"I don't go to games to watch the owners," said season ticket holder Randy Kessler, who is white. "I attend games to see the world's best athletes compete. It's an added benefit to see entertainers like T.I. perform. It was a great move for the Hawks."
T.I. had performed at games before the racial incidents and had an established relationship with franchise officials. But the performances have become more frequent since Ferry and Levenson's remarks were made public. He and Koonin both say there's a mutual benefit: The performances help sell tickets and help the rappers push new projects and merchandise.
The rapper said the idea for music artists to perform at Hawks games originated several years ago when Hannah Kang from his Grand Hustle Records label pitched the concept to the team. In the past two seasons, 2 Chainz, Jeezy, CeeLo Green, Rich Homie Quan, Big Grams and Silento have performed at games. Most of the performers are Atlanta residents.
The artists aren't paid, Koonin said, though some donations have been made to charitable organizations in their name in the past, including $25,000 to CeeLo's foundation.
"I knew the executive staff prior to all the hoopla," T.I. said. "The person at the nucleus of the conflict, I never had any much interaction with them anyway. It wasn't very difficult for me to make a decision. I'm going to rock with the people who I know, because I can speak to their integrity. I can judge their character." vitae .Proin cursus mi a nunc bibendum fermentum. Integer ultricies arcu et nunc interdum id sagittis mauris pharetra.
However, Jesse Mills, who runs an Atlanta-based branding agency, cautioned that consumers may see the Hawks' efforts as a marketing ploy. He said blending hip-hop performances with games was a smart strategic move to help rebuild initial trust in the black fan base, but he warned those rap shows would ultimately alienate whites and offend some blacks.
Atlanta's NBA team embraces rap shows after racial remarks
He said blending hip-hop performances with games was a smart strategic move to help rebuild initial trust in the black fan base, but he warned those rap shows would ultimately alienate whites and offend some blacks.
"It seems to me like they're saying 'We need more black people, get more rappers," Mills said. "That's the message I got as an educated, discerning African-American that doesn't represent."