Atlanta is a city of change. The past four decades have seen cultural and social shifts, and a metropolitan area that has nearly tripled in size. But one mainstay, a city staple almost synonymous with the city itself, is hip hop artist known as Big Boi. After all, if you helped bring the term “ATLien” into the local dialect, you’re Atlanta royalty.
“Atlanta pride is very strong," Big Boi says, "but before we kicked in the door it wasn’t cool to be from this city. Now people tell us they came to Atlanta because of our music. To be here and watch the city grow is crazy.”
Big Boi, half of the hip hop duo Outkast, has contributed as much as anyone to the local music scene, and has given plenty to the city itself. But he’s quick to point out that it’s the city that made him, not the other way around.
“There’s a swagger in Atlanta, but it’s mostly down to the southern hospitality."
"It has a lot to do with respect and being nice to people. Here, you speak and strangers will respond to you. There’s a lot of love and respect down here and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
As someone who was born in Atlanta, grew up in Atlanta and still lives there, Big Boi has had a front row seat as the city transforms into the true capital of the Southeast. But he says throughout all that change, the city’s love of their sports teams has been a constant force.
“The city itself is the hub of all things now. It started out with the Civil Rights movement, then the music came, now you have film and television, and you have the sports teams that were always the backbone to the city."
"Now with us having a soccer team, we have a loaded deck.”
There isn’t much that happens in Atlanta that Big Boi doesn’t know about, and the start of Atlanta United was no exception. He says he and his family were in on the red, black and gold early on, thanks to a soccer fanatic in his inner circle.
“My DJ, Cutmaster Swiff, is always wearing Atlanta United gear. He gave me a jersey and has been following since before it started, so he’s been giving me the inside scoop. I always watch soccer when I tour in Europe because that’s what’s on television.
"But of course my favorite team now is Atlanta United. I have to roll with the home team.”
Big Boi says having a pro soccer team is another great reason to love Atlanta, another team for a devoted fan base to get behind, filling a need for a young, growing city.
“We have a dope baseball team, a dope football team, and now a dope soccer team. Soccer is an international sport, it’s global."
"So to be a part of that worldwide puzzle, it’s great to be that inclusive. And once again Atlanta is there right at the front.”
There’s no doubt that Atlanta United’s early success, both on and off the field has captured the hearts of many ATLiens. Big Boi says if the club can keep on the same path, the future of the city – and soccer in America – will be red, black and gold.
“Atlanta sports fans are really diehards. There were teams early on that had a serious winning droughts, but we’ve moved past that. Atlanta United making the playoffs as an expansion team would be a feat in itself, and I think a lot of that has to do with the support of the city."
"People keep coming out, the players stay motivated and it will continue to keep on elevating. The opportunities are limitless.”
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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