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R&B royalty is converging on Atlanta in a massive way.
How To Get Usher and Chris Brown Tickets
Grammy Award-winning icons Usher Raymond (a hometown hero) and Chris Brown have officially announced The R&B Tour—also known as the Raymond & Brown Tour—a co-headlining stadium run across North America in 2026.
The tour includes multiple nights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on November 7 and 8, 2026, with shows starting at 7:00 PM.
Due to overwhelming demand, reports indicate a third and fourth show has been added bookending November 10.
Usher and Chris Brown Concert Tickets: What To Know
This marks a highly anticipated collaboration between two of the genre’s most dynamic performers, known for their chart-topping hits, electrifying stage presence, and smooth choreography.
Fans have been buzzing since the initial tease in early April 2026, with the full dates dropping shortly after.
Why This Tour Matters—Especially in Atlanta
Usher, born in Chattanooga but raised in Atlanta, has deep roots in the city.
He’s defined R&B for decades with classics like “Yeah!” (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), “OMG,” “Love in This Club,” and his diamond-certified album Confessions. His 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and Las Vegas residencies cemented his status as a live entertainer.
Bringing the tour home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium feels like a victory lap for the Atlanta native.
Chris Brown, no stranger to high-energy performances, brings hits like “Run It!,” “Forever,” “With You,” and more recent smashes.
Known for his dance moves and vocal range, Breezy complements Usher perfectly on a bill that promises non-stop hits, collaborations, and show-stopping moments.
The pairing has generated massive excitement, with the announcement video racking up tens of millions of views quickly.
The tour comes years after reported tensions between the two (including an alleged 2023 altercation in Las Vegas), making this joint outing a notable moment of unity in R&B.
Usher and Chris Brown: Tour Details and Atlanta Stops
- Atlanta Dates: Saturday, November 7, 2026, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:00 PM). A potential third date on November 10 has been mentioned amid high demand.
- The broader tour kicks off June 26, 2026, in Denver, CO, at Empower Field at Mile High and spans stadiums across the U.S. and Canada, wrapping up in December in Tampa, FL. Other multi-night stops include cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, and more.
Produced by Live Nation, this is a stadium-scale production expected to feature state-of-the-art production, visuals, and a setlist packed with decades of R&B anthems.
Tickets and Presales
Tickets go on sale via the official site (RaymondAndBrownTour.com) with presales starting as early as April 23, 2026 (including Citi cardholder presale), leading to general on-sale on April 27 at noon local time. VIP packages, suites, and premium options are available through platforms like Ticketmaster and VIP Nation.- Expect high demand—Atlanta shows sold briskly in anticipation.
Fans should check Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s site for parking, entry rules, and event policies.
What to Expect: A Night of R&B Excellence
This isn’t just a concert—it’s a celebration of R&B’s evolution. Attendees can anticipate medleys of hits, surprise collaborations, intricate choreography, and the kind of crowd sing-alongs that define these artists’ legacies. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its world-class sound, massive video boards, and retractable roof, provides the perfect backdrop for such a spectacle.
For Atlanta music fans, this is a can’t-miss event blending nostalgia with fresh energy. As Usher might say, “Yeah!”—and Chris Brown would follow with those signature dance breaks.
Stay tuned for setlist teases, openers (if announced), and any updates on additional dates. Grab tickets early, because The R&B Tour is poised to be one of 2026’s biggest tours. - For more info and tickets: Visit RaymondAndBrownTour.com or Ticketmaster.
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Atlanta, get ready — the Queen of Rap is closing out her highly anticipated arena tour right here in the A. Cardi B: Little Miss Drama Tour hits State Farm Arena on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2026, with shows starting at 7:30 PM (doors at 6:30 PM).
This marks the grand finale of her first headlining arena run in six years, supporting her second studio album Am I The Drama?, released last fall via Atlantic Records.
Why Atlanta Fans Are Hyped
Cardi has a special connection with Atlanta — from her early strip club roots in the city to countless collaborations with local legends and her massive Southern fanbase.
The Bronx rapper has called the tour her most energetic and theatrical yet, and wrapping it up in Atlanta means the final nights are likely to be extra charged with hometown energy, possible surprise guests, and that signature unapologetic Cardi energy.
Expect a high-octane production packed with hits old and new. Early tour setlists have featured over 30+ songs, blending bangers from Invasion of Privacy and Am I The Drama? including:
- “Bodak Yellow”
- “I Like It”
- “WAP”
- “Up”
- “Money”
- “Press”
- New tracks like “Hello,” “Magnet,” “Enough (Miami),” “Trophies,” and more. azcentral.com
Fans can look forward to her signature bold fashion moments, high-energy choreography, dramatic staging, and plenty of crowd interaction
Cardi B Atlanta Concert: What To Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Still available for both nights via Ticketmaster and the State Farm Arena site, but expect prices to climb as the finale approaches. VIP packages, floor seats, and club-level upgrades are options for a premium experience.
- Getting There: State Farm Arena is in downtown Atlanta. Use MARTA (Dome/GWCC station is steps away), rideshares, or parking garages. Traffic will be heavy both nights — arrive early.
- Afterparties: The celebration continues after the show. Official and fan-hosted afterparties are popping up at spots like The Bank and The Dome, some billed as “hosted by Cardi B” experiences with DJs spinning her hits late into the night.
Pro Tip: Pair your night with Atlanta vibes — grab pre-show bites in Midtown, Ponce City Market, or The Battery. Many local spots will have watch parties and Cardi-themed specials.
This is more than just a concert; it’s the culmination of Cardi B’s long-awaited return to the stage, and Atlanta gets the honor of hosting the last hurrah. Whether you’re a day-one Bardi or catching her live for the first time, these shows are set to be unforgettable.
Tickets and details: statefarmarena.com. Who’s going both nights? What’s your favorite Cardi song to hear live? Drop it in the comments, Atlanta!
Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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All the wonderful things to do in Midtown Atlanta
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Atlanta, GA – In a move that has the city’s music scene buzzing louder than a Friday night at Magic City, hometown hero Usher Raymond and R&B powerhouse Chris Brown officially announced their highly anticipated joint tour on Friday, April 10.
Dubbed the “R&B Tour” (a clever play on “Raymond & Brown”), the stadium spectacle promises to deliver nights of pure R&B dominance, high-energy performances, and unforgettable collaborations.
Usher and Chris Brown To Tour; Atlanta Poised for Epic Homecoming
The flashy announcement dropped simultaneously on social media with a high-octane teaser video. In it, the two superstars rip through city streets on motorcycles as ecstatic fans chase behind, capturing the raw excitement building around this pairing.
No full date list has been released yet, but sources and fan speculation point to major stadium stops across North America this summer and fall, with Atlanta almost certainly anchoring the run as a multi-night celebration.
Atlanta Roots Run Deep
For Atlanta, this tour feels personal. Usher, the ultimate ATL ambassador who put the city on the global R&B map with classics like Confessions, has deep ties here—from his early days at LaFace Records to legendary performances at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) and recent sold-out runs.
Chris Brown, though raised in Virginia, has become an adopted son of the A through countless collaborations, late-night studio sessions in the city, and high-profile appearances.
Just months ago, in October 2025, Brown brought Usher out as a surprise guest during the Atlanta stop of his Breezy Bowl XX Stadium World Tour.
The moment was electric: Brown praised Usher as “the greatest” and his inspiration, while the two traded hits like “Superstar” to a roaring hometown crowd. That reunion lit the fuse for what fans are now calling the ultimate R&B summit.6
Local promoters and State Farm Arena insiders are already bracing for record demand. One Atlanta-based industry source told reporters, “This is bigger than a concert—it’s a cultural homecoming. Two kings from the same bloodline of ATL sound bringing the whole city out.”
What Fans Can Expect
Expect a setlist stacked with decades of chart-toppers: Usher’s smooth grooves (“Yeah!,” “U Got It Bad,” “My Boo”) colliding with Breezy’s high-octane anthems (“Forever,” “With You,” new singles like the freshly dropped “OBVIOUS”).
The two have hinted at joint performances and possible new music dropping ahead of the tour.
Chris Brown also announced a new album arriving next month, adding even more fuel to the fire.20
Social media has exploded since the announcement, with #RBTour and #RaymondBrown trending nationally. Atlanta fans are leading the charge, flooding comments with demands for multiple hometown dates.
“This is what Atlanta deserves,” one local posted. “Usher and Chris turning State Farm into the R&B Super Bowl.”
Tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For Atlanta music lovers, this joint tour isn’t just another show—it’s a full-circle moment for two artists who helped define the city’s signature sound for a new generation.
Stay locked to Atlanta news outlets for the first on-sale dates. The A is about to turn all the way up. 🔥
Yeah… it’s going down.
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In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Atlanta and Memphis hip-hop scenes, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday, that nine individuals—including prominent Memphis rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30—have been charged in connection with an armed takeover at a Dallas music studio.
The incident allegedly involved the kidnapping and robbery of fellow rapper Gucci Mane and two other music industry professionals on January 10, 2026.
Read the federal complaint here.
Pooh Shiesty allegedly held an AK-47 toward Gucci Mane and forced him to sign a contract release, while BIG30 blocked the door to prevent him from leaving.
Nine people from Memphis have been charged, and the stolen jewelry appeared on social media within hours.”
Accompanying video footage from the DOJ press conference has fueled intense online discussion, with reactions ranging from disbelief to dark humor about the alleged betrayal within the industry.
Who Are the Key Figures?
Pooh Shiesty (real name Lontrell Denell Williams Jr.) rose to fame with tracks like “Back in Blood” and was previously signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label.He had only recently been released from federal prison in October 2025 after serving time on firearm-related charges and was still on home confinement and supervised release at the time of the alleged incident.
Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.) is another Memphis rapper closely associated with Shiesty’s circle. Gucci Mane (Radric Delantic Davis), a veteran Atlanta rapper and label executive, was reportedly one of the victims in what authorities describe as a coordinated “armed takeover.”
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the DOJ complaint and statements from U.S. Attorney Ryan Rabel for the Northern District of Texas, Shiesty arranged a business meeting at a Dallas recording studio under the pretense of discussing recording contract terms.Once inside, Shiesty and eight co-conspirators allegedly pulled weapons, including an AK-style pistol.
Shiesty is accused of forcing one victim—identified in reports as tied to Gucci Mane’s contractual situation—to sign release papers from a recording contract at gunpoint.
Big30 reportedly barricaded the studio door with his body to prevent escape. Victims were allegedly robbed of cash, Rolex watches, jewelry, and other high-value items; one was choked nearly to unconsciousness.
Hours after the incident, some of the stolen items reportedly appeared on social media posted by the defendants, according to prosecutors. Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., is also alleged to have helped plan and execute the scheme and was arrested in a related FBI raid.
Eight of the nine suspects were arrested Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. The ninth remains at large but is expected to be taken into custody soon.
Charges include kidnapping and robbery, with potential penalties ranging from years in prison to life, depending on criminal history and other factors.
Background and Context
The alleged events unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the music industry, where contract disputes between artists and labels are common—but rarely escalate to federal criminal charges.Shiesty had been affiliated with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Global Music label before his prior legal troubles. Earlier, unconfirmed rumors about a contract-related conflict circulated in January 2026, but they lacked official backing until today’s DOJ announcement.
Public and Industry Reaction
The story has exploded online, with the original X post sparking thousands of replies. Many users expressed shock at the audacity—“robbing your boss is crazy”—while others pointed to the irony of posting evidence of the crime shortly after.Memes, GIFs, and commentary flooded timelines, with some drawing parallels to classic hip-hop feuds or questioning street credibility in the streaming era.
Gucci Mane has not publicly commented in detail on the allegations as of this writing, though earlier rumors prompted subtle social media responses from him.
What Happens Next?
This remains an active federal case. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The North Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the charges stem from a thorough investigation involving the FBI and local authorities across multiple cities.The incident highlights ongoing challenges in the rap industry, where fame, money, and unresolved business disputes can sometimes intersect with street-level conflicts.
As one of the most high-profile hip-hop crime stories of 2026, it will likely continue to dominate headlines and conversations in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates as the case develops.
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Atlanta R&B fans, get ready to say yes to a soul-stirring reunion: iconic neo-soul duo Floetry is bringing their highly anticipated 2026 The Say Yes Tour to metro Atlanta.
This marks Floetry’s first full national tour together in a decade—since 2016—celebrating their enduring legacy and the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking work.
When Is the Floetry Tour Coming To Metro Atlanta?
The “Say Yes” tour stops through the city on Friday, May 1, 2026, at The Arena at Southlake
The tour, produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the leading Black-owned promoter ranked among the top in the industry, promises an intimate, emotionally immersive live R&B experience focused on musicianship, lyricism, and authenticity.
Floetry—comprised of Marsha Ambrosius (the Songstress) and Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart—formed in 1999 after bonding over their love of basketball while attending the same UK school.
Emerging from the underground poetry scene, they revolutionized R&B by blending spoken-word poetry, rap-inflected cadences, and soulful melodies.
Their debut album Floetic (2002) went platinum in the U.S. (over 788,000 copies sold domestically and more than a million worldwide), featuring timeless hits like “Say Yes,” “Getting Late,” and even a bonus demo track originally intended for Michael Jackson’s “Butterflies.”
Follow-ups included the live album Floacism (2003, recorded at House of Blues in New Orleans) and Flo’Ology (2005).
The duo earned seven Grammy nominations, three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, and penned songs for legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, and Bilal.
Their music continues to soundtrack love, healing, self-reflection, and emotional truth across generations, influencing the genre’s evolution and proving why R&B remains timeless.
Joining Floetry on this 16-city U.S. run are special guests Raheem DeVaughn, celebrated for his romanticism, social consciousness, and powerful live performances, and Teedra Moses, renowned for her emotional honesty, vocal precision, and timeless songwriting.
The lineup delivers a rare gathering of soul powerhouses connected by purpose and genuine artistry.
The tour kicks off April 9, 2026, in Newark, NJ, at NJPAC and wraps May 17, 2026, in Oakland, CA, at Paramount Theatre. Atlanta’s stop on May 1 fits perfectly into the Southeastern leg, following Charlotte and Durham and leading into Jacksonville.
Presales for local, venue, and promoters began Thursday, February 12, 2026 (using code BPC), with general public tickets going on sale Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can secure tickets via blackpromoterscollective.com/floetry or official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster.
For Atlanta audiences who have long embraced Floetry’s poetic R&B—whether through classic spins on V-103 or memories of past visits—this return is a must-see event.
Expect an evening of healing vibes, signature harmonies, and the kind of soulful connection that only Floetry can deliver. Don’t miss your chance to experience “Say Yes” live in the A.
Final Word
Did somebody say live music? That’s what Atlanta has a lot of. From the small cubby holes you’ll find in the suburbs to the elegant stages of Midtown and Buckhead, ATL has music for your ears. Check out our Atlanta Live Music Guide to see who’s performing where.
You might also enjoy some spoken word or jazz brunches that Georgia’s largest city has to offer. We get down not just on fun-filled weekends, but through the week as well.
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In a rare moment of vulnerability amid a whirlwind year of tours and triumphs, Atlanta’s own Gunna took to social media late Sunday night to share a deeply personal reflection on resilience, loyalty, and the quiet strength it takes to keep faith in a world that tests you at every turn.
The post, his first in over two weeks, arrives as the Wunna hitmaker gears up for high-profile performances, including a stop on his ongoing WUN World Tour and headlining Lagos’ Detty December Fest later this month.
Gunna Speaks Out After Months of Silence
“The real flex is keeping a good heart when life keeps giving you reasons not to,” Gunna wrote in the heartfelt message, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and shares.
“When you been lied to, used, switched up on, and counted out… but you still show love. You still got loyalty in you. Still show up for people, even when nobody showed up for you. That’s rare. That’s powerful.”
The words strike a chord for anyone familiar with Gunna’s rollercoaster journey. Born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens in College Park, the 32-year-old rose from Atlanta’s trap scene to global stardom with his melodic flows and chart-topping collaborations, including his breakout with Young Thug’s YSL collective on the 2018 hit “Drip Too Hard.”
But in 2022, Gunna’s world flipped when he and Thug were swept up in a sweeping RICO indictment against YSL, accused of gang ties.
Gunna’s Alford plea deal—allowing him to maintain innocence while accepting responsibility—freed him after just months behind bars, but it ignited a firestorm of backlash.
Accusations of snitching fractured alliances, with peers like Lil Durk and 21 Savage publicly distancing themselves, and fans dubbing him a “rat” in heated online debates.
Sunday’s post doesn’t name names or dive into specifics, but its timing feels pointed. Coming on the heels of Gunna’s vibrant rebrand—marked by wellness-focused events like last week’s Wunna Run Club activation at Art Basel in Miami—it’s a subtle nod to the betrayals he’s weathered without bitterness.
Reactions poured in swiftly, mirroring the city’s divided loyalties. Supporters hailed it as a testament to his growth: “Gunna a real one for keeping it S/O love will always PREVAIL,” one fan tweeted.
Others were less forgiving, dredging up old wounds: “why does this man try to act like he’s the victim when he turned on the person who put him on,” read a sharp reply from Chicago rapper Justin Walker.
Yet for Atlanta’s hip-hop faithful, Gunna’s message lands like a homecoming. In a genre built on bravado, his pivot toward positivity—paired with sold-out shows and a tour hitting the YouTube Theater in Inglewood tomorrow—signals not defeat, but defiance.
“This rat nigga is comfortable preaching positivity because internet nerds made him think disloyalty is okay,” scoffed one detractor.
But as another put it, “This why he up rn compared to all his peers.”
Final Word
Gunna’s silence on socials had fans speculating— was it tour prep for his December 29 Lagos blowout alongside Busta Rhymes, or a deliberate pause to let the music speak?
Whatever the case, this dispatch from the trenches reminds us why ATL breeds legends: not despite the scars, but because of how they wear them.As Gunna closes out 2025 with momentum, one thing’s clear— the heart they can’t find twice? It’s beating stronger than ever in the A.
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Get ready to shake the Square, Atlanta: Legendary rapper Big Boi is bringing his signature Southern swagger to Decatur with a free headline concert on June 11, 2026, perfectly timed to ignite the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As part of the newly announced Decatur WatchFest ’26, this outdoor bash promises to blend hip-hop heat with soccer fever, drawing fans from across the metro area to the heart of DeKalb County’s vibrant music scene.
Big Boi to Kick Off FIFA World Cup Festivities in Atlanta
The performance, set for Decatur Square on the tournament’s opening day, marks the explosive start to a month-long festival celebrating the global spectacle.
The World Cup, co-hosted across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will bring eight high-stakes matches to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium – but Decatur is stealing the pre-game spotlight with Big Boi’s set, expected to feature hits from his OutKast glory days to his solo anthems like “Shutterbugg” and “The Way You Move.”
“As an Atlantan and huge soccer fan, performing for Decatur WatchFest ‘26 to kick off our World Cup festivities is a great honor,” Big Boi shared in a statement. “I’ve seen the energy the World Cup creates and I’m excited to get the party started for music and soccer fans in my backyard!”
Organizers of Decatur WatchFest ’26, a collaborative effort spotlighting the city’s walkable charm and live music legacy, envision the event as more than just a one-night stand.
Running parallel to the tournament, the festival will offer free daily outdoor screenings of World Cup matches (pending FIFA approval), nightly pre- and post-game live music lineups, interactive games, and pop-up activities at local spots.
Think food trucks slinging Georgia peach-infused bites, craft brews from nearby distilleries, and family-friendly zones where kids can kick around a ball before the grown-ups groove to the beats.Decatur Square, already a hub for indie gigs and block parties, couldn’t be a more fitting stage. Just a quick MARTA ride from downtown Atlanta, the venue’s historic gazebo and tree-lined lawns have hosted everyone from folk troubadours to rising R&B stars.
Big Boi’s addition – the Dungeon Family co-founder and Grammy-winning icon who’s called Atlanta home for decades – elevates it to must-attend status for music lovers eyeing the summer’s cultural crossover.
“Decatur has always punched above its weight in the music world,” said festival co-founder Elena Vasquez. “Pairing Big Boi’s ATL pride with the world’s biggest sporting event? It’s the ultimate vibe check for our community.”
While details on opening acts and exact set times are still unfolding, the concert is open to all ages and completely free – no tickets required, though organizers recommend arriving early for prime viewing spots.
Updates, including lineup announcements and volunteer opportunities, will roll out via the festival’s social channels: follow @DecaturWatchFest26 on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for email alerts at decaturwatchfest26.com.
As Atlanta gears up for its World Cup moment, this Decatur debut feels like a homecoming. Big Boi, who first rose to fame with OutKast’s genre-bending fusion of funk, soul, and hip-hop, continues to champion Southern sounds through his solo work and ventures like Daddy’s House Social House.
Final Word
Fans can catch a taste of what’s coming by streaming his latest projects or revisiting classics ahead of the big night.Mark your calendars, ATLiens – when the whistle blows on June 11, Decatur Square will be the place to be, where soccer roars meet rap flows in pure, unfiltered celebration.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more on the Metro’s hottest events leading into 2026.
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Atlanta music fans, get ready for a night of soul, R&B, and timeless hits! For the first time ever, three of music’s most legendary acts—New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton—are joining forces for a groundbreaking 360° immersive concert experience.
The New Edition Way Tour will take over State Farm Arena on March 29, 2026, promising an electrifying evening that celebrates decades of chart-topping classics.
New Edition Way Tour Coming To State Farm Arena
This one-of-a-kind show brings together New Edition’s infectious energy, Boyz II Men’s silky harmonies, and Toni Braxton’s sultry, soulful ballads.
From New Edition’s “Candy Girl” and “If It Isn’t Love” to Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart,” the concert will be a nostalgic journey through the songs that have defined generations.
The 360° immersive setup ensures every seat in State Farm Arena feels like the front row, offering fans a dynamic, up-close experience with these iconic performers.
Atlanta, known for its vibrant music scene, is the perfect stop for this historic tour, and local fans are already buzzing with excitement.
Ticket Information:
- Presale: Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10 AM – Use code ATLANTA
- General On-Sale: Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10 AM
Tickets can be purchased through State Farm Arena’s official website or Ticketmaster. With demand expected to be high, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early during the presale.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton share the stage in Atlanta. Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to sing along to the soundtrack of your life!
For more updates on Atlanta’s music scene, stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com.
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Days after rapper NBA YoungBoy was to perform in Atlanta in what would have been the largest venue in the Southeast, he returned to his home state of Louisiana, serenading nearly 18,000 fans in New Orleans.
The Baton Rouge native, whose “Make America Slime Again” (MASA) Tour has been a whirlwind of highs and hurdles, turned his hometown-adjacent stop into a cathartic celebration of survival, street poetry, and unbreakable fan loyalty.
NBA YoungBoy Leaves Atlanta for Nola, Performs for Thousands
For Atlanta’s hip-hop faithful—still stinging from the abrupt cancellation of YoungBoy’s State Farm Arena days earlier — this NOLA spectacle served as both a vicarious victory and a reminder of why the 25-year-old phenom remains a force impossible to contain.The arena, packed to its 18,000-capacity brim after selling out in mere hours.
Here’s how just some of the night went, courtesy of late-night footage from New Orleans:
Emerging in a black hoodie emblazoned with his Never Broke Again logo, YoungBoy—fresh off house arrest and legal battles that have shadowed his meteoric rise—wasted no time diving into a two-hour set that blended his signature melodic trap with moments of haunting vulnerability.
Kicking off with the thunderous “Outside Today,” a track that feels like a personal manifesto of defiance, YoungBoy commanded the crowd like a conductor of chaos. Hits like “Bandit,” “My Window,” and “Rags2Riches” had fans on their feet, phones aloft in a glowing constellation of shared nostalgia. The energy peaked during a mid-set medley of deeper cuts from Sincerely, Kentrell and The Last Slimeto, where YoungBoy paused to address the room directly: “Y’all the reason I keep fightin’. New Orleans raised me—y’all my blood.”
Read about NBA YoungBoy’s homecoming concert in New Orleans.
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In a celebration of hip-hop’s enduring influence on American music, Atlanta’s legendary duo OutKast—André 3000 and Big Boi—has been officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The announcement, made yesterday during a star-studded ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, marks a triumphant homecoming for the Southern pioneers whose innovative sound reshaped the genre and put the ATL on the global map.
OutKast, born from the gritty streets of Atlanta’s East Side in the early ’90s, rose to prominence with their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994.
Signed to LaFace Records by local mogul L.A. Reid, the pair—real names André Benjamin and Antwan Patton—blended funky basslines, soulful samples, and unapologetic Southern drawls into a fresh take on rap that defied East Coast-West Coast divides
Their breakthrough hit “Player’s Ball” became an anthem for the “Dirty South,” earning them a plaque on Atlanta’s Walk of Fame and cementing the city’s status as a hip-hop powerhouse.
The induction — which will be presented by fellow Dungeon Family brethren Killer Mike and Sleepy Briwn — comes as no surprise to fans who’ve long championed OutKast’s boundary-pushing legacy.
Albums like ATLiens (1996), Aquemini (1998), and the double-platinum Stankonia (2000) earned critical acclaim and commercial dominance, with tracks like “Ms. Jackson,” “Hey Ya!” and “The Whole World” dominating airwaves and MTV rotations.
Their 2003 Grammy-winning Speakerboxxx/The Love Below remains one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time, showcasing André’s psychedelic experimentation alongside Big Boi’s gritty lyricism.
True to form, André has been teasing flute-driven projects since his 2019 feature on James Blake’s “Where’s the Catch?”—hinting at more genre-defying surprises in store.
The induction ceremony featured performances from fellow inductees and admirers, including a surprise set by Atlanta’s own Future and a tribute medley from Killer Mike, who called OutKast “the blueprint for conscious trap.”
Local venues like MJQ Concourse and Aisle 5 lit up with watch parties, where fans toasted with sweet tea vodka and debated the duo’s top cuts late into the night.
For Atlantans, this moment feels personal. OutKast’s music has soundtracked everything from Freaknik festivals to Falcons tailgates, inspiring a new wave of artists like EarthGang, City Girls, and even pop crossovers like Lizzo.
As the Rock Hall recognizes their crossover appeal—blending rock’s rebellion with rap’s rhythm—the induction underscores hip-hop’s rightful place in the institution’s evolving canon.
Rock Hall officials noted that OutKast was eligible since 2001, making their 2025 entry a long-overdue nod to the genre’s diversification.
“Their fusion of funk, soul, and hip-hop expanded the definition of ‘rock’ itself,” said Hall CEO Joel Peresman. “OutKast didn’t just make music—they made a movement.
Whether you’re bumping Idlewild on vinyl or streaming “Roses” on your commute, one thing’s clear: the boys from the A have etched their funky footprint into eternity.
For more on Atlanta’s music scene, catch upcoming shows at Terminal West or dive into our OutKast retrospective playlist. What’s your favorite OutKast era? Sound off in the comments.
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