The distinct beats and straightforward lyrics of Southern rap have always caught the attention of music fans. Notable southern cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans, where this style of hip-hop originated, have consistently given us super stars like T.I., Ludacris, and OutKast. And just when we think the Dirty South couldn't offer more, Atlanta shows they've got, yet another, competitor to bring to the hip-hop scene -- Frank Lee White.

For White, there is no one defining moment where he knew rap is where he wanted to be. He just knew. Born and raised on the East side of Atlanta, White grew up in tough times and an even tougher neighborhood. But despite the pressures of his environment, he turned to what he knew best, his writing. With a poet as a mother and the wide range of musical influences exposed to him growing up due to his musician father, it is no surprise that White's creativity comes naturally.

At age 12, White demonstrated the skills that could take him to the top by composing intricate poems and rhymes that surpassed his years, but simultaneously tagged him as a plagiarist among his classmates. Although he's played with live hip-hop bands and has the talent to perform on-the-spot hard lyrics to win any MC battle, White's true passion lies in putting pen to paper. He says confidently, "I'm not here to try and prove anything. The music will speak for itself." Only in creating a moment, when people are taken on an emotional journey through his lyrics, does he believe he's made a song to be truly proud of.

On the road to success, White filled his schedule carrying two jobs and continued making music on the side, but it wasn't enough. With partner Alliwishis Kayos, a fellow rapper credited with the start of his success, White became part of Ugly People, a hip-hop group based outside Atlanta. Together they laid down tracks in the studio and worked to create an album with a story line about two guys going about their daily lives in ATL.

While working on the album, one song eventually made its way into the hands of big-time producer Dr. Dre, who loved the track, knew White was a star to watch and insisted the two meet him in Los Angeles. With Dre opening the way, White was introduced to industry icons Warren G, who he deems as a gift and catalyst, and Timbaland - both of whom he has written for as well as made track appearances.

More than ready to break out on his own, White is set to release his debut album in the Spring of 2009. Signed to industry veteran Derek "L.A." Jackson's Hustla Incorporated, White worked with various talented producers like Scott Storch, Hitboy, Buckwild and Symphony on the project. With the chemistry in the studio White experienced, there is no telling how far White can take his career.

One of White's surefire bangers "Ride Out," produced by Scott Storch, perfectly introduces White, his respect for Atlanta, and the love it or leave it attitude on how others see his music. The hard-hitting bass and flow has the lyrical and artistic rawness reminiscent of Ludacris but is pure Frank Lee White.

"Get Naked," proves a ready contender alongside mainstream music with its up-tempo beat and party vibe, set to get people dancing in the club. Produced by Fatboi, the single was actually supposed to be on Ludacris's latest album. "I heard it and I liked it, simple as that. It's not always about being deep," Frank jokingly says.

In "Ain't Nuttin," which earned White a number two spot on SOHH.com's showcase "Atlanta's Own" in early 2008, White teams again with Storch and adds the smooth vocals of R&B diva Monica to create a track worthy of running side by side hip-hop's best.

White's chameleon-like ability to write to any beat shows holding his own in the rap game "ain't nuttin" to be afraid of or back down from. Much like character Vincent Chase of HBO's Entourage, "It's not about being the guy, but the storyline behind it. The rise and fall, and the struggle to get back on top - that's real."

He continuously strives for personal growth within his art to make his music emotionally raw and rhythmically groundbreaking. "The only way to do anything is to be honest with yourself - not to be afraid to push yourself to that limit and show it to the world. I want your children to listen to a song I make years from now and still have it sound brand new. It's very rare that songs like that happen in hip-hop but there are a few greats that have done it. I want to be there." With that attitude, creativity and talent to back it up, Frank Lee White will have no problem reaching his goal.

Naked By Frank Lee White