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Behind the Stripes

Mike WiLL Made-It

By Atlanta United FC

May 24^th, 2017

Hip hop is one of Atlanta's greatest exports, and there may be no producer hotter in the A right now than Mike WiLL Made-It. If you don't know his name you should at least know his work, with hits from Beyonce, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar or last year's #1 single Black Beatles all featuring Mike's production chops.

Born and raised in Marietta -- just miles from the club's new training ground -- Mike has grown into a powerhouse in the world of hip hop. So we invited him to our new facility to talk about what soccer means to the city, and his connection to his hometown of Atlanta.

Coming up in the music industry, Mike WiLL Made-It has always had a special connection with his native city of Atlanta, a bond that's only been reciprocated by its population.

“We are seeing so much different success come out of this city for so many different generations, from Outkast all the way to now,” said Will. “Atlanta's just creative. When there's that creative innovative artist or producer or whoever it is, people cling to that, people love that.”

That support from the community is something Will saw with Atlanta United from the start, with the grassroots support a critical factor in the club’s growth. He says if the team continues to embrace the city's values, the future will be red, black and gold.

“Atlanta is just a lot of people working hard, you gotta work out here, you gotta go out and get whatever success you want, there's nothing handed to you. But if you're original, you stand out and you shine like a star and you take off.”

“Atlanta is the city of underdogs. Except we win. We're the underdog champs.”

But success in Atlanta is more than just working hard. Atlanta United was built to be an attack-minded squad, and that flair is something Will thinks will adhere ATLiens to the team even more.

“Culture in Atlanta is creative, innovative, forward-pushing, original. You've gotta be original coming out of Atlanta, if you're not original then you stand out a little too much in a bad way.”

Despite spending his whole life here, Will said Atlanta United is bringing a whole new dimension to the city he loves.

“I feel like it opens doors for people that grew up here playing soccer their whole life. Now I could be more into soccer, somebody who grew up watching basketball, playing baseball, playing basketball and football. Now I can go to a soccer game and really watch it, see what soccer's all about.”

“Soccer brings another dynamic to the city, it makes it more eclectic.”

Will says whether it comes to up-and-coming hip hop artists or the next big thing on the field, the city will always stand behind one of its own. That's why he decided to headline this year's MLS Summer Beat concert in Atlanta, a showcase of local talent with all Atlanta-based hip hop artists at Center Stage on Friday, May 26th. Whether it's an up-and-coming CM, or an up-and-coming emcee, he knows the city will stand behind them.

“We just want to see the next person out of their city blowing up and making it. Atlanta is a big city but it's so small. So you want to champion somebody for your city. When there's that creative innovative artist or producer or whoever it is, people cling to that, people love that.”

As for the club? Will suggested fans stick to the motto that's defined the club from the start.

“Unite means everyone coming together to take over and win. Conquer means taking over, and that's what we're about to do. It's a takeover.”

“We've got some rings on the way, some trophies on the way, we're going to win. And we're going to stand behind Atlanta United just like we stand behind everything else out of Atlanta.”

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