Police sirens sounded across the venue just after 9 p.m., marking the start of a film montage depicting YFN Lucci’s absence before his release.
He pleaded guilty to a single gang offense in 2021, surrendered on racketeering charges, and was sent to Fulton County Jail, where he remained until last year. Burruss Correctional Training Center in Forsyth became the new location for YFN. On January 31, he was set free.
Until 2031, the 34-year-old is on parole.
Backstage footage from the approximately four-year journey was shown before he took the stage at State Farm Arena.
Soon after, the rapper, accompanied by a three-piece band and dressed in denim, took the stage in front of excited fans who were waiting for him to return with their phones in hand. Therefore, it was appropriate that YFN Lucci’s first single following his release, Jan. 31 (My Truth), began the show.
He swiftly shifted to more classic hits, such as Wonder Why (2015) and Woke Up (Boss) (2016). Rick Ross took the stage a few seconds later to play Heartless, his collaboration with YFN Lucci.
Thanks to Scot Halloway
Thanks to Scot Halloway
As though his professional destiny was weighing heavily on his mind, YFN Lucci sang each song with grit and thankfulness throughout the show’s start.
Given that his show had an in memoriam portion showcasing departed Atlanta rappers, it appears that he was also influenced by the trajectory of his colleagues.Among the numerous celebrated were Rich Homie Quan, DJ Unk, and Young Scooter.
The realization of how many Atlanta rappers had passed away in the years since YFN Lucci turned himself in brought tears to my eyes.
R&B singer Layton Greene made a cameo in the tracks “Missing You,” “Date Night,” “Run It Up,” and “Both of Us,” which he later used to rekindle his passion for his female admirers.
The performance of 2016’s Letter From Lucci by YFN Lucci was the high point of the program. As he overcame yet another professional turning point, it is evident that the rapper still finds resonance in the song’s lyrics about overcoming obstacles and having unwavering hustle.
An uplifting event occurred when he sang the song with his small son. As though the song were also their own personal motto, fans throughout the venue sang along to every word.
The audience responded similarly to YFN Lucci’s documentary performance on Saturday. Trey Songz, Boosie, and Dreezy were among the other guests who joined him on stage later in the performance.
But as soon as Atlanta rappers YKNiece and BunnaB came on stage, State Farm Arena exploded. Bunna Summa, Innit, and Take Me Thru Dere, a highlight track from Metro Boomin’s most recent mixtape, A Futuristic Summa, had the crowd rapping and dancing.
Later, Breskiii and Quavo joined the stage for Take Me Thru Dere, which was the song’s first significant performance.
Thanks to Scot Halloway
Thanks to Scot Halloway
Quavo remained on stage to perform YFN Lucci’s 2016 collaboration with Trouble and Migos, “Key to the Streets.” Latto joined for Wet as the night’s last guest. She sang Big Mama and Georgia Peach.
YFN Lucci’s biggest success to date, “Everyday We Lit,” featuring PnB Rock, was the song that closed out the evening. However, considering that PnB Rock passed away in 2022 (YFN Lucci was still in detention at the time), the song now has a tragic significance.
When a buddy passes away while incarcerated, the pain is exacerbated to an enormous degree. Because you are actively mourning your life prior to incarceration in addition to losing a peer and collaborator.
It’s difficult to believe that YFN Lucci wasn’t experiencing the emotional strain of those situations while performing.
His family joined him on stage to celebrate his sold-out show as the evening came to a close.
YFN Lucci, who will release his new album, Already Legend, on September 19, gave Atlanta an unforgettable performance that lasted for about an hour and a half. It felt like a personal love letter to the people who were always by his side.
Thanks to Scot Halloway
Thanks to Scot Halloway
