Rapper T.I. celebrates 20th anniversaries of ‘ATL’ and ‘King’
Clifford “T.I.” Harris transformed Mercedes-Benz Stadium into Cascade Skating Rink on Wednesday night to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his acting debut in “ATL” and the legacy of the album “King” with a star-studded hometown reunion.
“ATL” is a coming-of-age dramedy directed by first-time filmmaker Chris Robinson about four Black male teenagers who hang out at Cascade Skating Rink to escape from dealing with personal challenges.
The film, inspired by producer Dallas Austin’s teenage years, also became part of Atlanta’s growing entertainment legacy, arriving just before Georgia expanded tax incentives that helped transform the state into a production hub.
The celebration also honored “King,” Harris’ fourth studio album. It was his first to reach No. 1 on the Billboard pop album charts and earned two Grammys.
The Atlanta rapper flipped the stadium’s entrance into a large-scale homage to the iconic skating rink. There was Cascade’s signature cursive signage, a skate rental counter, concession stands and merchandise area.
The lobby had large, inflated letters spelling out A-T-L covered with the film’s stock images. The halo and marquees also featured snapshots of movie scenes and album artwork.
Gamers roamed the arcade playing classic video games Pac-Man, Centipede, Donkey Kong and basketball machines.
Outside, one of the stadium gates was reimagined into an open skating floor and carnival space. Skaters danced and moved to ‘90s-era tracks by Lil Jon and YoungBloodZ coming from the DJ booth.
Harris was joined by his immediate family, and ‘ATL’ co-stars Lauren London, Jackie Long, Evan Ross and Albert Daniels.
Producers Polow Da Don, Jazze Pha, Jermaine Dupri, Mike WiLL Made-It, Dallas Austin, members of R&B group Jagged Edge and rap duo YoungBloodZ also attended.
Robinson, who also directed Harris’ first music video in 2001, appreciates witnessing the entertainer’s evolution and watching him stay connected with his co-stars two decades later.
“T.I. was a star on the rise, and it was all set up in a way that feels like God’s hand was on him,” he said.
“It was a lot of people’s first time acting, and it bonded us in some kind of way. You can only do this because it’s something that’s in your heart. It’s a testament of the fact we’re all still connected through the craft.”
Some guests showed up with their skates over their shoulders. They glided from room-to-room or danced to (past and present) Southern hip-hop music over floors covered with cosmic-designed carpet and photo collages from the film.
Atlanta resident KiSheyna Durham attended the event with two friends. She was excited to meet and take a selfie with one of the cast members.
“I enjoyed meeting Jackie Long (Esquire) and getting my skates. He was very humble,” she said.
Harris ended the night with a performance of “King” tracks “Top Back,” “What You Know,” and his current single “Let ‘Em Know.” His protégé Young Dro also pleased the crowd with “Shoulder Lean,” “FTB,” “We in Da City” and his verse on Yung LA’s “Ain’t I.”
Harris expressed his gratitude to the crowd.
“I’m just proud to be in the biggest building in the city. This is our success, celebration and the best way to show our appreciation is to keep doing this strong,” Harris said.
About the Author
Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.