Why Birthday Bash is the epitome of Atlanta hip hop

Source: ATL Birthday Party 2024 / R1

HThe 107.9 anniversary only comes around once a year, but the spectacle is enough to create memories that will last a lifetime. NewsOne had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta this weekend and spend time with the Hot 107.9 team as they prepared for one of the biggest shows the city has ever seen. Birthday Bash is the epitome of Atlanta hip hop and the city is embracing it like it’s their Super Bowl.

When I arrived in Atlanta the day before the concert, the city was already buzzing. My Uber driver asked me what I was doing in town, and when I told him I was covering Birthday Bash, his eyes lit up like I’d just tipped him $20 for a six-minute rideshare. Caitlyn Clark was in town, so the town was littered with #22 Fever jerseys, but everyone I asked on my way from the airport to the hotel wanted to know who Latto was bringing for her set, which It was only Saturday. night.

“I just need to know who Latto is dating,” the Uber driver exclaimed just before arriving at the hotel. Once I entered the hotel lobby, the concierge jokingly bartered my room key for a pair of tickets to the show, but I couldn’t help it. We laughed, got dressed up and I headed to my room to relax before the big day tomorrow.

The next day, the city was in Birthday Bash mode from the moment I woke up to the moment my head hit the pillow again. Street vendors littered the streets with Birthday Bash merchandise, soliciting t-shirts as souvenirs of what was shaping up to be an incredible evening. Birthday Bash is more than just a spectacle for Atlantans, it’s a cultural phenomenon that only happens once a year and lasts only a few hours. The city was ready.

When I first headed backstage after going through two security checkpoints, Devin Steel, Hot 107.9’s program director, was meeting with the crew for the last time before the doors opened to the public. His speech was poignant and serious as everyone in the room seemed laser focused. Although the atmosphere was tense, the media room felt like a family reunion. Everyone was friendly, loving and just working towards a successful show. The magnificent and massive LED screen, which also served as a backdrop for the interviews, alternated photos of the artist with panoramic views of the city. Gorgeous peach-colored Birthday Bash basketball jerseys flooded backstage as security began to crack down on those with access to the digital lounge.

Source: ATL Birthday Party 2024 / R1

At 6:30 p.m., the bass from the speakers on stage began to boom and never stopped for the rest of the night. The crowd was going absolutely crazy as artist after artist took the stage to perform the songs Atlanta wanted to hear.

One of the artists who lost the audience was BossMan Dlow and his hit song Finesse. If you’re a southern rap artist with a trending hit, Birthday Bash is going to show you some love, and that’s exactly what Atlanta did.

“All these designer clothes, I look like a damn booster,” the crowd shouted as BossMan handed the mic to the crowd so they could sing along to his lyrics.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Killer Mike, who also performed, received the first-ever Rico Wade Game Changer Award, in memory of Dungeon Family co-founder Rico Wade.

Killer Mike was honored for his contributions to the Atlanta hip-hop community and received the award from Wade’s mother, Beatrice Wade, his sons Rico Jr. and Ryder.

“It’s the most Atlanta thing ever, and that’s the way my dads would have it, Ryder Wade said during the ceremony. So, I just want to say, forever Rico Wade, man.

Killer Mike also took the moment to shout out Atlanta and show love to Wade and his family.

“I just want to say to Atlanta this: You don’t have to wish you were no one else. Who you are is absolute shit,” Mike said. “I don’t care where you are in the world, there’s no place for black people like Atlanta. There is no place with so many opportunities, so much love, so many chances to do this. And I want to thank the woman who raised Rico Wade, his mom.

Finally, the lady of the evening, Latto, stole the show with one of the most stunning Birthday Bash sets to date. Its extravagant decor included a 6-foot peach, several Atlanta street signs and some of the city’s best dancers. Latto also had a special stream of his set that included behind-the-scenes moments only seen on streaming.

Latto’s ensemble included Boosie, 21 Savage, Summer Walker and even the legend Usher! It was one of the most amazing moments of the evening.

Birthday Bash is not just a concert, it is an experience that every Hip Hop fan must experience at least once in their life. Attending a Birthday Bash and getting lost in such an atmosphere is like a right of passage.

Source: ATL Birthday Party 2024 / R1

Once you experience #BirthdayBashATL, that’s when you can truly consider yourself an Atlanta hip hop leader.

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