The Churn
Yes, Ludacris Just Dropped a Song Called “Butter.ATL” and it’s a Banger
Mike JordanAugust 13, 2021
If you thought Butter couldn’t get more ATL, think again.
At midnight on Friday the 13th of August, Ludacris dropped an absolute banger of a song. The name of that song? “Butter.ATL.”
“I have so much love for my hometown and I truly respect what Butter.ATL is doing for the culture. They are telling Atlanta’s stories authentically, like a love letter to the city. It was only right that we teamed up for my new single in celebration of our great city,” said Luda.
The bouncy single is a return to the classic triple-time Luda flow. The track also leans into today’s melodic trap style with a hook that tells listeners to show off their mouth jewelry, and might surprise fans who forgot how much range the Fast & Furious star shows in the recording booth.
Coming into the song, the man once known as “Chris Luva Luva” to listeners of Atlanta’s storied radio station Hot 97.5 (do your homework) taps right into his inner lyrical bully, reminding everyone he’s lost no confidence or ability since his rap career launched 22 years ago.
“Top 5, dead or alive / Look in my eyes / Realize I ain’t tellin’ no lies.”
— Ludacris on “Butter.ATL”
“Butter.ATL” joins Ludacris’ gigantic catalogue of hits, which includes “Welcome to Atlanta,” “Rollout”, “Move Bitch,” “Stand Up,” “Splash Waterfalls” and “Saturday.” It’s his first solo single since 2020, when he released two songs following his Verzuz battle with Nelly. It also arrives just weeks after the birth of his new daughter, Chance.
How did it happen? Well, aside from levels of sorcery we’re not exactly able to share without certain levels of security clearance, the simple version is that Butter.ATL was invited by Ludacris’ team to give the song a uniquely ATLien brand treatment, including its cover artwork and other design assets.
“We’re incredibly honored that Ludacris’s new single bears our name and to be recognized by one of Atlanta’s legends on this scale. When we first launched Butter in 2019, we never could have imagined this,” says Brandon Butler, our executive director. “It’s surreal.”
You know how people say “Yo, that’s my song” when they hear a new track from one of their favorite rappers? That’s us. We can’t lie — it’s awesome to receive this kinda shout-out from one of Atlanta’s “Mount Rushmore” greats.
“I have so much love for my hometown and I truly respect what Butter.ATL is doing for the culture.”
— Ludacris
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re calling Scotty ATL to get a few grills made, and if we don’t answer the phone it’s not because we went bougie — it’s because we’re blasting “Butter.ATL” from the car to the crib to the office.
Thanks Luda!