was asked to rank his favorite rappers from Atlanta. With so many heavyweights in the game, the task was daunting. However, Baby didn’t shy away from it, and his rankings quickly sparked debates across social media. In this article, we’ll break down his rankings, the impact of these artists, and why Lil Baby’s choices matter to the future of Atlanta rap.
The Task: Ranking Atlanta’s Finest Rappers
Ranking top rappers is never easy. But when you’re Lil Baby, a star from Atlanta himself, it’s a particularly tough challenge. The host of the DeepCut podcast presented Baby with four names to rank, plus himself, making the task even harder. The rappers in question were none other than Playboi Carti, 21 Savage, Young Thug, and Future. Baby had to decide who reigned supreme in a city known for producing some of the biggest names in rap.
In a surprising move, Lil Baby placed himself at number five. He was candid about how difficult it was to rank his own work. “That’s hard, ’cause I don’t know how to rank myself,” he admitted, showing humility in a world that often praises ego. By placing himself at the bottom of the list, Lil Baby made it clear that, while confident in his abilities, he recognizes the historical weight carried by the other legends in Atlanta’s rap scene.
Lil Baby ranks Atlanta rappers 👀
▫️ #1 Future
▫️ #2 Young Thug
▫️ #3 21 Savage
▫️ #4 Playboi Carti pic.twitter.com/McCsQTDiBQ— Kurrco (@Kurrco) March 7, 2025
Lil Baby’s Ranking: A Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at how Lil Baby ranked these Atlanta rap giants and what each of these artists brings to the table.
5. Lil Baby (His Own Ranking)
Lil Baby’s self-awareness is one of the key components of his success. Although he didn’t rank himself at the top, it’s important to recognize his massive influence on the rap game today. WHAM was not just an album; it was a testament to his consistency and innovation. With hits like “In a Minute” and his collaborations with artists like Future and Lil Durk, Lil Baby continues to push the boundaries of modern rap.
His journey from the streets of Atlanta to the global stage is one of the most inspiring stories in hip-hop. Baby’s ability to switch between trap bangers and introspective tracks, all while maintaining his authenticity, makes him a favorite among fans worldwide. Even if he doesn’t think he’s the top of the ATL rap hierarchy, his presence is undeniable, and his influence will continue to grow.
4. Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti is one of the most influential figures in modern rap. With his experimental style and unique sound, Carti has built a dedicated fanbase. His ability to blend rage-filled, chaotic beats with minimalistic lyrics has paved the way for a new era of hip-hop. Lil Baby placed Carti at number four, acknowledging his creativity and the wave he’s created within the genre.
Carti’s Whole Lotta Red album made a massive impact, shaping the sound of underground rap and influencing new artists across the country. While his style may be polarizing to some, there’s no denying Carti’s influence on the current wave of trap and experimental rap music. His future in the genre remains bright, and Lil Baby’s ranking shows that he respects the trail Carti has blazed.
3. 21 Savage
21 Savage has transformed over the years from a street rapper to a more refined artist with a wide-ranging influence. His cold, matter-of-fact delivery paired with his knack for storytelling has earned him respect across the hip-hop world. 21 Savage’s evolution as an artist has been marked by projects like Issa Album and Savage Mode 2, where his partnership with Metro Boomin proved just how potent they are together.
Lil Baby ranked 21 Savage at number three, which is fitting given the deep respect these two have for one another. 21 Savage’s impact on rap, especially in terms of blending real-life experiences with street knowledge, has been a major influence on Baby’s own approach to music. Their collaborations, like “Saweetie” and “Glock in My Lap,” have solidified their places in the industry as top-tier artists.
2. Young Thug
Young Thug’s influence on the Atlanta rap scene cannot be overstated. As one of the most versatile and boundary-pushing artists in rap, Thug has redefined the genre in many ways. His melodic approach, eccentric fashion, and daring vocal delivery have made him a cultural icon. Lil Baby’s decision to place Young Thug at number two shows how much Baby values Thug’s innovation in hip-hop.
Young Thug’s ability to blend singing with rapping, and his daring experimentation with different sounds, has inspired countless artists. His Barter 6, Jeffery, and So Much Fun projects pushed the envelope of what rap could sound like. Lil Baby and Young Thug’s partnership goes beyond music; they share a brotherhood, with Baby frequently referring to Thug as a mentor and guide in the rap world.
1. Future
At number one, Lil Baby placed Future, one of the most influential figures in modern rap. Future’s influence on the trap genre is undeniable. As a pioneer of the auto-tune-heavy style of rap, Future has become a symbol of both trap music and the broader Atlanta rap scene. His catalog, which includes classics like Dirty Sprite 2 and Future Nostalgia, has shaped the sound of the genre for over a decade.
Lil Baby and Future have built a strong relationship over the years, collaborating on several tracks and projects. Their chemistry on songs like “Life Goes On” and “Never Broke Again” showcases their synergy. Baby’s ranking of Future at number one is a clear acknowledgment of Future’s role as a mentor and his lasting legacy in the rap game.
Lil Baby and the Future of Atlanta Rap
Lil Baby’s ranking isn’t just about his personal opinion—it’s a reflection of the diverse talent that has come out of Atlanta. From Playboi Carti’s experimental sounds to Young Thug’s genre-defying approach, the city has birthed some of the most creative minds in music today. The fact that Lil Baby continues to pay homage to these artists shows how much he values their contributions to the culture.
Moreover, Lil Baby’s decision to rank Future first signals the ongoing importance of mentorship in the rap game. Future has played a significant role in shaping Baby’s career, and their future collaboration (rumored to be a joint album) will surely be a highly anticipated event for fans.
Lil Baby’s WHAM World Tour: What to Expect
Aside from his rankings and candid interviews, Lil Baby is also preparing for his WHAM World Tour, which kicks off in Houston, Texas, on June 3, 2025. The tour promises to be one of the biggest events in the rap world, with Baby performing hits from his latest album and past projects. Fans can expect high-energy performances, top-tier collaborations, and special guest appearances from artists like BigXThaPlug, NLE Choppa, and Loe Shimmy.
As Baby embarks on this new chapter, his impact on the rap game is undeniable. Whether it’s his chart-topping albums, his collaborations with legends, or his take on the Atlanta rap hierarchy, Lil Baby continues to prove why he’s one of the most important figures in modern hip-hop.
Why Lil Baby’s Ranking Is Trending
Lil Baby’s ranking of Atlanta’s top rappers offers more than just entertainment—it’s a reflection of the city’s rich musical legacy and the interconnectedness of today’s rap scene. His decisions highlight the respect and admiration he has for his peers, while also showing the evolution of hip-hop in Atlanta.
As Lil Baby continues to rise in the ranks of rap’s elite, one thing is clear: his influence is here to stay. Whether you agree with his rankings or not, there’s no denying that the future of Atlanta rap looks bright—and Lil Baby will undoubtedly be at the forefront of that future.
