“Shawty Lo and the big cats!” I can still hear the Atlanta rapper’s voice starting off one the most epic Dirty South remixes to hit the 2000s. We’re talking about his 2007 hit “Dey Know (Remix)” — featuring superstars Ludacris, Plies, Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne in his prime! The tune will forever be one of my go-to turn up anthems in my life.
I was just playing it last week with the friend who originally showed me the song. As soon as he turned it on, it felt like a true blast from the past. The track immediately took me back to 2008, my freshman year in high school. It was a great time in my life — and in rap. I guess you could say that era is what I consider my own golden age of hip-hop (Yes, I am a millennial).
What I remember the most about the track is that EVERYONE absolutely killed their verse and really rode the beat. This was one of the first tracks where I heard Weezy use auto-tune, and he made it work like a pro. When I think of vintage Wayne, I will always recall this verse as one of the best during his run as the king of hip-hop.
The “Laffy Taffy” artist was taken from us way too early at the age of 40 on Wednesday morning (Sept 21) in a single car accident. He leaves behind 11 children. This week will be bumping this track everyday. RIP Shawty Lo… Bowen Homes legend.
Big ups to all my haters!
My brother has passed he is no longer here but his spirit, his kind heart , and his music will live on Long live Shawty Lo King of Bankhead
— SHAWTY LO (@THATSSHAWTYLO) September 21, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with his children, family and friends.