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BEHIND THE STRIPES

Goldyard

By Atlanta United FC

October 17^th, 2023

“5-Stripes, 5-Stripes, 5-Stripes, 5-Stripes.”

These lyrics are known to Atlanta United’s supporters, the 17s. They can be heard on a matchday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium being played by DJ EU – the team’s official DJ – or at a tailgate at The Home Depot Backyard or the many parking lots where fans hang out before the start of the match.

The lyrics are the hook to the song “5-Stripes” by Atlanta hip-hop duo Goldyard. The group is made up of A.T. and In-Doe, both originally not from Atlanta. In fact, A.T. hails from Charlotte and In-Doe was born and raised in New York City before relocating to North Carolina where he met his stage partner. Prior to forming Goldyard, both were focused on their own solo careers. But after collaborating on songs so frequently, it made sense to join their talents.

“It was really just a friendship – two dudes that liked the same stuff and wanted to do the same things, had the same dreams,” says In-Doe.

BEHIND THE STRIPES

“It’s the way we were living – our style, like Goldyard style."

How was the name Goldyard born? According to In-Doe, it just made sense – it flowed.

“The name came while we were living here in Atlanta. The name was really something that we came up with – something from God. We felt it sounded like a rap band more than a hip-hop group. It had a ring to it.”

A.T. says the duo was living a Goldyard lifestyle before Goldyard was even a thing.

“It’s the way we were living – our style, like Goldyard style. The way we lived, the way we carried ourselves, it was that style. It just matched with what we did – that’s it.”

Upon talking about creating songs for Atlanta’s MLS and NFL teams, Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons, the group reflects on its early days – the days when they could only dream of their music being played in venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The days when they were two aspiring musicians working on music out of a house off Moreland Avenue in East Atlanta.

“I used to pay junkies to cut our grass so we could work on music and then one stole the lawn mower,” says A.T.

BEHIND THE STRIPES

BEHIND THE STRIPES

Fast-forward a few years and the duo has penned “W’s” and “They’re Making Too Much Noise” for the Atlanta Falcons and “5-Stripes” and “Kings” for Atlanta United. These tracks have become anthems for both teams and their fans, along with the duo being invited to matchdays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to participate in Atlanta United and Falcons matchday activities.

“It’s been amazing. When you think about music, you think about playing big shows, but I don’t think you think about things like that happening. For us to be able to create the soundtrack to a team, I think it’s amazing, crazy - a dream come true. Something I never thought of,” says A.T.

In-Doe shares the same feelings as his partner in crime: “The fact that they embraced us and respected what we do to make a song for them is crazy.”

In fact, the respect between Atlanta United and Goldyard is so great that not only did the group create songs for the club, but Goldyard had the honor of participating in the team’s Golden Spike Hitter tradition on the April 27, 2021, Concacaf Champions League home match against the Philadelphia Union. The tradition is a staple in the Atlanta United matchday experience and has been done by other Atlanta hip-hop artists such as Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka, Davido, Omeretta The Great, and Ludacris.

“We’re big sports fans and athletes so when you’re growing up you see people fighting to be on the jumbotron, something that means nothing, and then you’re up there with the players and they’re seeing you hit the spike - that’s surreal for us,” says In-Doe.

It goes without saying that the respect between the club and hip-hop duo is mutual.

“I’ve never seen Atlanta get together for anything and I’ve been here for a long time. Just seeing the comradery, the support the team gets is insane. You see people wearing team gear everywhere even when the team is not in season. It’s a staple and it does so much for the city, growth and the sport of soccer,” says In-Doe.

BEHIND THE STRIPES

BEHIND THE STRIPES

Those who move to Atlanta are often referred to as transplants, and like moving from anywhere, it’s not always easy to adapt to a new city, a new lifestyle, a new sound. For Goldyard, the challenge was greater. Not only were they trying to establish themselves in an already rich music scene, but they were also doing so as independent musicians without the help of a major label.

“Being independent isn’t a cake walk. You have to fund everything, set everything up, release your own projects, pay for artwork, there’s a lot that goes under it. It’s not something that everybody can do successfully because it’s a lot of work,” says A.T.

The duo prides itself in being different, which is noticeable upon listing to their catalog of music – a mixture of genres, blending hip-hop with rock, pop and country melodies. Today, this is common in the music industry but years ago very few were doing it, and Goldyard was one of them.

BEHIND THE STRIPES

BEHIND THE STRIPES

BEHIND THE STRIPES

“Everybody says, ‘Everyone comes to Atlanta and takes from it,’ but we gave to the city and outlines to artists and what to do. We were doing different sounds. We made our noise and Atlanta embraced us and showed us we can do more,” says In-Doe.

Speaking on the current season, Goldyard has been to a few matches and can always be found commenting encouraging messages on the team’s social media posts. Like the rest of Atlanta, In-Doe really likes Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada and is a very big fan of the 17s’ Kit – both members have their own customized kits.

Both In-Doe and A.T. also approve of the club’s latest three signings – Saba Lobjanidze, Xande Silva and Tristan Muyumba.

“The three new additions are all good. They’re top tier players.”

“I love Atlanta. Atlanta is our heart. If it wasn’t for Atlanta, I don’t think we’d be anything. Atlanta gave us our wings.”

As for what’s next for the duo, they’ve been busy working on their next album. Goldyard’s last album was their 2021 seven-track “Moontography” album so fans and the 17s should be excited about their next rollout.

“We’re working on a project right now, partnering with some people looking to put that out in the next two months or so – at the top of the year,” says In-Doe.

In hindsight, a collaboration between Goldyard and Atlanta United always made sense, it was a hand-picked union of forces. At some point, both were trying to establish themselves in Atlanta and both accomplished things they would’ve never imagined. Today, both are known in their respective areas and the sky is the limit because, like sports, music sees no boundaries.

“I love Atlanta. Atlanta is our heart. If it wasn’t for Atlanta, I don’t think we’d be anything. Atlanta gave us our wings.”

BEHIND THE STRIPES

Footnotes

Story by Cristian Inga

FootNotes

Story by Cristian Inga

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