The adidas Superstar Takes Center Stage In Atlanta
In Atlanta, culture is king, and no one knows culture like adidas. Throughout the brand's storied history, some pieces stand above the rest, taking on an identity of their own and serving as reminders for key points that shifted the needle.
Since 1969, the adidas Superstar sneaker has gained all of those achievements and more. First crafted as a shoe engineered for hoops, the famed sneaker has lived many lives, becoming an undeniable staple in cultural lore. From the historic rap group RUN DMC adopting the shoe as part of their legendary uniform to its resurgence in the streetwear scene as of late, it's clear that this sneaker is aptly named for its unrivaled influence and inimitable design.
In honor of the Superstar’s vibrant legacy, we teamed up with adidas to highlight some of the underground superstars making waves in Atlanta's creative scene. Over the course of three distinct events, our unique talents showed everyone exactly what it means to be a superstar, fostering an environment of growth and connection for those who aren’t afraid to move against the grain.
Night one saw recording artist Reese LaFlare step into the spotlight. As a pro-skater-turned-rapper, LaFlare is a versatile creative who can adapt and excel within whatever lane he finds himself in, embodying the spirit of the iconic adidas sneaker. Hosted at The Wxllxm, a local ATL joint owned by platinum record producer Mike Will Made It, the night saw a diverse cast both on the stage and in the crowd.
The vibe was set for a memorable night with performances that included artists like DJ OHSO and rapper BEAR and appearances by musician Raury and style influencer Mark Boutilier. At the night's end, LaFlare took the stage with close collaborator KEY! to perform a mix of hometown classics and unreleased sounds, ensuring the event series began on a high note.
The U Studio, a well-known spot in the local creative scene, played host for the second event presented by Atlanta-based rapper Father. As the owner of the independent music label, Awful Records, Father helped kickstart the burgeoning cultural scene we see in Atlanta today, cementing his legacy in the process.
A night of gathering for all types of artists and performers, the U Studio was fitted with one-of-a-kind adidas ephemera, including Levi Pitters' "Boot-leg" tables. Featuring colorfully reimagined track pants and sneakers that don the legendary three stripes, Pitters' construction reminded attendees of the lasting impact of adidas and the continuous inspiration it serves to all creators.
DJ Sky Jetta kicked off the night, energizing the crowd with an eclectic mix of tunes ranging from Migos to Pan!c At The Disco. Antonio Manning, designer for the growing handbag company Homage Year, and singer/songwriter Kiya Lacey mingled among the crowd, patiently waiting for the closing act. Performing classics like “Look at Wrist,” Father gave an intimate performance that left the crowd in an uproar, keeping the momentum flowing through night two.
To round out the commemorative event series, attendees popped out for “Break the Tension” hosted at Stratosphere Skateboards, a historic shop deep within the city’s skate scene. As one of the country’s oldest family-owned skate shops, 100% operated by skaters, the heralded store located off Moreland Ave made the perfect venue for the final installment.
Hometown spinstress DJ Cleotrappa kept the energy high, setting the vibe for night three. At the same time, Kader Sylla and Joey O’Brien, members of the featured adidas skate team, showed out on a branded truck-turned-ramp installation for fellow skaters and fans alike. Among all the commotion caused by the variety of free sneakers, t-shirts, and cash given away by other skate team members, the iconic Ave Bench made an appearance for everyone to test their skills–adding “IYKYK” energy to the core community event.
As the night progressed, Savage Pizza, a go-to local spot, kept everyone fueled while they hung around the event, chatting and reflecting on the series as a whole. DJ Cleotrappa specifically called out the unifying and inclusive nature of all three events, noting how each promoted the broader culture in Atlanta. Others who attended each activation spoke of a newfound appreciation for adidas and the brand’s investment in the community.
With excitement in the air and anticipation rising after each event, adidas and Atlanta have bridged common ground. With deep cultural ties and a shared appreciation for trailblazer energy, it’s safe to say that adidas has found a home within in ATL.
Check out more from the events below:
