How Freaknik helped Atlanta influence hip-hop and culture | Documentary Inside the 404

Back to the 90s: Atlanta's influence in hip-hop, sports, culture & activism | Inside the 404

Atlanta United FC, in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything, present 'Inside the 404', a documentary that details how Atlanta was always destined to influence the world, and in the 1990s the city grabbed onto that expectation to become a cultural hub. Dubbed Atlanta’s "Golden Era", Atlanta blossomed during the 90s becoming known for its prosperity, peace, and cultural enlightenment. Since then, the city has celebrated its rich culture and history, influencing everything from music, sports, education, activism, entrepreneurship, and transportation. Inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., to OutKast changing the landscape of hip-hop and the music industry forever, to the 1996 Olympic Games, to Freaknik, and the bustling airport and Atlanta University Center, the city became the lifeblood of black youth culture, and spread ATL’s influence far and wide. Today, Atlanta is a cultural mecca where music, film, and sports come together to inspire current and future generations.

With 'Inside the 404', we're bringing you back to the 1990s, where Atlanta's influence in hip-hop, sports, culture and activism where prominent.

In this documentary, you'll hear from the people that were present and living that "Golden Era" in the 1990s in Atlanta, like Big Boi from OutKast, Tip Harris better known as "T.I.", Killer Mike, former mayor Shirley Franklin, current Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, and former Atlanta Braves' Andruw Jones, as well as all those who have been influenced by them and this period in time.

'Inside the 404' is a production of Atlanta United FC in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything.

Maynard Jackson Speech provided by:
WSB Newsfilm Collection, University of Georgia Libraries

How Atlanta came to influence everything:
00:00 Intro
00:39 How the seeds were planted - Politics and activism
03:35 Atlanta at the beginning of the 1990s - Olympic bid, early hip-hop, HBCUs
05:19 How Freaknik became a hub for creativity and freedom of expression
06:54 Atlanta's music scene starts exploding
09:21 How OutKast changed Atlanta's music scene forever
13:17 Atlanta Braves win the World Series in 1995
15:28 Atlanta is selected as the host city for the Centennial 1996 Olympic Games
18:31 MLS awards expansion team to the city of Atlanta
22:02 Cultural relevance and influence of Atlanta


Executive Production: Atlanta United FC
Producers: Atlanta Influences Everything, Rafael Araica, Daniela Burleyson, Kacey Covino, Scotty Crowe, Molly Paterno, Diego Pinzón
Director: Rafael Araica
Editing: Rafael Araica
Concept and original idea: Atlanta Influences Everything, Diego Pinzón
Script supervisors: Daniela Burleyson, Diego Pinzón
Camera: Rafael Araica, Van Emberger, Edwin Hernandez, Sonya Ivashchenko, Ravi Mody
Creative directors: Tucker Brooks, Jose Hadathy, Sierra Sparre
Talent coordinator & logistics: Sydney Cruz
Photography: Brandon Magnus
Project Manager: Scotty Crowe
Editorial: Diego Pinzón
Social Media & Content Distribution: Daniela Burleyson, Diego Pinzón
Asset Management: Rafael Araica, Holly Vera

Atlanta United FC | All rights reserved
Atlanta Influences Everything


Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and won the 2018 MLS Cup in just its second season, the earliest an expansion team has won the title since 1998. The club has set multiple league records including season tickets sales (36,000-plus), single-season average (53,002) and total home attendance (901,033). Owned by Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Atlanta United, including how to purchase season tickets, visit: www.atlutd.com.

SUBSCRIBE to our channel!

Follow Atlanta United on social media:
• Twitter:   / atlutd  
• Twitter en español:   / vamosatlutd  
• Instagram:   / atlutd  
• TikTok:   / atlutd  
• Facebook:   / atlantaunitedfc  

#UniteAndConquer