Today, March 31, is the birthday of Atlanta rapper and D4L founder Shawty Lo.

Shawty Lo first formed D4L in 2003 with fellow Atlanta rappers Fabo, Mook-B and Stoney. Together, the MC's penned a deal with Dee Money Entertainment and Asylum Records and released their debut collaborative album, Down for Life, in 2005. The debut was executive producer by Shawty. Down for Life spawned the infectious single, "Laffy Taffy" which broke download records and catapulted the group into mainstream success. The single also started the 'snap music' trend which incorporates snapping and simple dance moves into the song.

Based on D4L's success, Shawty branched out into a solo career, releasing Units in the City in 2008 followed by Bankhead Born & Raised: Carlos in 2009. Shawty has collabed with Rick Ross, T.I., Lil Wayne, Bun B and more. In 2011, Lo signed with 50's G-Unit Records. With the fuel of this new deal, Shawty Lo is currently working on his new mixtape and has been dropping periodic singles to keep the turn up going.

Happy Birthday, Shawty Lo!

20 Hip-Hop Veterans Share Advice For XXL's Freshmen

More From XXL