If Atlanta United players were Migos songs

Underneath my recent Migos binge was a revelation of sorts. What began as the usual avoidance of priorities turned into an analysis of the hottest rap group in the nation, which happens to come straight out the A. Since the formation of Migos and their initial mixtape release of Juug Season in 2011, a tracklist that frankly many outside of Atlanta aren’t familiar with, the trio have managed to make a name for themselves all while staying true to their roots. Beneath the polyrhythms and syncipated beats that have made the group notorious(and their fans hyped) is substance the likes of which many haven’t realized yet or just haven’t taken the time to properly dissect.

Then one starts tieing them in with Atlanta United, a team embraced by a city that loves its hip-hop. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of parallels between Migos and the Five Stripes. When both came on the scene in their respective industries, they were considered a flash in the pan. “Bando” was a local hit, but it certainly wasn’t breaking any records nationally. Atlanta United was labeled a potential mistake from the get-go by those living in other cities simply because it was apart of a “bad sports town”, even though we as ATLiens knew there was a diverse soccer fanbase here. Migos and Atlanta United knew they had potential. It just had to be proven, and on a national scale.

Success, if I can be afforded to take a quote from my favorite movie, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push. For Migos, their push came in the form of YRN, a mixtape as bold, different, and arrogant as the musicians that rapped it. With hits like “Versace”, “Hannah Montana”, and “Rich Then Famous”, Migos didn’t sound like anyone else in the game.

When it came to Atlanta United, their warning shot came in the form of Tata Martino. From the moment of that hire, the Five Stripes were different. No one else in MLS was making this kind of bold...different...arrogant move.

Neither stopped there. Both realized they needed continuous appeal for their new fanbases. So, then came RNT...35,000 season tickets sold...Yung Rich Nation...Miguel Almiron...Culture...Josef Martinez.

Now with all that being said, no other aspect of Atlanta United better reflects Migos than the players themselves. Whether it’s their backgrounds, personalities, or style of play, they can definitely relate to what Migos have to say and vice versa.

Well then, here’s how it would pan out if certain Atlanta United players were Migos songs.

Brad Guzan

Most relatable Migos song: “Wishy Washy”

A lot was said about Guzan’s move to Atlanta. He’s been a bit of a polarizing figure throughout his career. When he left Chivas USA for a move to Aston Villa, there was hope nationally that he would make a name for himself and that would translate to the USMNT. However, his inconsistency in England left a lot of people doubting his ability, and those doubts crept into the minds of many in Atlanta. Well, we all know how his first season at Atlanta went, which changed the perception of plenty who thought negatively of the move.

Most relatable lyric: “I got the knowledge to go tell them ‘stop it’, and they shake like an ‘8’ hit a corner pocket.”

Michael Parkhurst

Most relatable Migos song: “Ion Need no Label”

The latter half of Parkhurst’s career hasn’t seen a lot of accolades, but that hasn’t stopped the captain from quietly producing one of the better careers in MLS history. He kept his head down, worked hard, and didn’t care what people had to say. Parkhurst just does his job, and very well I might add.

Most relatable lyric: “I don’t need no label, I sign my damn self.”

Josef Martinez

Most relatable Migos song: “Bad and Boujee”

The song that introduced Migos to the grandest stage, and the player that showed MLS what Atlanta United was capable of. Martinez possesses the quality, brashness, and arrogance warranted by a prolific striker and the hottest rap group in the world.

Most relatable lyric: “Switchin’ my goals like my flows, switchin my flows like my clothes, keep on shootin’, don’t reload.”

Tito Villalba

Most relatable Migos song: “Handsome and Wealthy”

Do I really have to explain this one? With the money Villalba brings in and his rugged good looks, it’s easy to envy Tito.

Most relatable lyric: “Is it ‘cause I’m handsome and wealthy? Is it ‘cause I’m a star? It maybe could be my star status.”

Chris McCann

Most relatable Migos song: “Rich Then Famous”

Throughout the inaugural season, the biggest storyline surrounding McCann was his lack of team contribution compared to his rather large salary. Now he can’t help earning more money than warranted. I don’t think anyone can really blame McCann for that. However, making $568,000 to sit on the bench for the majority of the season and not make a name for yourself on the pitch is something that would fall into this song’s mission statement.

Most relatable lyric: “I’d rather be rich than famous. I’d rather be richer than flexing these cameras and taking these pictures.”

Andrew Carleton & Chris Goslin

Most relatable Migos song: “New Atlanta”

Jermaine Dupri passes the proverbial Atlanta rap torch over to Migos in this one, as the old guard recognized who’s up next. Eventually, there will come a time in Atlanta United’s history where the young, native up-and-comers like Carleton and Goslin will take their rightful spots in both their club and their city’s history. Hopefully, that time comes sooner rather than later.

Most relatable lyric: “Welcome to New Atlanta. I can’t help who I is or where I’m from, Welcome to Atlanta where you better watch your tongue. Hey I did dirt for this water, I feel like a pond. Rich Homie Quan, tell ‘em where you’re from. Welcome to Atlanta.”

Darlington Nagbe

Most relatable Migos song: “Cross the Country”

Atlanta United’s newest signing has made quite the name for himself, and Nagbe will look to continue doing that on the east coast. “Cross the Country” tells the story of Nagbe’s past in Portland, but also foresees an exciting future as he begins the newest chapter of his life.

Most relatable lyric: “Whipping and breaking it, making it, taking it. Came in the game with the formula, sold it. Now I gotta switch it up on you phonies. They say Atlanta got work, now I own it. Now my squad, they’re going up, no Makonnen.”

One specific Migos lyric hangs with me often though, especially when people who are opposed to how Atlanta United have built themselves attempt to diminish what the club has been able to do at this point. When one hears “Bad sports town”, “Trying to buy a championship”, and “Overhyped”, it should really all fall on deaf ears at this point. Migos perfectly summarizes an ideal reaction to this kind of talk in “Handsome and Wealthy”.

Atlanta United

Most relatable lyric: “Is it our looks? Is it our wealth? Is it the way we carry ourselves? Let us know, we need some help. Don’t keep that secret to yourself.”