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Behind the Stripes

Rich Homie Quan

By Atlanta United FC

April 6^th, 2017

"The experience was so surreal, I’ve never experienced anything like that, never"

In collaboration with well-known Atlanta photographer Cam Kirk, Atlanta United invited ATLien and popular hip-hop artist Rich Homie Quan to join the club on March 18th for its second MLS home match ever.

Born and bred in the heart of East Atlanta, Rich Homie Quan received the honor of hammering in the club's Golden Spike, a piece of tradition signed by both player and fan representing the bond between the two and the beginning of a new era in the South.

Quan broke out onto the music scene in 2013 and hasn't looked back. Catching national and international headlines, the singer and songwriter continues to credit his city for the inspiration behind his work and his art.

“Atlanta’s a lifestyle,” said Quan. “I put in it my music and I just try to tell the best story I can tell.”

Receiving the honor of hammering the Golden Spike was only fitting for one who's blood runs thick with the roots of ATL. On appearing from the tunnel in front of the sellout crowd and striking the club's spike, Quan said, "That moment felt good, it was a proud moment. It was definitely a milestone."

The 4-0 victory against Chicago instilled a level of confidence in the hip-hop artist from Eastside, that same level of conviction and pride he has in all things ATL. "The way they’re playing, I’d expect them to go to the playoffs for sure," said Quan. "It’s the city of Atlanta, we do everything big."

Not only wowed by the loud atmosphere, the growing traditions and the team's dominant performance, Quan was also impressed by the sheer number ATLiens there to cheer on the city's new team.

"Over 45,000 people there, that’s a lot. That’s incredible."

With over 55,000 in attendance in the club's inaugural match, Atlanta is now averaging about 50,000 in its first two home MLS matches ever.

"It’s bringing a different dynamic to the city, it’s nothing like baseball, it’s nothing like basketball, it’s nothing like football," stated Quan.

For the East Atlanta hip-hop sensation, Major League Soccer, Atlanta United and this sport as a whole is defining a unique, unmatched, untapped culture in ATL.

Footnotes

Photos courtesy of Cam Kirk

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FootNotes

Photos courtesy of Cam Kirk

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