With a high-pitched, yet authoritative growl and co-signs from some of the biggest names in Southern Hip Hop, Atlanta’s Ralo is a force to be reckoned with. Now, Ralo announces his return with the Birdman-hosted mixtape “Diary of the Streets II,” the sequel to last year’s popular “Diary of the Streets,” hitting the internet on August 30. Featuring guest appearances from Future, Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Shy Glizzy, and Birdman himself, “Diary of the Streets II” is a monument to Ralo’s stature on the streets, packed with melodic trap anthems and impressive songwriting about a wide array of topics that affect Ralo in his everyday life.
Born and raised in “The Bluff,” a neighborhood in West Atlanta often considered the most dangerous area of the city, Ralo (neé Terrell Davis) started rapping when he was only 11-years-old, providing for his family by selling CDs and DVDs. After gaining notoriety in the Atlanta trap scene working with artists such as Future and Young Scooter, Ralo founded Famerica, a music movement and community foundation under his direction. “All of my music is not just about drugs, women, and money,” says
“All of my music is not just about drugs, women, and money,” says Ralo. “There’s a message there. I’m not just rapping for exposure, I want to bring people together. I want to have a good influence on the community; I want people to stop fighting each other.”
Now, Ralo recruits three of America’s hottest rappers for “Flexing on Purpose,” a monstrous, lurching turn-up banger with a massive hook from Lil Uzi Vert as well as verses from Vert, Young Thug, who brings his signature gonzo wordplay, and 21 Savage, with his nonchalant menace. Though that level of star power would dwarf a lesser artist, Ralo rises to the occasion, shining with his trademark charisma. “Flexing On Purpose” is a highlight from “Diary of the Streets II” and the most notable entry yet to Ralo’s year-long #FamericaTuesday series of tracks.
