(Michael Grant for A3C Media Services)
The crowd flowing from the BET Music stage had the streets of Old 4th Ward flooded with festival go-ers to kick off the first day at A3C's main festival grounds.
The stage line-up consisted of about 10 acts taking the stage between 4p.m. and 11p.m. yesterday, all smack dab in the middle of Edgewood Ave. Bouncing back and forth between two stages, BET devised a plan that wouldn't dare let the attention of the audience slip away. Atlanta natives and newcomers alike were overwhelmed by the hyperactive atmosphere.
(Michael Grant for A3C Media Services)
Always something to do, always someone to see! With vendors circling each block, there was plenty of food and free-swag to go around. The Swisher Sweets Artist Project was in command of the backstage VIP lounge, documenting the experience from the behind the scenes and making sure everyone felt right at home.
(Ellias Zamudio for A3C Media Services)
Headlining names were among the likes of Stalley, Royce da 5'9, and the biggest boss himself, Rick Ross. Stalley was the first of the three to hit the stage, popping off the transition into a chilly evening after a series of rain showers. Despite the not-so-desirable whether conditions, fans were nodding heads and waving arms to the beat of his Ohio-bred sound.
(Eson Jenkins for A3C Media Services)
And of course Royce 5'9 never disappoints. Showing up and showing out, he bounced back and forth on the main stage without letting up --- performing for a solid 20 minutes straight and making sure the crowd was entertained every step of the way. Even if you aren't familiar with his music, you've got to admit that his performance paired with the light show behind him was a hell of an experience.
(Eson Jenkins for A3C Media Services)
The huge moment of anticipation came right on time. After hanging out backstage at his pop-up Checkers shop, Ricky Rozay hit center stage to give the people what they'd been waiting for --- a killer performance from one of hip-hop's favorite Cash Kings. He performed both old and new hits; coming out to "Biggest Boss," lighting up the stage with 'Pop That," and taking us back with "John," the hit song from 2011 featuring Lil' Wayne.
(Ellias Zamudio for A3C Media Services)
So, did Rick Ross set the tone for the rest of A3C? Definitely. The festival has taken over Atlanta's music scene for 12 years in a row, but there's never been a full-out, street sweeping, fest-tastic music experience like this before. At least, not in ATL!
