2020-present · east-coast

Fatt Smaxk on Atlanta's Zone System, Viral Hits & Why AI Rappers Are Cheating the Game

HOT 97 · Aug 19, 2026 · published to YouTube

Atlanta's own Fatt Smaxk sits down with The Kid Mero on HOT97 Mornings with Mero to break down what's really popping in ATL — from the real Atlanta (zones 1-6) vs. Gwinnett, to how "Butter Bean" and "Smack or Die" took over the city in 30 days. He opens up about his come-up from the streets of Thomasville, getting a cosign from his favorite rapper, signing to Atlantic Records, and why he refuses to let too many people in the studio. Plus: his thoughts on AI in hip-hop, selling out his first headlining show, the Atlanta artists who actually stick together, and why one inch of snow shuts the whole city down. Topics covered: What's really Atlanta? The zone system explained How "Butter Bean" and "Smack or Die" went viral Street life, trafficking cases, and finding a way out through music Why Fatt Smaxk stays approachable and won't buy jewelry (yet) Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and his father's p

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