Atlanta’s Underground Queen Bktherula Gets the Audience She Deserves in Her Hometown

“I love my hometown so much that I could literally play here every day,” says Bktherula before closing the final set of her I Just Wanna Be Me tour in her hometown of Atlanta on July 26.

The 21-year-old artist, who broke out five years ago, continues to build on his stardom, which has obviously been solidified not only by superstar co-signs Doja Cat and PinkPantheress, but by the audience itself. Let me put it more clearly: You won’t find many hip-hop concerts with the same amount of energy that Bktherula’s crowd brings to 2024.

The energy of the teens and 20-somethings was palpable as they proudly sported today’s popular streetwear fashion trends, blending rock, hip-hop, and anime into one solid theme. From beanies to braids, afros, Rick Owens boots and sneakers, this is the most accurate representation of the 2024 hyperpop scene you’ll ever see.

Moving forward, there’s a constant mosh pit for the last three hours of the night. This period includes opening sets from Yhapojj and Skaiwater. The casting of those who were to tour with Bktherula was so perfect that you’d think Skaiwater were the headliners of the night. At least, at first. They flashed their cell phone lights, waved their hands from side to side, and jumped from the floor to the balconies. They even got the classic “ATL, h–!” chants. The hardest mosh of their set came when they played their underground hit “Rain,” which ironically was played in the middle of their set at a point where they ran off stage and just let the song play.

The DJ then played other popular underground hits like Ian’s “Magic Johnson” before warming up the crowd with Sexyy Red and GloRilla. Then came the question.

“Atlanta, can I invite some special guests?” the DJ asks.

As soon as he gets the city’s nod, the beat drops for a rare mainstream hit cameo – TiaCorine’s “FreakyT”! The crowd loves her performance like any other of the night. People aren’t picky or anti-mainstream, they just appreciate quality, fun music. TiaCorine does however bring another special guest, Karrahbooo. The rising star, alongside Anycia, who has been leading the Atlanta underground as a new artist for the past year. Karrahbooo performs “Runnin’ Late” with a stage presence that shows much more control and confidence than her first show opening for Tony Shhnow in April 2023. This version of “KB” has toured Europe and America and had the crowd moving at Coachella. She now knows who she is and how to channel it, because she probably flew straight to Washington, D.C. to join Lil Yachty and the rest of the Concrete Boys at this year’s Broccoli City Festival this weekend. TiaCorine and Karrahbooo then performed an unreleased collaboration they have, Tia said they have two songs together, so far. There’s humor in the fact that the first lady of Concrete would become a dedicated artist so soon after deciding to try rap on a whim and a path to becoming a movie star. It’s safe to say that Karrahbooo is now truly enjoying rap music and being an artist. Her hard work shines on stage.

Now, after the DJ plays Lazer Dim 700’s “Laced Max,” Bktherula takes the stage for more immediate mosh pits.

Listening to her diverse repertoire live is like seeing a young black woman discovering all aspects of her emotions, whether romantic, angry, or proud. The room was warm in the humid Atlanta climate, with the summer heat coming off a few hours of rain. Bk’s entourage for the night continually fanned themselves to stay cool. After playing popular songs like “IDK WHAT TO TELL YOU,” “CRAYON,” “TATTI,” “UH HUH,” “LEFT RIGHT,” and “CRAZY GIRL P2,” she closed the night with underground anthems “Tweakin’ Together,” “SANTANNY,” and “ILOVEUBACK <3.”

A top-notch crowd elevated the performance and made the show memorable.

Well done Atlanta.