The South still has something to say.

With 2023 marking 50 years of hip-hop following its anniversary on Aug. 11, we can’t discuss the genre’s growth without mentioning the influence of the South. 

Dubbed the mecca of Black culture, Atlanta has birthed some of the hottest names in the game.

From Outkast’s Andre 3000 and Big Boi to Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy, Migos, and current heavy-hitters like Lil Baby, Young Nudy, 21 Savage and more, some argue that the city holds the current title for the state of hip-hop today, which is why it’s only fitting that there’s a celebration to honor its contribution to music.

On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will commemorate hip-hop’s 50th year with a legendary lineup of artists as they face the New Orleans Saints.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate this milestone and invite fans and the entire Atlanta community to join us,” Tameka Rish, senior vice president of fan and associate experience at AMB Sports and Entertainment, said in a news release. “The hip-hop community and the Atlanta Falcons have forged a close relationship since the early nineties, influenced by the drafting of Deion Sanders. Artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Andre 3000, Big Boi, Ludacris, and T.I. rose to prominence during the era of Michael Vick’s top-selling number 7 jersey across all sports.”

The pre-game show will honor more than 60 Atlanta artists who have impacted the culture for the last 50 years with an electrified lineup featuring artists like Quavo, T.I., Ludacris, CeeLo, Jermaine Dupri and others.

“This is a relationship that has not only endured but flourished, reflecting Atlanta’s continued significance in the hip-hop world,” Rish continued. “Our ongoing collaboration with artists like Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Quavo, Pastor Troy, and the broader hip-hop community remains a top priority, as it embodies our profound dedication to the culture of Atlanta and our commitment to unity.”

Along with a stage filled with icons from both the past and present, the Falcons’ creative time has created a limited-edition “Item of the Game,” which is set to reflect the vibrant style embodied by hip-hop and will be available for fans to purchase at the team store during the event.

What’s more, legendary entertainment creative director and artist DL Warfield has also collaborated with the NFL franchise to showcase special visuals across the stadium to bring a 360-degree experience to all of the facets of the legacy of hip-hop as it pertains to the city of Atlanta.

Fans should arrive early for the pre-game show at 12:30 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.