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Behind the Stripes

2 Chainz

By Atlanta United FC

October 25^th, 2017

There may be nothing that defines Atlanta more than its iconic hip hop sound. Laid-back but confident, a polite arrogance with an extra twang baked in by the Southern heat. And there are few that embody that style than College Park native 2 Chainz.

“The environment here, it’s nature versus nurture,” he says. “I went to school here, played in the streets here. Learned the majority of my music knowledge here."

"It’s just been a seed that’s been planted to help me grow.”

From Outkast and Ludacris to more recent phenomena like Migos and Future, 2 Chainz stands as tall as any of them. But as much as he’s helped form the Atlanta music scene, it’s played a huge role molding his own style.

“The city is the common denominator for the majority of my music, coming from where I come from."

"It’s the new Motown, I’m proud to be from here. I’m proud to be an ATLien.”

From the music to the food, Atlanta has grown into the unofficial capital of the South. It’s a hub of culture and creativity, a true melting pot where the city’s diversity is its strength.

“The uniqueness about our city is the people."

"The diverse people we have, it’s very welcoming, it’s warming. I think our city is a place where anybody can grow.”

But with all that diversity it’s still a city united, too busy to hate. 2 Chainz says it’s the city’s sports teams that are the unifying force.

“Atlanta is a major city. From United to the Hawks to the Falcons and the Braves, you have to have sports in any major city. I’ve been a fan of the sports scene here ever since I was a kid."

"I think it’s the true heart, the artery of the city of Atlanta.”

But none of that could prepare 2 Chainz for the environment at his first Atlanta United game, where he drove home the Golden Spike in front of a record-breaking crowd full of 71,874 raving ATLiens. From the excitement on the pitch to the passion in the stands, 2 Chainz left Mercedes-Benz Stadium a true fan of the Five Stripes.

“Atlanta United brings the hardcore fans, sheer hardcore fans. We have more than 71,000 fans here tonight and I feel like if we had more room in here we’d have even more.”