Written by | Ray Cornelius
Luda Day Weekend played host to the private screening of the new VH1 documentary, ATL: The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Rise in the Rap Game. The event was held on Sunday evening in downtown Atlanta at the historic Rialto Center for the Arts at GA State and was produced by Corner of the Cave Media.
ATL Rise is a 90-minute documentary that will, for the first time, explore how Atlanta earned the mantle of hip-hop dominance—and why that title won’t be relinquished any time soon, if ever. The film features rare footage of ATL’s preeminent rappers, hip-hop historians and central players. It also investigates the rich and complex story behind Atlanta’s fascinating ride to the top of the rap game, pioneering a seismic shift in American music.
Interviews include Lil Jon, Ambassador Andrew Young, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Usher, Mojo, Jermaine Dupri, Kilo Ali, MC Shy D, Speech, Dominique Wilkins, Shanti Das, T.I. and Ludacris, who served as executive producer.
The film also coincides with a photo exhibit featuring the ATL Rise cast and is currently on display in the lobby of the Rialto Center. The amazing photos were taken by acclaimed South African photographer, Sam Norval.
Take a look at a preview below and photos from the premiere. ATL Rise: The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Rise in the Rap Game airs tonight, September 2 at 10 p.m. EST on VH1.
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- Ludacris with the Tate Brothers
- LeToya Luckett
- Larenz Tate
- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed with Kawan “KP” Prather
- Music Industry Executive Shanti Das
- Ambassador Andrew Young with “ATL Rise” Producers
- MC Shy D with “ATL Rise” Producers
- Pastor Troy posing in front of his photo
- Joyce Irby with L.A. Sno and his daughters
- Killer Mike and guest
- Bone Crusher
- VH1 reality star Dice with Gosha
- Detroit Lions’ star Eddie Drummonds
- Pastor Troy performs before the screening
- ATL Rap Pioneer, Kilo Ali
- T.I. for Sam Norval Photography
- Jermaine Dupri and Usher
- Rich Homie Quan
- DJ Nabs with Kawan “KP” Prathers
- Photos of L.A. Sno, 1-20, DJ Jelly and Waka Flaka
- Young Jeezy and Raheem The Dream
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com