Hawks Turn Up the Volume for Game 3 with Soulja Boy, Pastor Troy Headlining

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks aren’t just trying to shift momentum on the court — they’re bringing the full Atlanta experience with them.

The team announced today that hip-hop stars Soulja Boy and Pastor Troy, along with Southern soul and R&B artist Mike Clark Jr., will headline Thursday night’s home playoff game at State Farm Arena, presented by State Farm. With the series currently sitting at 0-1 in favor of the New York Knicks, the Hawks are looking to even things up before heading back home — and when they do, the atmosphere is expected to match the moment.

And it won’t just be about the music.

Fans in attendance Thursday will receive a free red Hawks 2026 Playoffs t-shirt, courtesy of State Farm, while supplies last — setting the tone for what should be a loud, unified crowd.

Soulja Boy is set to take center stage at halftime, and his presence alone brings a certain kind of energy. A pioneer in the digital era of music, he built his name off viral momentum before that was even the blueprint. His breakout hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” didn’t just top the Billboard Hot 100 — it shifted how artists connect with audiences. Add in records like “Turn My Swag On,” “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” and “Pretty Boy Swag,” and you’re talking about an artist whose influence stretches across generations.

“Playoff atmosphere is just different,” Soulja Boy said. “I am excited to do my part to add to Atlanta’s homecourt advantage during our first home game of the series.”

That energy won’t stop there.

Pastor Troy, a staple in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and founding member of D.S.G.B. (Down South Georgia Boys), is set to hype the crowd during a break in game action. With more than 20 independent albums and collaborations alongside names like Lil Jon, Ludacris and Three 6 Mafia, his catalog speaks for itself. Tracks like “Vice Versa” and “No Mo Play In G.A.” still carry weight — and his presence guarantees a jolt of raw, unapologetic Atlanta energy.

“I can’t wait to match State Farm Arena’s energy and perform for Hawks fans,” Pastor Troy said.

Before any of that, the tone will be set early.

Macon native Mike Clark Jr. will perform the National Anthem, bringing a different kind of presence to the night. At just 21 years old, he carries a voice that blends classic soul with a modern edge — smooth when it needs to be, powerful when it counts. It’s the kind of performance that commands attention without forcing it.

“Being a Georgia native and a fan of basketball, having the opportunity to sing the national anthem on Thursday night means the world to me,” Clark said.

This isn’t new territory for the Hawks.

They’ve built a reputation around game-night experience, consistently ranking among the top in the NBA for overall entertainment among season ticket members. This season alone has featured appearances from Atlanta mainstays like Quavo, Killer Mike, T.I., Jacquees, YFN Lucci, YK Niece and even the Renaissance Orchestra — a mix that reflects the city’s range and influence.

Thursday will be no different.

It’s playoff basketball. It’s Atlanta. And the Hawks are making sure the energy matches both.