To understand Units in the City , one must understand the geographic and social fabric of West Atlanta's . This region encompass iconic neighborhoods like Bankhead and the historic Bowen Homes housing projects.

The "units" referred to are the Bowen Homes projects and similar Bankhead neighborhoods that defined a generation of trap culture.

When Shawty Lo dropped Units in the City in 2008, it was more than just a mixtape—it was a raw, unfiltered tour of his world in Southwest Atlanta. Known for his signature raspy delivery and street narratives, the former D4L frontman used this project to solidify his solo legitimacy, separate from the “Laffy Taffy” era.