Grammy-winning rapper T.I. is going to have some weight on his shoulders with expectations of helping pack seats at his Atlanta Hawks' home opener tonight (November 1) against the Indiana Pacers.
According to reports, the team recruited Tip to perform during halftime.
Rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, an Atlanta native, will perform before the game, at halftime, and following the game. T.I.’s performances will reflect the marketing direction being taken by the team, especially following Levenson’s email written two years ago and made public last month in which he said “the black crowd scared away the whites” at games. Levenson has apologized for the email in which he also noted most of the team’s cheerleaders were black and hip-hop music was played. (Townhall)
Check out what Atlanta’s Killer Mike said about the Hawks’ summer controversy right here…
Despite the widespread reports and coverage, Atlanta’s Killer Mike dished his own theory on the public’s perception of ex-owner Bruce Levenson via social media in September.
1.I do NOT find that "Hawks Email" Racist at all.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
2. Although Bruce Levenson does need to realize that if the Hawks were had A superstar like #Wilkins 25 yrs ago all wud come blks wud spend
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Hawks Biggest Problem has not been Blacks Be'n late (y'all do b late to the games) or southern WASP being "afraid" (y'all b fronting 4real)
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
The real Problem is Bruce and Every other owner (Sorry Ted u too) never valued Atlanta's Super Stars enuff DWilkins Shud have a statue and
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Public apology for trading him for Danny (get the fux outta here) manning. U wanna know your real problem? Being "good" & not great.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Being Good at Draft Picks But never Landing the Great Player that Is beyond Race and class. A player that brings all out like DW did!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
U made some great and valid point which I agree with! Shit u were dead on. I listen to 750 & that station scares the hell outta Cobb lol
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
But I suggest to the next owner u wanna get Blacks to Buy and Whites to feel "comfy" as the minority. Find a super Star and pay him BIG!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Treat D Wilkins like The Chi Treats MJ and better!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Just a life long fan of the Hawks & i don't believe the org or owner to be racist but y'all have over looked a great & need 1 like him. #21
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Bro don't kick me when I'm down bro RT @BurritoBrosShit: @KillerMikeGTO the hawks suck. That's their problem.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Same with Pat In NY bro u ain't gotta win to be treated like Marino RT @Big6domino: @KillerMikeGTO MJ has 6 rings, big difference.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
RT @everybodyh8Rick: @KillerMikeGTO I love D. Wilkins and the Hawks but he ain't win no ships. And he got a VP gig.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Sorry for all typos #typoKing RT @JLBarrow: Killer Mike Has Answers For Atlanta Hawks Ownership – http://t.co/nuCzvRoUQe @KillerMikeGTO
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 7, 2014
Reports about Levenson deciding to sell his team over a racist e-mail went public in early September.
Levenson admits he sent the email to team execs back in 2012, urging them to get more suburban white fans at games. He then laid out all the problems with the current fan base, listing the following:
– it’s 70 pct black
– the cheerleaders are black
– the music is hip hop
– at the bars it’s 90 pct black
– there are few fathers and sons at the games
– the concerts [after games] are either hip hop or gospel (TMZ)
Levenson took things a step further by giving a one-sided theory on African American fans.
Levenson continued in the email … “My theory is that the black crowd scared away the whites and there are simply not enough affluent black fans to build a significant season ticket base.” He also complained that he’s told team execs, “I want some white cheerleaders … I have even bitched that the kiss cam is too black.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says Levenson copped to the email in July — about 2 months after Donald Sterling was banned — and immediately informed the league he would sell the team. (TMZ)
No super stars no interest
If you a hawks fan you would have no issues with KM tweets. Hawks fucked up on draft picks yes but when they had jj and j smooth they show they can invest a lot of money in a team. But, j smooth is Detroit problem now.
Not a very interesting ball club to watch
Just no big name bit they got a good coach. Plus it’s the east anybody got a chance