SATURDAY OCT 09, 2021
The Wheeler Boys
For brothers Sean and Garrett Wheeler, evolving from hip-hop enthusiasts to acclaimed rap duo is an achievement. Already recognized for their independent endeavors, they have re-released their EP, My Brother’s Keeper, now backed by Zac Brown’s imprint Southern Ground Artists, Inc. Hoping to break larger ground with a more polished re-release, The Wheeler Boys still hold an appreciation for their humble beginnings.
Growing up, Sean and “G” listened to 90’s mainstream hip-hop hits, as did most of their peers growing up in downtown Atlanta. Prior to rapping, Sean played drums in school and Garrett was groomed in the choir and wrote poetry – both were always passionate about music. Their eclectic playlist also included underground greats like Master P, UGK, Three 6 Mafia, and southern rock legends such as The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“We were kind of surrounded by hip-hop and we used to mess around rapping in basements,” remembers older brother Sean. “We had several groups with different members over the years.”
In 2010, they released their 2nd album, My Brother’s Keeper, which featured production by Wes Green (Mighty High Coup) who helped update and expand their unique sound. The album also featured Southern Ground Artists Sonia Leigh on the song “So Much Trouble”.
She liked how the song came out and played it for Zac Brown, who was immediately impressed and invited The Wheelers to perform at his Fox Theatre concert in Atlanta that October.
The Wheeler Boys went on to sign with the label in 2011, becoming their first hip hop act to sign to Southern Ground Artists.
“Our music isn’t your stereotypical Atlanta rap music,” Sean describes their anti-trend, anti-flashy direction. “It’s a lot more organic, so I think that’s what really helped us get our foot in the door.”
The release of My Brother’s Keeper was pivotal in showcasing the Wheelers’ intriguing story-telling skills. “Our music sounds better but still has the same appeal of hungry up-and-comers,” Garrett says proudly. In 2011 The Wheeler Boys were the first local Hip Hop group to finally beat home town hero’s Outkast for Best Hip Hop Group in Atlanta awarded by Creative Loafing. “Everybody claims they’re trying to do something different,” Sean says, “but we are doing something different.”
For brothers Sean and Garrett Wheeler, evolving from hip-hop enthusiasts to acclaimed rap duo is an achievement. Already recognized for their independent endeavors, they have re-released their EP, My Brother’s Keeper, now backed by Zac Brown’s imprint Southern Ground Artists, Inc. Hoping to break larger ground with a more polished re-release, The Wheeler Boys still hold an appreciation for their humble beginnings.
Growing up, Sean and “G” listened to 90’s mainstream hip-hop hits, as did most of their peers growing up in downtown Atlanta. Prior to rapping, Sean played drums in school and Garrett was groomed in the choir and wrote poetry – both were always passionate about music. Their eclectic playlist also included underground greats like Master P, UGK, Three 6 Mafia, and southern rock legends such as The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“We were kind of surrounded by hip-hop and we used to mess around rapping in basements,” remembers older brother Sean. “We had several groups with different members over the years.”
In 2010, they released their 2nd album, My Brother’s Keeper, which featured production by Wes Green (Mighty High Coup) who helped update and expand their unique sound. The album also featured Southern Ground Artists Sonia Leigh on the song “So Much Trouble”.
She liked how the song came out and played it for Zac Brown, who was immediately impressed and invited The Wheelers to perform at his Fox Theatre concert in Atlanta that October.
The Wheeler Boys went on to sign with the label in 2011, becoming their first hip hop act to sign to Southern Ground Artists.
“Our music isn’t your stereotypical Atlanta rap music,” Sean describes their anti-trend, anti-flashy direction. “It’s a lot more organic, so I think that’s what really helped us get our foot in the door.”
The release of My Brother’s Keeper was pivotal in showcasing the Wheelers’ intriguing story-telling skills. “Our music sounds better but still has the same appeal of hungry up-and-comers,” Garrett says proudly. In 2011 The Wheeler Boys were the first local Hip Hop group to finally beat home town hero’s Outkast for Best Hip Hop Group in Atlanta awarded by Creative Loafing. “Everybody claims they’re trying to do something different,” Sean says, “but we are doing something different.”