DDG brought the stars, skates, and streaming cameras to Atlanta’s legendary Cascade Skating Rink for a birthday celebration and album release bash that looked like a scene straight out of ATL.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
On Friday, BOSSIP was on the scene as the rapper and streamer celebrated his birthday alongside the deluxe release of his latest project, HIT-A-THON. The double celebration brought together hip-hop heavyweights, rising artists, internet personalities and collaborators for a night of skating, music and nonstop content creation.
BOSSIP’s Lauryn Bass exclusively caught up with DDG during the festivities to ask how he was feeling about the occasion.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
“I feel great,” DDG said, smiling and flashing a thumbs-up.
His response matched the excitement inside Cascade, where cameras followed celebrities and creators throughout the night.
The celebration followed DDG’s viral seven-day Atlanta livestream, during which fans watched him create an entire album in real time alongside surprise guests and collaborators.
The original 15-track project features 42 Dugg and PLUTO on “ROUND AND ROUND,” Real Boston Richey on “GA WATA,” Bunna B on “SCRUB DA GROUND,” ian on “MAH BOI” and Domani, among others. The deluxe edition added new features, giving DDG another reason to bring his collaborators together.
Celebrities And Streamers Take Over Cascade
Cascade provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion, with attendees sporting expressive hairstyles, statement streetwear and colorful ensembles reminiscent of the 2006 film ATL, starring T.I. and Lauren London.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
Guests could skate throughout the evening while mingling with celebrities and content creators, bringing the film’s memorable skating culture into a new era.
BOSSIP spotted a star-studded lineup of rappers, producers, influencers and personalities, including:
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
Real Boston Richey
OMB Peezy
Gunna
Zaytoven
Gio
Karrahbooo
Zukenee
DDG’s brother Dub
Armani Caesar
AMG Twinz
PLUTO
SMJ
42 Dugg
Hoodrich Pablo Juan
Bunna B
YK Niece
Star Bandz
K Camp
Domani
King Harris
Reginae Carter
Zoe Spencer
Taffy Baby
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
The streaming community was equally represented. Creators including Unghetto and Meltpaid were spotted collaborating with fellow streamers as camera operators followed them throughout the venue, capturing content from nearly every angle.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
With multiple cameras documenting the action, the birthday bash felt like an extension of DDG’s livestream rather than a traditional album release party.
‘GA WATA’ Music Video Brings The Crowd Into The Action
The evening also doubled as a music video shoot for DDG’s “Georgia WATA,” featuring Real Boston Richey.
Rather than filming on a closed set, the production incorporated the celebration itself, allowing attendees to become part of the visual.
As the track played throughout Cascade, excited crowds danced, followed celebrities, and rushed toward the action in hopes of appearing in the footage.
The production also featured a designated women-only area for guests interested in participating in the music video.
Between the professional camera crews, livestreamers and partygoers recording their own experiences, nearly every corner of the rink offered another opportunity for content creation.
Freaknik-Inspired Photo Ops, Custom Cocktails And HIT-A-THON Merch
Beyond the celebrity sightings, the party featured several personalized details celebrating Atlanta’s entertainment and nightlife culture.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
Airbrushed photo backdrops reminiscent of Freaknik, lottery-themed backgrounds, and decorative decals gave guests plenty of opportunities to capture the evening. A giant inflatable Slapwoods bear also served as an eye-catching installation inside the venue.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
Attendees received branded Slapwoods and HIT-A-THON gift bags filled with merchandise, including T-shirts and candy.
Even the drinkware featured a local reference. Custom cups labeled “DDG City” displayed lettering inspired by the recognizable logo of Atlanta’s iconic Magic City strip club.
The cocktail menu continued the personalized theme with two specialty drinks:
“You Not Too Good For Henny”: Hennessy, Hpnotiq, orange bitters, and a lime slice.
“MF’N Lottery”: Vodka, blue curaçao, sweet-and-sour mix and lemon-lime soda.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
Guests who worked up an appetite on the skating floor could also enjoy a menu of rink favorites, including six-piece wings with fries, a full basket of fries, two slices of pizza, two-piece chicken tenders with fries and 10-piece boneless wings with fries. Soft drinks were also available.
Together, the branded merchandise, themed decorations and customized menu transformed Cascade into a full HIT-A-THON experience without losing the rink’s familiar atmosphere.
Could Atlanta Become DDG’s Next Home?
DDG’s latest celebration highlighted the increasingly close relationship between hip-hop and livestream entertainment, while also fueling interest in his growing connection to Atlanta.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
According to promotional materials provided ahead of the event, the rapper has accumulated more than 2 billion global streams, earned multiple RIAA-certified records, and received recognition from XXL, Forbes 30 Under 30, ABC News, and Complex, which described him as “one of the most powerful streamers in hip-hop.”
His decision to bring HIT-A-THON to Atlanta also reflected the city’s influence on his creative process. During a recent appearance on The Bootleg Kev Podcast, DDG praised the atmosphere of his Atlanta recording experience, describing it as better than his previous Los Angeles installment and highlighting the collaborative, family-like environment.
With speculation surrounding a possible move to Atlanta, his growing presence in the city has only made the possibility more intriguing. However, a relocation has not been confirmed.
For now, his birthday and album release celebration offered another example of how naturally his streaming community and music career fit into Atlanta’s entertainment scene.
Nearly two decades after ATL brought Cascade’s skating culture to movie screens, the rink remains a destination for artists and entertainers looking to capture the city’s distinctive energy.
With skates rolling, cameras recording, and “GA WATA” keeping the crowd moving, DDG celebrated another year of life and another milestone in his music career in true Atlanta fashion. His star-studded birthday and album release bash gave a new generation of hip-hop and streaming stars their own movie-worthy moment.
