Killer Mike Defends Hawks Strip Club Night
Rapper and activist Killer Mike publicly defended the Atlanta Hawks' "Magic City Night" event, telling critics to "shut the f*** up" in response to backlash over celebrating the iconic strip club. The controversial event has caused ticket prices to spike and sparked broader conversations about Atlanta's intertwined sports and nightlife cultures.
The controversy ignited when San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet penned a public essay calling for the event's cancellation, arguing it was disrespectful to women and inconsistent with the NBA's family-friendly image. Former Hawks player Al Horford, now with the Golden State Warriors, publicly supported Kornet's stance. Killer Mike directly targeted the NBA players in his defense, telling TMZ Sports, "Al Horford, we never f***ed with you anyway... Luke should stay in San Antonio and concern himself with San Antonio business." He framed Magic City as a vital, Black-owned Atlanta institution that has provided economic opportunities for women for over three decades. Despite the backlash from some players, public demand for the March 16 game against the Orlando Magic skyrocketed. Ticket prices surged, with reports indicating an increase of between 84% and nearly 300%, making it one of the highest-selling Monday games of the season for the Hawks. The "Magic City Night" promotion is tied to a docuseries titled "Magic City: An American Fantasy," executive-produced by Hawks principal owner Jami Gertz. The team has promoted the night as a celebration of an "iconic cultural institution," complete with a performance by Atlanta rapper T.I. and the club's famous lemon pepper wings available for purchase. Magic City has operated in Atlanta since 1985 and is widely considered a foundational element of the city's hip-hop culture. The club has been a launchpad for influential music and is often called the "Black Studio 54," a place where artists, athletes, and politicians converge. In response to concerns, Magic City's manager, JuJu Barney, clarified that the event at State Farm Arena would not involve any nudity. He described the planned atmosphere as "strictly just wings and music and people having a good time," comparing it to an "adult version of Cirque du Soleil."
